A ten Day Itinerary Down Sweden’s Coast

There’s nothing like Sweden in the summertime. Gentle hangs within the air for hours, boats nostril via island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes reap the benefits of the fleeting heat climate. 

With a lot of the 12 months spent within the chilly and darkish, the endless gentle that summer season brings doesn’t go to waste. Whether or not it’s on the various islands that dot the nation’s coast, at their rustic cabins within the woods, or lounging within the metropolis parks, Swedes flock open air.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a whole summer season in Stockholm) however have at all times targeted on the southern a part of the nation. Nevertheless, with a need to see one thing completely different this go to, I made a decision to discover the north, beginning on the prime in Luleå and dealing my day down. 

If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path in Sweden, this itinerary will get you out of the primary vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy aspect of the nation. Right here’s my advised 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is residence to simply 50,000 individuals and is the final “large” metropolis within the north earlier than you get into Lapland (the northernmost area of the nation and residential to the indigenous Sami). Town doesn’t take lengthy to see however the surrounding space is what most guests come for. It’s recognized for the Gammelstad Church City in addition to its various and expansive panorama, starting from dense forests and tranquil lakes to an archipelago that has over 1,300 islands!

Right here’s my advised issues to see and do in Luleå:

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot in the course of the summer season. Numerous individuals come from the south to remain right here and you may lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountaineering and space locals spend many weekends right here to reap the benefits of the good climate. The most well-liked islands are Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, and Småskär.

Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 crimson wood cottages surrounding Fifteenth-century church. It was initially constructed as in a single day lodging for parishioners who traveled lengthy distances and provides a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You’ll be able to wander via slim lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and study in regards to the traditions of church cities.

Gammelstadsviken – Gammelstadsviken is a nature reserve with a big freshwater lake and huge marshlands and probably the greatest birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 completely different species dwell right here. There’s plenty of trails to select from and it’s not too removed from Lulea.

Norrbotten Museum – This museum showcases the area’s tradition and historical past. It’s a small, free museum with shows from Sami tradition to industrial heritage that provides you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer season is the right season for mountaineering in and round Luleå. The realm has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Go to Luleå supplies a wonderful mountaineering information that will help you select a route. Just a few advised hikes are Hertsöleden (simple, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).

The Ice Observe – In winter, a six-kilometer ice observe is made across the metropolis heart. You’ll be able to skate or kicksled round it. The observe is free to make use of and is fastidiously maintained all through the winter. Kicksleds are free to borrow as nicely.

The place to Keep in Luleå – Clarion Resort Sense is an reasonably priced resort proper within the heart of city. The rooms are cozy, there’s plenty of house, and the breakfast buffet has all the pieces you would ever need. There’s even a gymnasium too.

For those who’re in search of place to eat, the harbor has a variety of good eating places. I significantly loved Bistron.

Day 3 & 4: Umeå

Head south 4 hours to Umeå. Based in 1622 by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, Umeå is the cultural capital of northern Sweden. It’s now a metropolis of 100,000 individuals recognized for its large college (virtually a 3rd of town’s inhabitants are college students). With so many college students right here, town has a younger, vibrant really feel and there’s plenty of reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like in all places on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed here are my advised issues to see and do in Umeå:

Västerbottens Museum – Right here you possibly can discover the cultural and pure historical past of the Västerbotten area, from native traditions to its maritime heritage. There are paperwork, textiles, and over 8 million images right here. The museum additionally options an open-air part with historic buildings from throughout the nation.

Guitars the Museum – Guitars homes one of many world’s largest personal collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Nineteen Fifties and 60s. Even when you don’t know quite a bit about guitars (I definitely don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll study a ton in regards to the rock and roll scene. Guided excursions can be found, which I extremely suggest as you’ll get rather more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting all the pieces from concert events and performances to artwork exhibitions and neighborhood occasions. Inside, you’ll discover a library, cinema, and occasion areas. Test the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to as there may be at all times tons occurring.

Umedalens Skulpturpark – This can be a huge out of doors artwork park that includes sculptures by famend Swedish and worldwide artists. The works are set towards a serene backdrop of meadows, forests, and open landscapes. It’s free to go to.

Hike – From brief woodland walks to longer routes alongside rivers and hills, there’s plenty of hikes across the space. Standard hikes embody sections of Isälvsleden, a 60-kilometer path that follows an outdated glacier path (you are able to do it in sections); Tavelsjöleden, which boasts plenty of caves and mountaintops; and Holmörundan, a 13-kilometer hike on the close to island Holmön. To get these trails although, you’ll must lease a automobile.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses when you don’t have a automobile. The reserve blends easy rock outcrops, sandy coves, and quiet pine forests, providing a mixture of trails that vary from rugged to stroller-friendly. There’s plenty of bays round, you possibly can go swimming, and, relying on the time of 12 months, gorge on wild blueberries.

Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a soothing riverside walkway excellent for a stroll, full with benches and cafés alongside the best way. The trail connects a number of elements of Umeå, making it a nice strategy to get across the metropolis on foot. I got here right here at sundown and it was particularly fairly, with golden gentle reflecting off the river.

The place to Keep – Hotell Björken is true subsequent to the college and is only a five-minute drive to the central station. The rooms are fashionable, trendy, and well-lit and the resort gained’t break the financial institution both.

For locations to eat, try Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a superb spot for creative drinks.

Day 5: Örnsköldsvik

Head south to Örnsköldsvik, the gateway to the Excessive Coast. Known as “Ö-vik” by locals, Örnsköldsvik is a coastal city recognized for its combine of out of doors journey and trendy trade, with mountaineering, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside simple attain. There’s not quite a bit to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one evening within the city.

Right here’s some advised issues to see and do throughout your go to:

Excessive Coast Path – This 130-kilometer path takes 5–7 days to finish however covers the whole Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. In order for you a shorter hike, it’s potential to simply hike sections of it. There’s plenty of choices.

Kayaking & Swimming – The waters listed here are calm and there’s heaps to see across the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, whereas tandem kayaks value 400 SEK. For those who desire to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the most effective seashore within the space. It’s a sandy seashore with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – For those who’re staying on the town, you possibly can keep at Elite Plaza Resort, which is a ravishing resort on the harbor with an enormous and scrumptious breakfast. If you wish to keep out of city, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with a terrific restaurant and bar and a sizzling spot for campers and roadtrippers.

Day 6: Skuleskogen Nationwide Park

Skuleskogen Nationwide Park, set alongside Sweden’s Excessive Coast, is a sprawling wilderness the place historical forests meet the rugged Baltic shoreline. Visiting right here was simply the spotlight of my latest journey. Situated simply thirty minutes south of Örnsköldsvik, this park spans over 7,400 acres and has birch and pine forests, marshes, coastal seashores, granite mountains, and superior views of the Baltic.

The spotlight of the park is Slåttdalsskrevan, an enormous rock crevice that cuts via the bedrock. It’s round 200 meters lengthy and 30 meters deep. For security causes, you possibly can’t stroll via it anymore however, when you come by way of the north aspect, you get a greater view and might stroll in somewhat bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You might simply spend a number of days right here when you prefer to hike and camp, however at a minimal you’ll need one full day. That can assist you profit from your go to, listed here are a number of ideas and issues:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early when you’re driving because the car parking zone could be very small. To get to the park, you’ll positively want a automobile. There aren’t any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nevertheless, the West gate path supplies the most effective range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. In order for you a soothing hike, the coastal path just isn’t strenuous and has serene pebble seashores, rocky headlands, and quiet pine forests. It sees the fewest hikers too.
4. Climbing north to south (or vice versa) takes about 5 hours. Doing the South Gate to the crevice and again takes round three hours. There and again on the West path is about 4 hours. I’m fairly match and hike a bit quick so take that into consideration however I discovered the paths quite a bit simpler than the advised occasions (I ended quite a bit for photographs and video content material).
5. Carry your personal meals and water as there aren’t any services when you’re inside. Double test the climate too so you possibly can gown appropriately.
6. For those who’re visiting in summer season, convey bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

Residence to simply below 60,000 individuals, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by fireplace in 1888, town was rebuilt virtually fully in stone, incomes its elegant nickname Stenstaden (“the Stone Metropolis”). Perched between forested hills and the Gulf of Bothnia (the northern a part of the Baltic Sea), town was traditionally a hub of the timber and paper industries. At present, it’s greatest recognized for its quick access to out of doors actions like mountaineering, snowboarding, and exploring the close by Excessive Coast.

Some issues to see and do throughout your go to embody:

Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural heart is housed in outdated harbor warehouses which were transformed right into a museum, library, and artwork house. Inside, guests can discover exhibitions on Sundsvall’s historical past and native artwork, in addition to soak up non permanent exhibitions and occasions. Make sure to test the web site for the most recent occasions. 

Norra Berget (The Northern Mountain) – That is an open-air museum and park positioned on a hill overlooking town. It options 40 historic buildings from across the area, together with wood homes and farmsteads. There are many displays that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a very great place to convey youngsters.

Himlabadet Water Park – This family-friendly water park has indoor swimming pools, saunas, and a number of water slides. There’s a small toddler space, a climbing wall that curves out over the pool, and even a browsing simulator that permits you to attempt your hand at browsing actual waves.

Sidsjön Lake – Only a 10-minute drive from town heart, Sidsjön is a peaceable lake surrounded by strolling and biking trails. In summer season, you possibly can swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the right place to lounge away a day (when you’re visiting in winter, you possibly can skate or cross-country ski right here).

Alnön Island – Related to Sundsvall by a bridge, Alnön is thought for its sandy seashores and volcanic geology. The island is ideal for a day journey, providing swimming, small villages to discover, and scenic drives.

The place to Keep – Lilla Hotellet is an reasonably priced locally-owned three-star resort. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfy breakfast nook the place you possibly can refill earlier than you head out to discover.

Day 8 & 9: Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest metropolis, is slightly below 4 hours south of Sundsvall by automobile. It’s a vigorous, energetic metropolis residence to virtually 250,000 individuals and is thought for its large scholar inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15^th century). Owing to its large scholar inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants on the whole), there’s rather more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s lots of reasonably priced eating places and bars.

Listed here are a few of my favourite issues to do:

Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) – Scandinavia’s largest church, this spectacular Gothic construction dates again to the thirteenth century. It’s the ultimate resting place of Swedish kings, scientists, and archbishops, with hovering spires that dominate town’s skyline. Inside, guests can discover ornate chapels, admire medieval frescoes, and see the tombs of King Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus (a well-known scientist often known as “the daddy of recent taxonomy”).

Uppsala College & Gustavianum – Based in 1477, that is Sweden’s oldest college. With over 50,000 college students, it’s an enormous establishment with heaps to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. For those who’re on a price range, this space of city is the place you’re going to wish to eat as all the most cost effective bars and eating places are right here.

Uppsala Fortress (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era citadel overlooking town, Uppsala Fortress was as soon as the positioning of royal coronations and political intrigue. The citadel was really constructed after a peasant rebellion, as King Vasa I made a decision extra fortifications had been wanted to stop future uprisings. At present, it’s residence to museums and exhibitions the place you possibly can discover the unique stays of the primary citadel constructed right here, study in regards to the citadel’s historical past, and even admire historic artwork.

Botanical Backyard & Linnaeus Backyard – Courting again to the 18th century, that is the biggest botanical backyard of its type in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century instructing backyard, provides perception into how he categorized species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer season, these gardens are significantly vigorous and colourful, making for a relaxing place to loosen up with a ebook or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Outdated Uppsala) – Simply north of town, this historical web site options huge Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan spiritual heart. This was a key political and religious web site in the course of the Viking Age, with ties to Norse mythology and early Swedish kings. Guests can climb the burial mounds for sweeping views of the panorama. If you wish to dive deeper into Viking-era historical past, the small Gamla Uppsala Museum is a brief however worthwhile cease.

Carolina Rediviva Library – The college’s principal library, housing treasures just like the Codex Argenteus (“Silver Bible”). Constructed within the nineteenth century, it is likely one of the largest analysis libraries in Scandinavia, with over 5 million volumes. Its exhibitions show uncommon manuscripts, maps, and early printed books. For anybody concerned with historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (when you’re not a historical past buff, although, you possibly can in all probability skip it).

The place to Keep – For those who’re backpacking, Uppsala Metropolis Hostel is the most effective hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are primary, it’s in a terrific location so you possibly can simply get round. For those who desire a resort, Botanika Uppsala is positioned proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

This journey is greatest completed by automobile, however it may be completed by practice and bus when you don’t wish to lease a automobile. And, relying how a lot you wish to hike, you possibly can simply add in additional days (there are a ton of multi-day hikes right here, in spite of everything). Plus, there’s loads of islands within the archipelago to cease at, so you would actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey when you wished. It’s actually as much as you!

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