A ten Day Itinerary Down Sweden’s Coast

There’s nothing like Sweden in the summertime. Mild hangs within the air for hours, boats nostril by way of island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes make the most of the fleeting heat climate. 

With a lot of the yr spent within the chilly and darkish, the endless mild 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 centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nonetheless, with a want to see one thing totally 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 crushed path in Sweden, this itinerary will get you out of the principle vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy facet of the nation. Right here’s my urged 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is dwelling to only 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 urged issues to see and do in Luleå:

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

Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 purple wood cottages surrounding Fifteenth-century church. It was initially constructed as in a single day lodging for parishioners who traveled lengthy distances and gives a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You possibly can wander by way of slender lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and be taught 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 totally different species reside right here. There’s numerous 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 offers you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer season is the proper season for climbing in and round Luleå. The realm has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Go to Luleå gives a wonderful climbing information that will help you select a route. A number of urged hikes are Hertsöleden (straightforward, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).

The Ice Monitor – In winter, a six-kilometer ice observe is made across the metropolis middle. You possibly can skate or kicksled round it. The observe is free to make use of and is rigorously maintained all through the winter. Kicksleds are free to borrow as effectively.

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

In case you’re in search of a superb place to eat, the harbor has numerous 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 big college (nearly 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 numerous reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like in all places on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed below are my urged 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 non-public collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Nineteen Fifties and 60s. Even in case you don’t know so much about guitars (I definitely don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll be taught a ton in regards to the rock and roll scene. Guided excursions can be found, which I extremely suggest as you’ll get far more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting every thing 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’s at all times tons taking place.

Umedalens Skulpturpark – It is a huge outside artwork park that includes sculptures by famend Swedish and worldwide artists. The works are set in opposition to a serene backdrop of meadows, forests, and open landscapes. It’s free to go to.

Hike – From quick woodland walks to longer routes alongside rivers and hills, there’s numerous 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 numerous caves and mountaintops; and Holmörundan, a 13-kilometer hike on the close to island Holmön. To get these trails although, you’ll have to hire a automobile.

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

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

The place to Keep – Hotell Björken is correct 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 received’t break the financial institution both.

For locations to eat, take a look at 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. Referred to as “Ö-vik” by locals, Örnsköldsvik is a coastal city recognized for its combine of outside journey and trendy business, with climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside straightforward attain. There’s not so much to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one night time within the city.

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

Excessive Coast Path – This 130-kilometer path takes 5–7 days to finish however covers all the Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. If you would like a shorter hike, it’s potential to only hike sections of it. There’s numerous choices.

Kayaking & Swimming – The waters listed below are calm and there’s heaps to see across the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, whereas tandem kayaks value 400 SEK. In case you favor to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the very best seashore within the space. It’s a sandy seashore with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – In case you’re staying on the town, you possibly can keep at Elite Plaza Resort, which is a lovely 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 current journey. Positioned 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, a large rock crevice that cuts by way of the bedrock. It’s round 200 meters lengthy and 30 meters deep. For security causes, you possibly can’t stroll by way of it anymore however, in case you come by way of the north facet, you get a greater view and might stroll in a bit of bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You might simply spend a couple of days right here in case 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 below are a couple of suggestions and concerns:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early in case you’re driving because the 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, nonetheless, the West gate path gives the very best variety of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you would like a soothing hike, the coastal path shouldn’t be strenuous and has serene pebble seashores, rocky headlands, and quiet pine forests. It sees the fewest hikers too.
4. Mountaineering 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 so much simpler than the urged occasions (I finished so much for photographs and video content material).
5. Carry your individual meals and water as there aren’t any services when you’re inside. Double verify the climate too so you possibly can costume appropriately.
6. In case you’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 only underneath 60,000 individuals, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by hearth in 1888, town was rebuilt nearly 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. Right this moment, it’s greatest recognized for its quick access to outside actions like climbing, 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 middle is housed in outdated harbor warehouses which have been 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 absorb non permanent exhibitions and occasions. Make sure you verify 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 reveals that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a extremely great spot 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 strive your hand at browsing actual waves.

Sidsjön Lake – Only a 10-minute drive from town middle, 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 proper place to lounge away a day (in case 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 understood 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 comfortable 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 full of life, energetic metropolis dwelling to nearly 250,000 individuals and is understood for its large pupil inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15^th century). Owing to its large pupil inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants normally), there’s far more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s a whole lot of reasonably priced eating places and bars.

Listed below 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 called “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 a large establishment with heaps to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. In case you’re on a finances, this space of city is the place you’re going to wish to eat as all the most affordable bars and eating places are right here.

Uppsala Fortress (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fortress overlooking town, Uppsala Fortress was as soon as the location of royal coronations and political intrigue. The fortress was really constructed after a peasant rebellion, as King Vasa I made a decision extra fortifications had been wanted to forestall future uprisings. Right this moment, it’s dwelling to museums and exhibitions the place you possibly can discover the unique stays of the primary fortress constructed right here, be taught in regards to the fortress’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 educating backyard, gives perception into how he categorised species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer season, these gardens are significantly full of life and colourful, making for a relaxing place to loosen up with a ebook or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Previous Uppsala) – Simply north of town, this historical website options large Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan spiritual middle. This was a key political and religious website through 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 fundamental library, housing treasures just like the Codex Argenteus (“Silver Bible”). Constructed within the nineteenth century, it is without doubt 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 inquisitive about historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (in case you’re not a historical past buff, although, you possibly can most likely skip it).

The place to Keep – In case you’re backpacking, Uppsala Metropolis Hostel is the very best hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are fundamental, it’s in a terrific location so you possibly can simply get round. In case you favor a resort, Botanika Uppsala is positioned proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

This journey is greatest carried out by automobile, nevertheless it may be carried out by prepare and bus in case you don’t wish to hire 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 any case). 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 in case you needed. It’s actually as much as you!

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