A 10 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 gentle that summer time 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 outside.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a complete summer time in Stockholm) however have at all times centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nonetheless, 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 facet of the nation. Right here’s my recommended 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is dwelling to simply 50,000 folks 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 recommended issues to see and do in Luleå:

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot in the course of the summer time. A number of folks come from the south to remain right here and you’ll lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountaineering and space locals spend many weekends right here to make the most of the good climate. The preferred islands are Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, and Småskär.

Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 pink picket cottages surrounding Fifteenth-century church. It was initially constructed as in a single day lodging for parishioners who traveled lengthy distances and presents a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You may wander by way of slim lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and study concerning the traditions of church cities.

Gammelstadsviken – Gammelstadsviken is a nature reserve with a big freshwater lake and huge marshlands and top-of-the-line birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 completely 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 provides you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer time is the right season for mountaineering in and round Luleå. The world has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Visit Luleå supplies a superb mountaineering information that can assist you select a route. A number of recommended hikes are Hertsöleden (simple, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).

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

The place to Keep in Luleå – Clarion Hotel Sense is an inexpensive lodge proper within the heart of city. The rooms are cozy, there’s numerous house, and the breakfast buffet has every thing you could possibly ever need. There’s even a fitness center too.

When you’re on the lookout for place to eat, the harbor has a lot of good eating places. I notably 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 folks 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 numerous inexpensive eating places and bars. (And, like in every single place on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed below are my recommended issues to see and do in Umeå:

Västerbottens Museum – Right here you’ll be able to 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 pictures 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 Fifties and 60s. Even should you don’t know quite a bit about guitars (I actually don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll study a ton concerning 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 group occasions. Inside, you’ll discover a library, cinema, and occasion areas. Examine the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to as there’s at all times tons occurring.

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. In style hikes embrace sections of Isälvsleden, a 60-kilometer path that follows an previous 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 must rent a car.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses should 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’ll be able to go swimming, and, relying on the time of yr, gorge on wild blueberries.

Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a calming riverside walkway good for a stroll, full with benches and cafés alongside the way in which. The trail connects a number of elements 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 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 trendy, fashionable, and well-lit and the lodge gained’t break the financial institution both.

For locations to eat, take a look at Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a superb spot for ingenious 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 out of doors journey and fashionable business, 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 night time within the city.

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

Excessive Coast Path – This 130-kilometer path takes 5–7 days to finish however covers your complete Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. If you need a shorter hike, it’s doable to simply 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. When you favor to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the perfect seashore within the space. It’s a sandy seashore with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – When you’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Resort, which is a stupendous lodge on the harbor with an enormous and scrumptious breakfast. If you wish to keep out of city, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with an ideal 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. 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’ll be able to’t stroll by way of it anymore however, should you come through the north facet, you get a greater view and might stroll in a bit of bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You possibly can simply spend a couple of days right here should you wish 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 issues:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early should you’re driving because the parking zone may be very small. To get to the park, you’ll undoubtedly want a automobile. There are not any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nevertheless, the West gate path supplies the perfect range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you need a calming hike, the coastal path isn’t 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 quite a bit simpler than the recommended occasions (I finished quite a bit for photographs and video content material).
5. Deliver your individual meals and water as there are not any amenities when you’re inside. Double examine the climate too so you’ll be able to costume appropriately.
6. When you’re visiting in summer time, deliver bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

House to simply underneath 60,000 folks, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by fireplace in 1888, town was rebuilt virtually completely 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 now, it’s greatest recognized for its quick access to outside actions like mountaineering, snowboarding, and exploring the close by Excessive Coast.

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

Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural heart is housed in previous 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 momentary exhibitions and occasions. You’ll want to examine the web site for the most recent occasions. 

Norra Berget (The Northern Mountain) – That is an open-air museum and park situated on a hill overlooking town. It options 40 historic buildings from across the area, together with picket homes and farmsteads. There are many reveals that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a very great spot to deliver 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 heart, Sidsjön is a peaceable lake surrounded by strolling and biking trails. In summer time, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the right place to lounge away a day (should you’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to skate or cross-country ski right here).

Alnön Island – Linked 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 inexpensive locally-owned three-star lodge. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfortable breakfast nook the place you’ll be able to 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 energetic, energetic metropolis dwelling to virtually 250,000 folks 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 typically), there’s far more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s lots of inexpensive 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 known as “the daddy of contemporary 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. When you’re on a price range, 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 citadel overlooking town, Uppsala Fortress was as soon as the location 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. Right now, it’s dwelling to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to discover the unique stays of the primary citadel constructed right here, study concerning 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 sort in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century educating backyard, presents perception into how he categorised species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer time, these gardens are notably energetic and colourful, making for a relaxing place to chill out with a e-book or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Outdated 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 non secular heart. This was a key political and religious website 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 most important 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 enthusiastic about historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (should you’re not a historical past buff, although, you’ll be able to in all probability skip it).

The place to Keep – When you’re backpacking, Uppsala City Hostel is the perfect hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are fundamental, it’s in an ideal location so you’ll be able to simply get round. When you favor a lodge, Botanika Uppsala is situated proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

This journey is greatest executed by automobile, however it is also executed by practice and bus should you don’t wish to rent a car. And, relying how a lot you wish to hike, you’ll be able to 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 could possibly actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey should you needed. It’s actually as much as you!

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