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 by means of 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 unending gentle that summer season brings doesn’t go to waste. Whether or not it’s on the numerous islands that dot the nation’s coast, at their rustic cabins within the woods, or lounging within the metropolis parks, Swedes flock outdoor.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a complete 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 totally different this go to, I made a decision to discover the north, beginning on the high 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 primary vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy facet of the nation. Right here’s my prompt 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

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

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

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot throughout the summer season. A number 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 reap the benefits of the great climate. The preferred islands are Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, and Småskär.

Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 pink 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’ll be able to wander by means of slim lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and be taught 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 totally different species dwell 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 season is the proper season for climbing in and round Luleå. The world has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Go to Luleå offers a wonderful climbing information that can assist you select a route. Just a few prompt hikes are Hertsöleden (simple, 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’ll be able to 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 nicely.

The place to Keep in Luleå – Clarion Lodge 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 all the pieces you would ever need. There’s even a gymnasium too.

Should you’re on the lookout for a very good place to eat, the harbor has quite a lot 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 identified for its big 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 reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like in every single place on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed below are my prompt 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 if you happen to don’t know loads about guitars (I actually don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll be taught a ton concerning the rock and roll scene. Guided excursions can be found, which I extremely advocate as you’ll get far more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting all the pieces from live shows and performances to artwork exhibitions and neighborhood occasions. Inside, you’ll discover a library, cinema, and occasion areas. Verify 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 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 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 have to lease a automotive.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses if you happen to don’t have a automotive. 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 numerous bays round, you’ll be able to 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 technique 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, fashionable, and well-lit and the resort 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 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 identified for its combine of out of doors journey and fashionable business, with climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside simple attain. There’s not loads to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one evening within the city.

Right here’s some prompt 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 would like a shorter hike, it’s potential to only hike sections of it. There’s numerous choices.

Kayaking & Swimming – The waters listed here are calm and there’s tons to see across the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, whereas tandem kayaks value 400 SEK. Should 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 – Should you’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Lodge, which is an exquisite resort on the harbor with an enormous and scrumptious breakfast. If you wish to keep out of city, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with an incredible 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 historic 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, an enormous rock crevice that cuts by means of the bedrock. It’s round 200 meters lengthy and 30 meters deep. For security causes, you’ll be able to’t stroll by means of it anymore however, if you happen to come by way of the north facet, you get a greater view and may stroll in a little bit bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You may simply spend just a few days right here if you happen to prefer to hike and camp, however at a minimal you’ll need one full day. That can assist you take advantage of your go to, listed here are just a few ideas and concerns:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early if you happen to’re driving because the parking zone could be very small. To get to the park, you’ll positively want a automotive. There aren’t any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nonetheless, the West gate path offers the very best range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you would like 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. Mountain 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 loads simpler than the prompt occasions (I finished loads for photographs and video content material).
5. Carry your personal meals and water as there aren’t any amenities when you’re inside. Double test the climate too so you’ll be able to costume appropriately.
6. Should you’re visiting in summer season, carry bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

Residence to only below 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 virtually totally 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. In the present day, it’s finest identified for its quick access to out of doors 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 previous 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 absorb short-term exhibitions and occasions. Remember 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 extremely great place to carry children.

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 allows you to attempt 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’ll be able to swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the proper place to lounge away a day (if you happen to’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to refill earlier than you head out to discover.

Day 8 & 9: Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest metropolis, is just below 4 hours south of Sundsvall by automotive. It’s a full of life, energetic metropolis residence to virtually 250,000 individuals and is thought for its huge scholar inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15^th century). Owing to its huge scholar inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants on the whole), there’s far more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s quite a 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 an enormous establishment with tons to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. Should you’re on a price range, this space of city is the place you’re going to need to eat as all the most affordable bars and eating places are right here.

Uppsala Citadel (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era citadel overlooking town, Uppsala Citadel 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 forestall future uprisings. In the present day, it’s residence to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to discover the unique stays of the primary citadel constructed right here, be taught concerning the citadel’s historical past, and even admire historic artwork.

Botanical Backyard & Linnaeus Backyard – Courting again to the 18th century, that is the most important botanical backyard of its sort in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century instructing backyard, gives perception into how he categorized 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 calm down with a e-book or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Previous Uppsala) – Simply north of town, this historic website options huge 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 throughout 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 essential 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 all for historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (if you happen to’re not a historical past buff, although, you’ll be able to in all probability skip it).

The place to Keep – Should you’re backpacking, Uppsala Metropolis Hostel is the very best hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are primary, it’s in an incredible location so you’ll be able to simply get round. Should you favor a resort, Botanika Uppsala is positioned proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

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This journey is finest completed by automotive, however it is also completed by practice and bus if you happen to don’t need to lease a automotive. And, relying how a lot you need to hike, you’ll be able to 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 if you happen to wished. It’s actually as much as you!