A 10 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 yr spent within the chilly and darkish, the unending mild that summer time 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 open air.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a complete summer time 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 principle vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy facet of the nation. Right here’s my instructed 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is dwelling to simply 50,000 folks and is the final “massive” 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 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 instructed issues to see and do in Luleå:

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot in the course of the summer time. A lot of folks 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 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 presents a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You may wander by means of slim 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 among the finest birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 totally different species stay 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 time 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 Visit Luleå supplies a wonderful climbing information that will help you select a route. A couple of instructed 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 may 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 effectively.

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

If you happen to’re searching for a great place to eat, the harbor has quite a few 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 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 all places on the coast, there’s easy accessibility to nature.)

Listed below are my instructed 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 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 when you don’t know rather a lot about guitars (I actually 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 advocate as you’ll get way 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. Verify the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to as there’s 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 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. Well-liked hikes embrace 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 rent a car.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses when you 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 yr, gorge on wild blueberries.

Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a calming riverside walkway good 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 mild 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, try Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a good 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 outside journey and fashionable trade, with climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside straightforward attain. There’s not rather a lot to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one evening within the city.

Right here’s some instructed 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 entire Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. If you need a shorter hike, it’s potential to simply hike sections of it. There’s numerous choices.

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

The place to Keep – If you happen to’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 awesome 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. 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, a large 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, when you come through the north facet, you get a greater view and might stroll in somewhat bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You can 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 take advantage of your go to, listed below are a number of suggestions 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 parking zone may be very small. To get to the park, you’ll undoubtedly want a automotive. There aren’t any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nonetheless, the West gate path supplies the very best variety of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you need a calming hike, the coastal path will not be 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 rather a lot simpler than the instructed occasions (I finished rather a lot for images and video content material).
5. Deliver your individual meals and water as there aren’t any services when you’re inside. Double examine the climate too so you’ll be able to costume appropriately.
6. If you happen to’re visiting in summer time, deliver bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

Residence to simply beneath 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 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. Immediately, it’s greatest recognized for its easy accessibility 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 embrace:

Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural middle is housed in outdated harbor warehouses which have been transformed right into a museum, library, and artwork area. Inside, guests can discover exhibitions on Sundsvall’s historical past and native artwork, in addition to absorb non permanent exhibitions and occasions. You should definitely examine 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 place to deliver 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 permits 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 time, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the proper place to lounge away a day (when 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 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’ll be able to replenish 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 vigorous, energetic metropolis dwelling to virtually 250,000 folks and is understood for its massive pupil inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15^th century). Owing to its massive pupil inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants basically), there’s way 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 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 referred to 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 tons to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. If you happen to’re on a funds, 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 Fort (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fortress overlooking town, Uppsala Fort 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 have been wanted to stop future uprisings. Immediately, it’s dwelling to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to 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 – Relationship again to the 18th century, that is the most important botanical backyard of its variety in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century instructing backyard, presents perception into how he labeled species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer time, these gardens are notably vigorous and colourful, making for a relaxing place to loosen up with a e book or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Previous Uppsala) – Simply north of town, this historic web site options huge Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan non secular middle. 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 important 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 serious about historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (when you’re not a historical past buff, although, you’ll be able to most likely skip it).

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

This journey is greatest accomplished by automotive, however it may be accomplished by practice and bus when 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 can actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey when you needed. It’s actually as much as you!