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 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 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 season in Stockholm) however have all the time centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nonetheless, 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 overwhelmed 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 house to only 50,000 folks 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). 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 throughout the summer season. Numerous folks come from the south to remain right here and you may lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and climbing and space locals spend many weekends right here to make the most of the great climate. The most well-liked 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 provides a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You’ll be able to wander by way of slender 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 the most effective birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 totally 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 offers you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer time is the right 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 superb climbing information that can assist you select a route. Just a few instructed 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 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 properly.

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 plenty of area, and the breakfast buffet has every little thing you possibly can ever need. There’s even a gymnasium too.

In the event you’re on the lookout for a superb 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 folks recognized for its big college (virtually a 3rd of the town’s inhabitants are college students). With so many college students right here, the town has a younger, vibrant really feel and there’s plenty of reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like all over the place on the coast, there’s easy accessibility to nature.)

Listed here 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 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 so much about guitars (I definitely 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 rather more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting every little thing from live shows and performances to artwork exhibitions and group 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 all the time tons occurring.

Umedalens Skulpturpark – It is a huge outside 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. Widespread 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 plenty of 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 automobile.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is definitely accessible by (rare) buses should 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’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 method 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, 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 good spot for ingenious 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 fashionable trade, with climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside simple attain. There’s not so much 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 the whole 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 only 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. In the event you favor to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the most effective seaside within the space. It’s a sandy seaside with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – In the event you’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Resort, which is a good looking 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 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 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 somewhat bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You would 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 will help you benefit from your go to, listed here are a couple of ideas 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 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 offers the most effective variety 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. 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 so much simpler than the instructed occasions (I finished so much for images and video content material).
5. Convey your personal meals and water as there aren’t any services when you’re inside. Double test the climate too so you’ll be able to costume appropriately.
6. In the event you’re visiting in summer season, carry bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

Dwelling to only beneath 60,000 folks, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by fireplace in 1888, the 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), the town was traditionally a hub of the timber and paper industries. Right now, it’s finest recognized for its easy accessibility to outside 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 were 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 soak up non permanent 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 the town. It options 40 historic buildings from across the area, together with picket homes and farmsteads. There are many displays that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a extremely great spot 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 strive your hand at browsing actual waves.

Sidsjön Lake – Only a 10-minute drive from the 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 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 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 slightly below 4 hours south of Sundsvall by automobile. It’s a energetic, energetic metropolis house to virtually 250,000 folks and is understood 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 generally), 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 the 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 a large establishment with heaps to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. In the event you’re on a finances, 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 Citadel (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fortress overlooking the town, Uppsala Citadel 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 now, it’s house to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to discover the unique stays of the primary fortress constructed right here, study concerning the fortress’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 type in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century educating backyard, provides perception into how he categorised species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer season, these gardens are significantly energetic and colourful, making for a relaxing place to loosen up with a guide or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Previous Uppsala) – Simply north of the 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 non secular 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 primary 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 taken with 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 most likely skip it).

The place to Keep – In the event you’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’ll be able to simply get round. In the event 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 executed by automobile, nevertheless it is also executed by prepare and bus should you don’t wish to lease a automobile. 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 possibly can actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey should you wished. It’s actually as much as you!