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 reap the benefits 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. Nevertheless, with a need 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 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 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). 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 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 in the course of the summer time. A number of individuals come from the south to remain right here and you’ll lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountain 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 picket 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 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 provides you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer season is the right season for mountain climbing in and round Luleå. The realm has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Visit Luleå gives a wonderful mountain climbing information that can assist you select a route. Just a few urged hikes are Hertsöleden (straightforward, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).

The Ice Observe – In winter, a six-kilometer ice observe is made across the metropolis heart. 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 Hotel Sense is an reasonably priced lodge proper within the heart of city. The rooms are comfortable, there’s numerous house, and the breakfast buffet has every thing you could possibly ever need. There’s even a fitness center too.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 individuals identified for its large 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 numerous reasonably priced eating places and bars. (And, like all over the place on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed here are my urged 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 Nineteen Fifties and 60s. Even when you 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 in regards to 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 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 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. Fashionable 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 definitely accessible by (rare) buses when 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 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 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 trendy, trendy, and well-lit and the lodge gained’t break the financial institution both.

For locations to eat, try 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 identified for its combine of outside journey and trendy business, with mountain climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside straightforward attain. There’s not loads 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’d like a shorter hike, it’s attainable 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 price 400 SEK. If you happen to 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 – If you happen to’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Resort, which is a lovely 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 amazing 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, an enormous 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, when you come through the north facet, you get a greater view and might stroll in just a little bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You would simply spend a couple 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 profit 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 when you’re driving because the parking zone could be very small. To get to the park, you’ll positively want a automobile. There are not any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nonetheless, the West gate path gives the most effective range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you’d 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. 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 urged occasions (I finished loads for images and video content material).
5. Deliver your personal meals and water as there are not any services when you’re inside. Double examine the climate too so you’ll be able to gown appropriately.
6. If you happen to’re visiting in summer time, carry bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

House to only beneath 60,000 individuals, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by hearth in 1888, the 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), the town was traditionally a hub of the timber and paper industries. As we speak, it’s greatest identified for its quick access to out of doors actions like mountain 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 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 soak up momentary exhibitions and occasions. You should definitely examine the web site for the newest 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 place to carry 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 the 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 (when you’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 lodge. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfy 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 full of life, energetic metropolis dwelling to virtually 250,000 individuals and is thought 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 basically), there’s rather more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s numerous 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 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. If you happen to’re on a finances, this space of city is the place you’re going to need 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. As we speak, 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 – 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 instructing backyard, gives perception into how he categorised species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer time, these gardens are notably 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 the town, this historical web site options huge Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan spiritual heart. This was a key political and non secular 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 primary 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 concerned 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 most effective hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are primary, it’s in an amazing location so you’ll be able to simply get round. If you happen to favor a lodge, 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, however it may be carried out by practice and bus when you don’t need to rent a car. 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 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 when you wished. It’s actually as much as you!

Get Your In-Depth Finances Information to Europe!

My detailed 200+ web page guidebook is made for finances vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible info you should journey whereas in Europe. It has urged itineraries, budgets, methods to economize, on and off the overwhelmed path issues to see and do, non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, security ideas, and rather more! Click on right here to be taught extra and get your copy right now.

Plan your journey to Europe like a professional

Get all my greatest Europe journey ideas in addition to free planning guides despatched straight to you and see extra of the nation for much less!