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 means of island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes benefit from the fleeting heat climate. 

With a lot of the yr 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 open air.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a whole summer season in Stockholm) however have at all times centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nevertheless, with a need to see one thing completely 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 aspect of the nation. Right here’s my advised 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is residence to simply 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 advised issues to see and do in Luleå:

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot throughout the summer season. Numerous individuals come from the south to remain right here and you may lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountain climbing and space locals spend many weekends right here to benefit from the good 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 may 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 among the best birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 completely 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 season is the proper season for mountain 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 mountain climbing information that will help you select a route. A couple of advised 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 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 lodge proper within the heart of city. The rooms are comfortable, there’s numerous house, and the breakfast buffet has all the things you might ever need. There’s even a health club too.

Should you’re searching for a great place to eat, the harbor has plenty 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 large college (nearly 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 in every single place on the coast, there’s quick access to nature.)

Listed here are my advised issues to see and do in Umeå:

Västerbottens Museum – Right here you may 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 personal collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Nineteen Fifties and 60s. Even in the event you don’t know rather a lot about guitars (I definitely 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 suggest as you’ll get far more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting all the things 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 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. Fashionable 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 rent a car.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses in the event 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 may go swimming, and, relying on the time of yr, gorge on wild blueberries.

Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a soothing 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 strategy 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 received’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 identified for its combine of out of doors journey and trendy business, with mountain 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 advised 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’d like a shorter hike, it’s doable to simply hike sections of it. There’s numerous 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. Should you want to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the perfect seaside within the space. It’s a sandy seaside with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – Should you’re staying on the town, you may keep at Elite Plaza Lodge, 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 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 historical 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 may’t stroll by means of it anymore however, in the event you come by way of the north aspect, you get a greater view and may stroll in a bit of bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You may simply spend just a few days right here in the event you wish to hike and camp, however at a minimal you’ll need one full day. That can assist you benefit from your go to, listed here are just a few suggestions and concerns:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early in the event you’re driving because the parking zone may be very small. To get to the park, you’ll undoubtedly want a automotive. There are not any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nonetheless, the West gate path supplies the perfect 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 rather a lot simpler than the advised occasions (I ended rather a lot for photographs and video content material).
5. Convey your individual meals and water as there are not any amenities when you’re inside. Double test the climate too so you may costume appropriately.
6. Should you’re visiting in summer season, deliver bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

House to simply underneath 60,000 individuals, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by fireplace in 1888, the town was rebuilt nearly 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. Immediately, it’s finest 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 embody:

Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural heart 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 momentary exhibitions and occasions. Make sure you 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 wood homes and farmsteads. There are many displays that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a very great spot 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 allows 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 season, you may swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the proper place to lounge away a day (in the event you’re visiting in winter, you may 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 lodge. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfortable breakfast nook the place you may 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 vigorous, energetic metropolis residence to nearly 250,000 individuals and is understood 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 generally), there’s far more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s a number 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. Should you’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 Citadel (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fort overlooking the town, Uppsala Citadel was as soon as the positioning of royal coronations and political intrigue. The fort was really constructed after a peasant rebellion, as King Vasa I made a decision extra fortifications had been wanted to forestall future uprisings. Immediately, it’s residence to museums and exhibitions the place you may discover the unique stays of the primary fort constructed right here, be taught concerning the fort’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 instructing backyard, gives perception into how he categorized species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer season, these gardens are significantly vigorous and colourful, making for a chilled place to calm down with a ebook or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Outdated Uppsala) – Simply north of the town, this historical website 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 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 fundamental 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 fascinated with historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (in the event you’re not a historical past buff, although, you may in all probability skip it).

The place to Keep – Should you’re backpacking, Uppsala City Hostel is the perfect hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are fundamental, it’s in an awesome location so you may simply get round. Should you want a lodge, Botanika Uppsala is positioned proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

This journey is finest finished by automotive, however it is also finished by practice and bus in the event you don’t wish to rent a car. And, relying how a lot you wish to hike, you may 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 might actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey in the event you needed. It’s actually as much as you!

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