Experiences in Sweden

The Northern Lights dance across the skies in Arctic winter and the Midnight Sun illuminates the nights in the summer months. From the mountains of the mighty north, to the white sandy beaches of the temperate south, we have space for everyone.

Three climate zones means varied nature
Sweden’s wealth of nature, which stretches from Arctic tundra in the north, to the mountains of the north west and the thick forests and mighty rivers at the centre, right down to some of Europe’s largest beech forests in the southern county of Skåne.

Then there’s the coast, from the sandy beaches of Skåne’s Österlen and the rocky outcrops of the Stockholm and Gothenburg archipelagos.The many unusual hotels make great launch pads for discovering Sweden’s nature.

From the Icehotel, Treehotel and others in Swedish Lapland, guides from the indigenous Sami people will take you on husky or snowmobile safaris deep into the frozen tundra, where you can meet reindeer, fish through the ice and experience some of their unique culture.

Top 5 outdoor activities in Malmö
Want to combine city life with Swedish nature? With its beaches, vast parks and several canals, nature is always nearby in Malmö. We’ve listed our favourite outdoor activities in Malmö, from ice swimming to sightseeing by bike.

The open-air bath Ribersborgs Kallbadhus
Looking for unique things to do in Sweden? Ribersborgs Kallbadhus will definitely be a memorable experience. This open air-bath is an oasis for both locals and visitors wanting to experience Swedish traditions such as sauna bathing and ice-swimming.

Swedish nature and culture in Bokskogen, Torup
Looking for things to do near Malmö? Explore south Swedish nature, visit a historic castle and hit the hiking trails of Bokskogen in Torup.

Kayaking in Malmö city
Why not explore Malmö from the sea? Or from one of the canals winding through the city? Kayaking is a fun way to experience the city of Malmö, and the wildlife and beaches of southern Sweden.

Malmö – the city of parks
If you’re seeking beautiful places to relax in Malmö, look no further than the parks Pildammsparken and the Castle Garden. Here you’ll find lush greenery, colourful flower-beds, music events and the historical Malmöhus Castle.

Sightseeing by bike in Malmö
Interested in exploring Sweden by bike? Malmö is an excellent city for cycling and it’s a great way to explore the city sights at your own pace.

BIKING
Discover Gothenburg by bike
A city tour across Gothenburg’s two main bridges, a mountain bike trail in the nature reserve or a moat sightseeing? Gothenburg on two wheels offers plenty of activities and keeps you fit at the same time.

Gunnebo House and Gardens
Start from Linnéplatsen and make your first stop at Guldhedstornet Café, a 1950s building with incredible panoramic views over the city. Continue to the old paper factory and the canals of Kvarnbyn in Mölndal, one of Sweden’s most important historical industrial areas. Then make your way to your final destination, Gunnebo House and Gardens – a mansion from the late 18th century. Enjoy lunch made from produce grown in the gardens. You can also book a tour which takes you through the building and tells the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the Hall family, who originally lived here.

Änggårdsbergen by mountain bike
Start slow in the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens, home of 16,000 plant species from all over the world. It is located on a hilly part of a nature reserve, which makes it perfect for a mountain bike trail. The boundaries between the cultivated garden and the wild nature are often blurred, making this a beautiful setting. Signs will lead you deeper into Änggårdsbergen, where you can cycle by lakes and across mountains covered in purple heather.

City tour
This tour starts from Götaplatsen, the main cultural square in Gothenburg and home to Gothenburg Museum of Art and Gothenburg City Theatre. First stop is Skansen Kronan, an old fortress with great views over the city. This is a perfect spot for a picnic in the sun, before continuing to the city park Slottsskogen where you can make several pit stops, including the Natural History Museum and wildlife park. Make your way to another incredible view, this time over the Gothenburg inlet from the church Masthuggskyrkan. Finish off where you started, the centrals parts, and head to the historic district of Haga where there are plenty of cafes and shops to choose from. You are now minutes from where you started!

City center – Saltholmen
The perfect combination of city and seaside, this route takes you on a day-trip through some of the nicest parts of Gothenburg. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

Start from Lilla Bommen and cycle along the water. Continue past Röda Sten Art Centre, located in a rougher, developing part of Gothenburg, and further towards Saltholmen. Once there, find your own spot on a sunny cliff, soak up the fresh West Coast air and enjoy your picnic. Head home along a different route via Mariaplan in Majorna, one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhoods, with charming old wooden houses, cafés and second-hand shops line the streets. Next, stop for a break in Slottsskogen city park, a bit of an extra living room for the locals. Finally, steer your bike towards Lilla Bommen via Haga, an old neighbourhood with a cosy small town vibe, and you’re back where you started.

Bridges
This is perhaps the most spectacular of all the five routes. Experience Gothenburg from its main bridges, Göta Älvbron and Älvsborgsbron, and the Ramberget mountain 87 meters above sea level. Getting to the top of this popular lookout point requires a fair amount of pedal power – but the view over the city and its industrial harbour is definitely worth it. For a more modern part of Gothenburg make sure to stop by Frihamnen, a former industrial port undergoing a complete transformation ahead of the city’s upcoming 400th anniversary in 2021. While large parts are still undeveloped, a public sauna and pool are already open to the public.

FISHING
Fishing in Sweden
Fishing in Sweden in its 100,000 lakes, wild waterways and along the coast is a trip of a lifetime. Come hook a salmon, trout or Arctic char.

Sweden’s biggest lake is Lake Vänern (south west) at around 5,600 square kilometres surface area. It’s so big it has its own weather system, and an archipelago of some 20,000 islands. If you’re thinking that this creates fantastic angling possibilities you’d be right; you can go trolling for landlocked salmon and trout, pike and zander. Find out more about fishing rules, guides and areas in Sweden

Southern Sweden features mostly lowland lakes holding pike, zander and perch and coarse species. As you travel northwards, the landscape changes; more rugged, hilly and forest carpeted with thousands of lakes holding pike, perch and carp in the far south, as well as brown trout, grayling and zander.

As you approach the tree line in northern Sweden, where the giant spruce forests end, Arctic tundra, meadows, glaciers and towering mountain peaks take over. Up here the lakes are full of brown trout, grayling and Arctic char.

There is also a good spread of well-stocked put and take lakes in Sweden, mainly in the central and south of the country.

 

River fishing
The big river systems are mainly in the wild north of the country. These are extremely powerful, cutting through the wilderness, creating as they go; slow pools, waterfalls and rapids. And fantastic fishing.

Hiring a guide is a very good idea if you’re fishing in the Arctic Circle because it is sparsely populated, the terrain can be difficult and weather conditions can be extreme. All adding to its exoticism and charm. Species to look out for include brown trout, char and grayling. The other sights to look out for here include the majestic northern lights and midnight sun, as well as the pristine nature.

There are also several other major river systems running through central Sweden, including the river Klarälven.

Going into central Sweden, you’ll find the 200 kilometre-long southern stretch of the river Dalälven. This area around it is a patchwork of meadows, wetlands and marches. And great fishing waters. Cast for big pike and perch and zander. Out of interest, the biggest sweet water zander caught in Sweden in 2010 was caught in this river.

Salmon? Go to the legendary River Mörrumsån in the Blekinge province in southern Sweden. There are around a dozen rivers on this east coast that stretch up to central Sweden with salmon and sea trout in them.

 

Coastline fishing
The long U-shaped coastline of Sweden consists of east, south and west. The east borders Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and the west coast borders Norway and the North Sea.

Sweden’s east coast is scattered with archipelago islands and skerries. Hire a boat or fish from the shore of an island deep in the archipelago and odds are you will catch a large sea trout or pike.

Off the south coast of Sweden there are fantastic salmon catching opportunities at Hanöbukten and the waters outside Simrishamn. Trolling for salmon here might land you a 25+ kilo fish. Really.

Stay west coast-side for good deep-sea fishing as well as deep water angling straight from the rocky shorelines. Fish for cod, mackerel, garfish and sea trout. The west coast is particularly famous for its seafood and here you can even go on a guided lobster or oyster fishing trip.

HIKING
Hiking in Sweden – an adventure from north to south
Sweden is a hiking paradise. Find your favourite trail – from the rugged King’s Trail in the north to undulating forests and plains of the south.

Levels of difficulty
Sweden offers hiking trails that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. As many of Sweden’s hiking trails are hundreds of kilometres long, they are broken up into sections, so if you find a trail too strenuous – or maybe not strenuous enough – you will easily be able to exit and hike one more suited to your skill level. This way you can hike at least a portion of any of Sweden’s many hiking trails. It’s important to have the right gear when hiking in Sweden: a good pair of hiking boots, as well as appropriate clothing is always needed.

Lapland & the North
If you’re looking for a multi-day hike that can be undertaken by hikers of most skill levels, the King’s Trail (Kungsleden) is the classic Swedish hiking trail. Stretching nearly 400 km, from Abisko National park to Hemavan, the entire trail takes about a month. But as there are numerous entry-and-exit points, you can tailor your hike. In addition to the breathtaking mountain vistas, bubbling brooks, and foaming rivers of Swedish Lapland, you can also explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Laponia and its four national parks.

Kebnekaise is another of those great Swedish hiking trails, although at 2,106 m, this is Sweden’s highest mountain, so it has a certain cache for hikers looking to put a notch in their belt. While that climb might sound daunting, the 18 km round trip is manageable for most. The best time to tackle this Swedish hiking trail is during July and August, when the marked trail is generally snow-free.

North east Sweden – The High Coast
Sweden’s High Coast Trail (Höga kusten) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes you through a landscape that is still rising – it’s going up by nearly one centimetre each year and has risen roughly 300 metres since the Ice Age. Starting in the south at Hornöberget, you’ll hike 130 km through the entire World Heritage Site, ending in Örnsköldsvik. You’ll pass through rich forests, up to the top of mountains, and along sandy beaches, cliffs and meadows. While the entire trail takes about a week to hike you can also choose any of the 13 marked hiking sections. There are cabins and shelters along the trail – they are free to use but cannot be booked in advance.

Central Sweden – Dalarna
Further south, in the Swedish province of Dalarna, the 90 km Vasalopp Trail (Vasaloppsleden) is perfect for hikers in the warmer months. Winding its way through the Vasaloppet Arena from Sälen to Mora, much of the trail follows the path of the world-famous Vasaloppet cross country ski race.

In Dalarna you’ll also find Siljansleden, a 340 km trail that loops around the Siljan and Orsasjön lakes, taking you along old mountain grazing trails. This one is a bit more challenging than the Vasalopp Trail, but like most other hiking trails in Sweden there are plenty of places to jump on or off, so you can choose whether to have a day hike or a longer challenge. Overnight accommodation is found at regular intervals.

West Sweden – Bohuslän and Dalsland
The shoreline along Sweden’s west coast is dramatically beautiful and perfectly suited to hikers who want to hike along the sea. The Bohuslän coast in particular offers not only incredible views to the islands of the Bohuslän archipelago (which you could easily detour to during your hike) but also a gently rolling rural landscape. The hike along the coast takes 2-3 days and while the coastal portion is quite rocky, it should suit most skill levels.

The Pilgrim Path in Dalsland (Pilgrimsleden) takes you through stunning nature and boasts a variety of more than 100 km of trails. The southern section is well-suited for those looking for a less strenuous hike in Sweden, while to the north you’ll find bigger challenges.

South Sweden – Skåne & Småland
Hiking in the south of Sweden has an entirely different feel from the north and central parts of the country. This is where you’ll find coastal trails, the deep forests of Småland, and the open fields that dot the lower half of the country. In the southwest the Hallandsleden trail stretches over 1,000 km of the Skåne region, linking with the Skåneleden trail to the south and the Bohusleden trail to the north – and will take you through the scenery of Söderåsen National Park.

Småland is also where you’ll find theme trails like the Emigrant Trail (Utvandrarleden) – where you’ll pass through the villages and locations found in Sweden’s famous “The Emigrants” series of novels, written by native author Vilhelm Moberg. Sweden’s famous red wooden cottages dot the landscape and the lush forests are as legendary as you’ve heard. Smålandsleden is a 700 km hiking trail, but like most other hiking trails in Sweden, it’s easy to take in sections, so you can do a day hike or one that takes weeks.

Gotland – Sweden’s largest island
The beautiful island of Gotland, in the Baltic Sea, boasts 800 kilometres of coastline that are perfect for a relatively easy ramble – although the landscape changes quite dramatically from north to south.

The far north of the island features a wild and barren landscape dotted with nature reserves and hidden limestone quarries, while to the east you’ll find green meadows filled with grazing sheep along with limestone cliffs. To the south it’s open and lush, filled with narrow country lanes – and you’re never far from the water.

Hiking in southern Sweden – the top trails
Southern Sweden’s best trails will have you immersed in magnificent nature, with a helping of culture completing the experience.

Southern Sweden is idyllic – and in many different ways. This part of the country encompasses everything from the stunning archipelago of the west coast and Gotland’s unique sea stack fields to the deep, enchanted forest of Småland, complete with a myriad of clean lakes. There are plenty of trails to choose from, lasting from a few hours to a week or longer. Most are divided into sections, allowing you to dip in and out or complete a single stretch of your choice.

The climate of Sweden’s south is milder than that of the north, and you can often hike all year round, even though the main season runs from March until October. Bear in mind that the weather is changeable even in summer, which calls for layer-friendly clothing and rainproof outerwear, along with comfortable hiking boots.

As for accommodation, you may be tempted to bring a tent to get the full natural immersion. Thanks to Sweden’s right to roam custom (‘Allemansrätten’), you’re allowed to pitch up a tent for a night or two (with certain exceptions). If you prefer to stay in cabins, hotels or B&Bs, you’ll find plenty of options along the most popular trails.

 

Some of the best hiking trails in southern Sweden:
Gotland
Klintkustleden (Klintkustleden trail)
Known as one of Sweden’s finest coastal paths, Klintkustleden trail takes you along the island of Gotland’s unique coastline, incorporating pine forest, wetland and high cliffs. You’ll also get a cultural fix in the shape of centuries-old castles and fishing villages. Many spots along the trail, which starts at Björkume and ends at Harudden, can be reached by bus and you can find accommodation and food along the way. Some cliff climbs can be challenging but this stunning trail is otherwise a fairly easy hike.

Södra Hällarna and Brucebo nature reserves
Nature reserves of particular interest on the west coast include Visby’s Södra Hällarna trail, which has a wonderful wooden walkway allowing you to traverse its marshy forest. About two hours’ hike north of Södra Hällarna, you’ll find nature reserve Brucebo – a cave-studded oasis, where rare orchids and other type of flora thrive.

Småland
Smålandsleden (Smålandsleden trail)
Smålandsleden is a network of 31 paths (including the John Bauer trail) that stretches some 900 kilometres, allowing you to experience the untouched nature of northern Småland – think lingonberry-rich forests sprinkled with lakes. There are various starting points, some of which are connected to public transport, such as Huskvarna that nestles at the southern tip of Lake Vättern. This path will take you to the quaint city of Gränna – home of the ‘polkagris’, the classic red and white striped peppermint candy.

Franciskusleden (the Francis trail)
Several notable pilgrim paths – most of which are fairly easy to walk – wind their way through the province of Småland. Franciskusleden (the Francis trail) is a good option. Starting at the convent in Byarum and heading north, this 100 km route takes you to Jönköping and the idyllic shores of Lake Vättern, Sweden’s second largest lake. From here, the trail hugs the eastern side of the lake, past Gränna – where food and accommodation is available – and on to the Alvastra Monastery. For the last 10 kilometres, you’ll hike within the tranquil and scenic Omberg Ecopark.

The Emigrant Trail (Utvandrarleden)
The historic Emigrant Trail (Utvandrarleden) takes you through villages and locations featured in the novel suite “Utvandrarna” (The Emigrants series), by famous author Vilhelm Moberg.

Store Mosse National Park
Store Mosse National Park – southern Sweden’s biggest marshland – is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 40 kilometres of walking paths. The shortest is 500 metres long, the longest 14 kilometres. Skogstrollens stig (the path of the Forest Trolls) is a hit with families, while the trail around Lake Kävsjön is ideal for birdwatchers – cranes and eagles are among many species you’re likely to spot. To experience more of the unique nature of Store Mosse, the “Lilla Lövö runt” trail is recommended. Svartgölsleden and Wibecksleden trails are wheelchair accessible.

Camping is allowed in certain parts of the park. Rooms and beds can also be rented at the farms of Svänö and Lövö. With no electricity and with water being fetched from a well, this accommodation is reminiscent of old times.

Another national park, one and a half hour’s drive from Store Mosse, is Åsnen National Park, with walking paths suitable for families.

Öland
Mörbylångaleden trail, also known as “Signaturleden Öland”
The scenic Mörbylångaleden – a five-day, 83 km trail of varied landscapes encompassing forest, arable pastures, wetlands and coast – is southern Öland in a nutshell. The trail consists of five sections and there’s accommodation at each section. There are some basic shops along the way, but make sure to pack enough food and water to last you a day. In addition, this UNESCO World Heritage Site – which applies to all of southern Öland – offers activities such as kayaking and gallery visits.

Eketorpsleden (Eketorp’s trail)
Setting off from Eketorp fort – Öland’s southernmost ancient Iron Age fort – Eketorpsleden will have you immersed in idyllic pastures with little stone mounds guiding the way. This looped trail stretches across a mere 1.6 kilometres through the almost otherworldly terrain of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Stora Alvaret” – one of the globe’s largest limestone plateaus.

Halland
Hallandsleden (the Hallandsleden trail)
The province of Halland is known for its natural beauty and you’ll get to experience plenty of it along Hallandsleden. It’s divided into 26 sections and three sub-trails, clocking up a total of 453 kilometres. Expect varied terrain, spanning open landscapes, deep forest and stunning archipelago. You’ll also get to discover ancient monuments and historical buildings. If you opt for the 36 km trail (difficulty level: “medium”), running from Varberg to Ästad, you have the medieval Varberg Fortress to look forward to, along with high-end accommodation and fine dining at one of Sweden’s biggest vineyards, Ästad Vingård.

Prins Bertils stig (Prince Bertil’s trail)
Named in memory of the Duke of Halland, Prince Bertils stig is an 18 km long stretch that will introduce you to some of the loveliest spots in the city of Halmstad. This largely coastal path – complete with sandy beaches and old stone quarries – runs from central Halmstad towards Tylösand and on to the lush Möllegård nature reserve. Historically significant sights to look out for include the 17th century Halmstad Castle and Möllegård’s Mill, built in 1850. Much of the trail is classified as “easy”, accessible even for prams and wheelchairs. In Halmstad, plenty of accommodation is available.

Åkulla bokskogar (Åkulla beech forests)
The spectacular nature reserve area of Åkulla bokskogar (Åkulla beech forests) is spreading across 50 square kilometres, featuring twelve trails of varying difficulty level and distance. You’ll also find the Hallandsleden trail running through this haven of greenery, inhabited by many endangered species.

West Sweden
Gotaleden (the Gotaleden trail)
In western Sweden, you’ll find Gotaleden, which is made up of nine sections, stretching across 71 kilometres of scenic nature and areas of cultural interest. You’re in for a varied adventure, taking you from central Gothenburg to Alingsås. In between these two charming cities – brimming with things to see and do – you’ll wander through verdant countryside, such as the Delsjön nature reserve.

The trail, most of which is classified as “easy”, has a good choice of accommodation and places to stop for a bite to eat, microbreweries and sights of cultural interest. As Alingsås is the “capital of fika”, make sure to try some sweet baked goods. Thanks to its proximity to cities, Gotaleden is accessible by public transport.

Kuststigen (the Coastal path)
Discover the glorious west coast of Sweden by hiking Kuststigen. Divided into 38 sections and three sub-trails, the route in its entirety runs from Uddevalla to Sotenäs via Stenungsund. Points of interest along the sections, are the island of Bohus-Malmön, the rocky landscapes of Ramsvik and the Anneröd beech forest. Along the easier paths, there are opportunities to stop for a swim. Public transport is available along the entire route. There are several shorter loops suitable for day hikes, which are particularly easy to reach via public transport.

Pilgrimsleden Norra Dalsland (Northern Dalsland Pilgrim Path)
Pilgrimsleden Norra Dalsland introduces you to more than 100 kilometres of spectacular nature and several historic churches. Setting off from Vänersborg and heading north towards Edsleskog, Åmål, the beginning of the trail runs mostly through easy-to-walk country roads, whereas the latter stretch will have you hiking through untouched, hilly landscapes (thus a little more challenging). Accommodation highlights include Upperud 9:9, a one-of-a-kind hotel housed in a historic granary (storehouse for threshed grain), and Happy Celery glass cabins.

Pilgrimsleden Skaraborg (Skaraborg Pilgrim Path)
Hiking along Pilgrimsleden Skaraborg will transport you to medieval times. This 50 km historic trail – classed as “easy” to “moderate” – is dotted with fascinating traces of yesteryear’s pilgrims – keep an eye out for abbey ruins likely to have been used as lodgings. You’ll find these in both Gudhem and Varnhem. As for the nature, beautiful plains give way to lusher terrain in which flora and fauna thrive and rivers flow. Food and accommodation is available along the trail.

The trails of Koön and Marstrand
The island of Koön is a much-loved part of the Swedish west coast, particularly since it’s home to the summer paradise Marstrand, known for its excellent seafood. Three trails of varying difficulty, from 2.5 to 5 kilometres each, snake through the island. They can be combined to form a longer hike and all will treat you to views across the island of Åstol and the spectacular Carlsten’s Fortress.

NATURE
Midnight Sun in the Arctic Circle, Swedish Lapland
Midnight Sun is when the sun never sets in the summer. The Midnight Sun is a 24-hour period of sunlight inside the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.

What is Midnight Sun?
Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon occuring in the summer months and means that the sun can be seen even in the middle of the night.

Wide awake in Swedish Lapland
The Midnight Sun experience in Sweden might mess with your head for the first few days after you arrive, so pack a sleeping mask if you want to get some shut-eye. Even the people who live in Swedish Lapland have problems sleeping and black out curtains are a big seller. Our advice is to simply succumb to the light and be dazzled into staying vertical for as long as you can to enjoy this unique part of the world. You can sleep when you get home.

Midnight Sun experiences
Past midnight you can get 18 holes in at Björkliden Arctic Golf Course in the Arctic Circle; in fact you can get as many rounds in as you want since there is no sunset.

The more adventurous traveler could always take on the challenge of scaling Kebnekaise, our highest mountain, go skiing, or for the more artistic adventurer how about an ice-sculpting course at the ICEHOTEL.

For your very own midnight sun experience pick a quiet spot with uninterrupted views; which is not a problem in vast Swedish Lapland, and bathe in the rays of the unique and spectacular midnight sun.

When can you see the Midnight sun in Sweden?
Summertime in Swedish Lapland, usually between end May and mid-July. However the further north you go, the longer the Midnight Sun will be last.

Where is the best places to see the Midnight Sun?
You can see the midnight sun in places like Abisko, Björkliden, Gällivare, Jokkmokk and at Riksgränsen between Sweden and Norway. Two of the best places to see the Midnight Sun though is Kebnekaise and Abisko where it’s visible from the end of May until mid-July.

Top nature experiences in West Sweden
Explore the wonderful West Sweden nature on bike, hiking, in a kayak or fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the sunrise in the comfort of a glass cabin in the stunning nature of Dalsland.

The Pilgrim Path
Have you ever dreamt of hiking in tranquil wilderness, deep forests, past calm lakes and medieval churches? Hike the Pilgrim Path (Pilgrimsleden) to experience it all.

Kayaking in Bohuslän
Did you know that CNN has profiled the archipelago of Bohuslän as one of the top 10 great wilderness areas in the world? With clear blue waters, a marine national park, deserted isles and colourful fishing huts it isn’t hard to imagine why. Rent a kayak and explore the area on your own.

Biking along Göta Canal
Biking along the ‘blue ribbon’ of Sweden, Göta Canal, is a great adventure for the whole family. The car-free gravel road, which was once trafficked by horses pulling sailboats along the canal, is now a tranquil biking path with views of the water.

Trandansen Hornborgasjön
Ever seen 30 000 birds dancing together? Visit lake Hornborgasjön in April to witness a unique natural phenomenon by one of Sweden’s most important bird lakes.

The 72 Hour Cabin
Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the sunrise in the comfort of a glass cabin in the stunning nature of Dalsland. A 72 hour stay in a glass cabin is a unique way to experience the Swedish ‘close-to-nature’ lifestyle.

4 relaxing things to do in Swedish nature
Want to climb a mountain only to have a great view with the coffee? That’s oka

Campfire coffee in the wild
If you are a coffee lover, how to get your coffee fix in the wild? You are in good company, us Swedes drink more coffee than just about any nation in the world. Take a kettle and coffee grounds, pour in water, place over the fire, bring it to the boil and hey presto – a cup of wild coffee.

Apparently, Swedish soldiers perfected this method of getting their coffee hit back in the 18th century. And it still works. There is just one rule – never, ever wash the kettle – it spoils the taste of the coffee.

Meditative exercise
Chopping, stacking and drying wood – in Sweden we call it ‘therapy’. If you are renting a summerhouse in Sweden, the cost of buying firewood for the fire or stove can get expensive. So what to do? As long as you have the owner’s permission, why not chop, stack and dry your own. Nothing sounds like that satisfying ‘thwack’ as the head of the axe splits the wood. And it is great exercise. But there is an art to chopping wood, so check out how to do it properly before getting started.

Wild about swimming
There are 100 000 lakes in Sweden and countless rivers and canals. And a 3 200 km long coastline. You know what comes next. When summer arrives in Sweden, Swedes reach for their swimwear and head out for a day by the lake, or a day by the sea. It is part of the lifestyle. Join them for some city swimming in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

Standout wild swimming spots include quarry swimming on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, ice swimming in Swedish Lapland and archipelago swimming in the Stockholm and Bohuslän archipelagos. Don’t forget the swimwear.

At one with nature in Sweden
How soul warming would a meditation or yoga session be on a deserted island in the Stockholm or Bohuslän archipelagos? Or waking to a dawn chorus of birdsong in a cottage in a forest glade in the province of Värmland?

These are things that money cannot buy. There are others; skinny-dipping in a lake, picking wild berries, lying on a springy bed of moss, or warming yourself on sun-heated rocks overlooking the sea. These and thousands of other little moments can only happen in Sweden. All you have to do is be here to capture them.

Swimming in the city
There is water virtually everywhere you look in Stockholm. And in fact, the water is so clean and clear that you can go for a swim in the middle of town.

One of the most popular beaches is located in the park Tantolunden on the island of Södermalm. With its proximity to the hip cafés and restaurants of Hornstull, SoFo and Mariatorget it is the perfect summer hangout. There is both a sandy beach and cliffs to lay down on and watch the boats go by. If you prefer staying active you’ll find a beach volleyball court, disc golf course, minigolf and an outdoor gym in the park. Don’t miss the beautiful allotment gardens on the hill above the park. The colourful miniature houses with gorgeous flowerbeds adds to the charm of Tantolunden.

Kayaking with kids in Sweden
The Swedish Freedom to Roam also means Freedom to Paddle. There’s over 200 000 lakes in Sweden and a long coastline to explore by kayak or canoe. If you are out for the first time it might be better and more safe to paddle in sheltered lakes.

Calm waters you find e g in Dalsland and its many rift lakes, bounded by large steep cliffs along the fault margins.

– The lakes are very protected from wind and therefore excellent for canoeing, if you want a safe ride. Paddling on for example Lelången is like paddling on a Norwegian fjord, says Crister Blüme, who organizes the yearly competition Dalsland’s Canoe Marathon and is an experienced local paddler.

There are plenty of operators that rent canoes and kayaks and around hundred camping areas in north Dalsland and Värmland, often with BBQ-areas, windshields, outhouses, pre-cut firewood and trashbins.

Short and long trips
The stretch from Ljöradalen in Norway to Sälen in Dalarna has got a bit of everything for beginners and semi-qualified paddlers.

”You can have some action along the border, with streams and and rapids keeping you on your toes, or just choose to gently drift down the river from Fulunäset,” says Peter Löfstedt at Stöten Camping, that rent canoes and kayaks.

The longest trip is almost 50 km and will take you from the Norwegian Ljöra, that changes name to Görälven on the Swedish side of the border, all the way down to Sälen. On this trip you spend two nights camping, first at the border, then in the nature reserve Hälla. The shortest version is a slow one hour trip down Görälven between Stöten camping and the Kungsleden trail.

Another great region to paddle with kids is Småland, popular also for its other family attractions like Astrid Lindgrens Värld. Getnö is one of the great spots – right on the edge of the national park of Åsnen, Sweden’s 30th national park. Getnö provides a rustic resort where all visitors are very close to nature.

You can also rent a kayak or canoe and paddle in the middle of the capital Stockholm! At Sjöcaféet by the Djurgården bridge you can rent a kayak by the hour, if you wish.

What to remember
Whatever destination you choose there are some general rules and tips to follow: always wear a life jacket and always make sure there are people ashore that knows where you are going. Sit down in the vessel. If you have a small kid sitting in the front of a kayak you might need to put some more weight in the front storage compartment, to stabilize the bow. Grown-ups might love to spend a day in a kayak, but kids needs to have a break every now and then. If your children are 3-4 years old you might consider to rent a canoe or a kayak with a large cockpit in the middle, so they can move a little.

”The length of the trips are depending on your kids age and patience,” says Christina Ingmarsdotter, who guides and organizes paddling courses in Grundsund in the middle of the Bohuslän coast.

”You also need to take breaks so the young paddlers can run around or maybe climb a rock.” She also recommends to camp at least one night along the way. “Kids love camping, but it’s also a good idea to put up your tent in one spot and then return there for the next night, to avoid too much time putting up and taking down the camp. Just remember to ask for permission if you camp in the same spot more than one night.”

Christina Ingmarsdotter’s own favorite trip is a trip around the island Skaftö, a 3-4 day trip with kids, 1-3 with grownups.

“It has mixed Bohuslän scenery, from leafy to barren, and many spots to camp. Bassholmen’s wooden boat museum attracts all ages, there’s restaurants right down by the waterfront and endless possibilities for swimming.”

Winter activities in Sweden
Winter in Sweden can be very cold but it is also the perfect time for some fun winter activities. From dog sledding to skiing, ice skating to snowmobiling there are things for the whole family to do.

Where to go to find Swedish winter
All regions in Sweden have their own winter fun but for lots of snow, a chance to see the northern lights and plenty of dogsledding, skiing and snowmobiling adventures head north to Swedish Lapland.

Skiing in Sweden
You can ski almost anywhere in Sweden wintertime! With more than 100 ski resorts it can be hard to choose where to go, so here are some tips for where to go skiing in Sweden.

Snowmobile
Choose from several types of safari ranging from way-out-there 5-day Arctic Circle safaris, rough terrain mountain safaris, and even family friendly safaris incorporating outings on Caterpillar.

What to expect?
Snowmobile safari can be tailored and can include wilderness lunches, dinner in Sami teepees, saunas, hot tubs, mountain lodges, campfires, ice fishing. You can also rally car, quad and cross bike on ice. Not a bad life.

Some tours suit beginners but you will need to be in good physical condition and have previous snowmobiling experience for the Arctic Circle and mountain snowmobile safaris if you want to make it to the other end in one piece.

It is also advisable to practice a flexible attitude as hazardous snow conditions or ‘unforeseen circumstances’ may alter some plans on tour.

Tips?
Forget the racy smalls. This is a time for thermal underwear. And pack your swimsuit for sauna and hot tub activity plus a toilet kit for, well, you know.