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Explore the Great Outdoors Swedish-Style By Madelyn Miller, the travelLady With ancestors like the Vikings,
Swedes have a reputation for being strong and adventurous. When I go to
Sweden, I am mostly looking for a blonde, blue-eyed native-grown Prince
Charming. But even if you are looking
for another kind of adventure, Sweden will totally satisfy you. Nature lovers and eco-tourists
know that Sweden’s “great outdoors” is great indeed. Whether
you’re a rugged explorer or you prefer your adventure on the soft
side, you will never run out of things to do in Sweden. Here are some
highlights: Nothing invigorates the spirit
like fresh air and stunning vistas to explore. Even in the heart of the
city, you’re never far from a hiking trail that will take you from
the hustle and bustle into a world of peace, quiet and beauty. Several
popular lowland hiking trails originate in or near the cities of Stockholm,
Gothenburg and Malmö and lead into the countryside. In the Småland region
of southeastern Sweden, better known as Sweden’s “Kingdom of
Crystal,” you’ll find the Lönnebergaleden Trail that leads
through Pippi Longstocking country and the John Bauer Trail (named for
the famed painter of trolls and fairy folk) between Gränna and Huskvarna
that follows the shore of sparkling Lake Vättern.
Looking for a more challenging
route? Try the low mountains of the Dalarna region or head farther north
to West Lapland and ruggedly beautiful Sarek National Park, Europe’s
largest national park, with over 5,200 square kilometers of unspoiled
wilderness for experienced hikers to explore. Sweden’s most famous
trail is the 425-kilometer King’s Trail or Kungsleden. It’s
Lapland’s “highway for hikers” twisting and climbing through
the mountains, over bridges and through some of the most breathtaking
scenery you can imagine. Kayaking and Canoeing Believe it or not, you can
do some invigorating whitewater kayaking right in the heart of Stockholm.
You’ll gain a great perspective on the city as you paddle the course
between the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera House. Wawkee
Kayaking runs two-hour kayak trips on this route, with a prep course
for beginners. Stockholm is a city of islands, with 24,000 in the archipelago
surrounding the city. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore on your own, pulling
in at interesting islands along the way for a closer look or an overnight
stay at one of the local inns. Can’t decide where to
go first? Paddle
in Sweden offers hundreds of suggested routes to whet your appetite
for adventure. Adventures in the City Another way to add an element of adventure to a Stockholm city vacation is touring by bicycle. Rent a bike and take it for a spin past the city’s many landmarks. If you’re not up to navigating city streets by bike, but you still want to pedal around, head for the wooded island of Djurgården where you can bike along the traffic-free paths of Ekoparken, the National City Park. To really change your perspective
on Stockholm, take in the view from above as you soar over the city in
a hot air balloon. Stockholm is one of the few major world cities to offer
visitors this kind of opportunity. For more information visit www.stockholmtown.com
. Way Up North Lapland calls to the adventurous
spirit in everyone. In Sweden’s northernmost region you’ll find
silence, serenity and views that stretch on forever. Throughout Lapland
is a network of interconnected trails for hiking in summer and cross-country
skiing in winter. From Abisko mountain station you can venture out for
day trips or cabin-to-cabin journeys. Perhaps a snowshoe
trek is more your speed? Take a guided 1- to 3-day trip through the
ancient forests of Lapland, overnighting in log cabins and enjoying the
beauty around you. While you’re way up north,
take the opportunity to learn about the Sami – the native people
of Lapland. On a 6-day Reindeer Sled Safari
your Sami guide will lead the way as you drive your own sled through
the pristine wilderness. You’ll sleep out in reindeer-skin tents,
sample Lapland cuisine and discover a way of life you never knew existed.
Or go to the dogs – sled
dogs that is! – on a Dog-sledding Journey. After a quick lesson,
you and a partner will drive your own sled across the snow. No worries
about getting lost. The dogs always know the way! Want to drive something with
a little more horsepower? Try one of the Arctic Driving Courses in the
Norrebotten region, north of the Arctic Circle. After a turn on these
ice tracks, you’ll handle the snowy streets in your neighborhood
with ease. And no trip to Lapland would
be complete without a stay at the world-famous IceHotel.
In winter, you’ll sleep in a room built of ice. (Super-warm sleeping
bags are included!) In summer, experience the same warm hospitality in
one of the IceHotel’s comfortable cabins. The staff can also book
you on a 5- or 7-day Lapland adventure. Summer activities include whitewater
rafting, fishing, mountain excursions, a whale-watching safari and more.
For more information on things
to see and do in Lapland, visit: www.lappland.se
and www.norrebottenlappland.se
. Let it Snow!
Another favorite activity
is Tour Skating, a long-distance trip on skates over the frozen lakes
and waterways that link the islands of the archipelagos around Stockholm
and Gothenburg. Experienced tour-skaters can cover more than 100 miles
in a day! The season begins around November, but it’s always critical
to check conditions before you set out. And never skate alone! The Stockholm
Ice Skate Sailing and Touring Club can give you more information about
routes in and around Stockholm. Alpine skiers have plenty
of choices in Sweden. Åre in the Jämtland region is Sweden’s
best-known ski resort and in 2007 it will host the Alpine World Championships.
Other options include Sälen and Idre, which are great for families.
Hemavan/Tärnaby in southern Lapland has lofty peaks where you can
try heli-skiing (if that’s your pleasure) and at Riksgränsen
in far northern Lapland you can ski under the Midnight Sun…in June! For information on outdoor
activities in Sweden, go to www.visit-sweden.com For information on all of
Sweden’s approved ecotourism operators, go to www.naturesbest.nu
In Sweden, the seasons are a contrast. Light summer nights when the sun
barely dips below the horizon alternates with short, snowy winter days. Best way to get to Sweden
GREAT
GUIDEBOOKS RICK STEVES’ SCANDINAVIA
FODOR’S SWEDEN STOCKHOLM BEST MAP MADELYN’S
FAVORITES IN STOCKHOLM Restaurants
BEST DEAL ON A MEAL
COOLEST PLACE TO EAT
BEST INTERNET CAFÉ
BEST PLACE TO FIND A BUFF
VIKING
BEST PLACE FOR HOMESICK
AMERICANS
Madelyn’s Favorite
Hotels
MOST UNUSUAL PLACE TO STAY
GET AWAY FOR A DAY
BEST PLACE TO CHANGE MONEY
BEST DEAL IN TOWN
HOW TO GET A TAX REFUND
TRANSPORTATION
For more information
If you want to venture beyond
Sweden, Fodor’s Scandinavia is a very helpful guidebook
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Lovetripper.com Romantic Travel Guide
In
the Skåne region of western Sweden, the 140-kilometer Åsleden
Trail takes you past stunning ravines and through primeval forests. Keep
your eyes open for moose, reindeer and other local residents.
Swedes
are never afraid of a little snow. We simply strap on our cross-country
skis and “take a trip.” Gliding along a snow-covered trail is
one of the best ways to clear your mind and open your eyes. The going
can be quite brisk in winter, but on a sunny spring day it’s sublime.
