Sweden: “Europe’s Last Wilderness”

Sweden as a country for adventures has been described as a “huge playground for nature lovers” and “Europe’s last wilderness”. Just imagine yourself having full access to a nature playground that is 2,500 miles long and 800 miles wide, an area just a bit larger than the size of the state California! Add to that the Swedish Right of Public Access, meaning that you are invited to go almost anywhere in the countryside, as long as you respect the nature and enjoy it on its own terms. Love nature and nature will love you back.

West Sweden
The pristine archipelago of West Sweden is a perfect place for kayaking and canoeing, either if you are an experienced paddler or just want to learn through taking a course at one of the many kayak/canoe renters. Breathe the ocean air, get renewed energy and continue your coast adventure with climbing in some of the challenging granite walls of the Swedish west.

Many people have claimed that the Swedish oysters outside of Grebbestad are the best. Well, head out on the Swedish sea with an experienced skipper and get the delicacy directly from the source. Oyster safari is really something flavorsome, quoted as “a kiss from the sea”.

Biking with a view is one way to explain the experience of cycling along Göta Canal. No cars, no stress, only beautiful views and floodgates along Sweden’s longest canal.
Mountain biking with GPS? Yes, it sounds like it’s cheating, but the trails are not marked and if you wish you can go off-route to explore new roads and still know where your position. In Dalsland, technology and sports go together and you can choose between different levels of difficulty, from beginner to extreme off-road biking.

Skåne
Ride the flat and picturesque landscape of Skåne in high speed or just take your time on a bicycle to see the rich nature. Why not stop by the medieval castle Glimmingehus, eat a smoked herring in Kåseberga overlooking the old Ale’s Stones. To top it off, have your beachwear ready to take a refreshing dip in the ocean after a day on your bike.

Stockholm
Curious about the huge archipelago of Stockholm? Easy, you can see it in different ways and they are all adventures in their own way. To be close to the water and have the ability to create your own route, rent a kayak and pull your way through the clear waters of Stockholm archipelago with the wind in your hair. If into bigger things, literally, be the king or queen of the waters for a day by hopping on board a large 100-year old sailing boat that takes you on a day tour of sailing, in the inner archipelago.

Luleå
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting in one of Luleå’s and Sweden’s wildest rivers and get a smile on your face in the same time. During wintertime you have the possibility to experience a silent forest in the middle of the night by taking an arctic snowshoe walk, deep into the frozen mysterious forests of the north.

Lapland
Discover the most unique hotel you have ever seen, the ICEHOTEL, located in Jukkasjärvi in Kiruna, northern Sweden. A hotel made out of ice and snow, giving you the experience of sleeping in -5 0C (23 0F) with stunning unique design around you. Not only is the ICEHOTEL a unique experience, choose from a portfolio of both summer and winter adventures. Try activities like dog sledding and northern light tours in the winter to midnight sun hikes and river rafting in the summer.

Find yourself skiing in the midnight sun! Yes, it is possible due to the close proximity to the North Pole. Riksgränsen is actually the world’s northernmost ski resort and with its various skiing possibilities the term “happy skiing” is one that fits well.

To really see one of Europe’s last wildernesses, hike the Kungsleden trail in northern Sweden, a 450 km (280 miles) long trail with different sections and terrains. The “peak” of the hike would be climbing Sweden’s highest and wildest mountain chain Kebnekaise. Do the hike during winter and experience extreme wilderness, but be sure to remember to bring skis!

Useful Information:

WEST SWEDEN
West Sweden: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/West-Sweden/
Climbing in West Sweden: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/West-Sweden/Articles/Activities/Climbing-in-West-Sweden-/
Oyster Safari West Sweden: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/West-Sweden/Articles/Activities/Flavoursome-Oyster-Safari-in-Grebbestad/
Cycle along the Göta Canal: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/West-Sweden/products/59725/Cykla-langs-Gota-kanal-Hotellpaket-Asgarden/

STOCKHOLM
VisitStockholm: http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/
Paddling in Stockholm: http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/To-Do/Tips/Paddling-in-Stockholm/

LAPLAND
IceHotel: http://www.icehotel.com/uk/
Riksgränsen: http://www.stromma.se/en/Riksgransen/

Sweden: “Europe’s Last Wilderness”

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