{"id":7091,"date":"2025-09-16T20:13:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=7091"},"modified":"2025-09-16T20:13:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:13:02","slug":"a-10-day-itinerary-down-swedens-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=7091","title":{"rendered":"A 10 Day Itinerary Down Sweden’s Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s nothing like Sweden in the summer. Light hangs in the air for hours, boats nose through island-studded bays, and caf\u00e9s spill onto sidewalks as Swedes take advantage of the fleeting warm weather.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With so much of the year spent in the cold and dark, the never-ending light that summer brings does not go to waste. Whether it\u2019s on the many islands that dot the country\u2019s coast, at their rustic cabins in the woods, or lounging in the city parks, Swedes flock outdoors.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been to Sweden many times (including spending an entire summer in Stockholm) but have always focused on the southern part of the country. However, with a desire to see something different this visit, I decided to explore the north, starting at the top in Lule\u00e5 and working my day down.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you want to get off the beaten path in Sweden, this itinerary gets you out of the main tourist hubs and highlights the less-touristy side of the country. Here\u2019s my suggested 10-day itinerary:<\/p>\n

Day 1 & 2: Lule\u00e5<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lule\u00e5 is home to just 50,000 people and is the last \u201cbig\u201d city in the north before you get into Lapland (the northernmost region of the country and home to the indigenous Sami). The city doesn\u2019t take long to see but the surrounding area is what most visitors come for. It\u2019s known for the Gammelstad Church Town as well as its diverse and expansive landscape, ranging from dense forests and tranquil lakes to an archipelago that has over 1,300 islands!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my suggested things to see and do in Lule\u00e5:<\/p>\n

The Archipelago \u2013 <\/strong>Lule\u00e5\u2019s archipelago is a hotspot during the summer. Lots of people come from the south to stay here and you can lounge on beaches, go sea kayaking, boating, and hiking and area locals spend many weekends here to take advantage of the nice weather. The most popular islands are Kluntarna, Br\u00e4nd\u00f6sk\u00e4r, Junk\u00f6n, and Sm\u00e5sk\u00e4r.<\/p>\n

Gammelstad Church Town<\/strong> \u2013 Gammelstad Church Town has over 400 red wooden cottages surrounding 15th-century church. It was originally built as overnight lodging for parishioners who traveled long distances and offers a glimpse into Sweden\u2019s rural past. You can wander through narrow lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and learn about the traditions of church towns.<\/p>\n

Gammelstadsviken<\/strong> \u2013 Gammelstadsviken is a nature reserve with a large freshwater lake and vast marshlands and one of the best birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 different species live here. There\u2019s lots of trails to choose from and it\u2019s not too far from Lulea.<\/p>\n

Norrbotten Museum<\/strong> \u2013 This museum showcases the region\u2019s culture and history. It\u2019s a small, free museum with displays from Sami culture to industrial heritage that gives you a well-rounded picture of northern Sweden.<\/p>\n

Hike<\/strong> \u2013 Summer is the perfect season for hiking in and around Lule\u00e5. The area has numerous trails that are ideal for easy-going day hikes, and Visit Lule\u00e5 provides an excellent hiking guide to help you choose a route. A few suggested hikes are Herts\u00f6leden (easy, 8km), F\u00e4bodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vit\u00e5n (challenging, 12km).<\/p>\n

The Ice Track<\/strong> \u2013 In winter, a six-kilometer ice track is made around the city center. You can skate or kicksled around it. The track is free to use and is carefully maintained throughout the winter. Kicksleds are free to borrow as well.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay in Lule\u00e5<\/strong> \u2013 Clarion Hotel Sense is an affordable hotel right in the center of town. The rooms are comfy, there\u2019s lots of space, and the breakfast buffet has everything you could ever want. There\u2019s even a gym too.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a good place to eat, the harbor has a number of nice restaurants. I particularly enjoyed Bistron.<\/p>\n

Day 3 & 4: Ume\u00e5<\/span><\/h3>\n

Head south four hours to Ume\u00e5. Founded in 1622 by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, Ume\u00e5 is the cultural capital of northern Sweden. It is now a city of 100,000 people known for its huge university (almost a third of the city\u2019s population are students). With so many students here, the city has a young, vibrant feel and there\u2019s lots of affordable restaurants and bars. (And, like everywhere on the coast, there\u2019s easy access to nature.)<\/p>\n

Here are my suggested things to see and do in Ume\u00e5:<\/p>\n

V\u00e4sterbottens<\/strong> Museum<\/strong> \u2013 Here you can explore the cultural and natural history of the V\u00e4sterbotten region, from local traditions to its maritime heritage. There are documents, textiles, and over 8 million photographs here. The museum also features an open-air section with historic buildings from across the country.<\/p>\n

Guitars the Museum<\/strong> \u2013 Guitars houses one of the world\u2019s largest private collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the 1950s and 60s. Even if you don\u2019t know a lot about guitars (I certainly don\u2019t), it\u2019s still a cool place to visit as you\u2019ll learn a ton about the rock and roll scene. Guided tours are available, which I highly recommend as you\u2019ll get much more out of the experience.<\/p>\n

Kulturv\u00e4ven<\/strong> \u2013Kulturv\u00e4ven is Ume\u00e5\u2019s cultural hub, hosting everything from concerts and performances to art exhibitions and community events. Inside, you\u2019ll find a library, cinema, and event spaces. Check the website to see what\u2019s on during your visit as there is always tons happening.<\/p>\n

Umedalens Skulpturpark<\/strong> \u2013 This is a vast outdoor art park featuring sculptures by renowned Swedish and international artists. The works are set against a serene backdrop of meadows, forests, and open landscapes. It\u2019s free to visit.<\/p>\n

Hike<\/strong> \u2013 From short woodland walks to longer routes along rivers and hills, there\u2019s lots of hikes around the area. Popular hikes include sections of Is\u00e4lvsleden, a 60-kilometer trail that follows an old glacier path (you can do it in sections); Tavelsj\u00f6leden, which boasts lots of caves and mountaintops; and Holm\u00f6rundan, a 13-kilometer hike on the near island Holm\u00f6n. To get these trails though, you\u2019ll need to rent a car.<\/p>\n

Str\u00f6mb\u00e4ck Kont<\/strong> \u2013 This nature reserve just south of Ume\u00e5 is easily accessible by (infrequent) buses if you don\u2019t have a car. The reserve blends smooth rock outcrops, sandy coves, and quiet pine forests, offering a mix of trails that range from rugged to stroller-friendly. There\u2019s lots of bays around, you can go swimming, and, depending on the time of year, gorge on wild blueberries.<\/p>\n

Strandpromenaden<\/strong> \u2013 Strandpromenaden is a relaxing riverside walkway perfect for a stroll, complete with benches and caf\u00e9s along the way. The path connects several parts of Ume\u00e5, making it a pleasant way to get around the city on foot. I came here at sunset and it was especially pretty, with golden light reflecting off the river.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay<\/strong> \u2013 Hotell Bj\u00f6rken is right next to the university and is just a five-minute drive to the central station. The rooms are stylish, modern, and well-lit and the hotel won\u2019t break the bank either.<\/p>\n

For places to eat, check out Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a great spot for inventive drinks.<\/p>\n

Day 5: \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The\"The
Head south to \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik, the gateway to the High Coast. Called \u201c\u00d6-vik\u201d by locals, \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik is a coastal town known for its mix of outdoor adventure and modern industry, with hiking, kayaking, and skiing all within easy reach. There\u2019s not a lot to do here so I recommend just spending one night in the town.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s some suggested things to see and do during your visit:<\/p>\n

High Coast Trail \u2013<\/strong> This 130-kilometer trail takes 5\u20137 days to complete but covers the entire High Coast, making it an epic and incredibly scenic adventure over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. If you want a shorter hike, it\u2019s possible to just hike sections of it. There\u2019s lots of options.<\/p>\n

Kayaking<\/strong> & Swimming<\/strong> \u2013 The waters here are calm and there\u2019s lots to see around the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, while tandem kayaks cost 400 SEK. If you prefer to swim, Gullviks havsbad is the best beach in the area. It\u2019s a sandy beach with volleyball nets, food nearby, and a BBQ area.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re staying in town, you can stay at Elite Plaza Hotel, which is a beautiful hotel on the harbor with a huge and delicious breakfast. If you want to stay out of town, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with a great restaurant and bar and a hot spot for campers and roadtrippers.<\/p>\n

Day 6: Skuleskogen National Park<\/span><\/h3>\n

Skuleskogen National Park, set along Sweden\u2019s High Coast, is a sprawling wilderness where ancient forests meet the rugged Baltic shoreline. Visiting here was easily the highlight of my recent trip. Located just thirty minutes south of \u00d6rnsk\u00f6ldsvik, this park spans over 7,400 acres and has birch and pine forests, marshes, coastal beaches, granite mountains, and awesome views of the Baltic.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the park is Sl\u00e5ttdalsskrevan, a massive rock crevice that cuts through the bedrock. It\u2019s around 200 meters long and 30 meters deep. For safety reasons, you can\u2019t walk through it anymore but, if you come via the north side, you get a better view and can walk in a little bit. (The south entrance is completely closed off.)<\/p>\n

You could easily spend a few days here if you like to hike and camp, but at a minimum you\u2019ll want one full day. To help you make the most of your visit, here are a few tips and considerations:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early if you\u2019re driving as the parking lot is very small. To get to the park, you will definitely need a car. There are no other options.<\/li>\n
  2. The South gate trail to Sl\u00e5ttdalsskrevan is the shortest, however, the West gate trail provides the best diversity of landscapes (and fewest crowds).<\/li>\n
  3. If you want a relaxing hike, the coastal trail is not strenuous and has serene pebble beaches, rocky headlands, and quiet pine forests. It sees the fewest hikers too.<\/li>\n
  4. Hiking north to south (or vice versa) takes about five hours. Doing the South Gate to the crevice and back takes around three hours. There and back on the West trail is about four hours. I\u2019m pretty fit and hike a bit fast so take that into consideration but I found the trails a lot easier than the suggested times (I stopped a lot for photos and video content).<\/li>\n
  5. Bring your own food and water as there are no facilities once you\u2019re inside. Double check the weather too so you can dress appropriately.<\/li>\n
  6. If you\u2019re visiting in summer, bring bug spray as I found there to be loads of mosquitoes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Home to just under 60,000 people, Sundsvall is just a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen National Park. After being devastated by fire in 1888, the city was rebuilt almost entirely in stone, earning its elegant nickname Stenstaden<\/em> (\u201cthe Stone City\u201d). Perched between forested hills and the Gulf of Bothnia (the northern part of the Baltic Sea), the city was historically a hub of the timber and paper industries. Today, it\u2019s best known for its easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby High Coast.<\/p>\n

    Some things to see and do during your visit include:<\/p>\n

    Kulturmagasinet (The Culture Warehouse)<\/strong> \u2013 This cultural center is housed in old harbor warehouses that have been converted into a museum, library, and art space. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions on Sundsvall\u2019s history and local art, as well as take in temporary exhibitions and events. Be sure to check the website for the latest events.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Norra Berget (The Northern Mountain)<\/strong> \u2013 This is an open-air museum and park located on a hill overlooking the city. It features 40 historic buildings from around the region, including wooden houses and farmsteads. There are lots of exhibits that showcase historic life and culture in northern Sweden. It\u2019s a really good spot to bring kids.<\/p>\n

    Himlabadet Water Park<\/strong> \u2013 This family-friendly water park has indoor pools, saunas, and multiple water slides. There\u2019s a small toddler area, a climbing wall that curves out over the pool, and even a surfing simulator that lets you try your hand at surfing real waves.<\/p>\n

    Sidsj\u00f6n Lake<\/strong> \u2013 Just a 10-minute drive from the city center, Sidsj\u00f6n is a peaceful lake surrounded by walking and cycling trails. In summer, you can swim, fish, and paddle here, making it the perfect place to lounge away an afternoon (if you\u2019re visiting in winter, you can skate or cross-country ski here).<\/p>\n

    Aln\u00f6n Island<\/strong> \u2013 Connected to Sundsvall by a bridge, Aln\u00f6n is known for its sandy beaches and volcanic geology. The island is perfect for a day trip, offering swimming, small villages to explore, and scenic drives.<\/p>\n

    Where to Stay \u2013<\/strong> Lilla Hotellet is an affordable locally-owned three-star hotel. It\u2019s quiet, small, and has a cozy breakfast nook where you can fill up before you head out to explore.<\/p>\n

    Day 8 & 9: Uppsala<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Uppsala, Sweden\u2019s fourth-largest city, is just under four hours south of Sundsvall by car. It\u2019s a lively, energetic city home to almost 250,000 people and is known for its big student population (Uppsala University is here, a prestigious university founded in the 15th<\/sup> century). Owing to its big student population (and larger population in general), there\u2019s much more to see and do here beyond just enjoying nature and there\u2019s a lot of affordable restaurants and bars.<\/p>\n

    Here are some of my favorite things to do:<\/p>\n

    Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) \u2013<\/strong> Scandinavia\u2019s largest church, this impressive Gothic structure dates back to the 13th century. It\u2019s the final resting place of Swedish kings, scientists, and archbishops, with soaring spires that dominate the city\u2019s skyline. Inside, visitors can explore ornate chapels, admire medieval frescoes, and see the tombs of King Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus (a famous scientist known as \u201cthe father of modern taxonomy\u201d).<\/p>\n

    Uppsala University & Gustavianum \u2013 <\/strong>Founded in 1477, this is Sweden\u2019s oldest university. With over 50,000 students, it\u2019s a massive institution with lots to see and do in its own right. The Gustavianum Museum, for example, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. If you\u2019re on a budget, this area of town is where you\u2019re going to want to eat as all the cheapest bars and restaurants are here.<\/p>\n

    Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott) \u2013 <\/strong>A Renaissance-era castle overlooking the city, Uppsala Castle was once the site of royal coronations and political intrigue. The castle was actually built after a peasant uprising, as King Vasa I decided more fortifications were needed to prevent future uprisings. Today, it\u2019s home to museums and exhibitions where you can explore the original remains of the first castle built here, learn about the castle\u2019s history, and even admire historic art.<\/p>\n

    Botanical Garden & Linnaeus Garden \u2013<\/strong> Dating back to the 18th century, this is the largest botanical garden of its kind in Sweden. The Linnaeus Garden, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus\u2019s own 18th-century teaching garden, offers insight into how he classified species during his time as a botanist. In spring and summer, these gardens are particularly lively and colorful, making for a calming place to relax with a book or take a stroll when the sun is shining.<\/p>\n

    Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) \u2013 <\/strong>Just north of the city, this ancient site features massive Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was once a pagan religious center. This was a key political and spiritual site during the Viking Age, with ties to Norse mythology and early Swedish kings. Visitors can climb the burial mounds for sweeping views of the landscape. If you want to dive deeper into Viking-era history, the small Gamla Uppsala Museum is a short but worthwhile stop.<\/p>\n

    Carolina Rediviva Library \u2013 <\/strong>The university\u2019s main library, housing treasures like the Codex Argenteus (\u201cSilver Bible\u201d). Built in the 19th century, it is one of the largest research libraries in Scandinavia, with over five million volumes. Its exhibitions display rare manuscripts, maps, and early printed books. For anyone interested in history, literature, or rare artifacts, this library is a must-see (if you\u2019re not a history buff, though, you can probably skip it).<\/p>\n

    Where to Stay \u2013 <\/strong>If you\u2019re backpacking, Uppsala City Hostel is the best hostel in the city. While the bunks are basic, it\u2019s in a great location so you can easily get around. If you prefer a hotel, Botanika Uppsala is located right next to the botanical garden, which is the oldest in the country.<\/p>\n

    ***<\/center><\/p>\n

    This trip is best done by car, but it could also be done by train and bus if you don\u2019t want to rent a car. And, depending how much you want to hike, you can easily add in more days (there are a ton of multi-day hikes here, after all). Plus, there\u2019s plenty of islands in the archipelago to stop at, so you could really turn this itinerary into a multi-week trip if you wanted. It\u2019s really up to you!<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/p>\n

    \n

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    Book Your Trip to Sweden: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

    Book Your Flight<\/strong>
    Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!<\/p>\n

    Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
    You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as it has the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.<\/p>\n

    For a list of my favorite hostels in Stockholm, check out this post. If you prefer hotels, this post has all my favorites.<\/p>\n

    And for my favorite parts of the city to stay in, you can check out this post.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
    Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It\u2019s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I\u2019ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n

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    Want More Information on Sweden?<\/strong>
    Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Sweden for even more planning tips!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Source: https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/sweden-coast-itinerary\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    There\u2019s nothing like Sweden in the summer. Light hangs in the air for hours, boats nose through island-studded bays, and caf\u00e9s spill onto sidewalks as Swedes take advantage of the fleeting warm weather.\u00a0 With so much of the year spent in the cold and dark, the never-ending light that summer brings does not go to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7092,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[80,144,145],"class_list":["post-7091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-europe","tag-europeitinerary","tag-sweden"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7091"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7091\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}