Page 19 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

DISC OVERING SWEDEN  17

national park, Kosterhavets Spend the afternoon taking in
(p215). In the morning, hire a the splendours of Gripsholms
bike to get around Sydkoster, Slott (pp138–9), one of
the larger of the two, and take a Sweden’s most stunning
picnic lunch to enjoy alfresco. castles, surrounded by Lake
Then take the inter-island ferry Mälaren. The 16th-century
link to quieter Nordkoster, castle has a vast collection of
which is best explored on foot. portraits in its National Portrait
Return by ferry to Strömstad in Gallery and some particularly
the late afternoon. fine pieces of furniture. End
the day in Stockholm.
Day 7: Dalsland Canal
Arrive at Bengtsfors, and start Days 10–11: Stockholm
the day with a quick walk Follow the city itineraries
around Gammelgården open- on page 12.
air museum before joining the
Dalsland Canal Tour (p214). Days 12–14: Lapland
The 5½-hour boat trip from Gripsholms Slott, home of the National Sweden’s remote frontier,
Bengtsfors to Köpmannebro, Portrait Gallery Lapland offers the visitor the
on Lake Vänern, passes some opportunity to get up close
stunning scenery, as well as rock cross over to the west side of and personal with nature and
carvings, manor houses and the the lakes at Sunne to reach experience the great outdoors.
spectacular Håverud Aqueduct, Tossebergsklätten (p236), a If visiting in winter, spend
on its journey through 19 locks. hill near the northernmost a night at ICEHOTEL in
Return to Bengtsfors by bus or lake, Övre Fryken, for splendid Jukkasjärvi (p276), sampling
train (1 hour), then drive to views of the surrounding land- Arctic cuisine, experiencing
Karlstad (p238) or, if using public scape. Next, follow the west side Sami culture and taking in a
transport, continue north along of the lakes south to Rottneros Northern Lights, snow-mobile
Lake Vänern, ending the day (p236), another superb manor or husky-sled tour. Next, move
in Karlstad. house with a unique sculpture on to one of three ski resorts
park and gardens. Return to in the area, Björkliden, Abisko
Day 8: Exploring Värmland Karlstad in the evening. or Riksgränsen (p279) for
Use Karlstad as a two-night some quality cross-country or
base. Take a day trip around Day 9: Örebro and downhill skiing.
scenic parts of the province of Gripsholms Slott In summer, spend a couple
Värmland, home to many artists, Örebro (pp242–3), on Svartån of days hiking amid the stunning
writers and poets. Drive north to River near Lake Hjälmaren, has scenery. Take the train (or drive)
the Fryken Lakes (p236), three a long-standing history and from Kiruna (p276), northern
striking lakes in the heart of the some impressive sights, Lapland’s main hub, to Abisko,
province. Follow their east side including the massive part of the scenic Kungsleden
and stop at Mårbacka (p236), 13th-century castle, Örebro Trail (pp278–9), and follow
the family estate of Selma Slott, now seat of the county the trail through Abisko
Lagerlöf, the first woman to be governor. Take a tour around National Park to Abiskojaure.
awarded the Nobel Prize for the Northwest Tower, then Alternatively, continue by
Literature. Take a guided tour admire the façades of the train to Riksgränsen, where
of the beautiful manor house Neo-Gothic-style town hall skiing on the high slopes is still
and gardens. Head north, then and St Nicolai Kyrka. possible as late as Midsummer.

Opening one of the 19 locks on the Dalsland Canal

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