Page 314 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

312  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SPORTS AND OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES

Sweden has countryside in abundance and in adventure sports – from challenging
the “allemansrätt” (Right of Public Access) hikes in remote mountain regions and sea
makes it accessible in a way rarely found kayaking in the outer archipelagos to
elsewhere in the world. An active outdoor life competing in the long-distance Vasaloppet
is a staple of the Swedish lifestyle. Constantly skiing race, the Vansbrosimningen swimming
rising demand for outdoor activities has led race, the Lidingöloppet cross-country race
to an increasing range of trails for hiking, and the Vätternrundan cycling race, which
canoeing and cycling, and the construction together make up what is known as the
of hundreds of new ski lifts, golf courses and “Swedish Classic”. More leisurely pursuits
guest harbours. There has also been a boom include horse riding and fishing.
General Information Maps of the trails usually
In addition to the tourist provide information about
information offices, there are a stopping-off points, attractions,
number of organizations to accommodation and services
assist outdoors enthusiasts. The along the way.
state-run Naturvårdsverket has The most popular mountain
an excellent website, which also areas have marked trails for
provides useful information day trips and longer hikes with
about Sweden’s 28 national overnight accommodation in
parks. Friluftsfrämjandet is a huts and at mountain stations.
100-year-old voluntary For more than 100 years,
organization – the backbone Svenska Turistföreningen (STF)
of outdoor life for its many has been the main provider of Walking with poles, a popular form
activities and operations. services in the mountains in of exercise
summer and winter.
The mountain trails mainly Along the trails, there are simple
Hiking Trails run through road-free land. huts in which to stay, with a self-
Although it is possible to pitch a There are STF mountain stations catering kitchen and in some
tent almost anywhere, it is often at strategic locations from cases provisions for sale. Space
more practical to follow one of Abisko in Lapland to Grövelsjön cannot be booked in advance,
the many well-tended hiking in Dalarna. Although out in the but everyone usually gets a roof
trails. There are numerous wilds, these are relatively easy to over their head. In the summer,
lowland trails, such as the access and make an excellent STF has special hosts to help
Skåneleden, which runs south starting point for hiking tours in with tips and advice.
to north through Skåne. the mountains. The stations The trails crossing the high
Mountain trails proliferate, the have hotel-standard mountains can be extremely
best of which is the renowned accommodation, restaurants, demanding for the uninitiated.
Kungsleden stretching 450 km self-catering kitchens, shops It is important not to be too
(280 miles) (see pp278–9). and equipment hire. ambitious and to have
appropriate equipment.
Whatever the time of year,
the weather changes quickly,
so keep up to date with the
forecast, which is usually posted
at stations and huts. The
summer season for mountain
hiking is from about mid-June
to mid-September.

Endurance Tests
Competitions for elite athletes
and fitness enthusiasts alike
have become increasingly
popular in Sweden, attracting
A hiker en route to the Sylarna mountain station, Jämtland thousands of participants of

312-313_EW_Sweden.indd 312 11/07/16 11:51 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.6)
Date 7th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm