Page 315 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

SPOR T S AND OUTDOOR A C TIVITIES  313

countryside alike. The bicycle
has enjoyed something of a
renaissance in Sweden and
Stockholm in particular has
invested heavily in cycle paths
and special cycle routes.
Cycling holidays have long
been popular on islands with
little traffic such as Öland and
Gotland. However, there are
now cycle trails following
minor roads and disused
One of STF’s many huts across the mountains railway lines, often marked by
green cycle-trail signs. A wide
all levels. Some enter the natural bathing spots are range of cycling packages is
“Swedish Classic”, in which supplemented by water parks available and there are plenty
over one year competitors and fun pools offering all kinds of places to hire bicycles,
ski the Vasaloppet (see p249) of watery activities, such as at tandems and trailers.
or Engelbrektsloppet Skara Sommarland (see p227) There are 30 or so regional
(60 km/37 miles), cycle the and Sydpoolen in Södertälje. cycle trails around the
Vätternrundan (300 km/ Generally, water quality is country, which require one or
190 miles), swim the high in Sweden and even in more stopovers to complete
Vansbrosimningen (3 km/2 the cities it is sometimes the distance. They can often
miles) and run the Lidingöloppet possible to swim from rocks be combined with the
(30 km/19 miles). Other events and beaches. Långholmen extensive Sverigeleden national
include the Stockholm in central Stockholm is a trail which runs 2,590 km (1,600
Marathon (see p33) and the favourite spot for a dip. In miles) from Helsingborg in
O-ringen in orienteering. hot summers, however, the south to Karesuando in
poisonous algae sometimes the far north. The trail is well-
blooms along the coast, so signposted and special maps
Swimming take advice locally on whether are available.
There are generally no restric- swimming is advisable. On the easier routes, 97 per
tions for anyone wanting to Indoor pools are a popular cent of which are paved,
take a dip in lakes, rivers and choice. Stockholm has the those who have the time for
the sea. However, there is no historic Centralbadet and a really long cycling holiday
need to take any risks as there Sturebadet among others. can experience Sweden’s
are thousands of public The spa and bathing culture ever-changing landscape.
bathing areas where the water has a long tradition in Sweden, Infor mation about cycling trails
quality is checked by the particularly in places such as is available from Svenska
health authorities. Even in Loka Brunn (see p143), with its Cykelsällskapet.
the north, there are plenty modern facilities. Another option for those
of opportunities to swim, who fancy pedalling is to
for example at Pite Havsbad, take a trolley trip on several
where the sunny beaches are Cycling railway tracks across the
known as “The Nordic Riviera” Pedal power is a great way to country where rail traffic
(see p272). In many places, the experience towns and has ceased.

A cycling trip on Visingsö in Lake Vättern, offering easy routes, fascinating sights and beautiful countryside

312-313_EW_Sweden.indd 313 11/07/16 11:51 am