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Tips On How To Have an Adventure in SwedenExplore the Great Outdoors Swedish-StyleBy Madelyn Miller, the travelLadyWith ancestors like the Vikings, Swedes have a reputation for being strong and adventurous. When I go to Sweden, I am mostly looking for a blonde, blue eyed native-grown Prince Charming. But even if you are looking for another kind of adventure, Sweden will totally satisfy you. Nature lovers and eco-tourists know that Sweden’s “great outdoors” is great indeed. Whether you’re a rugged explorer or you prefer your adventure on the soft side, you will never run out of things to do in Sweden. Here are some highlights: Walking and Hiking
In the Småland region of southeastern Sweden, better known as Sweden’s “Kingdom of Crystal,” you’ll find the Lönnebergaleden Trail that leads through Pippi Longstocking country and the John Bauer Trail (named for the famed painter of trolls and fairy folk) between Gränna and Huskvarna that follows the shore of sparkling Lake Vättern. In the Skåne region of western Sweden, the 140-kilometer Åsleden Trail takes you past stunning ravines and through primeval forests. Keep your eyes open for moose, reindeer and other local residents. Looking for a more challenging route? Try the low mountains of the Dalarna region or head farther north to West Lapland and ruggedly beautiful Sarek National Park, Europe’s largest national park, with over 5,200 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness for experienced hikers to explore. Sweden’s most famous trail is the 425-kilometer King’s Trail or Kungsleden. It’s Lapland’s “highway for hikers” twisting and climbing through the mountains, over bridges and through some of the most breathtaking scenery you can imagine. Kayaking and Canoeing
Gothenburg has an archipelago of its own for you to discover, where rocky islands shimmer pink in the morning sun. Say good day to the seal colonies basking on the rocks as you steer your kayak out to sea. Western Sweden’s lovely, placid lakes seem to beckon you to put your paddle in the water. Just north of Gothenburg is Vättlefjäll, where several lakes are linked by gently flowing canals. Perfect for canoeing. Can’t decide where to go first? Paddle in Sweden offers hundreds of suggested routes to whet your appetite for adventure. (www.kanotguiden.com) Adventures in the City
To really change your perspective on Stockholm, take in the view from above as you soar over the city in a hot air balloon. Stockholm is one of the few major world cities to offer visitors this kind of opportunity. For more information visit www.stockholmtown.com Way Up NorthLapland calls to the adventurous spirit in everyone. In Sweden’s northernmost region you’ll find silence, serenity and views that stretch on forever. Throughout Lapland is a network of interconnected trails for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. From Abisko mountain station you can venture out for day trips or cabin-to-cabin journeys. Perhaps a snowshoe trek is more your speed? Take a guided 1- to 3-day trip through the ancient forests of Lapland, overnighting in log cabins and enjoying the beauty around you. (www.creactive-adventure.se) While you’re way up north, take the opportunity to learn about the Sami – the native people of Lapland. On a 6-day Reindeer Sled Safari your Sami guide will lead the way as you drive your own sled through the pristine wilderness. You’ll sleep out in reindeer-skin tents, sample Lapland cuisine and discover a way of life you never knew existed. (www.nutti.se)
Want to drive something with a little more horsepower? Try one of the Arctic Driving Courses in the Norrebotten region, north of the Arctic Circle. After a turn on these ice tracks, you’ll handle the snowy streets in your neighborhood with ease. And no trip to Lapland would be complete without a stay at the world-famous IceHotel. In winter, you’ll sleep in a room built of ice. (Super-warm sleeping bags are included!) In summer, experience the same warm hospitality in one of the IceHotel’s comfortable cabins. The staff can also book you on a 5- or 7-day Lapland adventure. Summer activities include whitewater rafting, fishing, mountain excursions, a whale-watching safari and more. (www.icehotel.com) For more information on things to see and do in Lapland, visit: www.lappland.se and www.norrebottenlappland.se Let it Snow!
Another favorite activity is Tour Skating, a long-distance trip on skates over the frozen lakes and waterways that link the islands of the archipelagos around Stockholm and Gothenburg. Experienced tour-skaters can cover more than 100 miles in a day! The season begins around November, but it’s always critical to check conditions before you set out. And never skate alone! The Stockholm Ice Skate Sailing and Touring Club can give you more information about routes in and around Stockholm. (www.sssk.se) Alpine skiers have plenty of choices in Sweden. Åre in the Jämtland region is Sweden’s best-known ski resort and in 2007 it will host the Alpine World Championships. Other options include Sälen and Idre, which are great for families. Hemavan/Tärnaby in southern Lapland has lofty peaks where you can try heli-skiing (if that’s your pleasure) and at Riksgränsen in far northern Lapland you can ski under the Midnight Sun…in June! For information on outdoor activities in Sweden, go to www.visit-sweden.com For information on all of Sweden’s approved ecotourism operators, go to www.naturesbest.nu In Sweden, the seasons are a contrast. Light summer nights when the sun barely dips below the horizon alternates with short, snowy winter days. Best way to get to SwedenSAS Stockholm is one third water, one third green belt and one third city. Stockholm has got history—but also the latest in fashion and IT. The trendy Stockholmers are often used as a test market by international companies, as they are quick to pick up on the latest trends. This is the most obvious on the island of Sodermalm, a hotbed of fashion, young culture and entertainment. Great GuidebooksRICK STEVES’ SCANDINAVIA 2005 FODOR’S SWEDEN STOCKHOLM Best MapA map really matters in Stockholm. The best one is free, a
12 page section of STOCKHOLM SHOPPING GUIDE. I got mine free at Victory Hotel in
Old Town, but search one out. Madelyn's Favorites In StockholmRestaurants Restaurant Leijontornet Grinda Wardshus Grinda Wardshus Yasuragi’s Teppan Yaki Restaurant Hasseludden Konferense & Yasuragi Best Deal On a Meal There are lots of interesting ethnic choices in this food market. I saw a crowd around a Turkish sandwich shop and decided to follow the natives. For less than four dollars 25kr. I had a vegetarian pita filled with a stuffed grape leaf, fried eggplant and more vegetables all covered with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and smothered with garlic sauce, red pepper sauce and eggplant sauce. Yum. And then I found out this bargain price included water or apple juice. Coolest Place To Eat Best Internet Cafe About 40 K an hour. But you will not be able to resist the delicious pastries and coffee. You will easily spend that much on snacks while you are there. I found myself thinking about my email everytime I walked the café and got a whiff of the delicious baked goods Best Place For Homesick Americans Grays American Foodstore in Gamla Stan has all the
most-missed snacks including Oreo cookies and Snapple Iced Tea. They also sell
all-American breakfast cereals. Madelyn’s Favorite HotelsVictory Hotel This Relais and Chateau property has two sibling hotels, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton Sheraton Stockholm Hotel &Tower Most Unusual Place To Stay You can stay in the former prison of Longholmen. You can also buy appropriate nightwear here—modern reproductions of the old prisoner’s shirts. Get Away For a Day Grinda, an archipalgo island, is only an hour away. Yasuragi, a center for tranquility, beauty and harmony is a
place where guests can wind down, clear their thoguhts and regain energy to
tackle stresses and pressures of everyday life. Best Camera ShopKameradoktorn at David Bagares Gata 3. Best Place To Change MoneyForex is everywhere, but eXchange gives you better rates
and charges no commission no matter how small an amount you exchange Best Deal In TownThe Stockholm Card which costs 260 kr (about $36) and allows you access to 70 museums and public transportation for 24 hours. The card can be purchased online at www.stockholmtown.com/stockholmcard How To Get A Tax RefundIf you spend over 250 kr in one store, ask for the Global
Tax refund form. They will seal and stamp your purchase which you must then show
at a cash refund point when you leave the country. You will save up to 18% TransportationBus, underground and local trains Taxi Air The express train, Arlanda Express departs every 15 mnutes and takes 20 minutes to get into town. Airport buses depart every 5-15 minutes and take 35 minutes to get into the center. Taxis also take about 35 minutes and often have a fixed price for trips into the city. (always ask the price first) Train For more informationStockholm Visitors Board If you want to venture beyond Sweden, Fodor’s Scandinavia
is a very helpful guidebook All images courtesy of
www.imagebank.sweden.se.
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Nothing invigorates the spirit like fresh air and stunning
vistas to explore. Even in the heart of the city, you’re never far from a hiking
trail that will take you from the hustle and bustle into a world of peace, quiet
and beauty. Several popular lowland hiking trails originate in or near the
cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö and lead into the countryside. 
Believe it or not, you can do some invigorating whitewater
kayaking right in the heart of Stockholm. You’ll gain a great perspective on the
city as you paddle the course between the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera
House. Wawkee Kayaking runs two-hour kayak trips on this route, with a prep
course for beginners. (
Another way to add an element of adventure to a Stockholm
city vacation is touring by bicycle. Rent a bike and take it for a spin past the
city’s many landmarks. If you’re not up to navigating city streets by bike, but
you still want to pedal around, head for the wooded island of Djurgården where
you can bike along the traffic-free paths of Ekoparken, the National City Park.
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Or go to the dogs – sled dogs that is! – on a Dog-sledding
Journey. After a quick lesson, you and a partner will drive your own sled across
the snow. No worries about getting lost. The dogs always know the way!
Swedes are never afraid of a little snow. We simply strap
on our cross-country skis and “take a trip.” Gliding along a snow-covered trail
is one of the best ways to clear your mind and open your eyes. The going can be
quite brisk in winter, but on a sunny spring day it’s sublime.