Explore Northern Sweden: A 10-Day Summer Itinerary
There’s nothing like Sweden in the summer. Light lingers for hours, boats drift through island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes soak up the warm weather. If you want to see Sweden’s less-touristy side, this 10-day itinerary highlights the best places to visit in northern Sweden.
Day 1 & 2: Luleå
Luleå, home to 50,000 people, is your gateway to northern Sweden and Lapland. Beyond the city, explore forests, lakes, and an archipelago of over 1,300 islands.
- The Archipelago: Lounge on beaches, kayak, or hike. Popular islands: Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, Småskär. More info: Visit Sweden.
- Gammelstad Church Town: Explore 400 red wooden cottages around a 15th-century church. Experience Sweden’s rural history.
- Gammelstadsviken: A nature reserve ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
- Norrbotten Museum: Learn about Sami culture and regional history.
- Hiking: Trails like Hertsöleden (8km), Fäbodaleden (10km), and Vitån (12km). More info: Visit Luleå.
- Where to Stay: Clarion Hotel Sense
Day 3 & 4: Umeå
Umeå, northern Sweden’s cultural hub, has a youthful vibe thanks to its large student population. Enjoy museums, art, and nature.
- Västerbottens Museum: Explore regional history and open-air historic buildings.
- Guitars the Museum: Discover one of the world’s largest guitar collections.
- Kulturväven: Attend concerts, exhibitions, or visit the library and cinema. Check upcoming events: Kulturväven official site.
- Umedalens Skulpturpark: Free outdoor sculpture park surrounded by nature.
- Hiking: Trails like Isälvsleden, Tavelsjöleden, and Holmörundan. Car rental info: Discover Cars.
- Where to Stay: Hotell Björken
Day 5: Örnsköldsvik
Örnsköldsvik, gateway to the High Coast, offers hiking, kayaking, and a relaxing coastal vibe.
- High Coast Trail: Hike sections for stunning views of mountains and coastline.
- Kayaking & Swimming: Rentals from 300 SEK; Gullviks havsbad beach is ideal.
- Where to Stay: Elite Hotel or FriluftsByn.
Day 6: Skuleskogen National Park
Experience forests, marshes, beaches, and granite cliffs. Don’t miss Slåttdalsskrevan, a massive rock crevice. Learn more: Skuleskogen National Park.
- Plan your entry: South (busiest), North, or West gates.
- Hiking options range from easy coastal trails to full 5-hour hikes north to south.
- Bring food, water, and bug spray.
Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall
Sundsvall, nicknamed Stenstaden, offers a mix of cultural sites and outdoor activities along the Gulf of Bothnia.
- Kulturmagasinet: Museums, library, and exhibitions in old harbor warehouses.
- Norra Berget: Open-air museum with historic buildings.
- Sidsjön Lake: Swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding in summer.
- Where to Stay: Lilla Hotellet
Day 9 & 10: Uppsala
Uppsala, a historic university city, blends culture, history, and vibrant student life. Don’t miss:
- Uppsala Cathedral: Gothic church and burial site of Swedish kings.
- Gustavianum Museum: University museum with Viking artifacts.
- Botanical & Linnaeus Gardens: Stunning summer blooms and historical teaching gardens.
- Gamla Uppsala: Viking burial mounds and museum.
- Where to Stay: Uppsala City Hostel or Botanika Uppsala
This itinerary can be done by car or train, with optional multi-day hikes and island stops. Northern Sweden offers some of the best places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
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