View of Stockholm's old town in Sweden
A country steeped in history that harks back to the Viking Age, Sweden is a must-see for everyone looking for that next great adventure. The northern parts of Sweden are no exception. Densely packed spruce forests and a coastline spanning a whopping 3 000 km are the major natural highlights of this area, but with the capital of Stockholm just north of Nynäshamn, there’s something here for everyone.
Travel from Ventspils to Nynäshamn and you’ll disembark into a world where the capital lies at your doorstep. Travel north into the wooded counties of Dalarna and Medelpad, go south to Gotland or drive all the way to the west coast. As with any road trip, detours are encouraged! Don’t be afraid to make this adventure entirely your own.
The capital of Sweden is obviously a must-see for everyone coming to Sweden. Just one hour north of Nynäshamn, you’ll find everything your heart desires. There’s the amusement park Gröna Lund, the Royal Palace where you can watch the changing of the guard, the colossal Vasa Museum where the world’s best-preserved 17th century ship is, the ABBA museum and much, much more. Saunter down the streets of Gamla Stan and its 13th century buildings, have dinner at the waterfront and take a canal tour around the city. Simply put, Stockholm is truly a capital worthy of its title.
Situated at the edge of Stockholm and westwards is Lake Mälaren. All around the lake are numerous places where you can swim, enjoy a picnic or just soak up the sunshine. Don’t miss all the castles that are dotted along the lake, such as the Drottningholm Palace, Gripsholm Castle and Skokloster Castle, and don’t forget to take some pictures!
Just north of Stockholm is the city of Uppsala. With its botanical gardens, the Uppsala University and Uppsala Castle as well as numerous cafés and restaurants, Uppsala is a wonderful place to spend a day. If you want to get in touch with your Viking spirit, we highly recommend checking out the three Royal Mounds. These mounds are said to inhabit the bodies of the Norse gods Thor, Freyr and Odin.
Keep heading north and you’ll soon arrive at Höga Kusten, or The High Coast. Boasting a lofting 300 meters above sea level, this coastal area is a hiker’s delight. There are of course main roads that lead you through the jaw-dropping scenery, but if you’re planning a hike there’s some real beauty to be found here. The High Coast Trail spans 128km, but there are also day-hikes at Skule Mountain and the Skule National Park.
Set your compass westbound and head to the county of Härjedalen, a place with truly majestic scenery. Popular with skiers in the winter times, and great for outdoor activities all year round, Härjedalen lies at the foot of the Scandes mountain range. It’s often been called a fisherman’s dream, with wild char and trout swimming around in the countless lakes and endless rivers that emboss this magical part of Sweden.
If you fancy going southwards instead of north, we recommend you travel south from Stockholm and visit the island of Gotland. With an awe-inspiring city wall and riddled with houses from the 13th century, the entire city of Visby is a protected World Heritage Site. Dotted around the island you’ll find rune carvings, ruins from massive cathedrals and a peaceful countryside that truly makes Gotland stand out from the crowd.
The trip from Stockholm to Uppsala will take roughly one hour depending on traffic. On the way, the city of Sigtuna has a large number of runes from the Viking age!
A longer drive of 400km, the drive would take about 4½ hours from Uppsala until you reach The High Coast. Don’t forget, the road trip is yours to plan! If you’re feeling up for it, we really recommend driving up to The High Coast.
If you’re planning a trip to Gotland, the only way there is by ferry. Be sure to book your ticket in advance as they could sell out!
Sweden’s big cities might have Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining, but don’t be afraid to try the local foods as well! You’d be surprised often the local food scene can be made into superb dishes.
Copyright Stena Line 2024
