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In September 2009, 100 years after Sweden’s first national parks, Sarek and Muddus in Lapland, were created, Sweden’s first Marine National Park will be inaugurated in the Koster Islands.
Lying just a short boat ride to the west of the coastal town of Strömstad between Sweden and Norway, the Koster archipelago has two main islands, North and South Koster. Surrounded by a beautiful archipelago of smaller islands, rocks and skerries, the car-free Koster Islands are Sweden’s most westerly populated islands.
Much of the land area of North and South Koster is already protected as a Nature Reserve. The Koster Marine National Park will cover around 45,000 hectares, protecting and conserving the unique natural marine heritage of the area.
The idea behind the Koster Marine National Park is to focus on a sustainable future for the islands, recognising both the economic importance of well-managed tourism and the biodiversity of the area. Koster is one of Sweden’s most popular coastal destinations during the summer but is also home to a number of species found nowhere else in Swedish waters. The waters surrounding the islands are also a vitally important inshore fishery for species such as lobster as well as a haven for wildlife, including a colony of common seals.
With its contrasts of deep and shallow hard-bedded waters, exposed and sheltered shallows and soft seabeds, Koster is in a class of its own as an area of marine biodiversity in Sweden. The Koster Fjord is connected to the Norwegian trench, which is turn connects to the edge of the continental shelf out in the Atlantic towards Norway, creating environmental conditions similar to deep ocean trenches. In time, it is planned that the Koster Marine National Park will connect with a similar protected area around the Hvaler Islands in Norway.
The Koster Marine National Park authorities plan to work in close collaboration with island residents to develop sustainable tourism and a sustainable economy on the islands. A new visitor centre is being constructed to showcase the importance of the area and provide a valuable educational resource for locals and visitors alike.
Koster is a wonderful destination for outdoor activities and offers some of Sweden’s best opportunities for sea kayaking holidays. We offer a range of guided and self-guided sea kayaking tours in the western archipelago, including Kayaking in the Koster Archipelago, a 3-day guided tour with wild camping.
Koster has always been a beautiful area to visit. With increased protection and greater national and international awareness of the value of archipelago’s marine environment, it should remain so for many years to come.
Learn more about Koster Marine National Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mHCSVI6biB
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Life is busy, and not everyone is able to find time to arrange their train tickets in advance and so get the best fares.
As discussed in our recent blog post about public transport in Sweden, Swedish rail operator SJ releases the most affordable tickets 90 days before travel. These fares are then sold on a “first come, first served” basis, meaning fares will tend to increase steadily the closer to your date of travel you book.
If you are able to make your train bookings well in advance, there are some excellent deals available. But for various reasons, this may not always be possible. Perhaps you are booking your holiday in Sweden at the last minute, or perhaps you have been meaning to get around to booking your train tickets for weeks but other things somehow took priority.
Whatever the reason, it’s worth considering the Swedish bus network as both a cost-effective and comfortable alternative. Sweden is a vast country, and its extensive rail network serves many destinations in even the remotest areas. But there are necessarily huge areas of the country where bus is by far the most frequent or convenient option.
Local bus services (on which we are always happy to advise clients travelling with us) are run by regional operators. Swebus – www.swebusexpress.se – operates regular coach services covering much of the country, with very affordable prices.
For example, if you are travelling from Gothenburg to Karlstad for one of our canoeing holidays in Sweden, current fares for one of the regular direct buses with Swebus cost just £15/adult/way and take around 4 hours.
To book your bus tickets with Swebus, go to www.swebusexpress.se. Click “English” in the top left corner and select your departure point and destination. You can then choose from a variety of ticket options (price depending on flexibility required). You can also call them on +46 (0)771 – 218 218.
You should also note that some bus connections, both Swebus services and local bus services, are listed as part of the timetable information when checking train connections on Swedish rail operator SJ’s website www.sj.se. When these services are listed, tickets for travel can also be purchased through the SJ website. This is often a very convenient way to buy a ticket valid for your whole journey right through to your final destination, perhaps combining the main part of a longer journey by train with the last section by bus. You may also find in some cases that Swebus may offer a more convenient service than the train for the outward journey, but that you wish to take a train for your return. Once again, as long as the bus services are listed by SJ you will be able to buy a ticket for both journeys at the SJ website.
Sweden is a wonderful country to travel in by public transport, whether you are taking a night train up north for one of our hiking holidays in Lapland or over to the Norwegian border for one of our dog sledding tours in Sweden, or a bus to the archipelago to go on a sea kayaking tour! And with Swebus, you can even leave it to the last minute to organise your journey and still get affordable fares!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Sweden’s reputation for reliable and efficient public transport networks is well-deserved. Despite the vast distances involved and the remote nature of much of Sweden, its web of well-organised public transport links offers regular connections to even the furthest reaches of the country. Where it is necessary to take a combination of train and bus to reach your destination, bus timetables are often thoughtfully coordinated with train arrival and departure times.
As well as being a convenient, comfortable and environmentally-friendly option, travelling by train and bus in Sweden offers a wonderful opportunity to see the landscape of this beautiful country and can really add to your enjoyment of your trip.
How to check train timetables and purchase tickets for public transport in Sweden
On the website of Swedish national rail operator SJ, you can check connections and book your tickets online. You can check times and purchase tickets for the complete route, including any sections where it is necessary to travel by bus.
To see timetables and to book your tickets, go to www.sj.se. Click “In English” in the top right corner. Type in your start point and your destination. If you have difficulties, you can also call them on +46 (0) 771-75 75 75. Wait for the message to say ”For information in English, press…”
Many Swedish place names will use the Swedish characters å, ä and ö. If you do not have these characters on your keyboard, you can replace them with the English characters a and o. The system will usually make a guess as to the place name you require and ask you to confirm your choice. If you have difficulties, you can also copy and paste these characters from the sentence above. If travelling to or from Gothenburg, you should also bear in mind that the Swedish name for Gothenburg is Göteborg. In all place names, “C” signifies the central station (e.g. Stockholm C = Stockholm Central).
It is much cheaper to buy your tickets in advance. You should note that the most affordable tickets are only released 90 days before travel. If you are checking connections many months in advance, timetable information for your chosen dates may not be published yet. In this case, use sample earlier dates to get an idea of likely connections. For group bookings, SJ offers special group rates for groups of 10 or more persons – for a quotation, email gruppresor@sj.se.
One important point when purchasing your tickets online: the English version of the SJ website is still under development (in fact this bug has already been present for some time – we have discussed the matter with SJ but no changes have been made as of the time of writing). When you come to the booking page, the form will ask for your telephone number. This field is not yet set up properly to accept overseas numbers. Instead, use the following number as a “dummy”: 0870 12345678. This number is not important to your booking and will not be used for contact purposes.
Taking a night train in Sweden
If travelling to one of our guided hiking tours in Lapland or our dog sledding holidays in Jämtland, taking a night train is often the most convenient option. Sweden’s long distance rail routes take you through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country, and a journey by night train is a real experience, delivering you to your destination refreshed and ready to begin your holiday adventure! There are a choice of sleeping arrangements to suit all tastes and budgets, from couchettes to private en-suite compartments.
Buying the most affordable train tickets in Sweden
As mentioned above, the most affordable tickets are released 90 days before travel, and it is usually possible to get very good prices for your chosen route. If you are willing to wait until less than 48 hours before travel, it is now also possible to bid on SJ train tickets, meaning that you could travel for as little as 1 kr! For details of the bidding system, please see http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=224&a=51518&l=en
Local bus services in Sweden
There is also an efficient network of local bus connections. For local services it is usually not possible to purchase your tickets in advance. You should buy your tickets on board. Operators for local bus routes in Sweden will depend on the area in which you are travelling. We are happy to advise on suitable travel connections to any of our holidays in Sweden.
Booking trains from between Norway or Denmark and Sweden
If the majority of your journey is in Sweden, the SJ website will probably show connections and allow you to purchase your tickets (if travelling to/from Copenhagen in Denmark, remember that the Swedish for Copenhagen is “Köpenhamn”). If not, you may find connections listed at www.bokatag.se.
Swedish public transport allows you to reach even the most remote parts of this lovely country quickly, safely and affordably. It is possible to reach all the outdoor holidays in Sweden offered by Nature Travels by public transport, and the great majority of our clients travel to and from our experiences by public transport.
Advice on travel to/from your destination is given in the “Getting There” section of the Full Details file for each of our experiences. Simply click on the “Full Details” link on each experience page. You can browse an interactive map of holidays in Sweden at www.naturetravels.co.uk/holidays-in-sweden.htm. You can also book flight buses from Swedish airports into the city for onward train connections through us at ww.naturetravels.co.uk/add-ons-flygbussarna.htm. We are happy to advise our clients on any aspect of travelling to one of our wildlife, outdoor and adventure holidays in Sweden. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
The Göta Canal is one of Sweden’s best-known holiday attractions. Pronounced “yutta”, it is sometimes known as “Sweden’s blue ribbon” (although within Sweden it is perhaps even better known as the title and location for a series of enormously popular Swedish comedy films). The Göta Canal was built in the early 19th century, linking the port city of Gothenburg in the west with Söderköping on the Baltic Sea. Along the way, the canal passes through Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vännern and Vättern, and through parts of the Göta älv (or Göta river) and Trollätte canal.
The renowned Scottish engineer Thomas Telford developed the first plans for the canal, which were finally implemented by architect Baltzar von Platen on the directions of the Swedish King. Work begin in April 1810 and the canal finally opened in 1832.
In total, the Göta Canal is 190.5km, about 120 miles, of which just under half is excavated canal. The rest consists of natural rivers and lake systems.
The timing of the construction was perhaps not fortuitous, as the importance of canals as transport routes went into steep decline shortly afterwards with the growth of the railways, but although it turned out to be of limited importance for industry, the legacy of Telford and von Platen’s efforts has been a unique leisure resource. In modern times, the canal itself offers excellent canoeing, kayaking and boating opportunities, while the paths that run alongside are popular with cyclists and hikers. The firm paths are particularly good for Nordic Walking (aerobic walking using special poles).
Our Göta Canal Activity Break is an affordable and accessible experience on the banks of the Göta Canal ideal for couples, active families with children of any age, or groups of friends, located just a couple of hours by public transport from either Gothenburg or Stockholm. Accommodation is in the “House of Nature”, a beautiful light and airy building constructed using environmentally-friendly materials and treated with natural paints. The house has also been cleared of magnetic fields.
The House of Nature offers tranquil accommodation and excellent cuisine, served in a dedicated dining house in the garden. Though affiliated to the Swedish Youth Hostel organisation, the standard of the accommodation is far above what one might expect of a hostel. Each party of guests have their own rooms (there is no shared accommodation) and each room is allocated a private bathroom.
The Göta Canal Activity Break is both ideal for a family holiday in Sweden and an excellent choice for groups of mixed ages and interests. For those who wish to relax and take it easy during their visit, the House of Nature provides a welcoming and intimate atmosphere in which to leave the stresses of modern life far behind.
If you are looking for a more active holiday in Sweden, guests enjoy free access to a wide range of outdoor equipment and activities. You can borrow kayaks to go paddling on the lake or the canal itself, take a rowing boat across the lake in search of the perfect picnic spot, borrow bicycles to explore the canal or surrounding forest, or take some Nordic Walking poles and try your hand and this popular and highly addictive way to keep in shape.
Whether you are looking for an idyllic rural retreat or a base for adventure, Sweden’s Göta Canal offers a wealth of possibilities for independent travellers, families or groups.
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
For details of other multi-activity holidays, family-friendly holidays and canoeing and kayaking holidays in Sweden, please see our website at www.naturetravels.co.uk
A camp fire is the centre of social life in the Swedish outdoors, a focal point for conversation, a place to cook and eat, a source of heat, and a hypnotic and endlessly fascinating thing to watch. Without a camp fire, life in the outdoors is a colder experience in all senses of the word. A fire at the end of a long day out in the wilds will lift the spirits and soothe the body.
Wild camping and the freedom to light camp fires is one of the great joys of any outdoor experience in Sweden, and one of the many things which attracts visitors to this vast and beautiful country. But with this freedom comes important responsibilities – the responsibility to guard effectively against the risk of your camp fire spreading out of control, and the responsibility to take only what you need and in the least damaging way from the local environment. Sweden’s forest resources may seem endless, but their ecology is fragile. In northern and mountainous regions where temperatures are low for much of the year and available daylight limits the growing season, trees just a few centimetres high may be surprisingly old and ecosystems can take a very long time to regenerate after any damage.
Potential for the most dramatic problems comes from the risk of forest fire. While natural fires are vital to the fertilisation and regeneration of some forest ecosystems, as with everything in nature, it is maintaining a balance which is important. Large fires can have an enormously damaging impact on local wildlife, in some cases destroying whole populations of threatened species, and the ecology of the area can take decades to recover. In addition, of course, they can pose an enormous risk to human life and property.
While the UK has had a rather damp start to the 2008 summer season, Sweden by contrast has been basking in the sunshine, with above average temperatures and an extended dry period. This is good news for visitors (our early season canoeists had some truly wonderful weather for their tours in May!), but with the sun and the lack of rain comes the increased risk of forest fire. This has already led to serious problems in some parts of Sweden. As we write, large fires caused by the extended dry spell are raging in the northern province of Hälsningland.
The potential for forest fires was illustrated dramatically recently when one of our clients was unfortunate enough to have a problem with his camp fire during a canoe tour, resulting in the complete destruction of his sleeping bag, rucksack, camera and clothes and melting the paddle for their canoe. He and his travelling companion acted quickly to bring the fire under control, narrowly avoiding a much more serious incident, and to their great credit then spent what must have been a most uncomfortable night at the spot to ensure that the fire was completely out before returning to base the following day. Fortunately, the key to their hire car, which had also almost completely melted, was still functioning!
With this in mind, here are a few hints and tips for enjoying the warmth and comfort of your camp fire safely and limiting your impact on the local environment during your experience in Sweden:
When not to light a fire
Observe any local or temporary restrictions regarding the lighting of fires. During particularly dry conditions when there is a high risk of forest fires, local restrictions may be imposed prohibiting the lighting of fires. Check notices and local information for the latest situation. Certain protected areas such as national parks and nature reserves may also have their own rules regarding the lighting of fires and use of forest resources.
How to make a fire
When lighting your fire, please make sure you observe the following guidelines:
1. Choose a suitable place for your fire, with a base of gravel or sand. It should also have easy access to water in case you need to put the fire out quickly. Check the wind strength and direction – sparks can carry some way and ignite the surrounding forest or grassland.
2. You should not light your fire on a bed of peat or moss, which burn very easily. Peat fires can smoulder and burn underground for a very long time, and may still be burning below ground level even when the fire seems to be out from above. Similarly, you should avoid lighting your fire in any earthy, forested area. You should also avoid lighting your fire near to anthills or old tree stumps, both of which may catch fire very easily.
3. Do not build large bonfires – this is a waste of resources and extremely dangerous. Keep your fire small, focused and controlled (this also makes it much better for cooking on if you are planning to make food on your fire). Dig a shallow hole in which to make your fire or make a circle of stones around the fire to contain it. Do not use wet stones, which can crack and explode when heated. Also, do not light your fire on or next to flat rocks. This chars and may crack the rock and looks very unsightly, and the marks will remain for a very long time.
4. If there is a strong wind, do not light a camp fire.
5. Do not burn rubbish of any kind on your fire. Even cardboard and paper is difficult to burn completely and will leave an unsightly residue. Burning paper can be carried into the surrounding trees by small gusts of wind. Do not try to burn plastic or food waste. Please take everything with you and dispose of it correctly.
6. When collecting fuel for your fire, it is permitted to use small branches, twigs and pine cones which are lying on the ground. Bear in mind that dead wood provides an extremely valuable habitat for a wide range of species – more species of insect can be supported by dead wood than live wood – so avoid larger branches and stumps. Just because they are no longer on the tree, doesn’t mean that they are not still extremely important to the local ecology!
7. You must not take any material from live trees or damage them in any way.
How to put out your camp fire
Do not leave the campsite before the fire is completely extinguished – it must burn down completely before you leave. Use water to put the fire out, then poke it to extinguish any embers. Use a small trowel to dig up the earth under the fire to ensure there are no embers or smoke remaining.
What to do if your fire gets out of control
If you can, call the fire brigade immediately. In Sweden, the number is 112. It is important to stop the fire spreading in the direction of the wind. Take some bunches of branches from pine or juniper trees (these are better than leafy branches). Wet the branches if possible. Use the branches to sweep the burning pieces towards the fire while pressing the branches against the ground to put out the flames. Clear brushwood and twigs out of the way and remove moss from the path of the fire. DO NOT beat at the fire with large strokes, as this will spread sparks.
What to do if your clothes catch fire
Get down on the ground and roll over and over. If someone else’s clothes catch fire, lay the person on the ground and smother the flames with a blanket or jacket. Protect their face by covering from the head downwards. Bear in mind that some fabrics, e.g. nylon, can catch fire and melt and may increase the risk of injury.
Use cold water to cool burning clothes and soothe burn injuries. If clothes are stuck to the skin, do not try to remove them. You should keep affected skin in cold water for at least 10 minutes.
General camp safety
You should never have an open fire or any glowing coals inside or near your tent. Have a knife to hand to cut your way out in case of emergency.
If using a camping stove, wait until any unused fuel and utensils are cool before packing the stove away or pouring the fuel back into the bottle.
A last word…
A camp fire on a long Swedish summer evening (or a short winter one if you’re winter camping!) is a wonderful experience. If you follow the simple guidelines above when collecting your fuel and lighting your fires, you will be able to enjoy your fire safely and ensure a supply of fuel and a pristine environment for those who come after you.
Happy camping!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Nature Travels offers a wide range of outdoor experiences in Sweden, most of which offer wild camping. In the summer, we offer a range of self-guided canoeing holidays and guided sea kayaking expeditions, all of which include wild camping. In winter, it is possible to experience the joy and challenge of winter camping on our Go Camping by Dogsled, Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland, Snowshoeing in Wolverine Country and Dog Sledding and Winter Bushcraft experiences. For information, please see our website at www.naturetravels.co.uk
What is the Swedish Right of Public Access?
Allmansrätten, or “Every Man’s Right”, is an important part of Swedish cultural heritage, a unique freedom of access to Sweden’s countryside and wild places, and one of the things which makes Sweden such an attractive destination for the outdoor enthusiast.
Where does the Swedish Right of Public Access come from?
The origins of the Right date back to the local laws and customs of the Middle Ages, and it is of enormous importance in Sweden both to individuals and to groups, clubs and tour operators (such as ourselves). Clubs and companies are permitted to take advantage of the Right of Public Access when conducting activities in the Swedish countryside, although in essence the Right is limited to individuals.
What is its general principle?
The Right of Public Access has a number of parts, which are discussed in more detail below, but in essence it can be summed up in the phrase “Do not disturb, do not destroy”. With the considerable freedom and right to roam afforded by Allmansrätten comes the burden of care and responsibility, and the principles of the Right are there both for the enjoyment of outdoor activities in Sweden and for the protection of its rich flora and fauna.
Why is it necessary?
With a growing global population and increased pressure on natural areas everywhere for recreational purposes, the principles of the Right of Public Access are more important than ever, providing an important framework for the sustainable enjoyment of Sweden’s countryside and wilderness areas. If these areas are used without care or respect, irreparable damage can occur to the natural environment, which may include:
- litter and toilet waster
- erosion of paths and soil
- depletion of natural resources such as wood for fire making
- damage to fragile ecosystems and removal of rare or vulnerable species
What controls are there to ensure that companies follow the rules?
The Swedish Environmental Code requires organises of outdoor activities in the countryside to demonstrate a knowledge of and respect for the natural environment of the area in which their activities take place. They are also obliged to inform participants in their experiences of the principles of the Right of Public Access and how the natural environment of the area can be conserved and protected.
At Nature Travels, we work exclusively with small-scale partner companies in Sweden. All these companies are members of the Swedish Ecotourism Society and most have passed through a strict quality-control system to receive a quality mark for their high standard of environmental commitment. Among the many criteria that must be met for certification, they must provide a detailed analysis of how their activities impact the local environment and what measures they have to manage this impact. For more details on this, please see our previous blog article on Ecotourism FAQs.
On any of the experience pages on our website at www.naturetravels.co.uk, you will see a button near the top of the page labelled “Full Details”. This link opens a PDF file giving further information on the experience, and in each file you will find a section titled “Common Sense and the Right of Public Access”. If you have any questions about how this applies to your chosen experience, please don’t hesitate to ask and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Can I walk or ski anywhere in Sweden?
Within certain guidelines, yes. Following the principle of “Do not disturb, do not destroy”, you may not walk or ski on cultivated ground or in the grounds around someone’s house. There are no limits or distances defined in law, but people engaged in outdoor activities in Sweden are required to exercise common sense and consideration. For example, a newly-planted section of a forestry plantation would also be considered “off-limits”, even though it may not be seen as cultivated ground as such. Common sense also allows you to interpret the Right sensibly – you should not cross a crop field where crops are growing, but if the ground is hard and snow-covered in winter, there is no reason why you should not be allowed to cross.
What about cycling?
The Right of Public Access also allows great freedom for cycling in Sweden. Again, you must use your discretion to judge whether or not your presence will disturb or destroy, but you are allowed access to all private roads, and it is not permitted for a landowner to put up a sign prohibiting you from cycling on the road or path.
You should ensure that you choose the correct cycling style to suit the area and the environment. Avoid places or times or weather conditions when your tyres could cause erosion, keep off fragile areas such as those covered in moss or lichen, and if cycling on a trail intended for hikers or joggers, cycle slowly and show consideration for other uses of the paths, giving way to joggers and walkers.
There are exceptions to the freedoms afforded to the cyclist in Sweden. Local authorities may decide to introduce “No Cycling” restrictions on some paths, while inside National Parks and other protected areas, cycling may be banned completely.
Can I ride a horse in Sweden?
Again, horse riding in Sweden is permitted in most areas under the Right of Public Access. Because of the great potential for riders to damage ground and cause erosion, there are a number of things you should bear in mind when riding your horse in Sweden.
You should avoid trails specially intended for hikers, joggers or skiers and avoid sensitive ground such as bogland or moss-covered areas. You should also be careful not to damage young trees and be especially cautious when the ground is wet around spring and autumn. If riding in the same area on a regular basis, it is advisable to ask for permission from the local landowner. You should also avoid cultivated ground and the grounds of houses as you would if walking or cycling.
Unlike for cyclists, landowners can erect a “No Riding” sign in areas where there is high risk of damage to the ground. Local authorities and National Parks and nature reserves may also have their own restrictions.
Can I fish without a licence in Sweden?
No, not generally. As a non-Swedish citizen, you are required to have a licence unless fishing with hand-gear in public waters. In all other cases, you must obtain a fishing permit. Fishing is prohibited within 100m of stationary fishing equipment and fish farms. You are permitted to fish from a private jetty on an occasional basis (though not one next to someone’s house), but must of course give priority to the owner of the jetty if they require access for a boat, etc.
Can I pick mushrooms, berries and flowers in Sweden?
One of the great joys of being out in the forests of Sweden is the rich carpets of flowers and berries which cover the forest floor, and the wide variety of mushrooms available at different times of year. Looking for and gathering this forest bounty is a popular activity for Swedes and visitors alike. If you are particularly interested in this forest pastime, you may wish to take a look at our Autumn Forest Gold experience.
You are permitted to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms for private use, but must avoid protected species and should also use your discretion for other fragile species which may not yet be formally protected. There may be local restrictions in place if a particular species is vulnerable in that area. Protection for plants and animals is usually absolute – you are not permitted to disturb them in any way, even within the grounds of your house. In other cases, protected may be partial, so that certain flowers can be picked for private use, but not dug up by the roots. If a property is abandoned and there are no standing buildings, it is permitted for you to collect fruit, e.g. apples, raspberries, gooseberries, etc. from the abandoned orchard.
Live wood is also protected, and you may not chop wood from a growing tree to make a fire or otherwise cause damage to it (e.g. by carving in the bark).
As with many other aspects of the Swedish Right of Public Access, National Parks and protected areas may have their own restrictions on the collection of berries, flowers and mushrooms.
Can I take my dog on holiday to Sweden?
Many Swedes own dogs themselves, and dogs are generally very welcome in Sweden. There are certain restrictions designed to protect wild animals during the most vulnerable times of the year and to prevent harm to livestock.
Between 1st March and 20th August, it is important that dogs are not allowed to run loose in the countryside. In practice, this means that dogs should be kept on a lead in areas where there are wild animals, livestock or game. Outside this period, dogs should be kept under close control, and if you are in an area which practices reindeer husbandry, dogs not used for reindeer herding must be on a lead at all times.
Once again, National Parks and other protected areas will have their own regulations, and in some National Park areas dogs are prohibited.
If you would like to take your dog on holiday to Sweden, Nature Travels offers a number of dog-friendly experiences which are ideal for dog owners. Please contact us for details. You should be aware that Sweden that the regulations for bringing a dog into Sweden are usually tighter than for other EU countries. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or assistance.
Can I light camp fires in Sweden?
Yes, lighting fires is permitted under the Right of Public Access, but you must follow certain precautions to minimise damage and the risk of an uncontrolled fire.
Many people do not think of Sweden as a hot country, but in fact during the summer, the forests and heathlands can become extremely dry and large forest fires are a very real danger.
You must site your fire whether there is no risk of the fire spreading and where the fire will not cause damage, such as on sandy ground or gravel. Avoid mossy and peat-bog areas, as the fire is likely to spread and can also burn underground unnoticed long after you have left. You should also not light your fire next to a rock, as this can crack and scar the rock. Wet stones may crack and even explode when heated. You are permitted to collect cones, fallen branches and twigs for your fire, but must not gather live wood or use fallen trees. Dead trees are extremely valuable habitats for wildlife and must be left intact.
At times where there is a high risk of fire, a ban may be imposed by the local authority. In this case, you are not allowed to light fires, but may still use designated grill spots and a camping stove with care.
Don’t forget that National Parks and nature reserves in Sweden may have their own regulations regarding camp fires.
I’ve heard that you can camp wild anywhere in Sweden. Is this true?
Up to a point, yes. The freedom to camp wild is one of the great joys of an outdoor holiday in Sweden. You should not pitch your tent on farmland or near a house, and stays in any one location are limited to a night or two.
Groups of friends pitching two or three tents do not need to obtain permission from the landowner, but as always, you must respect the privacy of anyone living nearby and take care not to damage the natural environment.
Generally, a good rule of thumb is to ensure that you pitch your tent out of site of people’s houses and do not stay more than two nights in the same spot. Don’t forget to take all your litter away with you (including food scraps –orange peel, for example, can take many years to degrade naturally!). If no other option exists, make sure you bury your toilet waste properly. Choose a spot at least 50m from houses, camping spots, water sources, etc. Dig a hole 15cm deep for your waste and then fill in soil on top. Do not bury non-degradable items such as children’s nappies or female sanitary products.
Can I recycle my rubbish in Sweden?
Yes, most areas of Sweden have very good facilities for recycling. In addition to the standard containers for glass, paper and cans common in the UK, many small towns or village supermarkets will also have stations to recycle batteries and plastics. If you buy drinks in aluminium cans or plastic bottles (“PET-flaskor” in Swedish), a few kronor of the price you pay will be a deposit, or “Pant”. Many shops will have a station near the entrance where you can return these bottles and reclaim your deposit. Just ask the shop assistant for help. If you want to recycle your cans, be careful not to crush them, as the deposit machines will only accept non-crushed ones.
I’d like to take my caravan or motor-home to Sweden. What freedoms will I have?
Along public roads, you may stay for 24 hours in lay-bys and designated public parking areas, or until the next weekday at weekends or on public holidays. You must not drive your vehicle off-road, e.g. to park in a field or on a beach.
What about sailing, boating and swimming in Sweden?
As with other aspects of the Swedish Right of Public Access, provided you show suitable care and consideration, a great deal of freedom is allowed. You should ensure you are aware of local regulations which apply to you and demonstrate good seamanship at all times.
It is permitted to temporarily moor a boat off the shore, to swim, to cast anchor and to go ashore, as long as you are not within the grounds of a private house or in a protected natural area. In the same way that you should not camp in the same spot for more than two nights, you should not moor your boat in the same place for more than two nights before moving on.
Be especially careful around bird or seal sanctuaries, where you are not permitted to go ashore. Make sure you look for the signs for advice in local areas.
A final thought…
The Swedish Right of Public Access is a wonderful cultural institution, providing unique freedoms to Swedish citizens and visitors alike. As long as its principles are respected, and common sense exercised at all times when judging what is or is not possible, there is no reason why everyone should not continue to enjoy these freedoms long into the future. With increasing pressure on all our natural areas and the rise in popularity of outdoor recreation, it is now more important than ever that its ideas of fair and sustainable use of the countryside are observed. If we “Do not disturb, do not destroy”, the valuable natural environment of this vast and beautiful country can be enjoyed by all for many years to come.
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Many of the outdoor holidays in Sweden offered by Nature Travels include wild camping, such as our canoe tours, sea kayaking experiences, wilderness hiking tours and our Go Camping by Dogsled and Ice Fishing and Dog Sledding experiences.
Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the winter landscape and escape the clamour and queues of the pistes. Your cross-country skis can truly take you “away-from-it-all” into a silent world, whether you choose to ski over mountain plains with wide horizons or on forests trails through avenues of trees laden with new-fallen snow.
What equipment do I need to go cross country skiing?
Cross country skis are longer and narrower than downhill skis. They distribute the skier’s weight more evenly over the snow and make it possible to move more smoothly. Usually, skis will be about 2 metres long depending on the height and weight of the skier.
You will also need ski poles, which are longer and usually lighter than downhill poles and have a pointed end to make it easier to penetrate the snow.
Cross country ski boots are also very different from downhill boots, (lighter and much more comfortable!). The binding is fixed only at the toe, leaving the heel free.
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
What different cross country skiing techniques are there?
There are basically two techniques, the “classic” technique where you slide one ski in front of the other, or the “skating” technique which, like ice skating, moves you forward in a V-shape. Of these, the classic technique is probably the easiest for beginners.
What’s involved in the classic technique of cross country skiing?
This technique is used when there are prepared trails with grooves that have been cut into the snow. The basic component of this technique is the “diagonal stride”, which is like a combination of running and gliding. This is the basic technique for beginners to move along flat ground, though more experienced skiers can also move uphill in this way. Less experienced skiers can climb inclines using the “herring bone” technique, moving uphill by placing the skies diagonally one after the other (as beginner downhill skiers are taught). When going downhill, assume a tuck position similar to downhill skiing.
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
What’s involved in the skating technique of cross country skiing?
For those used to ice skating, this technique may be easier to learn than the classic technique. Skating trails are often made alongside the grooves for classic trails, allowing both kinds of technique to be practised on a particular route.
When skating, the skier pushes one ski outward, with the inside edge of the ski against the snow. It is important to transfer you weight effectively from one ski to the other as you skate along.
Is cross country skiing difficult to learn?
No. Because you are travelling on flat or nearly flat ground for much of the time, cross country skiing does not have the “fear factor” of learning to ski downhill. You may feel unsteady for a while, but most people find that they gain confidence quickly and the efficiency and grace of their technique improves rapidly. It can be difficult to maintain control when going downhill at first, especially in the prepared grooves, but again, most people develop their skills quickly in this area. For the less confident, you can always transfer to the skating track and use a “snowplough” position when going downhill.
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
One of the great attractions of cross country skiing is that you can make your tour as challenging or as relaxing as you wish, and the sport is ideal for all ages, accessible to anyone in moderately good health. There is no hurry, it is not a race (unless you want it to be!), and if you wish to take your time and ski along slowly through the forest deep in conversation with a friend, then the choice is yours! What’s more, you will be in no danger of being knocked down by a speeding snowboarder coming up behind you!
At the other end of the scale, cross country skiing can be an extremely physical and demanding sport. In fact, it is known as the most demanding of endurance sports, as the movements burn the highest number of calories per hour (making it an effective and fun way to lose weight or stay in shape!). As with swimming and rowing, all the major muscle groups are exercised when cross country skiing.
Is cross country skiing more environmentally friendly than downhill skiing?
Yes, for a number of reasons. There are no pistes, lift systems, etc, required, so the impact on the environment is substantially reduced. Many mountain areas worldwide are now at risk because of the increased pressure from downhill skiing. Habitat is destroyed to make way for the pistes and infrastructure, plant life is damaged by snow compaction, artificial snow-making machines are energy-hungry and contribute to climate change (the very problem which may have caused the absence of snow!), and destabilisation of the hillsides can lead to an increased risk of avalanche. For a more detailed discussion of this issue, please see our previous blog article “To ski or not to ski?”.
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
What other advantages does cross country skiing have over downhill skiing?
Cross country skiing is a much quieter, close-to-nature experience. It is accessible for people of all ages and you do not need to be particularly fit or strong. There is a far smaller risk of injury, and there are no lift passes to buy!
Is Sweden a good country to go cross country skiing?
One of the best! There are thousands of kilometres of prepared trails and the sport is very popular with Swedes. Many older people in Sweden use it as a way to keep fit in the winter months, while children go skiing in the surrounding forests as part of school sports. Sweden has one of the world’s most famous cross country ski events, the Vasaloppet, which takes place every winter, a kind of London Marathon for skiers (see our past blog article on the Vasaloppet race). The town of Torsby in Värmland, the region where our canoe tours take place, has the world’s largest indoor cross country ski trail, making it possible to enjoy cross country skiing at any time of year!
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
Where can I go cross country skiing in Sweden?
Nature Travels offers a wide variety of cross country ski experiences in Sweden suitable both for beginners and more experienced skiers seeking a challenge. We have experiences specially tailored for solo travellers or families with young children. If you would like a dedicated cross country skiing holiday, please see our range of experiences on our website at www.naturetravels.co.uk/category-cross-country-skiing.htm. If you would like a more general “winter activity” holiday with the option to try out some cross country skiing during your stay, you may be interested in the following experiences:
Winter Wonderland on a Forest Farm
Log Cabin Escape in Värmland
Winter Weeks in the Mountains
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
If you’re a beginner who has never skied before, you should definitely give cross country skiing a go. If you’re a committed downhill skier who has never tried cross country, why not do something a little different on your ski holiday this year? Once you’ve caught the bug, you may never want to stand in a lift queue again!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Terms such as “ecotourism”, “sustainable tourism” and “responsible travel” are commonly heard these days, leaving many consumers confused as to what these terms really mean and perhaps suspicious of their value. In this set of FAQs, we have tried to answer some of the questions our clients sometimes ask regarding Nature Travels’ commitment to ecotourism and the world of responsible travel in general.
What does Nature Travels do?
Nature Travels is the UK specialist for responsible travel to Sweden. We work together with small-scale, locally-owned partner companies in Sweden to offer a wide range of ecotourism experiences, from wilderness canoeing to dog sledding tours to log cabin holidays. All are active members of the Swedish Ecotourism Society, an organisation committed to minimising the impact of tourism on the natural environment, and 17 are independently certified by a body comprising the Swedish Ecotourism Society, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and Visit Sweden, with a quality mark for their high standards of environmental practice and customer service.
What does this certification involve?
Providers must meet and maintain adherence to a strict set of criteria covering all aspects of business operations. Every company is regularly assessed and certification can be removed if a company fails to meet the required criteria. The areas covered include:
- measures to conserve the local environment in which the activities take place
- animal welfare where animals are used during the experience (e.g. on our dog sledding tours)
- waste and resource management
- safety procedures
- use of local goods and services
- control of group sizes and visitor pressure on natural areas
- staff training and customer service
- use of fuel-efficient and sustainable transport alternatives
- ongoing commitment to improving environmental performance
If would like more information about these criteria, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why do you only sell experiences in Sweden?
Nature Travels specialises exclusively in Sweden because we know the country intimately, and can offer unrivalled advice and assistance for our clients. We are based in the UK, but all our staff are either from Sweden or have lived, worked and travelled extensively in Sweden. We have personally participated in most of the experiences we offer, and have been keen outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists all our lives. We have a very close relationship with our partners in Sweden and we aim to visit them and the areas in which the experiences run regularly.
We focus on Sweden because we know and love the country and believe that it offers a unique range of possibilities as a destination for outdoor experiences which is hard to beat, whether you choose to go hiking in the endless daylight of summer or dog sledding in the deep snows of winter. What’s more, Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to the support and development of sustainable tourism. Sweden is showing admirable foresight in addressing the challenges of tourism, and its ecotourism quality label system has become an established standard on which other countries are now just beginning to base their own systems.
I’ve heard that Nature Travels offers carbon offsetting. What does that mean and why is it a good thing?
Nature Travels works in partnership with Climate Care to offer our clients the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions produced by their journey to Sweden. An offset for a UK-Sweden return flight costs just £3.50, effectively making your trip “carbon neutral”.
Climate Care invests this money in global projects designed to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere equivalent to the amount generated by your flight. These projects also bring benefits both to wildlife and local communities, and include reforestation work, provision of fuel efficient technology, and investment in alternative energy. For more information see www.climatecare.org.
While by no means the only solution to the problems of global warming, Nature Travels sees offsetting as an important tool in the fight against climate change which, coupled with more responsible practices in energy use, can bring a significant benefit.
What does Nature Travels do to be eco-friendly in the UK?
Nature Travels makes every effort to conduct its business in an environmentally-responsible manner. We use low energy lighting and appliances throughout the office, leave nothing on standby, and recycle all paper and printer cartridges. Our old printer cartridges and used stamps go towards raising funds for environmental charities.
We aim to minimise paper usage in general by corresponding with our clients via email as much as possible. When you make a booking with us, you can complete your booking form online. If you prefer to send us a paper copy, we do also provide a version of the booking form that you can print off.
Why don’t you publish a brochure?
Every year, around 45 million holidays are taken in the UK. On average, four travel brochures are produced for each holiday sold, making a total of 180 million brochures distributed every year! If you placed these end to end, they would cover the distance from London to Sydney three times!
As an ecotourism company, we do not produce a printed brochure. Instead, we provide comprehensive information on all our tours in downloadable PDF format from our website www.naturetravels.co.uk. Simply click on the “Full Details” button on each experience page to open the full details file.
This not only reduces our paper consumption considerably, but also allows us to update our tour information whenever needed, providing the latest available information on the tours, dates and transport routes. However, if you prefer, we are happy to email details of any particular tours you may be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or would like to discuss anything about our experiences and we will be pleased to answer your questions.
Why don’t you sell flights?
We do not sell the flight component of your trip, though we are more than happy to advise you on suitable connections and assist you in finding the best transport alternatives to your destination.
If you are willing to take a little extra time and make the journey part of your holiday experience, you can choose to travel to Sweden without flying, either by ferry to Norway or Denmark then onward by public transport, or by train all the way from the UK. Within Sweden, there is an excellent and affordable network of train and bus connections to take you to even the most remote areas. Some of these services (e.g. mountain buses and airport transfers) can be booked directly through us.
If you do choose to fly, there are a number of low-cost options which would not be open to you if booking a flight-inclusive holiday. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair operate regular services to major and regional airports within Sweden, and flying in this way can significantly reduce the overall cost of your holiday. For a full list of flight connections between the UK and Sweden, see our interactive map at www.naturetravels.co.uk/holidays-in-sweden.htm. If you do decide to fly, we hope that you will opt to add the small cost of a carbon offset.
Why should I choose an ecotourism holiday or a responsible tour operator?
For the customer, choosing an ecotourism holiday is not only a positive ethical choice, but is also a reassurance that you will be visiting an area where visitor numbers are strictly controlled and the local environment is cared for, enhancing your enjoyment of your visit. Nature Travels clients may choose us because of our environmental and ethical credentials, or they may simply be attracted by our range of exciting and unique outdoor experiences offered in Sweden. Whatever the initial reason for choosing an ecotourism holiday, there are significant benefits both in terms of the environmental impact of your holiday and in your enjoyment of the holiday experience.
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Think “outside the box” when planning your presents this year…
Take a moment to think back to last Christmas – the family gathering, the wine and good food….and the presents you received. Of these, no doubt some have remained close to your heart, treasured possessions that you will use and cherish for years to come, gifts given with love and thought and received with gratitude. But, almost certainly, among the piles of packages that peeked promisingly from beneath the Christmas tree were a reasonable number that you would have preferred never to receive, or whose appeal faded quickly after the first flush of excitement.
The same is probably true of the gifts you gave. Did the £90 Roboraptor hold the attention of the children as long as you’d hoped? Did you imagine that the Playstation 2 you bought would now be lying forgotten and unloved at the back of the cupboard while its new £350 cousin takes centre stage? Did your brother ever use that 50-piece screwdriver set you had hoped would revolutionise his DIY? Or perhaps behind the polite smiles of your partner as you handed over a well-intended piece of jewellery they were secretly praying you had kept the receipt?
Estimates for Christmas spending in the UK vary, but all the statistics paint a similar story. In 1996, a survey by debit card company Switch found that, on average, every person in Britain spent a staggering £710 at Christmas. By 1998 this had risen to £862. In 2002 the Family Welfare Association found that a family on an average income spent £564 on food, drink and decorations for Christmas Day alone.
Around 15 hours is spent on Christmas shopping and an extra two hours standing in queues at the till. A quarter of Britons take out loans to be able to afford the excesses of Christmas, while 40% admit that Christmas shopping causes them to feel stressed. Each year, Christmas in the UK generates over three million tonnes of waste.
What’s the alternative?
Buy memories – not stuff! An outdoor holiday in Sweden is not only a great experience in itself, but will leave you with fond memories for years to come, long after the joys of more material gifts have faded.
All our experiences in Sweden are carefully managed to minimise their environmental impact. Waste is kept to a minimum and recycled wherever possible. Where transport is required, fuel-efficient alternatives are favoured. If you choose to fly to Sweden, a small additional premium of £3.50 will offset the carbon emissions produced by your flight. Isn’t that a better alternative to acres of discarded packaging and a mound of unwanted presents?
What about the costs?
Let’s make a few comparisons:
A new 60GB Playstation 3 plus Guitar Hero III game currently costs around £420. So what could you do for a similar sum in Sweden?
Photo: Anders Dahlin Naturfoto
£342: A family of four (2 adults and 2 children under 16) could spend a week at an award-winning mountain station near the Norwegian border, with a wealth of activities available in the surrounding area from cross-country skiing to spa treatments.
Photo: Staffan Widstrand
£348: A family of four (2 adults and 2 children under 16) could take a 7-day wilderness canoeing trip along the beautiful slow-flowing Svartälven river camping wild along the way.
£401: A family of 6 could spend a week in the remote forests of Värmland in a traditional Swedish log cabin. The area is ideal for hiking, canoeing and fishing, and cabin rental includes use of a boat with environmentally-friendly 4-stroke engine to explore the surrounding lakes.
£414: A family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 3-14) could spend three nights deep in the Swedish forest on our Winter Wonderland on a Forest Farm experience.
Or why not take your partner away for a romantic break…?
£229: Go wild in the wilderness with the one you love on a romantic log cabin break for two in the forests of Bergslagen. And you’ll still have £191 left over (why not add an elk safari or some extra nights?).
£376: Treat yourself and your partner on a weekend at our Country Manor multi-activity Getaway, with accommodation in two-room mini-suites, first-class cuisine and free use of kayaks, boats and cycles when you want to go exploring!
And that’s just for the price of one present!
How do I give a Nature Travels experience as a gift?
There are a number of options:
- If you are planning a trip with your partner or family, why not contact us and arrange the trip in secret as a surprise?
- Nature Travels experiences make ideal gifts for weddings or landmark birthdays. We are happy to produce a gift certificate for any of our experiences and let the recipients choose when they would like to travel.
- We also offer vouchers which can be redeemed against any of our experiences – perfect if you are making a contribution towards a trip or if you unsure exactly what kind of experience would be most suitable.
Think “outside the box” this Christmas – the experience will last a lifetime.
Best regards and Merry Christmas (or “God Jul”, as they say in Sweden!)
The Nature Travels Team
Heathrow Central Bus Station is a wonderful spot for people watching. It’s late afternoon, and I’m sitting on a bench by stand number 13, watching the world go by. The air is filled with the heady aroma of diesel fumes as an endless stream of National Express buses arrive, load up and head out again, bound for such exotic destinations as Oxford, Worthing and Brighton. All around me a hundred small human dramas unfold – an elderly couple argue quietly together about their luggage, a young mother loses her patience in her struggle to control a wayward toddler, two young backpackers sit on their rucksacks holding hands ….and all to a soundtrack of the roar of jet engines, the neverending drone of London traffic and the chatter of voices in a dozen different tongues. Over the years Heathrow Central Bus Station has played a vital role in many of my travel adventures – the expectancy and anticipation of arrival, knowing you’re off somewhere new and exciting, the joy of coming home to see old friends and loved ones, and occasionally the blank exasperation of seeing your coach pull away just as you reach the stand.
Sitting there as the skies darkened and the pigeons pecked listlessly around my feet, I couldn’t help thinking that the scene stood in stark contrast to the view I’d been looking at earlier that day. Just a few hours before, shortly after breakfast, I had been sitting on a jetty on a small island. It was still quite early, and the morning mist was clearing to reveal a bright blue sky and the promise of a warm September day. A full moon still shone faintly overhead and on a neighbouring island an osprey came in to land on its nest at the top of a pine tree. A few minutes later a flock of cormorants passed over in perfect V-formation like a small black aerial display team, and behind me a field vole emerged warily from the forest undergrowth, sniffed the air for a few seconds, got startled by the flutter of a dragonfly and disappeared from view. As I watched the last of the mist evaporate in the gathering warmth, I caught a glimpse of a very large bird of prey as it flew into view from behind the trees. Another few minutes’ patient waiting and what I could now see was a Golden Eagle glided into view and circled lazily just 20 metres or so above me before heading off to the horizon to try new hunting grounds.
All around me the world was full of life – in the air and on the ground, but still all was calm and quiet. Apart from the distant tak-tak of a small outboard engine and one or two characteristic red and white summer cottages peeking out from the forests of surrounding islands, there were no signs of anyone else being around at all. Somehow it seemed as if the whole scene was being played out just for me, that the world had stopped whatever it was doing and decided to sit back and enjoy things for a while.
What made the sensation so surprising, and in a way so much more special, was that I hadn’t journeyed to a remote and undiscoverd part of the world, spending hours bumping along dusty country tracks or slashing my way through impenetrable forest to get here. This was the Stockholm archipelago, and I was on one of the 24,000 or so islands that make up this stunning marine landscape on the east cost of Sweden. Just over an hour away by boat lay one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, home to around 800,000 people. This combination of wildness and accessibility has always, for me, been one of the great attractions of Sweden – the country offers some of the most spectacular and wildest landscapes to be found anywhere in Europe, yet the swift and efficient transport networks and the attention paid to planning and design mean you don’t need to travel for days to reach them.
My reverie was interrupted as I glanced at my watch and realised it was time to get going. Lifting our luggage into the boat, we gunned the engine and headed out across the dead calm waters. Ninety minutes later we were sitting in Arlanda airport, the sights and sounds of the archipelago still fresh in our minds. As Douglas Adams wrote in Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul, “It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on Earth has ever produced the phrase, ‘as pretty as an airport.’ Airports are ugly. Some are very ugly. Some attain a degree of ugliness that can only be the result of a special effort.” But perhaps he’d never been to Arlanda. While nothing compared to the sweeping majesty of the landscape I had been in earlier that morning, Arlanda would probably do rather well in a world airport beauty contest, and is certainly a lot more attractive than Heathrow Central Bus Station….
Best regards
Bob from The Nature Travels Team
Nature Travels is the UK specialist for wildlife, outdoor and adventure holidays in Sweden. Our sea kayaking experiences take place in the beautiful and wild Trosa archipelago just to the south of Stockholm.
