Outdoor Adventures in Southern Sweden: Malmö to Stockholm - 7 Days

Highlights

• Tour the historic centers of Malmö and Stockholm
• Go hiking and cycling in national parks
• Take coastal drives and visit charming villages
• Enjoy private boat rides and visit a moose ranch

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Malmö, Baths & City Tour

Welcome to Sweden! This Scandinavian country is a major player on the global stage, known for innovation in various fields like technology, design, and sustainability. But Sweden isn't merely a technological hub; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage that spans the ancient Viking era to the modern day. This history is reflected in Sweden's art, architecture, and traditions. There's also immense natural beauty here, from the Swedish countryside's glistening lakes and verdant forests to rugged mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.

This itinerary will take you across Sweden's beautiful southern region, known for its charming villages, sandy beaches, green meadows, and fertile farmland. You'll arrive in Malmö, a lively coastal city across the Öresund Strait from Copenhagen. Malmö's history dates back to the 1200s, and its residents hail from 170 countries, making it a melting pot of cultural diversity. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then you'll head to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, an open-air bath where you'll soak in wood-fired hot tubs and enjoy a massage to take the edge of the flight.

Day 2: Transfer to Helsingborg, Visit Söderåsen National Park

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride up the coast to Helsingborg. This charming city, located on the west coast of Sweden in the idyllic province of Skåne, has a fascinating past, much of which is immortalized in its well-preserved Old Town. Add to that a wealth of culture and magnificent coastal nature, and you have a dream destination offering something for everyone. Regarding food, Helsingborg's culinary culture focuses on local, seasonal produce. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the city's famous pralines and licorice.

As for nature, after checking into your hotel, you'll drive about 25 miles (40 km) inland to experience the wild beauty of Söderåsen National Park, one of Northern Europe's largest protected woodlands. Covering an area of 6 square miles (16 sq km), this national park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its diverse landscapes include lush forests, soaring cliffs, and sparkling streams. During your time here, you can enjoy various activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing on the Rönne River, and horseback riding. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Gothenburg, Private Boat Tour

In the morning, you'll continue the scenic coastal drive with a 2.5-hour ride up to Gothenburg, a port city on the Göta Älv River. It's a long trip, but along the way, there are plenty of attractions where you can stop for sightseeing. For example, just outside of Helsingborg is lovely Tylösand Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and even surf. Also boasting beautiful beaches is Marstrand, a charming island town with an imposing 13th-century castle. Varberg Fortress is another well-preserved medieval castle located in the town of Varberg and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Once in Gothenburg, you'll check into your hotel and can then explore this gem of a city, which dates to the 17th century. One highlight attraction is the Museum of Art, which features works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other masters. The Haga district is a must-visit locale, as it's one of the oldest enclaves in the city, known for its cobbled streets lined with charming boutiques. For a bit of greenery, head to Slottskogen Park and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.

Day 4: Transfer to Strömstad, Visit Kosterhavet National Park

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a two-hour ride farther up the coast to Kosterhavet National Marine Park. This unspoiled protected area spans 154 square miles (400 sq km) and is unique in that it's Sweden's only marine park. Its ecosystem supports over 12,000 plant and animal species, half of which reside underwater and the other half above it. Here, you can embark on solo activities like hiking, birding, fishing, and kayaking. Or, join a group snorkeling tour and explore some coral reefs. After touring the park, you'll head to the nearby town of Strömstad, where you'll overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Örebro, Visit Dalslands Moose Ranch

In the morning, you'll get back in the car and continue the drive, this time heading inland across the country to Örebro, a city on the Svartån River. The trip takes about four hours, but you'll stop on the way for a two-hour break and tour at Dalslands Moose Ranch. This family-run moose park is dedicated to offering a safe habitat for Sweden's "kings of the forest." Here, moose roam free in their natural environment, and you can see them on a guided hike through the park. You can even feed these majestic animals some snacks. It's an unforgettable experience that offers great photo opportunities.

After the park, you'll continue on to Örebro. Located in the heart of Sweden, the city was officially founded in 1404. The oldest landmarks here are the impressive Örebro Castle, which dates to 1270, and Sankt Nikolai, a Lutheran church consecrated in the 14th century. You can visit other beautiful buildings on a city tour, but if you're eager for more nature, it's not far away. Two national parks (Tiveden and Garphyttan) are near the city, as are two of Sweden's largest lakes, Hjälmaren and Vättern. If you like, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the city before retiring to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Stockholm, Museums & Sunset Kayaking

The penultimate day of your trip takes you east for about 2.5 hours to Stockholm. Founded in 1252 and spread across a Baltic Sea archipelago of fourteen islands, it's easy to see how Sweden's capital earned the nickname "Venice of the North." However, besides its aesthetic charm and history, this Scandinavian metropolis is a forward-thinking, innovative city home to a growing tech community and many start-ups. Upon arrival here, you'll check into your hotel and can then embark on a self-guided city tour.

You'll find that Stockholm is easily walkable and with good public transport connecting various districts, each with its own identity. For example, Södermalm has a laid-back vibe and is popular with creatives, while Östermalm is the picture of refined elegance. Between them is Norrmalm, a busy commercial area, and farther south is the Gamla Stan (Old Town). Popular attractions include the City Hall, a model of Sweden's National Romantic architecture; the 17th-century Drottningholm Palace; and museums like Vasa, home to a 17th-century warship, and Skansen, the world's largest open-air museum.

Later in the day, you'll see the city by water on a three-hour guided kayak tour. The adventure begins in the heart of Stockholm at Långholmen Island. Here, you'll paddle down scenic canals lined with parks and the city's colorful old buildings. Watch fishermen plying their trade and migratory birds flying overhead as you travel along a circuit route. Once back at the island, you'll take a short hike to a secluded beach where you'll enjoy a delightful barbecue dinner. After the meal, you'll return to your hotel in the city.

Day 7: Depart Sweden

Time flies when you're enjoying a Scandinavian adventure. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. As they say in Sweden, farväl!

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