Highlights
- Climb to the rooftop of Uppsala Castle for marvelous views
- Birdwatch in the Årike Fyri Nature Reserve
- Descend into the depths of the fascinating Falu Copper Mine
- See the beauty of the Swedish countryside on a horse-drawn trolley ride
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Stockholm, Explore | Stockholm |
| Day 2 | Drive to Uppsala County, Visit Uppsala Castle & Årike Fyri | Uppsala |
| Day 3 | Drive to Gävle, Explore & Guided Bat Safari | Gävle |
| Day 4 | Drive to Falun, Explore the Old Town & Historic Copper Mine | Falun |
| Day 5 | Drive to Rättvik, Styggforsen Nature Reserve & Horse Farm in Mora | Mora |
| Day 6 | Drive to Scenic Örebro, Free Day | Örebro |
| Day 7 | Drive to Västerås, Boat in the Mälar Archipelago & Visit a Swedish Water Park | Västerås |
| Day 8 | Return to Stockholm, Wildlife Safari | Stockholm |
| Day 9 | Guided Tour of Stockholm | Stockholm |
| Day 10 | Depart Stockholm |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore
Welcome to Sweden! On this 10-day road trip, you'll explore the country's rich cultural heritage, from the ancient Viking era to the modern day. You'll also enjoy the country's natural beauty, including glistening lakes, quiet forests, and rugged mountains. Begin in the capital city. Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands in the Baltic Sea, it's easy to see why Stockholm has acquired the nickname "Venice of the North." Almost everywhere you look, your gaze is met by water!
Stockholm was officially founded in 1252, and by the end of the 13th century, it became Sweden's biggest city, serving as the country's political center and royal residence. Consider visiting the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open Air Museum, City Hall, Old Town, or Drottningholm Palace today. Venture into the city's various districts later. Check out the island of Södermalm, with its laid-back air, vibrant Norrmalm, and elegant Östermalm. Then get some rest before the road trip starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Drive to Uppsala County, Visit Uppsala Castle & Årike Fyri
Pick up your rental car this morning and begin the journey about 44 miles (70 km) to Uppsala in east-central Sweden. One of the must-see attractions here is the Uppsala Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral known for its beautiful stained glass windows and astronomical clock, one of the oldest in the world. Also worth visiting is the Uppsala Castle, built in the 16th century; the Gamla Uppsala Museum, dedicated to the history of pre-Christian culture in Uppsala; and the Botanic Gardens, home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, experience the ultimate thrill as you climb to the top of the iconic Uppsala Castle for unbeatable panoramic views of the charming university town below. Continue to the Årike Fyri Nature Reserve for a refreshing walk through a tranquil oasis filled with lush meadows, babbling streams, and diverse wildlife. This private guided walking tour allows you to explore at your own pace and experience the beauty of nature up close.
Day 3: Drive to Gävle, Explore & Guided Bat Safari
Drive to Gävle, a charming city in central Sweden known for its festive atmosphere and scenic beauty. The trip is about 66 miles (107 km). Stroll along the Gävle River, take a boat tour, or hop on a bike and pedal along the many scenic trails in the area. Alternatively, head to the Museum of Gävle to learn about the city's rich history and culture. Then stop into a café to sample traditional Swedish dishes like meatballs and lingonberry sauce, followed by a sweet cinnamon bun or cardamom bun.
Later, get ready for a memorable wildlife safari at Axmar Bruk. Upon arrival, you'll meet your knowledgeable guide, who will take you on a tour where you'll learn about the fascinating lives of bats, ants, and bees. The guided tour takes about 60 minutes and is enjoyable for all ages. After the tour, it's time to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at Axmar Brygga while taking in panoramic views of the pristine archipelago environment. After a day filled with adventure and delicious food, it's time to retreat to Axmarbruksbod bed-and-breakfast for a good night's sleep.
Day 4: Drive to Falun, Explore the Old Town & Historic Copper Mine
Hit the road for the 56-mile (90 km) trip to Falun, located in Dalarna County and surrounded by stunning lakes and picturesque forests. Walk through Falun's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the beautifully preserved buildings, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets. Falun offers nature lovers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a hike through the forest, or explore the serene lakes, which provide excellent fishing and boating opportunities. In winter, it's possible to enjoy skiing and other snow sports at nearby ski resorts.
In the afternoon, you'll go on a guided tour of the iconic Falu Copper Mine, which played a significant role in the Swedish economy for centuries and is now open to visitors to explore its rich history and impressive underground tunnels. Descend into the depths of the historic mine and explore parts of the site dating back to the 17th century. Learn about life in the mine and hear exciting stories and legends that still live on today. Look out for eagle owls that live in the Great Pit!
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Drive to Rättvik, Styggforsen Nature Reserve & Horse Farm in Mora
Travel 31 miles (50 km) northwest to Rättvik on stunning Lake Siljan. Take a stroll along the lakefront, or rent a kayak or canoe and explore the water up close. Enter the Styggforsen Nature Reserve, where the beauty and power of nature meet in a stunning display of waterfalls, forests, and rock formations. The impressive rock walls in the reserve tell the story of a meteorite strike 377 million years ago, creating dramatic layers of slate, limestone, and sandstone that rise due to the impact.
Following Lake Siljan, continue to the town of Mora (25 miles or 40 km away). Get your adrenaline pumping with swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Don't miss out on the Zorn Museum to discover the works of the renowned Swedish artist Anders Zorn. Finish the day at a horse farm, where you'll enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and a delicious cup of coffee.
Day 6: Drive to Scenic Örebro, Free Day
Today's drive is a bit longer. Travel 130 miles (210 km) to Örebro, featuring one of the country's most beautiful historic city centers. Surrounded by the Svartån River, Örebro was established before the Middle Ages. The city is vibrant and fun, and you can easily get around by renting a bike or scooter. One of the best things to do in Örebro is biking or walking along the riverside trails.
Be sure to visit Örebro Castle. This landmark is the shining star of the city, and it's not hard to see why. It sits on its own little islet right in the city center and has a history that dates back to the 1300s. You can tour, learn about its history, and take in stunning river views. After your sightseeing adventures, make sure you have a fika break! Fika is a Swedish tradition of having a coffee and pastry break, and Örebro has some of the coziest cafés where you can enjoy this lovely tradition.
Day 7: Drive to Västerås, Boat in the Mälar Archipelago & Visit a Swedish Water Park
Drive 60 miles (95 km) to Västerås, located in the heart of Sweden on Lake Mälaren. Västerås is steeped in rich cultural heritage dating back to the Viking era: you won't want to miss the Anundshög burial mound, one of the largest prehistoric monuments in Sweden, and the Västerås Cathedral, which is over 800 years old. Go on a relaxing boat tour of the beautiful Mälar Archipelago, where you can view five of its largest islands. On board, the boat, enjoy a cup of coffee and breathtaking views of the region. The tour is perfect for those who want to explore the archipelago in a short amount of time.
Later in the day, head to Kokpunkten. This Swedish water park and bathhouse feature eight levels of thrills and relaxation. Start by zipping down the multiple water slides that twist and turn throughout the building. Feel the rush of excitement as you shoot down each slide and make a splash at the bottom. If you're looking for an even bigger thrill, make your way to the giant bungee jump or test your balance on the high-wire obstacle course. Finish with a dip in the outdoor pool for sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Day 8: Return to Stockholm, Wildlife Safari
Today you'll circle back to Stockholm (70 miles or 112 km away) and embark on a wildlife safari to experience the beauty of Swedish nature up close. This unique tour will allow you to see animals in their natural habitat. As the forest begins to take on a mystical quality in the evening, venture into it, where the wildlife is most active.
Your expert guide will take you through the wooded area and around a lake known for its rich animal activity. You may spot moose, elk, beaver, roe deer, and woodpeckers. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Sweden's wilderness. After an unforgettable evening of wildlife watching and learning, you'll stay overnight at a hotel in the city.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Stockholm
On the last full day of the trip, head out on a comprehensive tour of Stockholm to discover its top attractions. You'll visit the city's most famous sites with an expert guide, skipping the queues and lines. First up on the itinerary is a visit to the Royal Palace of Stockholm, where you'll learn about the Swedish monarchy and its role in the country's history. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the palace, including the palace church and the Royal Armory, home to the Swedish crown jewels.
During today's tour, you'll see the incredible Vasa Ship, a 17th-century warship salvaged from the seabed in the 1960s. Explore Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming old town, on foot. You'll also see the Nobel Museum, dedicated to the Nobel Prize and its recipients. Finally, conclude your tour with a visit to Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum. Here, you'll learn about traditional Swedish life and culture and see examples of rural and urban architecture from different parts of the country.
Day 10: Depart Stockholm
After an action-packed road trip, it's time to return your rental car to the airport and board your flight out of Sweden. Safe travels!
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