Looking for adventure and wanting to get back to nature? Sweden is the perfect destination for you. Get to the heart of Sweden with a visit to the province of Värmland. Nestled in the west, this bountiful county is just two hours by train from Stockholm and could be the country’s best kept secret.
As the world has more access to technology than ever before, and we spend most of our day-to-day plugged in; whether that’s charging phones, tapping into our laptops, scrolling through Instagram feeds or tuning into our latest binge; people are looking for something authentic, which for many are experiences to help them re-centre and get back to nature. Värmland, which is proud of its breathtaking scenery, is one of the world’s biggest natural playgrounds waiting to be discovered all year round.
Hire a car and explore the wilderness and make your own adventure. From visiting the iconic home of Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf at Mårbacka, or to seeing the incredible views at Hovfjället, this is one of the best ways to navigate the terrain.
Whether you fancy sleeping under the stars and foraging, or indulging in luxury spa treatments and shopping; building your own raft to sail for a week’s adventure of a lifetime or even ghost-hunting, Värmland is home to it all. Here’s why you need to book your ticket now:
Nature
Ditch the wifi, disconnect and go wild in Värmland. One of the most unique experiences you can enjoy is building your own raft. Far from a package holiday deal, Värmland allows you to make your own adventure, see what you want to see and get there with your own hard work.
Whether you fancy just a day or even a week out in nature, the river is rich with wildlife as beavers, moose and deer become your neighbours. A stay at the log fleet will give you experiences that you’ve never had before, as you learn to balance, relax and put in some hard work as you navigate the water. Assembling and sailing on your own raft could be the adventure you’re looking for as it’s not always an easy ride being at the mercy of the weather, but that’s all part of the fun. While it’s generally a calm current, there’s still natural obstacles that may call upon quick thinking (like stones, rain and sandbanks!). Getting out of the comfort zones we’re used to can help us feel invigorated and gives us an incredible sense of achievement. Have the cameras ready as there’s bound to be some wild moments.
Eat in the wild
If you love nature, consider yourself a foodie, then you must try eating in the wild. Värmland is the place to be for innovative, tasty menus harvested from the great outdoors. When we think Michelin stars, we can think of frayed tempers, foams and souflees that take hours to create with just a tasty morsel to show for it. But in Värmland, it couldn’t be farther from that. Michelin chefs Titti Qvarnström, Niklas Ekstedt, Jacob Bjuhr and Anton Holmström have come together to help create a DIY menu that diners forage for themselves in the woods, by the lakes and in the fields before cooking it.
During the months of May to September, visitors can dine beneath the stars, all you need is some good boots and a warm jacket, and a sense of adventure. Click here to read some of the menus, like forest broth and poached perch or yummy pudding like acorn and hazelnut crumbs with a fruit and berry compote.
For more information about the Edible Country, click here.
Lake Vänern
Visit the biggest lake in Sweden with its wide sandy beaches, shallow coves and at times a barren landscape. The awe-inspiring lake is home to over 22,000 islands, skerries and islets and visitors will be able to spot a whole host of animals and birds across its impressive and rich landscape in their natural habitat.
Holidaymakers can find some tranquility on the lake and hire out a canoe or kayak to explore places that you can’t reach on foot, or choose more gentle, guided routes across its calm waters.
If you fancy being at one with nature, you can even sleep under the stars at one of the many approved campsites surrounding the lake. But if luxury is more your vibe and you prefer something a little more comfortable, then you can hop on a cruise to explore the island of Lurö to take in its rich surroundings, and immerse yourself in nature by rambling through the forests or along the cliffs, before a night’s stay in the island’s accommodation.
Lake Vänern is also the perfect spot for fishing, with over 30 different types of freshwater fish and you don’t need a permit. Catch your own tea, with perch, pike, sander and smelt all found in the lake. It’s even considered one of the best spots in Europe for salmon and trout.
In one of the most surprising locations, visitors to the lake can also discover a Picasso sculpture in the archipelago off Kristinehamn. The 15-metre tall sculpture was imagined by the artist, and of his wife, and built by Norwegian artist Carl Nejsar.
Winter fun
Snow is guaranteed in the Swedish mountains but you don’t just have to be able to ski to make the most of this incredible landscape. There’s plenty to entertain in its resorts such as Hovfjället and Branas. You can get the adrenalin pumping if you feel the need, with dogsledding, snowmobile safaris and ice-fishing. Or, you can take a more leisurely pace by snowshoeing and soaking up the breathtaking wintry beauty. If you do love snowboarding or skiing, there are magical trails to suit different abilities to keep everyone entertained.
Naturbyn
In the past 10 years, a village called Naturbyn has been carefully constructed to strip away the stresses and pressures of life. The brainchild of Thomas Petersson, this oasis offers accessible outdoor living, with no electricity, where guests can stay in cabins and cook meals on open fires. What once was an overgrown forest next to Lake Eldan, is now a retreat for those wanting to switch off, escape and get back to nature. Honeymooners can even enjoy the Cuckoo’s Nest which has been built high in the trees with stunning views over the water.
Klässbols Linen Weaving Mill
A window into Swedish history, the mill is where fabrics made for the royal court, embassies and Nobel banquet are made. Visitors can walk around the factory and get close to the impressive weaving looms where some of Sweden’s finest linens are made.
Nobel Museum
Get a glimpse into the home life of one of the world’s most famous geniuses, Alfred Nobel. Björkborn’s Manor is now a museum and was Nobel’s last Swedish home. Visitors will be able to see his laboratory where he worked on many of his inventions as well as his workshop.
Where to stay?
You’re spoilt for choice in Värmland as there is something that will appeal to everyone, from the luxury-seeker to the naturist explorer. Långbergets Sporthotell caters for most, with different accommodation options for both smaller and larger groups, including a main hotel, hostel and caravans, complete with a gym and restaurant with magnificent view of the forests.
For those seeking more privacy there are cosy cottages with their own fireplaces. In the winter, there are great cross-country ski tracks while in the summer months guests can take to the well worn hiking trails or join a moose safari. Karlstad Swecamp Bomstadbaden is set on Lake Vänern, where guests can unwind in its beach hammocks or spa. As we’ve mentioned, you can also get back to nature at some of the other sites around Lake Vänern, and of course at Naturbyn.
Selma Spa is also one of the most popular to stay and relax with its Lake Fryken vista. It was the first spa hotel in Sweden, so is well versed in top class treatments. With welcoming swimming pools, and an array of workouts, you can get back to feeling your best. You can even bring your pooch to enjoy the hiking trails (but for a fee).
For more information about all of the incredible fun you can have in Värmland, click here.
