|
In many ways, the long wedge of land that comprises central and northern Sweden - from the northern shores of Lake Vanern to the Norwegian border - encompasses all that is most popular and typical of the country. Rural and underpopulated, this is Sweden as seen in the brochures - lakes, holiday cottages, forests and reindeer. Essentially the region divides into two. On the eastern side, Sweden's coast forms one edge of the Gulf of Bothnia . With its jumble of erstwhile fishing towns and squeaky-clean contemporary urban planning, this corridor of land is quite unlike the rest of the country - worth stopping off in if you're travelling north or have just arrived from Finland by ferry. Though the weather isn't as reliable as further south, you are guaranteed clean beaches, crystal-clear waters and fine hiking. To the west, folklorish Dalarna county is the most picturesque region, with sweeping green countryside and inhabitants who maintain a cultural heritage (echoed in contemporary handicrafts and traditions) that goes back to the Middle Ages. This is the place to spend midsummer, particularly Midsummer's Night when the whole region erupts in a frenzy of celebration. The Inlandsbanan , the great Inland Railway, cuts right through this area from Lake Siljan though the shimmering, modern lakeside town of Ostersund to Gallivare above the Arctic Circle. An enthralling 1300-kilometre, two-day ride, it ranks with the best European train journeys.
Your Tip for Central and northern Sweden
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Central and northern Sweden - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Central and northern Sweden - visit the main Central and northern Sweden forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Central and northern Sweden webguide section below! Thanks.
|
