Places
Staycation in Scandinavia – Sweden
Västerås
Experience bandy
in the city of Gherkins
Västerås is the fifth largest city in Sweden. Also known as the City of Gherkins, thanks to the pickled goodies made here, the fact that it’s located on Lake Mälaren means it offers plenty of activities, from boating and swimming in summer to ice skating in winter. Bandy, a cousin to ice hockey using a ball, may be pretty minor internationally, but in Västerås it’s almost mandatory to support the pride of the city, Västerås SK.
Photo: Steam Hotel
Steam Hotel
One of the most popular spa hotels in Sweden. Take the opportunity to wind down in one of its relaxing pools and enjoy any of the many treatments available. If you come with children, we can also recommend Kokpunkten, an aqua action pool next door.
Steam Hotel
Ångkraftsvägen 14, Västerås
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Kajplats 9
After a long day at the Steam Hotel or on the lake, why not enjoy a fantastic meal down by the water down on the harbor at Kajplats 9. The restaurant focuses on fish and shellfish. They also do a fine Sunday brunch
Kajplats 9
Sjötullsgatan 2, Västrerås
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Photo: Visit Västerås
Mälaren
This fantastic lake is worth exploring any time of year. In winter (if the ice is thick enough) skating trails are created on the frozen lake, while during the summer there are boating activities and trips from Västerås.
Mälaren
visitvasteras.se
Umeå
Late night city life – far north
Umeå, known as the “City of Birches” due to the ubiquitous trees planted after a fire in 1888, is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience a “real” city in the north of Sweden. Thanks to the university, the average age here is very low, and recently the city’s restaurant and bar life has seen a real lift. Culture buffs will love the Norrland Opera, while the city also regularly hosts many international music festivals.
Photo: Johan Gunseus
Bildmuseet
One of Sweden’s leading museums for Swedish and international contemporary art, located at the Konstnärligt Campus (Artistic Campus). The seven-story Bildmuseet is architecturally stunning and hosts many exhibitions and events.
Bildmuseet
Östra Strandgatan 30B, Umeå
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Emil Byström, Visit Umeå
Tavelsjöleden
You simply can’t come to the north of Sweden without going hiking. The Tavelsjöleden trail starts in the center of town and leads out into the countryside. Beautiful views, caves and plenty of fresh air are all to be experienced along the 39km-long trail, which can be broken up into shorter sections if you don’t fancy taking it on in its entirety.visitumea.se/sv/populara-vandringsleder
Tavelsjöleden
Västra Strandgatan 8, Umeå
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The adress is the starting point of the hike
Photo: Juliette
Juliette
After a long day, you’ll probably have earned the right to take a seat with a cocktail in your hand. Juliette is part of a restaurant-and-bar complex called Rex, housed in beautiful rooms in City Hall.
Juliette
Rådhustorget, Umeå
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Visby
Off-season delights on
the island of Gotland
Visby, on the Swedish Baltic island of Gotland, is stunning, especially during the summer. It can get busy though, so why not schedule a trip during the spring or fall when it’s not so crowded? Entering the 13th-century city is like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, with cobblestone streets, well-preserved houses and roses everywhere.
Photo: Shutterstock
DBW’S Botanical Gardens
Visby is truly a city of roses. In the botanical gardens you can see roses and other plants that don’t normally thrive this far north. The gardens were first laid out in 1855, but the current design dates from the 1930s.
DBW’S Botanical Gardens
Strandgatan 54, Visby
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Akantus
Has Swedish design grown on you? Or maybe you’d simply like to buy a delightful souvenir to take home with you. Akantus, in the center of Visby, is the best interior design store on Gotland. Here, you’ll find furniture and loads of attractive objects.
Akantus
S:t Hansplan. Visby
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Bakfickan
One of the very best places for lunch in Visby. Classic Swedish dishes, such as fried herring, fish soup and smoked prawns are served here. Located next to St. Karin Cathedral’s ruins on Stora Torget in the center of the city.
Bakfickan
Stora Torget , Visby
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Gustav Karlsson
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