Sweden

Sports in Sweden
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Sport in Sweden

Sweden is a nature paradise for tourists. With its diverse landscapes, majestic mountains, long coastline, thousands of lakes and the last still untouched wilderness in Europe, Lapland, the Scandinavian country welcomes all sport lovers and those who like authentic nature. Almost all types of active holidays can be be organised, in every season and in all parts of the country, in this magnificent setting. This variety promises tourists a one-in-a lifetime experience.


Skiing
In Sweden, skiers can find more than they have ever expected. Snow is guaranteed from January through April and countless world-known ski resorts and charming villages offer a striking variety of opportunities for an unforgettable skiing holiday. The best resort for alpine skiing is Are, an emblematic World Cup event is held there every year. However, pistes are perfect even for beginners. Most resorts also provide dozens of off-piste winter activities such as ice skating on the frozen lakes, dog-sledding, snowmobiling and many others. Even more popular in Sweden is cross-country skiing, which is the only possible way of transportation for many people in the winter. The whole country is crossed by endless cross-country skiing trails that tempt skiers with their tranquility and unique landscape. The most famous sport event in the country is the annual ski marathon “Gustav Vasa”. The run is 89 kilometres long and everyone can take part - as long as he pays a fee of 100 EUR. The experience, however, is remarkable.

Hiking
Sweden is an outstanding place for hiking holidays. The desolate landscapes in Lapland, thick forests, fresh air and roaming elk give us the answer why Sweden is so popular among keen hikers. Here you have the chance to contemplate the northern lights, a phenomenon that can be seen almost nowhere else in the world. Sweden has a dense network of more than 400 marked hiking trails for all kinds of tourists. There are some interesting theme trails such as the Pilgrim trail and the Emigrant trail. Especially attractive are the trails leading through national nature reserves. Local tour operators offer guided tours. For more information, contact the National Tourist Office of Sweden.

Cycling
Cycling is another healthy and eco-friendly way to explore Sweden. It offers something for all kinds of bikers. The flat fields of Southern Sweden are suitable for family tours, while the northern wilderness is perfect for those who seek seclusion and closer contact with virgin nature and wildlife. The more adventurous can try the challenging mountainbike trails in the mountains. Whichever type of biking holiday you choose, the well-maintained cycling trails and accommodation possibilities will provide you with the desired convenience. Very popular cycling areas are the High Coast, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the lakes Vanern, Vattern, Tekern or Siljan. The season here lasts from March through October and cycling in the severe winter is not advisable.

Horse Riding
There is a deeply rooted tradition of high quality horse breeding in Sweden. The country offers a wide variety of different riding opportunities – from climbing the high snowy mountains by horse to riding through endless forests in the midnight sun. A large number of certified horse farms with experienced guides are scattered throughout the country. You can choose between living in a castle and eating gourmet meals or staying in a cottage with self-catering - it is a matter of taste.

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Gotland
Gotland, by Daniel Vasco