Sweden Things to Do Tips by sim1 Top 5 Page for this destination

Ängsö National Park: the Meadow Island

Ängsö is a little gem of an island, hidden away in the beautiful Stockholm archipelago. The way to get here is by ferry, either leaving from Stockholm or from some of the stops along the way. We decided to hop on board in Vaxholm.

The sea looks so blue; the sun is shining brightly and glistering in the water. The boat moves with a rather high speed, zigzagging around the many islands that the archipelago consists of. The wind is blowing through my hair, sunglasses on, and I am totally enjoying the views, the sunshine and the fresh sea breeze. After 1 1/2 hours on the boat we finally are there: Ängsö!

The island is small, only 73 hectares, but so worth visiting. Quite a few people get off the ferry, but some stay on, to continue their way to another destination in the archipelago. A slight feeling of disappointment comes over me, I almost feel like panicking, realizing that the peace might be disturbed by all the people coming from the boat. But my fears are too quick and totally unnecessary. After only a few minutes we break away from the groups and after this it is just heavenly to be here! The island consists of many meadows, all in bloom, with different types of flowers. The amount of wildflowers and the diversity is amazing.

The best way to enjoy this little idyllic place is to bring a picnic basket filled with some delicious food and a nice bottle of wine. Follow the hiking trail, which will lead you through the meadows, and somewhere along the trail take a left turn, which will bring you to the shoreline. Sit down on the rocky shores overlooking the Stockholm archipelago, with its blue water and scattered around islands, and simply enjoy the food, the view, the sun and the flowers! After your meal make a further round tour on the island, and as the island isn't so big, it makes for a lovely relaxing walk.

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Read my Ängsö page for more about this lovely little island.

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Directions: Approximately 8 kilometres east of Bergshamra in the inner Roslagen archipelago in the county of Stockholm.

Engelsbergs Bruk: Industrial History

If you are interested in Industrial History, the Engelsbergs Bruk in Central Sweden is a place you shouldn't miss visiting. Visiting the location of the Engelsberg bruk is for free, and you'll be able to see the ironworks from the outside. Unfortunately part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not accessible without taking the guided tour, and you can only see the buildings from a longer distance. This how I saw Engelbergs bruk at first and my disappointment with the place was enormous. But now comes the good news........

Upon leaving this historical site we discovered that a guided tour was just about to start, and that was an opportunity we didn't want to miss!!! The guided tour opens up all those closed doors and let you take a look inside these buildings bringing you up close with the history of this area. You are able to walk around in and see the blacksmith’s forge and also the smelting house, which is one of just a few remaining "mulch-timber" smelting houses in the country. It is a wonderful tour of about an hour. The guided tours are generally in Swedish, but on special request, also in English. If you want an English tour make sure you contact the tourist office in advance at turism@fagersta.se or phone the tourist information Lilla Slaggarboden +46(0)223-30035 / visitors centre Ängelsberg Station +46 (0)223 444 64.

Guided tours:
May–June: on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 3pm.
24 June-13 Aug: daily tours 10.30am, 1 and 3pm.
19 Aug-24 Sept tours Sat-Sun 1 and 3pm.
(timetable in 2006)

The guided tour costs 50 SEK (around €5,50 / $7,30), but for children under 15 years it is for free. A combination ticket for the ironworks and Oljeön costs 90 SEK (prices 2006).

Directions: Engelbergs Bruk is located in Svealand (Central Sweden)
In the county of Västmanlands Län
In the north-western part of the county
East of Fagersta, south of Norberg

Other Contact: turism@fagersta.se

Grundsund, the islands of Malö and Flatön

Just outside the island of Orust you can find the smaller islands of Malö and Flatön. These islands are easily reached by ferry from Orust and are great to visit. Like the rest of the area, these islands have that typical West Coast atmosphere as well. Blue sea, rocky coastline, houses like colourful little dots on the coastline. There is a small winding road bringing you from one island to another. And don't forget to make a stop so now and than, because the views are gorgeous. The main 'attraction' on the island is the shop of 'Handelsman Flink' and restaurant.

If you follow the trip you will end up in Fiskebäcksil. Before you enter the village, on the left hand side of the road, you will pass a house which sells the most delicious marzipan and Italian ice-cream! A must do, hahaha, in my opinion :-)

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you can read more about this destination on my Grundsund page

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Directions: Grundsund is located in Götaland (South Sweden)
In the county of Västra Götalands län
On the west coast
North of Göteborg

The medieval church of Dadesjö

Tjärö

Ebbamåla Bruk, enjoy industrial history

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You can more about this industrial monument on my Ebbamåla page

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Eksjö, the wooden town

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You can more about this little town on my Eksjö page

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Directions: Eksjö is located in Götaland (South Sweden)
In the county of Jönköpings Län

Website: http://eng.visiteksjo.se

Njupeskär, The highest waterfall in Sweden

The Njupeskär is the highest waterfall in Sweden and I was really looking forward in going here. But the waterfall itself wasn't the thing that charmed me; it was the beauty of the rest of the Fulufjället National Park that amazed me.

The hike to the waterfall is easy although quite exhausting as it climbs up and down over a hill. But the trail is over boardwalk and lots of stairs most of the time, so it's not very difficult to do. I can't remember exactly, but I think it is a 3 kilometres roundtrip to get to the falls. I expected it to be relatively quiet, as I hadn't seen that many people around on my other hikes. But I found out where they were.... at the base of the Njupekär waterfall :-( It was very crowded here, and that really took away from the charm of the waterfall. I can't say I really enjoyed it, but I made myself a promise.... I want to see the waterfall in the winter. I really wonder what it looks like during that time of year. It must be amazing to see it all frozen, hahaha, and probably not with that many people around because of the winter season!

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You can see more pictures of the Njupekär on my Fulufjället National Park page

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Directions: Njupeskär is located in Svealand (Central Sweden)
In the county of Dalarnas Län
In the north west part of this county
inside Fulufjället National Park

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1c048/301cb/

Sälen, Hiking in the Fjällen

Sälen is known as a winter sport area, but I visited it during the summer, and I didn't regret it! It's a beautiful place to do some hiking on top of the mountains. The great thing to do is to take one of the ski lifts that bring you up to the top of the mountain. That saves you the steep hike to get to the top of the fjällen (mountain). From here you can take one of the many hiking trails and enjoy a day (or more) hiking through the area.

If you like to stay overnight that is no problem, you can take your tent with you in your backpack. It is allowed to camp for free in this area. This is part of what they call the 'Allemansrätt' in Sweden.

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You can read more about my trip on my Sälen page

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Directions: Sälen is located in Svealand (Central Sweden)
In the county of Dalarnas Län

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1c048/2b5cf/

Mariefred, a picturesque village

When you visit Gripsholm Castle (see my 'off the beaten path tips), you mustn’t forget to visit the village of Mariefred as well. There is nothing really spectacular to see, but it's such a lovely quiet and picturesque village. I just loved the atmosphere of this little town.

There are a few attractions though in Mariefred that you might like to see. There is a steam train and a little museum at the old train station of Mariefred. The steam train is still running these days for the tourists. Another place you might like to visit is the "Grafiken Hus". Here you can see exhibits of famous graphical works.

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You can read much more about the picturesque village on my Mariefred page

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Directions: Mariefred is located in Svealand (Central Sweden)
In the county of Södermanlands Län
On Lake Mälaren, on the south side of the lake
About 70 km west from Stockholm
Next to Gripsholm Castle.

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1c048/2d292/