In the heart of the unspoiled nature of Sweden lies Nordic Woods’ wilderness camping. A spot in the Swedish wilderness in an idyllic location near one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful lakes. Venture into nature with your friends between June and September and spend 7 days getting back to basics – but with amenities like a hot tub, sauna on the lake, exciting activities such as a canoe expedition, and a moose safari. This is Nordic Woods!

Where is Nordic Woods?

Åsnen National Park in Sweden is one of the most pristine places in Europe, and this is where the Nordic Woods camp is located. A camp in the vast wilderness, where you can hike and spot wildlife in the forest. The national park is located in southern Sweden, near the village of Ryd on Hönshyltefjorden. By car, it’s about a 12 to 13-hour drive (with stops), but flying or using public transportation is also an option.

Accommodations at Nordic Woods

You’ll stay in a tipi suitable for up to 5 people. From your tipi, you’ll have views of forests and a vast lake. All accommodations are nicely furnished, spacious, and the tents are high enough to walk comfortably in. Since you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors on this trip, each tipi or yurt comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and a tripod for cooking over the campfire. Imagine that view of the forest and a serene lake… do we need to say more?

Activities at Nordic Woods

During your week in the wilderness, a lot is included. There’s a large tipi on the premises where various workshops are held, such as baking your own bread, yoga, and meditation. In the evenings, a large campfire is lit where you can make new friends, share stories, or play a game of Werewolf.

After a long day of hiking in the forest (with or without a guide), there’s nothing better than relaxing in a warm hot tub or sauna. And Nordic Woods knows this all too well, so they’ve hidden a heated hot tub among the trees, and in the lake sauna, you can completely unwind from your day.

Looking for some action? Then hit the water with one of the Canadian Long Canoes and explore the lake, rivers, and islands around the camp. A survival night is also included in your stay and might be just a tad more thrilling. You’ll receive a canoe and survival kit with a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag, and you’ll spend the night in the forest. Wild camping for a night, getting back to basics.

If that’s a bit too adventurous for you, then the moose safari might be a fun alternative (but of course, you can do it all!). Spotting wild moose can be tricky, but at the Smålandet Safari Park, you’re guaranteed to encounter several.

And there’s more! Check out all the activities at Nordic Woods. There’s plenty to do and experience on and around the camp.

What does a week in the wilderness cost?

Nordic Woods organizes a complete trip for you; only transportation to and from Sweden is not included. The trip takes place between June and September and lasts for 7 days, from Saturday to Saturday.

You get a lot more than just a place to sleep because you can do guided hikes, use the canoes unlimitedly, and enjoy the hot tub and sauna. Yoga, meditation, and workshops (such as bread baking, cold training, and guided hikes) are also included, and you can relax and play games on a shared terrain. You’ll get a bag of wood for the campfire, and on the terrace by the tent, there’s a BBQ, fire pit, and cooking set at your disposal.

Can you picture yourself on a terrace in front of your tipi among the trees? You can book through the website of Nordic Woods. Experience an active vacation in Sweden amidst nature!

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Wild Camping in Sweden is a Must-Do if You Love Adventure. Thanks to Allemansrätten (Everyman’s Right), you can camp wherever you want in Sweden. This means you can spend the night in some of the most beautiful and pristine places Sweden has to offer. And there are plenty of them. From dense forests to deserted islands, Swedish nature practically begs for an adventure filled with wild camping. Good preparation is important. Here are our 6 tips for when you want to go wild camping in Sweden.

#1 Choose a Unique Spot for Wild Camping

Allemansrätten (Everyman’s Right) simply means that everyone can enjoy nature, as long as you don’t disturb others or destroy anything. When it comes to wild camping, the rules are quite simple: you can camp anywhere in nature, but don’t stay longer than one night in the same spot and keep at least 150 meters (492 feet) away from inhabited areas. Sometimes there are restrictions, such as in national parks, recreational areas, or on private property, but these are usually clearly marked. When choosing a spot for your tent, it’s helpful to find a fairly flat surface so you can easily set up your tent and sleep comfortably. Also, try to choose a softer ground where you can easily drive in the pegs. If rain is forecasted, it’s smart to place your tent slightly higher to prevent it from filling with water.

#2 Make a Campfire

Once you’ve found a nice spot for your tent, it’s time to make a campfire. This will keep you warm and allow you to heat up your food at the same time. To make a fire safely, make sure combustible objects are far away from the fire and create a circle of stones around it. You can gather wood yourself in the forest (cutting down trees is prohibited) or you can buy it at one of the many Circle K or Preem gas stations.

In principle, it is allowed to make a campfire in nature in Sweden, but this does not apply to all areas. Many nature parks have specific rules allowing fires only at designated fireplaces. These places are often located near shelters, simple huts that provide protection from rain and wind, and usually have a fire pit. Information about the shelters and how to find them varies by nature reserve.

During extreme and prolonged drought, a fire ban may be imposed. You can check on this website whether there is a fire ban in the area where you plan to camp. In many nature reserves, English-language signs are also used to indicate when a fire ban is in effect. This has been the case several times in recent years and, partly due to climate change, seems to be happening more frequently.

#3 Choose Your Mode of Transportation Through Sweden

Sweden is a fantastic destination because of the numerous opportunities it offers. You can hike, paddle a canoe, or travel by car. For wild camping, we particularly recommend the canoe as a means of transportation. The major advantage is that with a canoe, you can reach the many small islands where you can camp in the wild. There’s a good chance you’ll even be the only camper on such an island, making your overnight stay even more unique and adventurous. Additionally, you can easily carry all your camping gear in the canoe. With The Canoe Trip, not only is the canoe arranged, but also an extensive route map, food pack, and necessary instructions.

#4 The Best Time to Go Wild Camping in Sweden

For wild camping in Sweden, the best time to go is from June to September. During this period, the temperature is usually very pleasant, around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius on average. However, keep in mind that as you travel further north, temperatures drop. Since Sweden is located in the northern hemisphere, there are extra hours of daylight during the summer, averaging about 16 to 18 hours per day, giving you plenty of time to set up your tent before it gets dark.

#5 Drink from the Lake

Wild camping in Sweden requires some organization. Of course, you don’t want to get sick, so it’s important to drink clean water. A unique feature of Sweden is that most lakes are so clean that you can drink the water directly. Most of the contamination is at the surface, so it’s advisable to hold your water bottle about 40 cm underwater while filling it.

In general, the water from lakes in Sweden is safe to drink. However, if in doubt, it’s recommended to purify the water. You can use Hadex drops (1 drop per bottle). This is a disinfectant that kills any viruses and bacteria in the drinking water. You can purchase these drops at various outdoor stores.

#6 Leave No Trace and Avoid Soap

As an outdoor addict, you naturally want to enjoy nature for as long and in as many places as possible without disturbance. That’s why it’s important to treat nature the right way. One of the most important principles is “leave no trace” – always bring a trash bag to clean up waste and make sure you leave the place cleaner than you found it. Additionally, it’s important to use biodegradable soap while wild camping.

With the above tips, you’re well-prepared for wild camping in the beautiful Swedish nature. If you’re torn between wild camping and staying in one place, we recommend checking out Nordic Woods, a nature campsite in the heart of the Swedish wilderness.

In addition to Sweden, there are other areas in Europe that are excellent for wild camping. Unlike Sweden, where we recommend the canoe as a means of transportation, you’ll generally explore these areas on foot. The most famous routes where you can also wild camp are in Iceland, Norway, and Scotland.

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Welcome to Sweden, the land of forests, mountains, and lakes. If you’re looking for unique places to stay during your journey through Sweden, you’re in luck. Sweden offers a wide range of extraordinary accommodations, allowing you to experience your trip in an unforgettable way. Whether you want to sleep in a charming treehouse, wake up in the midst of nature, or go wild camping on your private island, Sweden has it all. In this article, we’ll highlight these special places for you so you can find inspiration for your next adventure.

Dreaming Among the Trees at the Treehotel

Have you always dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse? At the Treehotel in Sweden, you can! This hotel features 8 unique rooms built in the shape of treehouses, located in the northern part of Sweden. You can stay in one of the various treehouses: Biosphere, Bird’s nest, The Ufo, Mirrorcube, The Cabin, 7th Room, Dragonfly, or The Blue Cone.

Location: Harads

Stay on an Island near Stockholm

Experience the Stockholm archipelago in a unique and extraordinary way by staying on a private island. The holiday cottages at Idöborgs Stuguthyrning are charmingly furnished and offer a delightful oasis of tranquility for a few days.

Location: Nämdö

Experience the “72 Hour Glass Cabin” Experiment Yourself

Sweden is known for its high quality of life, but what’s the secret behind it? A 2017 study provided insight: participants with stressful jobs spent 72 hours in glass cabins amidst nature. After their stay, all participants experienced up to 70 percent less stress, became more creative, and had lower blood pressure. The experiment highlighted the beneficial effects of spending time in nature and suggested that a ‘close to nature’ lifestyle can contribute to better health. Want to experience this effect yourself? You can! The 72 Hour Cabins are located in Dalsland, in western Sweden.

Location: Dalsland

Stay at a Unique “Wilderness Camping” in the Heart of Nature

On the edge of Åsnen National Park in Sweden, you’ll find the unique Nordic Woods camp. Here, you’ll stay in a spacious tipi tent with a large terrace, offering stunning views of a vast lake on one side and the Swedish forests on the other. During the day, you can explore on your own with a canoe or join a guided hike through the woods. In the evening, relax in the hot tub and sauna on the lake, gather around a campfire with other guests, or cook a delicious meal over your own fire pit. You can learn more about Nordic Woods in this article about Nordic Woods.

Location: Åsnen Park

Stay at the Icehotel

Icehotel is located in Jukkasjärvi, in northern Sweden. Besides warm rooms, the hotel also offers rooms entirely made of ice. These icy rooms, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -8 degrees Celsius, are all unique and furnished with handmade ice furniture. You’ll sleep in thermal sleeping bags on beds covered with reindeer hides. In the morning, you can warm up in the hotel’s sauna. Are you excited about spending a night in this extraordinary hotel?

Location: Jukkasjärvi

Stay in a Floating Aurora Hut

The Aurora huts are perfect for a unique stay in the spectacular Arctic region all year round. Ideal for experiencing the midnight sun in summer but even better for dreaming under the Northern Lights in winter. These huts offer an authentic outdoor experience combined with the luxury of a compact kitchenette with a gas hob, a surround-sound speaker system, and Wi-Fi.

Location: Kiruna

Wild Camping on a Private Island

Sweden is unmatched for wild camping, and that’s why we’ve already written an extensive article with 6 tips for wild camping in Sweden. Our top tip for wild camping is to venture into the wilderness of Sweden with The Canoe Trip. You’ll spend seven days completely self-sufficiently paddling through Värmland with a canoe, sleeping in the heart of nature, and discovering the most beautiful spots.

Location: Arjäng

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Are you looking for an adventurous destination in the Swedish nature? Then Värmland is the perfect spot. This province in Sweden is also known as little Canada, and for good reason. The area consists of 77% forests, and if you were to count the number of lakes, you would come to at least 10,000. Värmland has it all, from hilly terrain to tranquil streams, rivers, and countless islands. With so much nature around you, you might wonder where to begin. The golden tip: start from the water! Curious about what you can do there, how to get there, and what budget to consider? Scroll down quickly and read all our tips for Värmland in Sweden!

How to Travel to Värmland?

Värmland is located in the southeast of Sweden, bordering Norway and Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake. There are several options to get to Värmland. Below we’ve listed them for you.

By Plane + Car: Take a direct flight to Oslo Gardermoen. From here, rent a car to Värmland, which is a 2.5-hour drive.

By Car + Ferry to Gothenburg: Drive to Kiel in Germany, where you take the ferry to Gothenburg in Sweden. From here, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Värmland.

By Car + Storebælt Bridge + Øresund Bridge: Drive via Kolding in Denmark to Malmö in Sweden. You’ll cross two toll bridges, the Storebælt Bridge and the Øresund Bridge, between them. Tickets for this crossing can be purchased online or on-site. You can buy a combination ticket for the two toll bridges here. From Malmö, it’s another 9-hour drive to Värmland.

By Bus: You can book a comfortable overnight bus to Värmland through The Canoe Trip in addition to your canoe. Ideal because you can head out in the morning right away.

By Train + Ferry + Bus or Car: Take the train to Kiel. From here, board the ferry to Gothenburg. Here, you can either take the Flixbus to Årjäng or choose to drive to Värmland with a rental car. This is still a 3-hour drive.

Do you want to travel affordably and add a sporty activity to your Värmland trip? With the Canoe Trip, you can choose a flight with transfer or a direct bus trip to Värmland.

What is the Best Time to Visit Värmland?

The best time to visit Värmland is from June to September. During these months, there is the least amount of rainfall, and a large part of the day is light. You can enjoy pleasant temperatures around 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). This is the prime period for outdoor activities such as canoeing, rafting, and wilderness camping.

If you enjoy wintry cold, then December to early March are the right months, with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). However, keep in mind that there are significantly fewer daylight hours during this time.

Costs and Budget for Värmland

Scandinavia has the reputation of having high average prices. However, if you ask us, you can definitely keep your trip affordable. Below, we’ve made an estimate for daily expenses (along with tips on how to save!), so you can get a good idea of the budget you’ll need.

Accommodation

Cost: 250 – 900 SEK per day ($24 – $86)

The cost of accommodation is, of course, up to you. Opting for a more luxurious hotel will run around 900 SEK ($86) per night, but if you choose a hostel with fewer frills, expect to pay about 550 SEK ($54). Wild camping, on the other hand, is free and, in our opinion, the best way to save money during your trip to Värmland! Keep in mind that in some places, you’ll need a Nature Conservation Card. This card grants access to camping spots equipped with a shelter, outdoor toilet, and fire pit. It costs 80 SEK ($7) per person per night.

Food and Drink

Cost: 225-450 SEK per day ($20 – $40)

One of the pricier aspects of Värmland is food and drink. Eating out, in particular, can be quite expensive. At an average restaurant, expect to pay around 340 SEK ($32) for a main course. Bringing your own (survival) food from home is a good option. If you’re flying, you’re allowed to bring up to 3 kilograms of food per person. However, if you do want to dine out, at the bottom of this article, you’ll find tips for good restaurants in Värmland.

Tip: Looking to save money on drinks? Bring a refillable water bottle from home. In Sweden, you can drink water directly from the lakes or rivers.

What to Do in Värmland?

In Värmland, there are several cool activities to undertake.

Canoeing at Sunrise

There are many ways to explore Värmland, but with over 10,000 lakes, the canoe is the most fun way. Admire the pristine nature of Sweden as you paddle quietly across the lakes. This is a special experience because in some places, you’re all alone, and (almost) everywhere you can wild camp. Get out of bed before sunrise because the surroundings are even more beautiful, and it’s a delightful way to start your day. To book your canoe trip, we recommend The Canoe Trip. They have mapped out some of the most beautiful routes through Värmland, and most logistics are taken care of for you. Besides a Canadian canoe, you also get wheels for land crossings, a trail map with route instructions & locations of (wild) camping spots, and access passes for locks and shelters. Furthermore, you have all the freedom: it’s up to you how you want to plan it.

Spotting Wildlife in Värmland

Värmland is home to many species, including fallow deer, foxes, cranes, and moose. However, the chance to see a moose in the wild is quite small and requires a lot of patience and some luck. You can also spot many animals on the water, including the osprey and the white-tailed eagle in particular. These large birds of prey are common in Värmland and primarily hunt for fish, but the white-tailed eagle also feeds on other birds found near water. So, pay extra attention because on the water is where you have the best chance to spot these birds.

Wild Camping in Värmland

What’s so great about traveling through Värmland is that in the many thousands of lakes, there are also countless small islands. It’s not only fun to anchor for a lunch break during your canoe trip, but here you can also experience what it’s like to have your own private island for a night. Sweden is indeed the ideal place for wild camping, because of the Everyman’s Right, also known as “Allemansrätten”. This means that you can pitch your tent anywhere in nature to spend the night, as long as you don’t cause any damage to nature or others’ property. A must is that you pitch your tent in the wilderness, not in someone’s backyard. In Värmland, you’re in the right place for that because it’s known as one of the most pristine pieces of nature in all of Scandinavia. Want to know more? Read all about wild camping in Sweden.

Admire the Endless Sunset and Capture the Most Beautiful Nature Photos

Thanks to Sweden’s northern location, it stays light for a long time in the summer. During the summer months, you can even experience the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun, a period from early June to mid-July when the sun never fully sets below the horizon. In Sweden, you can enjoy the last sunbeams for hours as they gradually descend among the trees. During this period, the colors can change from blue to purple, orange, red, and pink. Virtually all colors of the rainbow pass by. For photographers among us, this is a true spectacle and the perfect opportunity to capture beautiful nature photos.

What to Bring to Värmland?

Below you’ll find a packing list with the essential items for a visit to Värmland. This list is particularly useful if you’re planning on engaging in outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, or wild camping.

• Drybag (especially handy during canoeing)
• Refillable water bottle
• Headlamp
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots
• Reusable cutlery
• Backpack
• Pocket knife
• Biodegradable soap (for washing in the lakes)
• Biodegradable toilet paper
• Power bank or solar charger
• Cap or hat
• Buff for colder days
• Sunglasses
• Thermal clothing
• Hardshell jacket (waterproof and windproof) & softshell jacket (water repellent)
• Fleece jacket
• Swimwear
• Small compass
• Camping gear

Best Restaurants in Värmland (Karlstad)

In the forested surroundings of Värmland, you won’t come across many restaurants quickly. A bit further south, you’ll find the slightly more populated place Karlstad, which has some good restaurants.

Matbruket – A delightful place offering typical Swedish classics. The Raggmunk (a potato pancake served with fried pork and lingonberries) is highly recommended! Combine this restaurant with a visit to the Värmland Museum.
Zest – Here you can enjoy fresh salads, soup, and dumplings. Everything is organic and sourced from their own garden.
Spicy Hot – If you’re looking for a quick bite, this is the place to be. They offer tasty Asian dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
Fontana di Trevi – Taste Italian flavors in Sweden, with options like bruschetta, grilled tuna, and calamari fritti.

Fun fact: Eating pure and fresh food is very important for the people of Värmland. Did you know that ‘Foerageren,’ meaning ‘harvesting food from nature,’ is a daily activity here? It’s no wonder many restaurants have a very local menu, featuring items like fish, mushrooms, and berries from the nearby forests, lakes, and meadows.

The post What to do in Värmland, Sweden? 4 Activities + Handy Tips! appeared first on TRAVELREBELS.

Into the wild, completely offline and away from your busy life. With your best friend, girlfriend, sister, brother, your loved one, or maybe even with your whole group of friends, seven days on the water. In the evening, around the campfire, enjoying good food and lots of fun in the middle of nowhere. Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? We think so too! This upcoming summer, you can embark on the adventure of exploring the untouched natural areas of Scandinavia with a canoe. You’ll paddle from island to island with your buddy and be amazed by the incredible nature, all to yourself. On the border of Sweden and Norway lies Värmland, the land where you can still drink from lakes and wild camp anywhere. The perfect setting to experience the adventure of a lifetime and test yourself. This is The Canoe Trip!

What’s the concept?

During the summer, a 7-day canoe trip is organized every week. Various routes have been planned based on your experience level. On the first day, you’ll receive instructions on how to survive a week on the water, and in the afternoon, your journey on the water begins. In Värmland, it’s allowed to camp anywhere you like, but there are also designated spots on the route where you can camp with other participants. If you’d prefer to camp romantically with your friend or partner on a private island, that’s an option too. You have complete freedom, and you can go wherever you please, as long as you leave your overnight spot tidy. Upon departure, you’ll receive a cooking set so you can prepare your own meals. You can also choose to reserve a Survival Foodpack. This will provide you with everything you need for the upcoming week. Eventually, you’ll return to the basecamp where you can rest for another day.

Help! I have no canoe experience

No worries! With a good level of fitness, determination, and all the instructions you’ll receive at the basecamp, anyone can participate.

More Information about The Canoe Trip

Have you become completely excited and want more information about how to get there, the prices, the route, etc.?

Check out the website of The Canoe Trip for more details or to sign up right away.

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