Gävleborg: Authentic Swedish Summer Holiday

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » UK/Sandviken

  Flying out to Stockholm, pick up your hire car for the scenic drive north, winding through old-growth forests to pause for national-park hikes and the old town of Gävle. Although your accommodation dates to the 1600s, your cosy red-timber cabin has a contemporary-sleek interior and the modern spa is fantastic. Your included half-board dining is also superb, spanning multiple courses all sourced from the onsite dairy, farmlands and greenhouse. Indeed, there’s a real village feel to it all.

  Stay: Högbo Brukshotell

  Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 » Day at leisure

  There’s so much to do on your doorstep, taking in the region’s waterways and forests with everything from hikes and bike rides to canoes and SUPs. Or, you might simply want to unwind with a spa treatment and a dip in the lake or pool. Then, after calling into the on-site iron monger and organic bath-product producer, perhaps turn out to discover the region’s other cottage industries, promoting the likes of local food and traditional textile crafts. The 19th-century farmhouses of Hälsingland are a further UNESCO-listed favourite, all delightfully painted.
  

  Stay: Högbo Brukshotell

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 » Drive to Vallsta

  Continuing north, you’ll drive the Tidernas Vag – a centuries-old trading route that maps the region’s undulating ridgelines. The half-dozen-strong collection of show gardens at Wij Tradgarder make a fantastic lunch stop for the kitchen garden. Then, your next destination hotel is beautifully poised on a clifftop, overlooking a sandy beach and tranquil lake. They’re views showcased over classically decorated rooms and excellent spa treatments. However, for many, it’s the included half-board dining that impresses most. Think beef tartar starters, catch-of-the-day mains and local cheeses for deserts.

  Stay: Orbaden Spa & Resort

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Days 4-5 » Days at leisure

  You’ll have two full days here to enjoy the best that the Swedish summer has to offer. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking or ziplining, there’s plenty for the active-minded, while the beach and nearby microbrewery offer further opportunity for relaxation. However, for something truly unique, consider an evening’s bear-watching.

  For an extra-special wilderness experience, swap in a night at Bergaliv Loft House – a private loft tower, perched dramatically on the Åsberget mountainside with sweeping views over forests and lakes. In true Scandinavian style, it’s all perfectly minimalist, with comfy futons and blonde-pine walls. And, it’s delightfully remote, reached as it is by a short hike. Upgrade price starts from around £160 per person. Transfers available on request.

  
  

  Stay: Orbaden Spa & Resort
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 » Depart for UK

  After a final gourmet breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive back to Stockholm, dropping off your hire car and boarding your flight home. There’s also always the chance to extend with a night or two in the Swedish capital.
  

  Meals: Breakfast