 Adventures
Air-balloonIn most places throghout Sweden one can take a ride in a balloon.. Courses are also available. As the options are many the best way is to look in the yellow pages in the local telephone catalogue. Be sure to look for Flygföretag. In Göteborg, however, please contact the Tourist Association on phone; 031-61 52 00 for a tour above Göteborg. And for Stockholm try phone: 08-789 24 00.BathingYou can bath in one of the many lakes, rivers, streams, or in the sea along the Swedish coast. There are really no restrictions for out door bathing. BicyclingTo ride a bicycle is very easy all across the country, since there are very good roads for cycling and, in most areas, also especially marked bicycling tracks. Especially friendly for the family is the south of Sweden including the Ginstleden in Halland, as well as the two major islands Öland, and Gotland, since the terrain here is rather flat.In addition, there are good possibilities to ride a mountain bike all across the country, taking you through the forest and up on the mountains. Dalsland is popular, as well as Värmland; on the so called Värmlandsleden. In Närke, Bergslagen, Kilsbergen and Tiveden are recommended. In Hälsingland the Voxnan Valley offers all kinds of possibilities. Västergötland is also a terrific spot for cycling. Canoe/kayakCanoeing/Kayaking is very popular at the coast, at sea, as well as inland in lakes and streams. In Västergötland, and in Småland there are numerous tracks. In Dalsland there are numerous waters to choose from and is, therefore, one of the most popular sites, as it is full of bays and creeks, as well as channels. Värmland is also famous for canoeing. Närke is a terrific spot as is Dalarna where there are plenty of rivers, creeks and small lakes. In Dalarna one might try the Västerdalälven; for further information please contact; Fänforsens Rastplats. Nybyn 2954. S-780 45 Björbo. Telephone; 0241-234 50, or 0241-233 55. Fax; 0241-233 55. In Sälenfjällen the stream called Görälven is a good choice. In Hälsingland the Voxnan as well as the valley offers all kinds of possibilities. In the archipelago of Stockholm, as well as Göteborg, there are several choices. In Medelpad one can take a canoe through the many channels in northern Europe's largest delta.ClimbingIn Skåne, at Kullen. In Väst-Jämtland is a good choice as well, as one can take courses on several levels, but the bedrock will be more porous, as also is the case in Värmland. Exceptionally good are the mountains in Göteborg and Bohuslän. For further information on the northern parts, please call: JoPe Fors & Fjäll. Phone; 0647-314 65, 070-6659543. Most larger cities also have climbing courses available on all year round basis. The centre is, however, in Göteborg; the Swedish Climbing Schools Association. Dr. Liborius gata 12 B. S-413 23 Göteborg. Phone; 031-82 68 76. Organised under Climbing Instructors Professional Association (CIPA). The climbing centre in Göteborg provides practical education, a minimum of 3 days, in practical as well as theoretical matters. Having attended such a course a Rock Climber Certificate is awarded. Education in both rock as well as cave-climbing is offered at reasonable costs.DivingDiving can be done all along the Swedish coastline. Furthermore, there are diving courses in some areas. For further information please contact the Swedish Sports Diving Association in Stockholm on Phone: 08-605 60 00, or 08-605 63 76. One can also contact local tourist information offices listed in the province information, as diving courses can be taken all over the country and all year around. The yellow pages in the local telephone catalogue will list Diving Centres (Dykcenter) where courses are held, organised tours will be arranged, and equipment, instructors as well as boats can be hired. Most diving schools are connected to the PADI and CMAS organisations. In order to rent any equipment one must be at least 15 years of age, and have a certificate. During summer dives a wet suit, or a semidry one, is recommended, whereas in the winter a dry suit should be worn. Important to note is that in Sweden, diving boats must have additional oxygen tubes. Nonetheless, diving in Swedish waters is highly recommended.FishingDepending on where you are, there are many types of fishing that can be done in Sweden. The lakes generally offer the same fauna. The coastline offers differences because the water differs in salt concentration on the west and east coast respectively. The cold lakes in the north are great for game fishing.Sportfishing, using a rod and reel, is free in the 5 large lakes and the coastline as long as one follows the code of conduct in the Every Man's Right. Fishing on private property closer than 200 meters to buildings is accordingly not allowed. In smaller lakes and streams, a permit is almost always required. Using fishing nets and other heavy equipment usually requires a permit, regardless of where in Sweden it is. Catching fish, crabs, lobsters etc during diving sessions is forbidden. Spearing from boats or when diving, is also forbidden. Some fishing is only authorised during specific time periods. The best way to learn about the rules when fishing in a specific area, is to contact the Swedish Sports Fishing Federation, (Strömkarlsvägen 62) 167 62 Bromma. Phone; 08-704 44 80. Fax; 08-795 96 73, or nearest tourist information. GolfGolf has become incredibly popular over the last 10 years in Sweden. New golf courses are built in large numbers and there are as many as 365 in the whole country today. Most located in the southern area, but the interested player will have no problem finding great courses all the way up to the arctic circle.Despite what many may think, one must be a member in an international or national golf club, to be able to play on Swedish golf courses. For non-Swedish players, it is recommended that you have a membership card, as well as an insurance certificate, with you when you enter the local club where you want to play. If you have none of the above you have to contact a trainer on the club, and will be allowed to enter the club as a trainee, and only together with the trainer. For Swedes to play golf , they are required to have a "green card" - a playing permit. To get the permit one must pass a test with a score equivalent of hcp 54 or better. When one is able to get down to hcp 36, one will get the normal playing card of a 36 in handicap which also allows playing at other courses. The green card is valid for free playing only in the club where one is a member. However, golf is a popular sport, and it does not cost that much to be an active golfer, hence many clubs may not take new members. There are a few public courses in Sweden. Contact the local tourist bureau for information. HuntingTo be able to participate in any of the hunting parties it is obligatory to possess a hunting license. In order to get such a license you have to have a license to carry a weapon. The latter of these licenses can be applied for at any police station in Sweden, the former at a hunting association. In order to get a hunting permit as a non-Swede, you have to have a personal invitation. There are specific seasons for hunting, and these seasons vary along with the species. Again contact the police for further information.Rafts, Rapids shootingPlease note that for rapids shooting, as well as for rafts, a guide is required.Värmland have the finest streams, such as Klarälven, for further information please contact Branäs Sport AB. Branäs Fritidsanläggning. Box 28. S-680 60 Sysslebäck. Phone; 0564-475 50, or Klarälven specifically phone; 0564-402 27, or 0564-403 00. But, also Väst-Jämtland, has much to offer, especially where Indalsälven is located. For further information on Indalsälven, please contact; JoPe Fors & Fjäll. Pl. 1155. S-830 05 Järpen. Phone; 0647-314 65, or, 010-250 73 88. For further information concerning Åre, please contact; Åreguiderna, Box 90, S-830 13 Åre. Phone; 0647-507 00. Fax; 0647-500 53. On both of these locations one can buy courses on several levels. In Medelpad there are the Haverö rivers with three parallel streams. In Dalarna one might try the Västerdalälven. For further information please contact; Fänforsens Rastplats. S-780 41 Björbo. Phone; 0241-233 55. Fax; 0241-233 55. For Norrbotten there are multiple choices as well. For further information please contact; Kukkolaforsen Turist & Konferens. Kukkolaforsen 184, 953 91 Haparanda. Phone; 0922-310 00. Fax; 0922-310 30. In Västerbotten one can join the adventures on the Byskeälven. For further information please contact; Byskeälvens Äventyr, Knektvägen 336, S-930 47 Byske. Phone; 070-543 32 32. RidingAll over the country there are many tracks. In all provinces there are fine stables where one can get further information. Look in the yellow pages in the local telephone catalogue.SafariEriksbergs Wildlife and Nature Sanctuary Conference facilities. Karlshamn. Blekinge. S-374 96 Trensum. Phone; 0454-600 58. Fax; 0454-602 16. Safari with over 1,000 animals, such as European bison. Over 2,000 wild flowers, such as the red water-lilies. A Children's Zoo, is also included, where the children can pet the animals.Furthermore, there is the Kolmårdens Djurpark, which is a zoo in Östergötland. Kolmårdens Djurpark. S-618 92 Kolmården. Phone; 011-24 90 00. Fax; 011-24 90 40. Open All Year. Daily. Animal park from 10.00 hours. The Safari daily from April 29 to September 3. Dolphins are on show daily from April 4 to November 5. A large zoo, including a safari with five sections inhabited by, among others, moose, bear, lama, zebra, ostrich, antelope, and lions. Sailing The coastline all around Sweden is well provided for, as well as the lakes of Vänern, Vättern and Mälaren. In Stockholm contact the Kungliga Svenska Segelsällskapet (KSSS), Box 118, S-133 22 Saltsjöbaden. Phone; 08-556 166 80. Fax; 08-717 30 34. In Göteborg contact the Göteborgs Kungliga Segelsällskap (GKSS). Långedrag Box 5039. S-421 05 Västra Frölunda. Phone; 031-29 90 40. In other places the easiest way to go is to contact the Swedish Sailing Association. Idrottens Hus. S-123 87 Farsta. Phone; 08-459 09 90 . Fax; 08-459 09 99. The Swedish Boat Union, (Af Pontins Väg 6) Box 27 808, S-115 93 Stockholm. Phone; 08-661 59 40, also has vast information material at hand. Nautical charts are bought at Nautiska Magasinet AB. Slussplan 5. Box 15410. S-104 65 Stockholm. Phone; 08-677 00 00. Fax; 08-677 00 10. TrekkingAll provinces have trails stretching through the best parts of the local nature. Often, additional services are offered along the trails, such as lodging and luggage delivery. For more information look in the regional presentations or check with the local tourist information.WindsurfingAll over the coastline there are many choices and very easy to access the beach. The easiest way is to get further advice is contact the local tourist information, or to look in the yellow pages in the local telephone catalogue for diverse choices. For the advanced windsurfer there are excellent choices in Apelviken which is in Varberg, and also the most well-known surfing spot in all of Sweden. Other popular spots are : Mörbylånga and Haga Park on Öland and Simrishamn and Falsterbo in Skåne. Useful information Quiz game Contents About... E-mail |