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Hi there,
Off to Sweden in the summer for a couple of weeks with car and bikes, and am after suggestions for good areas to ride. Plan is to do a loop from Gothenburg via Are at some point.
Mainly interested in big days out in the mountains (i.e. Scottish highlands type riding), where we can by a topo and go explore the singletrack. The dilemna is which mountain regions are worth exploring?
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Its a long drive, 12 hours plus, from Göteborg to Åre.
Try asking on happymtb.org as they'll have a much better idea about specific places to spend time.
One issue with riding in Sweden is that nearly all the forests are farmed so it quite possible that tracks on maps no longer exist on the ground as they've been obliterated by machinery. Still I expect the mountain ranges to be a lot better.
The "Kungleden", Kings path, is the most popular long walking track in Sweden and is very well served the hostels along the way. Worth checking out the tourist office.
http://www.svenskaturistforeningen.se/en/
One issue with riding in Sweden is that nearly all the forests are farmed so it quite possible that tracks on maps no longer exist on the ground as they've been obliterated by machinery. Still I expect the mountain ranges to be a lot better.
+1 this. Also, with there being very little restriction on access, a lot of the best trails might only be known to locals. Depending on what area you end up in there are regular group rides all over Sweden (generally organised through happymtb.org), so I'm sure you could tag along or even get maps or gps-tracks of areas. They're pretty friendly on happymtb, if not quite as active as here, and don't worry about posting in English. Someone will answer eventually.
Sedish Chef / Warpcow, thanks for that info - off to try happymtb for more details then!
Are is good for the bikepark. I didn't really explore anywhere else. Loads of mtb shops in are that will give you the local lowdown. The bike shop at the train station has an English guy called Andy working for them. He has been here about 6 years and was really helpful and will no doubt be able to help! It's been REALLY wet in are for a while so bring your crude catcher!
The trails looked pretty good at Are but not sure it's worth a special trip as it's a bit of an epic journey from the South. There is quite a lot of info on skistar.com if you're after the trail maps. Nice place to be though, and seemed v bike friendly.
I drove last year from nykoping airport. It was about 450 miles of lovely Swedish roads and countryside. On way back we split it into 2 days and a bit of a xc drive. This year we got the night train from gothenburg to are.12 hours while you sleep. It was great.
How are you getting there? I live right in the South but I would be happy to show you the trails around me in Skåne. Beautiful woodys singletrack. Most of the counties have a network of excellent walking trails. For example in Skåne we have the Skåneleden which is a managed trail with free camping shelters every 10km with wood, water and toilets usually. [url= http://www.skaneleden.se/ ]http://www.skaneleden.se/[/url]
There is one that starts around Göthborg called the bohusleden which I believe may be great for you. [url= http://bohusleden.se/lang/en/ ]http://bohusleden.se/lang/en/[/url] Remember that the Swedish mountains are all along the Norwegian border and in the North so you have to travel a lot as it is a huge long country. If you are going to the far North remember it is the Arctic so it can still be very cold in the summer.
Forgot to say that this book would be worth a read:
http://www.addnature.com/product.aspx?pf_id=CALAZOMTBSVERIGE
Agree bohusleden would be an excellent route, although NOT mountainous. Also from Göteborg is a long day ride to Borås on a well marked trail. More than happy to ride around the Göteborg area with you.
Stockholm.....no, seriously. It's great! No big hills but endless trails that reminded me very much of the best stuff in Rothimurchus. Go onto www.happymtb.org.
They have a great scene out there.
Cheers
Sanny
Det är en bra bok om man kan läsa svenska 🙂
Here are some links I found [url= http://happymtb.org/forum/read.php/1/1081654/1082497 ]http://happymtb.org/forum/read.php/1/1081654/1082497[/url]
[url= http://www.pixbox.se/alb_show_id206179_page0.html ]http://www.pixbox.se/alb_show_id206179_page0.html[/url]
All,
Thanks for the tips guys. Further clarification of our plans:
We arrive in Goteborg with car, camping stuff and bikes. We have a week to get to the islands of Ulvon for a wedding and then afterwards a week to get back. I think we are planning on Are on the way back (Jamtland looks good).
So the main dilemna is a decent mountain venue to stop on the way to Ulvon, with good singletrack and nice camping places.
WIth regards to the information already kindly provided:
1) Swedish Chef - The Kungleden looks a little far north to me, however is it or the other national trails rideable (legally i mean), i don't know anything about the Swedish access situation yet.
2) GEDA - Jag kan inte.
I have a bro in law (and his wife and kid) nr Stockholm. Might be worth taking (or hiring) the bike net time we go by the sounds of it!
Very good riding in Stockholm :o)