Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden
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Loading... - Diane Hunter
- 07 Sep 2022
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Lakeside living is part of the Swedish lifestyle and local waters provide both therapeutic relaxation and soft adventure – go for a swim, cycle along the shore, rent a boat or kayak your way around. You may even just choose to sit by a rock and dip your toes in the water – Swedish lakes are tranquil havens, complete with nature's health-boosting ability to help you destress.
Surrounded by nature – ranging from endless fields and forests to dramatic hills, marshes and mountains – Sweden's lakes have year-round appeal and offer any number of vacation activities by the lake. Come winter, the thick ice enables you to ski and skate. If fishing is on your agenda, this can be done any time of year, as well as wild swimming.
So, do like the Swedes and opt for a lakeside vacation – stay in an off-grid cabin or take advantage of the country's freedom to roam custom and pitch a tent for a night or two. Breathe in the fresh air, sleep under the stars and try a spot of skinny-dipping.
Here, we present the top lake vacations in Sweden, from north to south – though you'll find many more across the country.
Lake Hornavan – a haven for fishing and nature enthusiasts
Surrounded by the pristine nature of Swedish Lapland, Lake Hornavan is Sweden's deepest at around 221 metres. Covering over 220 square kilometres, this vast lake and its crystal-clear waters offer activities year-round. Outdoor experience organiser, for example, ACWA Fishing will have you discovering Lake Hornavan via trolling fishing trips, where a bait is pulled behind the boat at high speed. The fish you can expect to catch include the unusually large trout and arctic char found in these waters.
Immerse yourself fully in this mountainous environment by staying at Hornavan Hotel in Arjeplog, a stone's throw from the lake. You'll have sought-after fishing waters on your doorstep and various hiking packages can be booked.
Lake Tavelsjö – a northern gem to discover in a day
Swedish lakes come in all shapes and sizes, and it's not unusual to discover hidden gems just by walking around in nature. Lake Tavelsjön near the coastal city of Umeå is manageably sized. You'll be able to walk around the entire lake – a 23-kilometre stretch – in a day. A hiking trail will lead you here from Umeå city centre, taking you through forests and hills. Paddling is on offer too, with canoes and paddleboards available at Tavelsjö Kanot & Kayak. Wintertime, the lake can be accessed on cross-country skis and there's also a well-maintained 10-kilometre ice track, allowing you to skate in a loop around the lake – perhaps rounding off the experience with an invigorating cold bath.
To refuel, consider Root Tavelsjö – a casual, kid-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating and an extensive sourdough pizza menu – and Tavelsjö Wärdshus, with its menu of local flavours.
