Hike, Bike and Canoe in Östergötland
"Ydrebygden", as the region is called, lies in the borderland between the Swedish counties of Småland and Östergötland on the north side of the southern Swedish highlands. Here you find large forests with pine and spruce, but also deciduous forest surrounding glittering clear water lakes and mountains.
The region has been inhabited since the Stone Age but remains sparsely populated and it may be days before you see another human being.
Duration: 4-7 days
Dates/Period: Start days any Friday 15.05 - 25.09.08
Price: 4 days from £454/person (incl. 1 day hiking, 1 day biking, 3 nights accommodation), 6 days from £681/person (incl. 2 days hiking, 2 days biking, 5 nights accommodation). Additional canoe day £113/person (incl. 1 night accommodation). Prices include full board.
Accommodation: Ensuite rooms in recently renovated timber cabin.
Required: Beginners welcome, good health, average fitness level, 50m swimming ability for canoeing.
This is an adventure tour where experiencing nature is central - an outdoor holiday with a local guide suitable for anyone in average physical condition.
You will be travelling on foot, by mountainbike and, if you wish, by canoe, experiencing the stunning natural surroundings of the forests and lakes of Östergötland with aim of getting close to nature.
The hiking section of the tour takes you along lovely woodland trails and small dirt roads to explore the deep forests in the area around the farm. Along the way, you may be able to pick berries and mushrooms, which your guide will prepare later as part of your evening meal. The area is rich is wildlife, with moose, roe deer and wild boar, and with luck you may meet some of these animals during your hike or spot the tracks of some of the shyer creatures such as the lynx. The area is also home to some dramatic birds of prey including the majestic Golden Eagle.
Your cycling experience takes through through a fascinating cultural landscape. Your guide is extremely knowledgeable about the natural and cultural history of the area and will punctuate your journey will tales of local history and his many years' involvement with the flora and fauna of the area.
If you choose to extend your trip, your will end your holiday with a day's guided canoeing along the river Stångån. Canoeing is a wonderful way to get really close to the local wildlife - you can move almost silently and create very little disturbance. You will also pass a number of interesting cultural sites along the way and learn more about local history and culture. As the day draws on and you begin to long for a cosy fire and the comforts of home, you will be transported back to the farm for a well-deserved dinner.
Accommodation is in comfortable ensuite rooms in a newly renovated log cabin. You will be served home-cooked meals based on the season and always prepared with local produce, including wild game and fish from lake Sommen, trying to bring together the best of Swedish cuisine based on traditional home cooking and natural ingredients. Even when you are outdoors, the food will be a feast. Your host is a skilled chef, a finalist in the "Wilderness Chef of the Year" competition.
The waters and forests of Östergötland await you for a holiday of exploration and discovery!