Sweden: Archipelago Cycle Adventure
6 Days Starting and ending in Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting: Stockholm, Tyresta National Park, Dalarö, Utö
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SAC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Sweden: Archipelago Cycle Adventure" and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Stockholm's only National Park and the enchanting Baltic Sea coast. This self-guided tour offers a unique blend of cycling and walking across remote islands, allowing you to marvel at the views from the southern archipelago's highest peak. Stay in charming, family-run guesthouses and a boutique hotel in Stockholm, and enjoy 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch. With a 21-speed mountain bike, detailed trail routes, and luggage transfers included, you'll explore picturesque villages, nature reserves, and historical landmarks at your own pace. This adventure promises a perfect mix of nature, history, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Hotel
On arrival in Stockholm, make your way to the joining hotel with check in from 3pm. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. You don't need to walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic sea as it winds past the city walls. Stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. There is so much to see in Stockholm, appealing to so many different interests, that you are sure to find something special within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 2 : To Tyresö Palace, Cycle To Tyresta National Park And Smådalarö (38Km/23.5Mi)
Location: Tyresta National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today begins with a welcome briefing and transfer from your accommodation in Stockholm to Tyresö Palace (40mins). Here you have time to stroll through the impressive gardens or across to the nearby small islands. You start the cycle along quiet country lanes to Tyresta National Park. Tyresta is a protected area with trees dating back 400 years, sparkling lakes, and a wealth of wildlife including deer and moose. You can choose to hike the trails or take a refreshing dip in one of the many refreshing lakes. Take some free time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Stockholm’s only national park. You then take your bikes and cycle again through fields and woods until you reach the idyllic village of Dalarö, your first taste of the wonderful archipelago. Explore the picturesque narrow streets of colourful wooden houses, swim at the white beaches of Schweizerdalen or pay a visit to the beautiful 15th century church. Continue a few kms to Smådalarö and your hotel.
Day 3 : Cycle To Dalarö, Boat To Ornö, Måne Äng Loop Cycle And Boat To Utö (30Km/18.5Mi)
Location: Dalarö
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning you cycle back to Dalarö enjoying some time to explore the village and walk up to its lookout with extensive views of the archipelago. Lunch is provided at a well respected restaurant with sea views where you can savour local fish dishes. After lunch you then take the boat and head out amongst the southern part of the archipelago made up of 24,000 islands. Stretching some 80km/50mi east of Stockholm into the Baltic sea, it formed during the last ice age and is considered one of the world’s natural wonders. Stretching 14km/8.5mi long and 6km/3.7mi wide, your first stop is the pretty island of Ornö. This island remains undiscovered by large scale tourism. You then have the chance to visit the four corners of the island on two wheels, and enjoy its unique nature, both woodland and open landscape, plus opportunities to swim from the smooth rocks as well as visit historical landmarks en route, such as the wooden church dating from 1885. Don’t miss a walk up to Ornö’s viewpoint on Telegrafberget, the southern archipelago’s highest point. After a stop at the local Ornö Museum to learn about local life on Ornö over a cup of coffee you then take the early evening boat from Ornö onwards to the holiday island of Utö.
Day 4 : Explore The Island Of Utö By Bike Or On Foot (25Km/15.5Mi Approx)
Location: Utö
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you are free to enjoy the island of Utö, famous for its Nature Reserve, exceptional beaches and history. Cycle the length of the island, crossing over a little bridge to the isolated island of Ålö with its white sand beaches and a charming fish restaurant. Extra activities include sea kayaking and hiking along many trails through forests and open country, stopping to enjoy the smooth waterside rocks and hidden beaches. In Utö village, you can visit the museum and Gruvbyn mine, which was in operation as early as the 1100s. The village buzzes with life in the summer months and has shops selling interesting local products and a good selection of restaurants and cafes. Accommodation Utö.
Day 5 : More Time To Explore The Island Of Utö For Hiking/Cycling, Continue By Boat To Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you can head up to the windmill built in 1791 to enjoy one of Utö’s best views. You also have time to explore Uto nature reserve either by bike or by foot along a beautiful coastal trail. As well as wonderful sea views you will pass sandy beaches and smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic lunch in the fresh sea air. In the afternoon board the boat and enjoy the trip passing island after island as you journey back to the buzz of Stockholm city. Make sure to enjoy the views of Stockholm as you enter the city centre.
Boat journey Utö-Stockholm 4hrs
Day 6 : Cycle Stockholm's Ecopark, Trip Concludes
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today enjoy a self guided cycle tour through Stockholm’s unique Ecopark – the world’s first National Park to be located within a bustling city. Here you can cycle through ancient forests, visit palaces, and bathe from waterside rocks. Foxes, badgers, marten, mink and deer roam freely and the greatest number of large oak trees in northern Europe are located here in the city centre. This tour includes the Royal Island of Djurgården where many of Stockholm’s best museums are located, the royal residence of Rosendal and its delightful gardens plus the picturesque canal running through the island. Not to be missed is the Kaknäs Tower with its 30 floor high observation deck offering fantastic views across Stockholm city. Head north and you come to Haga Park and Palace which lies alongside the beautiful Brunnsviken inlet. Further north is the Ulriksdal’s Palace with a well respected restaurant, relaxing gardens and delightful views.
We also recommend a visit to Stockholm’s open air museum, Skansen, which is famous for its Nordic Zoo and living history exhibition; over the years about 150 historical buildings have been moved here from nearly every part of Sweden. Alongside Skansen is the always impressive Vasa Museum, The Vasa ship sank on its maiden voyage on 1628 and was salvaged from the depths of Stockholm’s harbour in 1961. Despite over 300 years lying at the bottom of the Baltic, the Vasa is extremely well preserved thanks to the Baltic’s brackish waters. Consider perhaps a boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Royal family which is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It is the most well-preserved royal palace built in the 1600’s in Sweden. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy and explore the trendy clothing and design shops that Stockholm is becoming increasingly renowned for. Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Ask us about extending your stay in Stockholm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights in hotels -
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Enjoy 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch during your trip.
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5 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay for 5 nights in hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.
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21 speed mountain bike with pannier, helmet, repair kit, lock and pump rental from day 2-6
Rental of a 21-speed mountain bike with pannier, helmet, repair kit, lock, and pump from day 2 to day 6.
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Information pack including detailed trail routes in English, maps (one per room booked)
Receive an information pack with detailed trail routes in English and maps (one per room booked).
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Full trip briefing
A comprehensive briefing about the trip.
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Internal transfers on days 2 & 5
Internal transfers on days 2 and 5 are included.
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Luggage transfers on day 2, 3 & 5, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Luggage transfers on days 2, 3, and 5 for one piece of luggage up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess weight.
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Boat transfers from Dalarö /Ornö /Utö /Stockholm
Boat transfers from Dalaro, Orno, Uto, and Stockholm are included.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline during the trip.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Stockholm
Travel to and from Stockholm is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals and drinks not listed as included are excluded.
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Travel insurance - mandatory
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Entrance fees and optional excursions such as canoeing
Entrance fees and optional excursions like canoeing are not included.
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Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Transfers not listed included
Transfers not listed in the inclusions are excluded.
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Transfer of own luggage on and off boat on day 5
You are responsible for transferring your own luggage on and off the boat on day 5.
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Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
A handlebar phone holder for following the route using the app or GPX files is not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, souvenirs, and laundry are not included.
Accommodation
5 nights in hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated in unique and characterful guesthouses and B&B's which are family run and often in spectacular locations. In Stockholm you stay in a centrally located boutique style hotel.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the handlebar bag provided with the bike. You will need a small daypack to carry your lunch and waterproofs.
Grading
The cycle is graded introductory (1) grade with daily cycles of between 20 and 38km/12.5 and 23.5mi on mainly flat to slightly undulating terrain. The cycling is on mainly quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths but some busier roads are used to access towns or in Stockholm. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes internal transfers on days 2 and 5, luggage transfers on days 2, 3, and 5, and boat transfers from Dalaro, Orno, Uto, and Stockholm. Travel to and from Stockholm is also included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in unique and characterful guesthouses and B&Bs which are family-run and often in spectacular locations. In Stockholm, you will stay in a centrally located boutique-style hotel.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
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What kind of bike is provided for the cycling tour?
A 21-speed mountain bike with pannier, helmet, repair kit, lock, and pump rental is provided from day 2 to day 6.
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Is there any luggage transfer service during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers are provided on days 2, 3, and 5. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Are there any internal transfers included in the tour?
Yes, internal transfers are included on days 2 and 5.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the handlebar bag provided with the bike. You will need a small daypack to carry your lunch and waterproofs.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The cycle is graded introductory (1) with daily cycles of between 20 and 38km (12.5 and 23.5 miles) on mainly flat to slightly undulating terrain. The cycling is on mainly quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths, but some busier roads are used to access towns or in Stockholm. A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate fully in this adventure.
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Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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What happens if there is an emergency during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available during the tour.
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Are boat transfers included in the tour?
Yes, boat transfers from Dalarö, Ornö, Utö, and Stockholm are included.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.