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Cycle into Scandinavia this summer

19th February 2017 Print
Freedom Treks

Scandinavia conjures up many images: from magnificent fjords cutting into mountains, cascading waterfalls, endless fir forests and crystal-clear waters, to historical towns, cobbled streets and towering fortresses. Enjoy these breathtaking sights and attractions on a Freedom Treks cycling holiday.

The best time to experience this exciting destination is during the summer, between June and August, when the days are longer, the temperatures are warmer and the sightseeing attractions are open and thriving.

Freedom Treks offers eight tours to Scandinavia. However, this short season does mean that the trips sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, travellers should book their holiday to Scandinavia now, and get ready to breathe the pure, refreshing air and soak up the vibrant atmosphere when cycling in this spectacular region.  

Here are five tours to whet your appetite…

Archipelago Island Cycle – Sweden

Discover this beautiful part of Sweden by bike. Spread out over 14 islands in Lake Mälaren, Stockholm features grand public buildings, beautiful palaces, rich cultural history and a selection of museums; the ideal start and end point on this cycle tour. Leave one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world and hop from island to island on ferries, exploring the wonderfully remote and quiet atolls by bike. On Ornö, the largest isle, cycle through open landscapes past historical landmarks, whilst on Fjärdlang, look around the nature reserve on foot and climb to Tysta Klint, the highest point, which offers mesmerising views stretching across the archipelago. With its shorter rides (the longest being 23 miles) and exhilarating hikes, this self-guided trip is ideal for everyone. 

Level: Easy

The five-night Archipelago Island Cycle tour costs from £743 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in three or four-star hotels and inns, one lunch, mountain-bike hire with 24 gears and pannier, cycle helmet on request, luggage transportation, maps and route information, travel pack, full-trip briefing, private transfers and boat transfers. Return flights and transfers (to and from the airport) extra.  

Land of Lakes & Castles – Sweden

Pack your swimming costume and get ready to dive into the glistening Baltic waters surrounding Sweden on this intriguing tour. Beginning in Stockholm, make the most of the cobbled streets and lively atmosphere, before heading to the seaside town of Trosa, known affectionately as the “End of the World” due to its expanse of ocean views. The 17th century town encompasses everything that is enchanting about the Swedish countryside: dense pine forests, lush green fields and blue sparkling lakes. Pedal on to Mariefred, home to the grand Gripsholm Castle, which belongs to the Swedish Royal Family and was used as one of their residences until the 18th century, when it was converted into a museum. Jump on your bike, or board a steam train back to the quayside, before taking a steamboat that has been in operation since 1903 back to Stockholm.

Level: Easy to Moderate

The five-night Land of Lakes & Castles tour costs from £692 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in three-star hotels and charming B&Bs, mountain-bike hire with pannier, cycle helmet, luggage transportation, maps and route information, travel pack, full-trip briefing, private transfers and boat transfers. Return flights and transfers (to and from the airport) extra.

NEW: Copenhagen & Beyond – Denmark 

Denmark's capital showcases 350 km of well-marked cycle paths along the coast and out into the countryside, making pedalling a dream. Discover Copenhagen's idyllic surroundings on three optional self-guided cycle rides to historic towns, made famous by great Danish kings, before returning to Copenhagen each evening by bike or train and exploring the exciting city. Each destination has been chosen for the quiet, scenic rides and the fascinating culture on arrival. Køge is home to the region's largest market square and Denmark's oldest timber-frame house, which dates back to 1525, while the old harbour city of Elsinore is home to the magnificent Kronborg Palace. The final ride of this tour takes you to Roskilde, which features an intriguing Viking museum and a UNESCO-listed cathedral that is the main burial site for Denmark's royalty.

Level: Easy to Moderate 

The four-night Copenhagen & Beyond tour costs from £479 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation, maps and route information and a welcome meeting (if bikes are booked). Return flights, transfers, bike and helmet hire extra. (Electric bikes are also available to hire.)  

Turku Archipelago – Finland 

Based on the southwest coast of Finland, Turku was founded at the end of the 13th century, making it the oldest city in Finland and the start and finish of this enthralling circular tour. The archipelago comprises more than 20,000 small islands, stretched out across crystal-clear and calm waters with ferries travelling between them at regular intervals. Enjoy the fresh Nordic air, sun-drenched days and gentle terrain when exploring the isles by bike. Sample delicious cuisine on Korppoo, pedal around the idyllic harbour-side village of Naantali and spend the night at a spa hotel. Before leaving, explore the historic castle and cathedral in Turku, or relax with a coffee and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Level: Easy to Moderate 

The six-night Turku Archipelago tour costs from £961 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in converted barns and comfortable hotels, one dinner, bike with seven or 21 gears and a pannier, cycle helmet, luggage transportation, maps and route information and all island ferry fees. Return flights and transfers extra.

Sunnhordland Fjords – Norway 

With its iconic fjords, tumbling waterfalls and characterful villages, the scenery on this tour will leave you breathless. Sunnhordland's distinctive and varied landscape is as captivating as its long history. One of Norway's first areas to be settled, the region has some of the country's most ancient cultural relics, dating back thousands of years. Beginning and ending in Bergen, which is known as the gateway to the fjords, hop between the many islands by ferry, before cycling through picturesque villages, old fortresses and merchant towns, all while admiring the spectacular backdrop. The beautiful rolling terrain does require a certain degree of fitness, but the days can be shortened by taking ferries.

Level: Moderate

The six-night Sunnhordland Fjords tour costs from £1,021 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation for four days and B&B in Bergen for two days, luggage transportation, maps and route information and the Hardamgerfjord express boat from Bergen to Rosendale. Return flights, transfers, travel by ferry and other express boats, bike and helmet hire extra.

For more information, visit freedomtreks.co.uk.

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Freedom Treks