Things to do in Sweden

Sweden goes big when it comes to nature: almost 100,000 lakes; 27 million hectares of forest; tens of thousands of islands, and over 2000 protected natural areas. Northern Sweden claims mainland Europe's most remote point - near Lake Råvejaure – amid lonely mountains and vast taiga ripe for year-round exploration.

Bergsladen Forest is in the heart of wolf country, and the trees also hide large populations of moose, beavers, mountain hares and even the rarely sighted lynx. Guided tours here see you getting really wild, as you learn different animal tracks and calls.

Get high on nature with a stay in a treehouse in the forests of Swedish Lapland, where husky sled tours and snowmobile excursions lead you deep into the pristine wilderness.

Then of course there is the idyllic stillness that comes from kayaking around the many islands of the Saint Anna Archipelago, just south of Stockholm. This is where you come when you really want to get away from it all, with wild camping possible on deserted beaches and even the option of foraging for your dinner with a professional wilderness chef.

Swedes can’t even agree on the plenitude of Stockholm’s island hinterland. Count every skerry and some say 100,000. The official estimate is around 24,000 – though you’re welcome to count as you sail or kayak around, or gauge opinion on ferries fanning out from the city. Standouts include Arkholma with its sandy beaches and rich history (the Russians torched everything during a 1719 invasion), while Finnhamn combines owl-filled woods and meadows with cliff-encircled coves. Svartso is a mid-archipelago enclave of rustic bliss with five lakes amid fertile fields and tall copses. Uto effortlessly mixes attractions – stark glacial rocks and golden strands, wild woods and sleepy farms, fine restaurants and old miner houses around flooded pits. History comes with glorious sea views from the imposing Tullgarn Palace, Nynas and Taxinge manors, Gripsholm castle, and the colourful 17th century town of Trosa.