High Summer in Sweden

Day 1: Individual arrival in Stockholm
Day 2: Stockholm - Södertälje, 35 mi. (56 km) 
Day 3: Södertälje - Trosa, 36 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Trosa - Katrineholm, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Excursion Floda Kyrka, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 6: Katrineholm - Mariefred, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 7: Mariefred - Stockholm, 21 mi. (33 km)
Day 8: Stockholm

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Individual arrival in Stockholm
Your hotel room in Stockholm will be available at 2 pm on Saturday at the First Hotel Reisen, one of the best addresses in the old town situated directly at the water. The old city, Gamla Stan is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. If you arrive before 4 pm, you will have the opportunity to participate in a sightseeing tour of the old town, situated on Stadsholmen Island, which is completely surrounded by water, exuding a special flair. Visit the Vasa Museum, in which the almost completely preserved battleship Vasa which sunk in 1628 is on display, among other things.The evening is at your disposal to enjoy Stockholm. There are a number of attractive restaurants to be found in close proximity to the hotel. 

Accommodation: First Hotel Reisen

Day 2: Stockholm - Södertälje, 35 mi. (56 km) 
The first bike tour starts this morning right outside the hotel. The cityscape of Stockholm is unique, built on 14 islands, and is characterized by its unique location on the shores of Lake Mälar which lead to the Baltic Sea. You will be impressed by the well-developed cycling network of the city. After about an hour, the group arrives at Drottningholm Castle, the principal residence of the Swedish royal family. A magnificent staircase leads to the rooms in the northern wing which is open to the public. The route then leads across the bridges to the little islands in Lake Mälar, the country’s third-largest lake. Along a varied route, passing a few private baroque castles, you will reach the day's destination, Södertälje.

Accommodation: Hotel Torpa Pensionat

Day 3: Södertälje - Trosa, 36 mi. (57 km)
Today, the scenic landscape of Södermansland will delight you. Wonderfully situated between Lake Mälar and the Baltic Sea, the area, historically favored by the nobility, showcases about 400 manor houses and small castles. Past lakes, dense forests, and small islands, the route leads to the lovely 12th-century country church of of Alt-Trosa, until eventually reaching today’s destination. According to the Swede, being in Trosa is as though being in the middle of nowhere. It is the smallest town in the country, and beautifully situated at the small river Trosaan. Tonight, you are welcomed at your stylish and cozy accommodation.

Accommodation: Trosa Stadshotell & Spa

Day 4: Trosa - Katrineholm, 25 mi. (40 km)
During the next few days, you will traverse the heartland of Södermansland, mainly formed during the glacial periods. Large forests, wide fields, rocks, moorlands, and over 400 lakes characterize this unique landscape dotted by charming red-painted wooden houses. In Gnesta, you will take the train (30 minutes) to Katrineholm, named after the duchess Catharina Gyllenhorn. The railway route is one of the oldest but still most important in Sweden. Your destination for two nights, one of Sweden’s historic hotels, is just a short bike ride. Located directly on the lake, you can swim, visit the sauna, and relax in the stylish lounge. A remarkable cuisine and a well-sorted wine cellar are a bonus.

Accommodation: Gutshof Dufweholms Herrgård

Day 5: Excursion Floda Kyrka, 25 mi. (40 km)
Following small trails, you are immersed in the calm and solitude of unspoiled nature. Perhaps you will see one of the thousands of elks or with luck, a rare osprey. Shortly before the lunch break, you reach Floda Kyrka. This sacred building impresses with its size and its splendid liturgical frescoes of the 15th century. Clerically, it belongs to the Diocese of Stärgnäs, of the Swedish Church, the country’s largest denomination. In the afternoon, you take the train back to Katrineholm. Before meeting your group for dinner, there is still enough time for a refreshing swim in the lake or a relaxing sauna session. 

Accommodation: Gutshof Dufweholms Herrgård

Day 6: Katrineholm - Mariefred, 34 mi. (53 km)
In the morning, a chartered bus transfer will transport the group to Sundbyholm. Near the village, you will see a cliff drawing of unusual dimensions, the Sigurdristning, which depicts a central event of the Völsunga saga. This variety of the Nibelungenlied was one of the major sources of inspiration to Richard Wagner for his monumental opera cycle. From here the route leads to Strängnäs, the site of a famous cathedral, and the stage for important events in Swedish history. Gustav Wasa was elected king in 1523 before he led Sweden out of the Kalmar Union to independence. Before reaching the day's destination, you will behold the imposing Gripsholm Castle, sturdily built on a peninsula. Mariefred, a charming little town of wooden houses and crooked lanes, is located at the Gripsholm bay of Lake Mälar. As today’s lunch is included in the travel price, you will have this evening to your own disposal.

Accommodation: Gripsholm Värdshus

Day 7: Mariefred - Stockholm, 19 mi. (29 km)
In the morning, there is a visit to Gripsholm Castle, one of the ten Swedish royal palaces. Built in the 16th century by Gustav Vasa, this impressive building already fascinated the German author and fighter for democracy, Kurt Tucholsky. It inspired him to write one of his major and best-known novels: Schloss Gripsholm. You will cycle along Lake Mälar to Taxinge, a lovely property, popular above all for its tempting cake buffet. You'll cycle a few more miles and then from Nykvarn, the train takes us about 30 minutes back to Stockholm.

Accommodation: First Hotel Reisen

Day 8: Stockholm
Following breakfast, you'll have ample time to align with your return travel arrangements for an individual walk through Gamla Stan. From Stockholm's main railroad station, you can reach Arlanda Airport by train or bus in 20 to 45 minutes, respectively (not included in the tour price).

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Accommodations

Comfortable, stylish, and unique hotels.

Bicycles

Touring Bike

Relaxed upright cycling position

• Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Enviolo NuVinci Optimized - stepless transmission
• Gear span comparative to an 18-gear bike
• Flat pedal
• Shimano V Brakes
• Saddle bags