Some Useful Info
Freedom to roam:
Something important we forgot to tell you about is ”Allemansrätten”. This is a really important law in Sweden and an important part of Swedish identity. Basically it gives us free access to almost everywhere and gives you the right to pick-up mushrooms and berries but it protects nature as well. Please read it!
I only have the Swedish version of the official text. I'll post the English version as soon as I find it.
- General information: http://www.naturvardsverket.se/Documents/publikationer6400/978-91-620-8522-3.pdf
- About berry picking: http://www.naturvardsverket.se/upload/08_att_vara_ute_i_naturen/Allemansr%C3%A4tten/Brplockn_Engelska2006.pdf
- About canoeing: http://www.naturvardsverket.se/Documents/publikationer6400/978-91-620-8528-5.pdf
- About fishing: http://www.stockholmvasteras.se/tourism/english/vasteras/fishing-fishing-regulation.html
Some of you asked about winter equipments. Swedish winter in the region and up north can get quite tough. Mostly -15 but I experienced one or two weeks at -20 or below each winter. If you go to Lapland or go mountain trekking, temperatures can drop to -30. Of course these conditions ask a better preparation than normal.
If you don't know about the three layers system, click on: http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-apparel/three-layer-system.asp
If you don't really want to invest in clothes, i can tell by experience that your normal ski-clothing should be enough. However I advice you to invest in thermal base layer. You would probably use them all winter even under your jeans while going to school. A cheap alternative, but not as effective, is to use any normal pair of leggings.
When you buy shoes think about winter as well. Here it is common to have a special pair for summer and another one for winter. Winter hiking shoes are more expensive of course. If you are hesitating in which kind of shoes you can maybe buy the classical leather hiking shoes that can be used all year round. Of course they are more expensive.
As you already know Sweden is expensive so I suggest to the ones who are going to the cruise to Riga to check possible sport stores there. Baltic countries are still a bit less expensive than western Europe, use the opportunity!
One shop in Stockholm is less expensive than others. Some of you are already familiar with the “Decathlon” chain. They offer quite good equipments to interesting prices.
As well don't forget to check out stores for sales ('rea' in Swedish) I don't know their rules but they seem to be rather random.
Here are some chain sport shops:
www.stadium.se, www.teamsportia.se, www.intersport.se, www.naturkompaniet.se, shop.peakperformance.com, www.outdoorexperten.se , www.safaricamp.se (diving, climbing and more), www.decathlon.se/butiken.html (in Stockholm only)
2nd hand shops:
Do you want to hire equipments?
We of course have some stuff that you can borrow but if they are not available you can check this website: www.munkviken.com
They have backpacks, tents (good ones) sleeping bags....good solution if you want quality stuff but only go camping a week per year.
Canoeing:
I would like to say that it's pretty easy. For my part my parents put me in a canoe with a paddle and I figured the rest out. Maybe some of you who are more experienced think it's crazy and know some important security rules. Please share! You can even give a lesson to the rookies next time we go.
Skiing:
The International Committee organizes trips each term (or each year depending on their budget).
Winter:
If really cold weather; do not wash your face on the morning, the natural oil produce by your skin will protect your face
Your feet are freezing? Put on your hat! Your heart will irrigate your brain more if it's getting cold... and sacrifice the extremities. A hat can help (but put gloves on anyway.)
It's really important to have clean feet! Apparently clean feet in clean socks stay warm longer...
Good to have warm feet and shoes before you put them on. It's easier to keep the heat than to create it.
Your hands are dry and irritated because of cold? If irritated: put some lipstick on it. The Shea butter ones. Can be found in any of the Apotek. Can be use for your face as well.
If they are dry you can of course use some cream specially made for hands, a really effective way though is to use the feet version!! If you find it too greasy, you can apply a thin layer before going to sleep (and eventually put cotton gloves on)
Mosquitoes are tough and a mosquito never comes alone. When camping it might be nice to put your tent where the wind is blowing (but not too much) usually it keeps them away.
Yes there is wolves and bears in Sweden but not too close to Västerås. Please be careful with the wild life, elks can be dangerous as well. Just respect.
http://www.friluftsframjandet.se/guest/hem nation wide association about all kind of outdoors activity (swedish)
http://www.swedishepa.se/ Swedish environmental protection agency
http://www.utsidan.se/ Everything about outdoor life. It's in Swedish but if you manage to find the right topic on the forum you can ask whatever you want. Really good if you are planning a trip in an unknown region. They can come up with advices and suggestions.
www.havspaddlarna.se/ in Västerås,this association goes for kayaking in the region and out on the sea. In swedish as well, but the contact page is kind of obvious. Note: they do not rent kayaks.
http://www.bjornoab.se/en/ they organize activities on Björnö like archery or a axe-throwing (viking stuff) as well as canoe, kayak and fishing rode renting. Most of the info are in Swedish but you can contact them. They offer classes for first time kayaker.
http://www.svenskaturistforeningen.se/en/ Swedish tourist association. From city hostels to mountain stations! Becoming a member allow you access to better prices in Sweden and abroad.
MDH Hiking Club
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