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** CAMPSITES IN SWEDEN 2013 & 2016 ** |
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| SITE NAME |
LOCATION and GPS COORDINATES |
DATE of STAY (2013 & 2016) |
COST per NIGHT | FEATURES and COMMENTS |
RATING +5 excellent ~ -5 dreadful |
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SW SWEDEN, GÖTEBORG and BOHUSLÄN COAST |
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| Habo-Ljung Camping, Lomma |
Södra Västkustvägen, 114 234 34, Lomma 040 411210 GPS: 55.690141 13.059654 |
6 May 2013 and 13 June 2016 13~15 Sept 2016 |
240kr |
Enormous holiday campsite on Swedish shore of Öresund just north
of Malmö; would be excessively noisy in summer but OK May or Sept Welcome: perfunctory welcome from warden who dismissed price increase with "What's 20kr?" Setting: main site totally filled with statics, but head for shore-side tent/camper area with power, looking out across Öresund, just behind service buildings; peaceful in May and Sept Facilities: modern and clean with hot water; fully equipped kitchen/wash-up; water-filling hose by reception; no wi-fi Price: 240kr low-season price inc showers, increased from web site 220kr Convenient for Lund, a delightful university-town with impressive cathedral |
+3
|
| Råå Vallar Camping, Helsingborg |
Kustgatan 25270,
Helsingborg 0771 101200 |
7 May 2013 |
260kr |
An oppressively rule-bound holiday camp with
officiously rule-bound staff Welcome: when you're weary after long day, it's irritating to be greeted in such an overbearingly officious manner Setting: formally laid out pitches which staff insist on assigning, but demand a spot overlooking Öresund and ferries crossing to/from Helsingør Facilities: clean and modern but overwhelmed by over-loud pop music; if you want a peaceful shower, pull out the loudspeaker plug! Wi-fi but not worth extra cost since it covers little of site Price: unduly expensive at 260kr even in low season Every reason to avoid such an objectionable place |
-2
|
| Kvidingebadets Camping |
South Järsväagsgatan 826571 Kvidinge 0435 20125
GPS: |
14 June 2016 | 180kr |
Municipal heated swimming pool in village of
Kvidinge, with attached straightforward little campsite, ideally placed as
overnight stop-off driving N or S Welcome: pleasant welcome from English-speaking reception staff who also responded helpfully to phone enquiry Setting: located in Kvidinge village, North Skåne, 5 kms from motorway; open, well-spaced 20 place camping area alongside swimming pool used by local school children; flat, grassy pitches in pleasantly wooded setting, but traffic noise from nearby Route 21; not at all crowded even in June Facilities: limited and straightforward, but clean WC/showers (1 each M&F), wash-up sinks with hot water and microwave; no wi-fi Price: all-inclusive 180kr; very good value Under no circumstances use Elfdalens Camping in nearby village of Klippan: overwhelmed with statics with noisy occupants, no space for visitors, minimal facilities, polluted by traffic noise |
+3
<Map> |
|
First Camp Mölle, Kullaberg |
Kullabergsvägen 286, 2604 Mölle
042 34 73 84 |
8~9 May 2013 |
280kr |
Another huge and over-priced holiday-camp but at least this had
welcoming staff Welcome: smilingly helpful welcome from reception staff who were happy for us to select our own pitch, take our card and pay on departure (what a difference a smile makes!) Setting: beautiful location amid wooded Kullaberg hills; large site divided by hedges into small zones, sloping ground carefully terraced into flat, turfed pitches Facilities: modern and clean WC/showers and fully equipped kitchen/wash-ups; washing machine (extra cost), water-filling hoses; Telia wi-fi on pay-as-you-use basis Price: 4-star site with 4-star prices, expensive at 280kr even in low season Just 5 kms from Kullaberg Nature Reserve wooded cliff-top walk by Kullaberg lighthouse |
+3 <Map> |
| Lisebergs Camping, Askim Strand, Göteborg |
Marholmsvägen 124, 43645 Göteborg
031-840 200 |
10~11 May 2013 |
325kr
Outrageously over- |
Another extortionately over-expensive holiday-camp, part of the
Lisebergs Amusement Park chain Welcome: friendly and helpful welcome from reception staff Setting: broad and over-crowded holiday camp surrounded by holiday homes, at Askim beach 12kms from Göteborg city centre but easy bus access; try to get pitch on raised area next to huts above central open area Facilities: WC/showers and kitchen/wash-up modern and clean; water-filling hoses; alleged wi-fi included in price but non-functional, used as negotiating ploy for price reduction Price: outrageously over-priced at 325kr Companion site, Lisebergs in city close to amusement park even worse at unbelievable 450kr !! Göteborg is attractive and interesting port-city but avoid expensive museums; excellent lunch stalls in covered market; 800m footpath around shore-line from campsite to main road bus-stop for Rosa Express bus 25 minute ride into city centre at Nordstan shopping centre opposite Central Railway Station NB you cannot buy tickets on bus, available from camp reception at 2kr per person/journey |
+1 <Map> |
Kungälv Vandrahem and Camping |
Färjevägen 2, 442 31 Kungälv 0303 18900 |
12 May 2-13 and 15~16 June 2016 |
250kr (2016) |
Welcoming hostel with small river-side camp-site immediately
opposite Bohus Fästning (Fortress) Welcome: friendly and hospitable welcome from warden Setting: small camping area with power on banks of Nordre River (ground rather wet in May) in shadow of Bohus medieval fortress which towers overhead - an impressive setting Facilities: WC/shower-rooms and kitchen in hostel; free wi-fi in hostel common room (Våghals-customer network); ICA-Maxi supermarket 1km in Kungälv Price: expensive at 250kr/night Much better value alternative for visiting Göteborg with Grön Express bus to city from Eriksdal bus interchange 500m across river bridge; bus tickets from ICA-Maxi supermaket Worth visiting Fortress just across road altho expensive at 70kr each |
+4 <Map> |
Marstrands Familje Camping |
Långedalsvägen 16, 442 66 Marstrand 0303 60584 |
13~14 May 2013 |
240kr |
Large campsite with many statics and huts, but plenty of space
for visitors Welcome: friendly welcome from owner; out of season ring phone number given at reception and owner will give barrier code for access Setting: linear site 1km from Marstrand ferry in delightful setting with wooden hill on 1 side and rocky knolls/outcrops on other; site deserted in May but would be busy and noisy in summer Facilities: straightforward but functional; showers need 5kr tokens; good hot water in wash-ups but cooker/microwave needs tokens; best feature is free, site-wide wi-fi with signal strong enough for Skype video; Co-op mini-market near ferry in Marstrand Price: early May 240kr/night and no charge made for shower tokens Ferry across to car-free island of Marstrand for excellent 5km coastal footpath around island |
+4 <Map> |
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Klädesholmen Västra Hamnen,
Klädesholmen, Tjörn  |
Gästhamn, Fiskehamnsvägen, Klädesholmen, Tjörn GPS: 57.94500 11.53596 Campsite web site |
15 May 2013 |
150kr |
Quay-side semi-wild camp by tiny fishing harbour at western tip
of Klädesholmen on Tjörn island Welcome: hospitable and helpful welcome from harbour-master Setting: beautiful setting looking out over fishing boats and guest-harbour; quayside parking area sheltered behind rocky outcrop; narrow winding approach lane through village Facilities: kitchen/wash-ups at guest-harbour WC/showers modern and clean; no power; mini-market 1km in Klädesholmen village Price: 150kr/night same as guest-harbour 2016: camping no longer permitted |
+4
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|
Malö Camping, Malö Island |
Malö Island, North Orust 0304 51102 |
16 May 2013 |
160kr
|
Small privately-owned campsite on southern tip of Malö Island, linked to North Orust by free
vehicular ferry Welcome: perfunctory welcome from owner Setting: flat, lush turf camping area alongside inlet of sea surrounded by rocky outcrops; but large number of statics and therefore noisy in summer Facilities: modern and clean, but showers needed 5kr coins; fully equipped kitchen/wash-up Price: good value 160kr inc coins for showers Malö linked to north and south neighbouring islands by vehicular ferry (no charge) |
+3 <Map> |
Stenrösets Camping,
Trollhättan |
46198
Trollhättan 0520 70710 GPS: |
20 June 2016
|
245kr |
Long-established, family-run, solidly reliable,
large campsite 5kms S of Trollhättan just off E45; good welcome, good
facilities, reasonable price, with well-spaced pitches Welcome: hospitable welcome and helpful telephone response from owners Setting: large, open pitches spread over several camping areas; best pitches in far corner next to woodland; some distance traffic noise from E45 Facilities: 2 modern and clean, well-equipped facilities buildings, with WC/showers (no coins) and kitchen/wash-up; washing/drying machine (extra cost); site-wide wi-fi included in price; ICA supermarket 3 kms in outskirts of Trollhättan Price: all-inclusive 245kr peak summer price, reasonable compared with excessive prices along coast |
+4 <Map> |
| Dalskogs Stugby-Camping |
Bäckeforsvägen 23 46495 Dalskog 0530 21012 GPS: |
22~23 June 2016 | 150kr |
A curiously antiquated stugby/camping in rural
hamlet of Dalskog, but on verge of closure Welcome: owner now retired and living in Trollhättan; he answered phone enquiry but no English spoken; arranged for helpful neighbour to welcome us and open facilities Setting: flat, grass camping area with antiquated power supplies; looking out over pasturelad and forest Facilities: antiquated facilities building but clean, wit reasonable WC/showers and hot water; no kitchen/wash-up, no wi-fi Price: 150kr Campsite will certainly now close with owner's retirement, but we enjoyed a peaceful stay |
+2 <Map> |
Trollhättans Camping,
Trollhättan |
Kungsportvägen
7, Trollhättan 0520 30613 GPS: 58.292368 12.297714 Campsite web site |
17~18 May 2013 and 21 June 2016 |
245kr (2016 prices) |
A perfect campsite for a city site, which sets an example for all
other campsites to follow Welcome: superbly hospitable and helpful welcome from wardens right from first smiling greeting; so good to be treated like a customer; just what is needed at end of a long, tiring day Setting: lovely woodland setting despite Trollhättan's industrial surroundings, just 20 minutes walk along Göta River/Canal footpath to city Facilities: faultlessly modern and spotlessly clean - you couldn't ask for better; free washing/drying machines, but no wi-fi Price: good value at 245kr/night (2016) Trollhättan Canal and HEP generating stations fascinating industrial history; Göta River dams sluice gates open at 3-00pm Saturdays (July~Aug every day) for waterfalls spectacle not to be missed |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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Saltviks Camping, Grebbestad |
457 95 Grebbestad GPS: 58.723178 11.198287 |
19 May 2013 |
<260kr> |
An enormous holiday camp crammed full of statics which enjoys the
distinction of being one of
the most memorably disgusting places we have ever
stayed at Welcome: indifferent non-welcome from owner who was more interested in his dinner than greeting his guests Setting: we just about managed to find a small camping area for visitors among the wall-to-wall statics which were filled with rowdy Norwegian holiday-makers displaying all their obscene materialism Facilities: totally disgraceful facilities - thoroughly disgusting and stinking septic-tank WCs at one end of the site, and sparse, grubby old-fashioned showers and poorly equipped wash-ups at the other end Price: it would have been an outrageously expensive 260kr/night, had we paid; but the office was locked, and we declined to pay for such an appalling site and unpleasant experience The small and pleasant-looking Tanum Camping and Stugby (GPS: 58.701069 11.344843) close by the Tanum rock engravings museum would have been immeasurably preferable but unfortunately was closed at this time of year |
-5 <Map> |
|
**
WORST CAMPSITE OF TRIP ** |
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Strömstads Camping, Strömstad |
Uddevallavägen, 452 31 Strömstad 0526 61121
|
20~21 May 2013 |
210kr |
A welcoming, good value camp site, located on
a rocky headland near to Strömstad Welcome: pleasantly smiling and hospitable welcome from reception staff; similarly helpful telephone response Setting: impressively set across a broad hillock-headland with flat, multi-layered and extensive camping areas terraced amid rocky outcrops with secluded corner-niches overlooking steep-sided, wooded fjord valley, facing SW; all approached up steep roadway; with all the separately scattered camping areas terraced across the headland, large numbers of campers absorbed without site feeling crowded or regimented; no assigned pitches, choose your own place Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean, with fully equipped kitchen/wash-up all sparklingly new; washing/drying machines (extra cost), free wi-fi but limited range; small shop at reception; supermarkets in Strömstad centre Price: excellent value at 210kr/night all-in with no extras or necessity for coins/tokens One of the rare excellent sites which recognises the sensible formula for commercial success by making everything simple, effective and welcoming, and treating its guests hospitably as would a hotel. A memorably welcoming and pleasant stay in such a spectacular setting |
+5 <Map> |
| Tanums Camping, Vitlycke |
Vitlycke 4 45793 Tanumshede 0525 20002 GPS: |
17~19 June 2016 |
290kr
Outrageously over-
|
Small owned by Tanums Commune wonderfully located
in wooded countryside right by Vitlycke rock engravings
BUT with offensively rude warden, inadequate facilities and outrageously
over-priced Welcome: Pedro the Chilean warden with real attitude problem, ill-mannered and offensively rude Setting: open camping area beautifully located amid woodland, immediately adjacent to Tanums Bronze Age rock engravings and Vitlycke Museum Facilities: basic and inadequate WC/showers (5kr coins), kitchen/wash-up with microwave and ovens but NO hot water; NO wi-fi Price: the worst feature - outrageously over-priced for a basic site, at total cost of 290kr inc 2x5kr for showers; refused to pay such a silly price, and negotiated down to 255kr At such expensive price, you would expect decent facilities and wi-fi; result of silly price and rude warden is that campsite and huts are totally deserted, which at least makes for a peaceful stay given lovely location, if you can tolerate warden's offensive manner! |
-1
|
Håverud
Gästhamn and Camping |
Kanalvägen, 46472 Håverud 070 2197915 GPS: 58.819830 12.415109 Campsite web site |
22~24 May | 210kr |
Small, straightforward campsite and canal guest-harbour by Håverud
Aqueduct and Dalsund Canal, operated by Mellerud Commune on non-profit-making
basis Welcome: site unmanned but cheery and welcoming warden comes round each morning to collect rent Setting: 3 gravelled camping areas with power supplies, the higher one overlooking Lake Upperudshöljen at lower end of Håverud Aqueduct and Dalsund Canal Facilities: functional and clean WC/showers (5kr coins needed) with good kitchen/wash-ups and plenty of hot water; washing/drying machines at 15kr; no shop in Håverud but mini-market in next village of Åsensbruk Price: good value at 210kr/night inc 5kr coins for showers |
+4
|
Högsbyns Fritidscenter-Camping,
Dalsland |
Högsbyn 21, 660 10 Dals Långed 0708 166516 GPS: 58.897231 12.372730 Campsite web site |
25 May 2013 and |
220kr |
A jewel of a small family-run and welcoming campsite, buried away
in remote and secluded corner of rural Dalsland in beautiful lake-side setting -
they don't come better than this! Welcome: warmly welcoming response from lady-owner to telephone enquiry; during our stay, she was busy with family birthday celebration so we did not have chance to meet her personally; money left in envelope at reception Setting: flat, terraced camping areas with power overlooking Lake Råvarpen (part of Dalsund Canal system) against forested backdrop; a superbly delightful and peaceful setting Facilities: recently renovated services building with clean, modern WC/showers and fully equipped kitchen/wash-up/common room; washing/drying machine (extra coast); canoe rental on lake; nearest shop 12 kms in Åsensbruk so bring your own food. Price: 210kr/night inc 5kr coins for showers 500m to Högsbyn nature reserve and Bronze Age rock engravings |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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CENTRAL SWEDEN and LAKE SILJAN |
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| Lunedets Camping, Karlskroga |
Karlskoga 69191 0586-150 82 GPS: 59.399655 14.417192 |
26 May 2013 |
220kr <Told 195kr on phone; insisted on paying that> |
Small campsite on peninsula between Lakes Alkvettern and Lonnen
with their intervening canal Welcome: perfunctory welcome from staff and even more unacceptable response from owner; we had been told on telephone that charge was 195kr but on arrival then told that was wrong; owner alleged we had dialled the wrong number; needless to say, we only paid 195kr! Setting: well-spaced pitches in grassy lake-side camping area backed by pine forest with sunset views across lake Facilities: modern and clean but showers needing coins at 1kr/minute Price: we insisted on paying just 195kr plus 6kr coins for showers |
+3 <Map> |
|
Trängbo Camping, Nora |
713 32 Nora 0587 12361 GPS: 59.525722 15.043459 |
27~29 May 2013 and 29 June 29016 |
290kr
Outrageously over- |
What in 2013 was small and hospitable campsite owned by Nora Commune in lakeside
setting 1km from Nora centre, now taken over by large commercial firm with
over-inflated prices Welcome: indifferent and unhelpful non-welcome from reception staff Setting: flat linear camping areas terraced into hillside overlooking Lake Norasjön ; reinforced grassy pitches with no risk of wet weather bogging in; separate areas for statics and visitors Facilities: facilities recently upgraded - spotlessly clean WC/showers, kitchen/wash-ups with cooker and microwave; washing/drying machine at 40kr; water-filling hose; wi-fi; small shop-kiosk at reception; supermarkets in town Price: in 2013 this was a good value low season price at 215kr/night all in; now increased to 290kr night. Such a pity that this once good value site now taken over by profit-driven, over-commercialised greed; best avoided now Nora a delightful little historical town with attractive wooden houses; superbly helpful TIC with highly responsive staff, based in old station building down at lake-shore - best TIC in whole of Sweden; Pershyttan former iron mining valley with preserved steam railway but both only fully open July~Aug; another must is local hand-made ice cream Nora Glass |
-1
<Map> |
| Sörälgens Camping, Hällefors |
Sör Älgen 71293 Hällefors 0583 770123 GPS: |
30 June 2016 | 250kr |
Small lakeside camping just north of Hällefors
set amid pine forests; open all year round Welcome: officious greeting from Germanic women-owner who had kept site for 15 years; she listed all her regulations about where and how we should camp which we, too tired to take any notice, ignored and camped where and how we wanted! Setting: attractive lakeside setting amid pine and birch forests with lush turf formally laid out pitches Facilities: rather care-worn WC/showers (10kr coins!) and kitchen/wash-up Price: 250kr inc 2x10kr coins for showers, unduly expensive for straightforward site New owners taking over in Autumn 2016 |
+3 <Map> |
Sollerö Camping, Sollerön |
Levsnäs, 792 90 Sollerön 0250 22230 |
30 May and 3 June 2013 |
230kr (2013 low season prices) |
Large campsite on Sollerön Island well-managed by Swedish Caravan
Club, near to Mora on northern shore of Lake Siljan Welcome: pleasantly friendly and helpful welcome from all staff; even a cheery wave from man mowing the grass Setting: most visitors' pitches interspersed among static caravans, but avoid these and select pitches 171,180, 182, 184, 185 set aside for visitors down by lake-shore with lovely outlook across Lake Siljan and surrounding hills Facilities: clean, modern WC/showers with fully equipped kitchen/wash-up, water-filling hose; washing/drying machine (extra cost); free wi-fi; mini-market in Sollerön; ICA-Maxi supermarket in Mora Price: 230kr/night all-in OK early/late season, but avoid during summer when overwhelmed with holiday-makers Viking Age grave fields near to Bengtsarvet village worth exploring; English language map and commentary sheets in box at skansen homestead; 3km circular walk through beautiful floral meadows |
+4 <Map> |
Tällberg Camping, Tällberg |
Sjögattu 38, 793 70 Tällberg
0247 51310 |
31 May & 1~2 June 2013 and 1~3 July 2016
|
220kr (low season) 260kr (summer season) |
A gem of a small and straightforward campsite on southern shore
of Lake Siljan Welcome: reception unmanned out of season; leave rent money in envelopes provided; owner responds helpfully to telephone enquiries. In summer season, owner present very helpful and welcoming Setting: campsite set on lake-shore 1 km down side lane or footpath through floral meadows from Tällberg village up on hillside; flat, grassy camping area in pine-fringed meadow on shore of Lake Siljan looking westward with magnificent sunsets across lake, a perfect setting Facilities: straightforward but clean and functional WC/showers (5kr coins) and basic kitchen/wash-up with hot water Price: 220kr inc 5kr coins for showers Tällberg is beautiful rural village of red-painted wooden cottages spread over hillside looking across Lake Siljan; in run-up to Midsummer church-boat races, you may see the Tällberg boat practising out on lake in early evening; their boat-house is by small anchorage near campsite |
+4 <Map> |
|
NORTH-WEST SWEDEN |
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Särna Camping, Särna |
Högenvägen 2, 790 90 Särna 0253 10851 070 6522802
GPS: |
4 July 2016
|
235kr |
Small, welcoming and good value
hostel/camping overlooking Österdalälven
river at Särna in NW Dalarna Welcome: warmly hospitable, helpful and smiling welcome at reception Setting: camping areas terraced up hillside with magnificent outlook over wide and placidly flowing Österdalälven river towards distant forested fells; glorious NW vista into sunset over river Facilities: modern, clean WC/showers (no coins), fully equipped kitchen/wash-up and homely common room; strong wi-fi signal at reception; washing/drying machines (extra cost) Price: all inclusive, good value 235kr This site ticks all the right boxes: smiling welcome, lovely location, good facilities, fair price; try to get pitch 23 for best outlook, avoid middle terrace (pitches 17~21) which tends to be wet after heavy rain |
+4 <Map> |
| Näsets Camping, Idre |
Näsvägen 1, 79091 Idre 0253 20036 GPS: |
5~6 July 2016
|
230kr |
Small, welcoming and good value site near to
centre of Idre village, open all year round Welcome: helpful and hospitable, welcome from owner ho also responded readily to telephone enquiry Setting: upper camping area full of caravans/camping-cars, but larger, more open lower area overlooking Lake Idresjön more pleasant (power only close to facilities hut); a delightful and peaceful setting with lingonberries growing under pines Facilities: old fashioned WCs and unreliable showers (5kr coins); kitchen/wash-up in separate hut near reception; washing/drying machine (extra charge); ICA supermarket, ATM, filling station, 400m in Idre village Price: reasonable value at 235kr inc 2x5kr coins for showers Städjon peak up at Idrefjell amkes superb day's climb |
+3
|
| Sörälvens Fiske Camping, Idre |
Västanåtvägen 50, 790 91 Idre 025320117 |
4~6 June 2013 |
250kr Over-priced greed! |
Small campsite on banks of fast-flowing Österdalsälven fishing
river amid the Idre fells, but spoilt by owners' mercenary attitude and
over-expensive charging with everything at extra cost Welcome: owners' superficial hospitality disingenuously masks unsavoury mercenary attitudes Setting: beautiful location with riverside pitches along birch-lined banks of fast-flowing Österdalsälven river; but being owned by ex-pat Dutch and ACSI-listed, site tends to be invaded by hoards of Dutch caravans; this and owners' mercenary attitude spoils the site Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean but coins needed for showers; basic kitchen/wash-up; over-expensive wi-fi at 50kr/24 hours; washing/drying machine at over-expensive 70kr; supermarket, ATM and filling station in Idre village 2 kms Price: basic over-expensive charge of 250kr plus incremental charges for everything Excellent fell-walking on Städjon peak up at Idrefjell NB Access lane to campsite is 2kms along road from bridge; your satnav may lead you along 1st side-turn which is dead-end - follow signs another 1.8km |
+3
|
Funäsdalens Fjäll-Camping |
Bruksvägen 80, 840 95 Funäsdalen 070 6773186 |
7~9 June 2013 and 7~8 July 2016 |
190kr |
A welcoming all-year-round campsite set among the skiing fells
above
Funäsdalen Welcome: reception unmanned low season but leave rent-money in envelope provided in common room; very friendly and welcoming lady-owner calls mornings for cleaning the service-house; owne present in summer Setting: level gravelled camping areas terraced up hillside with birches on embankments relieving the starkness, all set under the ski-runs of Funäsdalsberget fell which overlooks the site; in summer lower terraces full of holiday-making caravans/camping-cars but space ob 2nd terrace Facilities: service-house permanently open with self-booking-in instructions; WC/showers straightforward but spotlessly clean; upstairs homely and comfortable fully-furnished lounge/common-room with even children's games and toys, and fully-equipped kitchen/wash-up; washing/drying machines (extra cost), no wi-fi; supermarkets, TIC (wi-fi), bank and filling station 1km down in Funäsdalen village Price: excellent value at 190kr/night inc 5kr coins for showers |
+4 <Map> |
Ristafallet Camping, Åre |
Rista 321 830 10 Hålland 064730200 070 5578782 GPS: 63.312529 13.346887 Campsite web site |
10~11 June 2013 and 9~10 July 2016 |
240kr |
A delightful small campsite set alongside spectacular Ristafallet
waterfalls on Indalsälven river Welcome: friendly, hospitable and very helpful welcome from campsite-café owners, Jan and Mathilde Vos, who provided free detailed fell-walking booklets unavailable from Åre TIC Setting: beautifully turfed camping area terraced into hillside below the café/reception, on banks of Indalsälven white-water river just above thrilling Ristafallet waterfalls which gives campsite its name; air filled with spray from falls and sound of rushing water; Black Woodpeckers seen in trees above waterfalls; a truly spectacular and memorable spot to camp Facilities: spotlessly clean and modern WC/showers and fully-equipped kitchen/wash-up/dining room; wi-fi at café included in price; supermarkets at Järpen village Price: 240kr all-in |
+5++ <Map> |
|
**
JOINT BEST CAMPSITE IN SWEDEN
** |
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Krokomvikens Camping, Krokom, near Östersund |
Hissmon 2296, 835 92 Krokom 0730-94 11 85 GPS: 63.318720 14.456978 Campsite web site |
12 June 2013 |
180kr |
Small and pleasantly located straightforward municipal campsite
on shore of Indalsälven river near small town of Krokom Welcome: Reception closed out of season, but friendly welcome from warden who lives in caravan near to reception; if he is out, settle in and he will call later Setting: a number of statics but separate area for visitors in lovely setting under birch trees along banks of Indalsälven river where it emerges from Storsjön lake near to Krokom; flat grassy/gravelly riverside pitches, but with some traffic noise from nearby by-pass road; sunset views across lake Facilities: warden gives you key for facilities building, which you leave on table at his caravan-awning if he is out in morning; excellent facilities - clean, modern WC/showers with unlimited hot water; first class lounge/common room with kitchen/wash-up; no wi-fi; washing/drying machine (extra cost) Price: very reasonable at 180kr all-in |
+4 <Map> |
| Lillholmsjö Camping |
Gästgivaregåden,
Lillholmsjö 114 83060 Föllinge 0645 41032 GPS: |
11 July 2016 | 185kr |
Small and quaintly old-fashioned campsite/stugor/guesthouse
at Lillholmsjö village at
junction of Routes 340/344 on quiet back-road 60kms from Norwegian border Welcome: politely formal welcome from owner at reception in guesthouse across the road from campsite Setting: rather bleak and cheerless open camping area surrounded by huts, rather sloping but gravelly turf with no risk of water-logging even in wet weather Facilities: Limited WC/showers but modern and clean; free sauna, well-equipped kitchen/wash-up; free washing/drying machine; no wi-fi; no shop in village Price: good value at all-inclusive 185kr (no coins for showers) |
+3
|
Rötvikens Camping |
Rötviken, 830 60 Föllinge 0768 326834
GPS: |
12 July 2016 | 180kr |
Small, peaceful and beautifully sited village
campsite, looking across Hotagen Lake, just off Route340 on quiet back-road
close to Norwegian border Welcome: perfunctory welcome from taciturn and dour-faced lady-owner Setting: small and close-cropped turfed lake-side camping area on shore of Hotagen Lake, with further camping space on flat topped hillock above, at village of Rötviken 20kms from Norwegian border; magnificent setting looking out across lake to distant forested hills Facilities: modern and clean WC/showers (no coins) but limited in number; reasonably equipped kitchen/wash-up; large, homely common room with terrace overlooking lake; washing /drying machine at 40kr; no wi-fi; shore-side campfire and fish-smoking box Price: excellent value at 180kr all-inclusive A real gem of a peaceful lake-side village campsite |
+4 <Map> |
Route 45 Camping, Hammerdal |
Fyrån 210, 830 70 Hammerdal 0644 10086 GPS: 63.575092 15.342965 Campsite web site |
13~14 June
and |
2200kr |
A wonderful small, riverside campsite in midst of forests just
off E45 Inlandsvägen at Hammerdal village, open all year round Welcome: former owners ex-pat Dutch couple Neik and Tess now returned to Holland; new English owners with children in local school, still friendly, helpful and hospitable welcome Setting: open, flat, grassy/gravelled camping areas in large forest clearing alongside Fyrån River; minor road to remote settlements passed through site Facilities: modern and clean WC/showers , kitchen/wash-up, washing machine (extra cost) and drying room, lavuu tent for social evenings around camp fire, water-filling hose; wi-fi at reception inc in cost Price: all-inclusive 220kr (no coins for showers) |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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| Wild camp at Hällingsåfallet waterfalls parking area |
GPS: 64.349410 14.379700 |
14 July 2016 | Magnificent wild camp spot at remote forested parking area by Hällingsåfallet waterfalls, with dry privvies and camp-fire hearth |
<Map> |
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| Ankarede Camping |
GPS: 64.818345 14.236242 |
15 July 2016 | Semi-wild camp in parking area of Sámi seasonal gathering place of Ankarede with power supplies and a small service-house run by the Ankarede Association both for the huts-settlement and camping area |
<Map> |
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Gäddede Camping, Gäddede  |
Sagavägen 9, Gäddede 0672 10035 GPS: 64.504788 14.149446 Campsite web site |
15~17 June 2013 |
210kr |
Large campsite close to Norwegian border and Hällingsåfallet
waterfalls and canyon, part-way around Vildmarksvägen
(Wilderness Way) Welcome: friendly and helpful welcome from family who keep the site Setting: large site with some statics and huts but separate camping areas for visitors; on edge of village on peninsular projecting into Lake Kvarnbergsvattnet; good sunset views from pitches at far end by lake shore Facilities: clean WC/shower and fully-equipped kitchen/wash-up/common-room, free wi-fi with strong signal but limited to reception area, water-filling hose, washing/drying machines (extra cost); TIC/Naturum, ICA supermarket, garages, ATM in Gäddede village Price: 210kr inc 5kr coins for showers Spectacular Hällingsåfallet 43m high waterfalls and 800m long, 60m high canyon 20kms along dirt road from Gäddede village |
+4 <Map> |
| Fatmomakke Natur-Camping |
910 88 Marsfjäll, Fatmomakke
GPS: |
16 July 2016 | 80k |
A small and grubby camping area
with no facilities shoe-horned into confined lake-side space at
Fatmomakke next door to Fjällströms
Camping; little more than an over-expensive parking area, opposite Fatmomakke
church-town Welcome: curt and perfunctory 'take-it-or-leave-it' non-welcome from woman at café Setting: a few confined spaces crammed onto river bank with no services or power and agrubby, sordid air; but lovely view across Kultsjö Lake to to church-town; higher camping area further uphill with non-functioning power supplies and no view of Fatmomakke Facilities: only WC/showers shared with next-door Fjällströms Camping charged at 10kr per usage; you just did not bother which meant this was simply over-priced wild camp Price: 80kr very poor value eve at this price! 500m walk over bridge to Fatmomakke church town where there were free dry privvies |
+1
<Map> |
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Fjällströms Camping,
Fatmomakke |
910 88 Marsfjäll, Fatmomakke 09040 73025 GPS: 65.087627 15.135591 |
18 June 2013 |
120kr |
Basic, straightforward but functional little campsite by
fast-flowing Kultsjöån river opposite the
Fatmomakke Sámi church-town, approached by 7km
dirt road from Vildmarksvägen Welcome: pay elderly couple at café-kiosk who speak no English; difficult to communicate but they will provide key to shower/toilets and power box Setting: very sloping and overgrown pitches set linearly along river bank with power supplies; very midgy in June! Facilities: straightforward but clean WC/showers (10kr coins); no kitchen/wash-up Price: 120kr inc 10kr coins for showers Fatmomakke Sámi church-town with Kåtor huts dating from compulsory church attendance; traditional gatherings Midsummer and early Sept which once coincided with reindeer migrations from summer mountain pastures to winter forest grazing |
+2 <Map> |
Doro Camping, Dorotea |
Storgatan 1A 91731 Dorotea 0942 10238 |
19~21 June 2013 and 17~18 July 2016 |
210kr |
A small campsite with a Big Welcome, beautifully located
alongside forests, with its own station-halt on Inlandsbanan Railway Welcome: hospitable and helpful welcome from ex-pat fluently multi-lingual Dutch owners Louis and Tessa Setting: flat, grassy, terraced pitches alongside forest with Inlandsbanan Railway running past; a few huts in separate area and large, grassy tent space Facilities: clean, modern WC/showers; cosy pine-wood furnished common-room cum kitchen/wash-up in upper storey of service-house; site-wide wi-fi included in price; washing/drying machines at expensive 80kr; most noteworthy feature is campsite's own little station-halt on Inlandsbanan Railway Price: very good value at 210kr all-inclusive |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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Meselefors Camping |
Meselefors 216 SE-912 90 Viilhelmina
0940-250 89 |
19 July 2016
|
190kr |
Small and welcoming family-run
site in magnificent setting on banks of
Ångermanälven river |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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NORTHERN SWEDEN |
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Tärnaby Camping, Tärnaby |
Sandviksvägen 4, 920 64 Tärnaby
070 547 2797 |
22~24 June 20 July 2016 |
240kr |
River-side family-run campsite at Tärnaby off the Blå Vägen Welcome: pleasantly hospitable welcome from owners who have kept the campsite for 20 years Setting: gravel and grassy pitches terraced up hillside which slopes down to the Tärnafossen rapids on the fast-flowing Umeälven river dropping down past campsite between 2 lakes and surrounded by high fells; campsite popular with river fishermen Facilities: grubby and old-fashioned WC/showers; well-furnished common-room with kitchen/wash-up; washing machine (extra cost); wi-fi included in price but non-functioning; supermarket and filling station in Tärnaby Price: 240kr inc 5kr coins for showers Price increased from 210kr (2013) to 240kr (2016) but site now run-down Excellent TIC in Tärnaby will provide maps and detailed free walking guides for Tärnaby and Hemavan fells; Alpine Botanical Garden at Hemavan Fjäll Centre excellent |
+2 <Map> |
Elvmøthei Fjellgård Camping,
Norway |
Andfjellveien 20, 8630 Storforshei Norway Tel: +47 915 68051 GPS: 66.446657 15.132852 Campsite web site |
21 July 2016 | 220 NOK |
A straightforward mountain farmstead campsite
15kms south of Saltfjell Arctic Circle, in magnificent setting amid pines and
surrounded by snow-covered peaks Welcome: farm kept by 2 generations of family, grandparents and sons; reception not manned early in season, but pay at farmhouse or telephone Setting: an unprecedentedly thrilling setting amid pine woods, close to cascading mountain river and surrounded by snow-covered peaks; farmstead just off E6 just before start of climb up onto Saltfjell and crossing of Arctic Circle; no traffic noise, air filled with roar of the river and bird song Facilities: straightforwardly basic but clean WC/showers and basic wash-up with hot water Price: 220 NOK inc 2x 10 NOK coins for showers A memorable stay |
+4 <Map> |
Kyrkans Fjällgård Camping,
Jäkkvik |
Byavägen 4 938 95 Jäkkvik Tel: |
22~23 July 2016
|
220kr |
A church-run meeting centre/camping, beautifully
sited overlooking Hornavan Lake north of Arjeplog on Route 95 towards Norwegian
border Welcome: friendly welcome from the effusively loquacious warden Setting: limited camping area, but beautiful flat grassy terrace fortunately only accessible for tents and for small campers overlooking Hornavan Lake, making a memorably peaceful setting Facilities: clean, modern facilities (WC/showers, kitchen-wash-up and common room) in main house and annexe, wi-fi included in price but signal limited to house; small, well-stocked shop 440m in Jäkkvik village Price: good value 220kr all-inclusive; Norwegian currency accepted |
+4 <Map> |
Vindelåforsens Stugby, Ammarnäs |
Nolsivägen 45 92070 Ammarnäs 070 611 0301 GPS: 65.972476 16.208974 Campsite web site |
26~27 June 2013 |
200 kr |
Small stugby (holiday huts) close to Vindelåforsen rapids just
north of Ammarnäs village (turn up past church and Potato Hill) Welcome: positively helpful and hospitable welcome from owners, Urban and Marita Bergland, who responded helpfully to our request allowing us to camp on flat grassy area beside one of huts on the forested hillside; Marita is sculptress and her works are on display at stugby Setting: delightful forested hillside among huts of stugby within earshot of Vindelåforsen rapids Facilities: access to WC/shower and sauna in vacant hut, all spotlessly clean with unlimited hot water; no kitchen/wash-up but space and hot water in hut for washing up Price: good value at 200kr all-in Ammarnäs beautiful and unspoilt Sámi/Swedish settler mountain village with one third of inhabitants still involved in reindeer husbandry; reindeer meat on sale at shop by garage in village; excellent TIC/Naturum in Ammarnäs for maps and details of mountain walks |
+4 <Map> |
Sorsele Camping, Sorsele |
Fritidsvägen, 920 70 Sorsele 0952 10124 GPS: 65.534281 17.526691 Campsite web site |
25 & 28~29 June 2013 |
210kr |
Large privately owned campsite and huts open all-year-round on
banks of Vindalälven river on outskirts of Sorsele Welcome: pleasantly hospitable welcome from owner and his young staff Setting: riverside pitches on banks of Vindalälven river, though inevitably midgy in summer Facilities: modern and clean WC/showers with rare luxury of unlimited, no-coins showers; well-equipped kitchen/wash-up and cosy common room; site-wide wi-fi inc in price; 5% discount voucher for ICA supermarket; washing/drying machine (extra cost); well-stocked ICA supermarket, ATM and filling station in Sorsele Price: good value at 210 kr all-in Sorsele a pleasant little town with Inlandsbanan Museum and TIC at railway station |
+5 <Map> |
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**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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Sjöstjärnan Camping,
Ardidsjaur |
Långträskholmen, 93391 Arvidsjaur 073 045 8204 GPS: 65.673010 18.812670 |
30 June ~ 1 July 2013 |
170kr |
This off-the-beaten-track, jewel of a small campsite is one of
the world's best kept secrets! set
on small peninsula of Lake Långträsket just off Route 95 'Silver Way' between Arvidsjaur
and Arjeplog, with super welcome from the charming owner
Welcome: memorably effusive welcome from owner, Beatrice Karlsson who grew up here with her mother and grandparents; site managed by the equally affable Ulf Setting: beautifully kept lawned camping areas among the huts by the red-painted wooden farm-house set amid floral meadows on shore of Lake Långträsket looking out over lake on both sides to craggy fells; camp where you like on the lawns with power from the huts in this truly wonderful Setting: but swarms of midges in June~July! Facilities: straightforward but functional WC/showers and kitchen-wash-up; small washing machine but no dryer; no wi-fi Price: super value at 170kr/night all-in |
+5++ <Map> |
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**
JOINT BEST CAMPSITE IN SWEDEN
** |
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| Moskosel Camping |
Abmorvägen 9 930 86 Moskosel 0960 30200 GPS: 65.883570 19.464170 |
24 July 2016 | 185kr |
Small, peaceful lake-side fishing-camp, 1km north
of Moskosel village on E45; in summer busy with passing trade from E45
Inlandsvägen Welcome: quiet welcome from elderly owner (little English spoken) who has kept campsite for almost 30 years Setting: huts and limited camping area spread around lake-shore; lovely setting looking out across still waters of lake; inevitable traffic noise from busy E45, and very fly-ridden in summer Facilities: rather antiquated, straightforward and grubby facilities; WC/showers (5kr coins) and basic kitchen/wash-up; no wi-fi Price: 185kr inc 2x5kr coins for showers Inlandsbanan Museum at railway station in Moskosel village worth a visit |
+3 <Map> |
Skabrams Stugby, Camping and
Cheese Farm, Jokkmokk |
Skabram 206, 962 99 Jokkmokk 0971 10752 GPS: 66.605924 19.761958 Campsite web site |
2~5 July 2013 and 25~26 July 2016 |
185kr |
Small and welcoming campsite 2kms from of Jokkmokk,
just north of Arctic Circle, located on cheese farm and kept by ex-pat Dutch
couple Welcome: friendly and helpful welcome from Dutch couple who manage the site Setting: gravelled and grassy camping areas with power supplies, set among pines by farm yard with chickens pecking around Facilities: clean WC/showers, basic kitchen/wash-up with sunny veranda outside; washing machine (extra cost) but no drying machine; wi-fi in part of camping area but unreliable, weak signal; water-filling hose; good information resource at reception, with home made cheese on sale ; supermarkets, TIC, bank, filling stations in Jokkmokk Price: 185kr all-in Arctic Botanical Gardens and Ajtte Sámi Museum in Jokkmok both worthwhile; Mudduss National Park and Luleälven HEP dams 20kms north |
+4 <Map> |
Årrenjarka
Fjällby
Camping,
Kvikkjok |
Årrenjarka
214 962 02 Kvikkjok -971 23018 GPS: |
27 July 2016 |
265kr |
Wonderfully located,
straightforward but expensive site at Årrenjarka, 17km from road's-end at
LuleKvikkjok in Lilleälven valley 120kms into mountains east of Jokkmokk Welcome: friendly welcome from staff at café-reception Setting: stugby (huts settlement) and small campsite tucked away among forests around an inlet bay of Sagget, the innermost large lake of Lilleälven valley; small camping area nestled onto hillock peninsula looking SE-wards along the length of Sagget Lake; a magnificent setting surrounded by mountains and forests all reflected in lake Facilities: modern, clean WC/showers/sauna serving huts and campsite, with good kitchen/wash-up; wi-fi at reception; no shops or services along entire valley (nearest Jokkmokk 120kms) so come fully supplied with food Price: downside is - expensive at 265 with power or 230 without |
+4 <Map> |
Wild-camp at
Harsprånget abandoned village  |
GPS: 66.892675 19.832324 |
28 July 2016 |
Wild-camp by the former village square of Torget at the abandoned village of Harsprånget, built originally in 1946 to provide accommodation for building workers close to the construction site of the new Harsprånget dam and power plant. |
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|
| Stora Sjöfallet Mountain Centre |
982 99 Gällivare 0973 40070 GPS: 67.482927 18.358841 |
6 July 2013 |
305kr with electricity, 195kr without |
An outrageously over-priced, pretentious and unimpressive
campsite with unwelcoming and brusquely ill-mannered staff, albeit set in
magnificent mountain scenery in Stora Sjöfallet
National Park 90 kms west of E45 Inlandsvägen
at Porjus Welcome: perfunctory verging on brusquely rude non-welcome from young reception staff who need reminding that it is customers who pay their wages Setting: you need to stay focussed on the grand vista of surrounding snow-flecked mountain peaks to avoid noticing the dreary desolation of the vast open, featureless gravelly camping area Facilities: despite the outrageous price, standard of WC/showers and kitchen/wash-up marginally adequate, and no wi-fi; remote mountain setting also means no mobile phone signal Price: beyond belief!!! - 305kr with electricity, 195 without - how do you justify £11/night for power with mighty HEP dams just down the valley !! This place is simply not worth bothering with |
+2 <Map> |
| Gällivare Camping, Gällivare |
Kvarnbacksvägen 2, Gällivare 0970 10010 GPS: 67.128889 20.672222 |
7~9 July 2013 |
210kr |
A scruffy and overcrowded urban campsite with a monopoly in
Gällivare Welcome: friendly and helpful welcome from reception staff Setting: you have 2 choices: 1) a grubby and cramped gravelly area crammed full of noisy Norwegian caravans or 2) a boggy, grassy riverside area overwhelmed with traffic noise from E45 Inlandsvägen; the decision between rowdy Norwegians or quarry trucks is not an easy one, and neither choice is at all impressive! Only decent pitch is #51 on flat grass behind huts Facilities: well-equipped kitchen/wash-up/dining room; reasonable WC/showers; washing/drying machines inc in price (quite unique); free but limited range, slow signal wi-fi near to reception; BUT key code for facilities building changed part-way through stay with NO notification - how's that for customer awareness! Price: internet site quoted 210kr for summer 2013 but told on arrival this increased to 220kr; naturally we negotiated the advertised 210kr price; even so poor value Underground tour of Gällivare LKAB iron ore mine impressive, but expensive at 300kr each |
+2 <Map> |
Wild-camp by
Kalixälven river-crossing at
Lappeasuando |
GPS: 67.489730 21.119339 |
29 July 2016 |
Wild-camp by Kalixälven river-crossing at Lappeasuando; you either have choice of sharing the picnic area parking area with 1001 holiday-making caravans and camping cars, or far more preferably, choose the more peaceful and secluded lower grassy area down on the river embankment overlooking the river and old bridge; some inevitable traffic noise from adjacent E45 Inlandsvägen; WC/WHB in picnic area car park |
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Ripan Camping, Kiruna |
Campingvägen 5, 981 35 Kiruna 0980 63000 GPS: 67.860556 20.240278 |
10 July 2013 | 280kr |
Welcome: perfunctory welcome from staff at the glitzy marble-topped reception;
their only defence of the extortionate prices was that you could see the
Midnight Sun; our reply was that we did not expect to have to pay for that! Setting: Again you have 2 choices: 1) large, gravelly camping areas crammed to bursting with rowdy Norwegian mega-buses; or 2) if you want peace and quiet and a view over the fells (since you're paying expensively for the Midnight Sun), the smaller, more secluded camping area, the price being a 600m trek to the facilities building Facilities: you'll need map and compass to find them but when you eventually do, key-card does not work and you've forgotten the door code; basic facilities, closed for cleaning at peak times to suit staff convenience; reasonable kitchen/wash-up; none of hand-driers in gents were working, neither does the alleged wi-fi provision Price: 280kr inc 10kr coins for showers Kiruna is fascinating one-industry town dependent entirely on LKAB's iron ore mining; whole of Kiruna city centre needs to be relocated over next 10 years because of mining subsidence; but don't go on the Kiruna underground mining tour which is only mock-up and not working mine; instead go on the underground visit at Malmberget Mine at Gällivare |
-3 <Map> |
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There is absolutely nothing good to be said about Ripan Camping; it's the only campsite in Kiruna, a monopoly exploited to hike the prices - and should be renamed Rip-off Camping |
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| Trollsparvens Camping, Vittangi |
Via Lappia 1 980 10 Vittangi 0981 10701 GPS: 67.693839 21.627876 |
30 July 2016 | 180kr |
Small and straightforward riverside stugby/camping
on north side of Torneälven bridge at Vittangi village Welcome: owner not present and reception locked, but welcomed by Estonian migrant worker from 1 of huts who was looking after site on owner's behalf Setting: set on river bank on north side of Torneälven bridge at Vittangi village; open, grassy camping area with power supplies, clear views across river to open fell-land; being close to river, so many more midges than elsewhere Facilities: straightforward but functional WC/showers (no coins); basic kitchenette/wash-up; no wi-fi; shop in Vittangi village 1km across bridge Price: good value at al-inclusive 180kr |
+3 <Map> |
| Björklidens Camping, Abisko |
981 93
Björkliden 0980 64100 GPS: 68.405894 18.682766 |
11~12 July 2013 |
240kr |
Little good can be said about this pretentious
ski-hotel/camping resort other than the view of Lapporten mountains from the terrace Welcome: perfunctory non-welcome from the offensively rude and unsmiling woman at hotel-reception 2 kms steeply uphill from the camping area; she had clearly overlooked the fact that it is guests who keep her in a job and was too preoccupied with enforcing the rules - no we couldn't each have a card-key for the showers since we might steal one - yes she actually said that! Setting: enormous gravelly, featureless and bleakly open camping area Facilities: WC/showers dingy with non-working light bulbs and no shower curtains; basic and grubby kitchen/wash-up ; no wi-fi Price: poor value at 240kr Good information resource about mountain walks at Abisko National Park Naturum 8kms east on E10 by Abisko Mountain Station |
-2 <Map> |
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ARCTIC NORWAY and NW FINLAND |
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Narvik Camping, Narvik |
Romsbacksveien 75, 8517 Narvik
+47 76 94 58 10 |
13~14 July 2013
|
220 NOK |
Straightforward, no-frills campsite 2kms from centre in outskirts
of Narvik Welcome: perfunctory welcome from young reception staff Setting: set on steep hillock overlooking fjord and distant mountains with 4 gravelled camping areas terraced up hillside Facilities: service building down at reception with wooden steps leading down from camping areas; secondary WCs higher up hillside; WC/showers straightforward but functional; kitchen/wash-up with microwave; washing machine (extra cost); wi-fi at reception (extra cost); supermarkets/banks/garages/TIC etc in Narvik Price: 220 NOK inc 10 NOK coins for showers Narvik a pleasant port-town dominated by LKAB iron ore terminal (tours 3-00pm Tuesdays); Red Cross War Museum telling tragic story of May 1940 German invasion and Battles of Narvik; Nord Museum on history of town; railway ride worthwhile Narvik~Riksgränsen up into spectacular mountains at Swedish border |
+3 <Map> |
| Tromsø Camping, Tromsø |
9020 Tromsø +47 77 63 80 37 GPS: 69.648308 19.016234 |
15 July 2013 |
305 NOK Outrageously over-inflated price |
The only campsite in Tromsø which exploits its
monopoly to charge outrageously inflated prices; with offensively ill-mannered
staff, disgusting camping area, and grubby, inadequate facilities, it ranks as
one of the worst campsites in Scandinavia This dreadful place is a disgrace to the city of Tromsø and deserves to be boycotted Welcome: offensively rule-bound non-welcome from the indifferent young staff at reception with 'take-it-or-leave-it' attitudes ("you must do this, you can't do that, and if you don't like our prices you can go somewhere else"), oblivious to the fact that it's guests who keep them in a job Setting: an overcrowded and disgusting swamp that doubles as camping area, simply horrible Facilities: basic, inadequate and grubby, with broken locks in gents; just 2 showers for an overcrowded, large campsite and huts inevitably meant queues Price: unprecedentedly over-inflated price at 305 NOK Tromsø is a worthy city to visit with Polar Museum telling story of Tromsø's sealing hunting heritage and Arctic expeditions of polar explorers Amundsen and Nansen; but avoid Tromsø Camping and instead use the excellent alternative, Ramfjord Camping at Sørbotn |
-5 <Map> |
|
**
WORST CAMPSITE OF TRIP ** |
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Ramfjord Camping, Sørbotn  |
9027 Ramfjordbotn +47 77 69 21 30 GPS: 69.516550 19.247540 Campsite web site |
16 July 2013 30 June ~2 July 2014 |
210 NOK |
Small privately owned campsite 25kms south of Tromsø,
20 minutes
on E8 near to Fagernes (watch out for
speed cameras), with hospitable welcome, good value price and beautiful location looking
straight down length of fjord; this is perfect site for visiting Tromsø Welcome: warmly friendly and helpful, hospitable welcome from fluently English speaking owner Setting: flat camping area in magnificent setting around head of Ranfjorden looking straight down fjord into setting sun, a totally stunning location surrounded by high mountains looking out across end of fjord with oyster-catchers and red-shanks pecking around the mudflats Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean, well-equipped kitchen/wash-up with comfortable common-room; water-filling hose; washing/drying machine expensive at 70 NOK; no wi-fi Price: very reasonable 210 NOK all-in If such a welcoming and ideally placed excellent campsite like Ramfjord Camping can charge such a good value 210 NOK, what conceivable justification can the inhospitable and filthy place like Tromsø Camping have for charging 305 NOK other than sheer, unadulterated exploitational greed for which it unreservedly deserves to be boycotted |
+5 <Map> |
Skibotn NAF Camping, Skibotn |
E6 248 9143 Skibotn +47 77 71 52 77 GPS: 69.3930570 20.2673290 |
12~13 Aug 2012 17 July 2013 |
245 NOK inc 20 NOK coins for showers |
Small campsite operated by NAF on shore of Storfjorden close to
Skibotn fishing harbour with magnificent panorama of mountains and glaciers;
other campsite options in Skibotn over-crowded and even more over-priced Welcome: perfunctory welcome from taciturn warden Setting: one of the finest you could ask for: flat, grassy camping area on shore of tidal bay of Storfjorden at Skibotn surrounded by high, craggy mountains with magnificent view across fjord to glaciated Lyngen Alps (see photo left) with sunset across fjord Facilities: straightforward but clean and functional WC/showers, well-equipped kitchen/wash-up, no wi-fi; mini-market in Skibotn village, ATM at Statoil filling station along E6 Tromsø road Price: 245 NOK inc 20 NOK coins for showers - expensive for basic site, it's the magnificent fjord and glaciated mountains setting that gives this site its charm |
+4 <Map> |
| Kilpisjärvi Retkeilykeskus-Camping, Kilpisjärvi, Finland |
Käsivarrentie 14663, 99490 Kilpisjärvi +358 1653 7771 GPS: 69.0478500 20.7977400 |
14~15 Aug 2012 18 July
2113 |
€26.50 inc SCC discount |
Large campsite terraced into lower slopes of
Saana Fell overlooking Lake Kilpisjärvi 6kms from Norwegian/Finnish border Welcome: perfunctory but helpful welcome from young staff at Trekking Centre reception Setting: large and cheerless gravelly camping area terraced up hillside of lower slopes of Saana Fell which towers above, set among winter huts and overlooking Lake Kilpisjärvi; unique 'double sunset' effect in August with setting sun dipping behind slopes of Malla Fell summit and re-appearing on far side to set again behind lower fells Facilities: modern and clean WC/showers in main facilities building; rather antiquated kitchen/wash-up with small dining area in separate hut; free site-wide wi-fi; washing/drying machine at €6; water-filling hose Price: expensive at €26.50 inc SCC discount Boat trip across lake on M/S Malla (€25/person return fare) with 2 hours for 6km return walk to Treriksröset (3 Borders Cairn - Finland/Norway/Sweden); boat landing stage just below Centre |
+3 <Map> |
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NORTH EAST SWEDEN |
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Karesuando
Camping, Karesuando  |
Laestadiusvägen 185, 980 16 Karesuando 070 605 1124 GPS: 68.434021 22.516437 Campsite web site |
19 July 2013 |
200kr |
Pleasant riverside campsite 1 km from centre of
Karesuando, northernmost village in Sweden at top of E45 by Muonio bridge to
Finland Welcome: friendly and pleasant welcome from owner Setting: large flat camping area but being surrounded by water, it swarms with midges in July; you will need your Bagon Facilities: WC/showers clean and modern; reasonable kitchen/wash-up and common-room; site-wide wi-fi with strong signal inc in price; water-filling hose; washing machine (extra cost) Price: good value at 200kr; suspect that facing competition from Sandlövs Camping in village centre, prices reduced from 220kr reported in 2010 Sandlövs Camping in village centre opposite church by bridge is also a small and welcoming site 1816 church worth a visit as is cottage-chapel of Lars Levi Laestadius, revivalist preacher whose zealous teachings forbade alcohol and curtains as equally sinful |
+4 <Map> |
Sandlövs Camping, Karesuando |
Olavsgatan15, 98016 Karesuando 0981 20190 GPS: 68.440400 22.481200 |
22 July 2014 11 & 14 Aug 2015 |
150 SEK |
Good value, charmingly straight forward little site at Karesuando
just opposite border-bridge with Finland Welcome: friendly if taciturn welcome from owner Setting: small and charmingly simple site set alongside gardens of owner's wooden house looking across to bridge over Muoniojoki river and Laestadius' church Facilities: basic WC/showers and wash-up sink; no kitchen or wi-fi; but wi-fi from TIC opposite just about reached nearest corner of campsite; mini-market, general stores and meat hall (selling elk and reindeer) in village Price: although a basic site, excellent value at 150 SEK |
+4 <Map> |
| Rajamaa Camping, Muonionalusta |
Muonionalusta 984 95 Muodoslompolo
0978 43040 |
Small and straightforward
campsite set right on the Swedish~Finnish
river-border at tiny border village of
Muonionalusta
6 kms along a single-track lane from larger village of Muodoslompolo on Route
99; campsite set on a river-island formed between the main Muonionjoki and a
tributary, and run by Tornedalen-Finnish Malmström family for 30 years. We have not stayed, but inspected campsite which looks worthwhile for future stay either from Northern Finland or Swedish Lapland, particularly since Route 404 crossed the river to Muonio in Finland close to the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park; there are so few campsites along this stretch of the Swedish~Finnish border |
|
||
Pajala
Camping, Tornedalen |
Tannavägen 65, 984 31 Pajala 0978 74180 GPS: 67.203866 23.408132 Campsite web site |
20~21 July 2013 1~2 Aug 2016 |
260kr |
An all-round excellent, family-run, campsite on outskirts of Pajala, with well-laid-out camping areas on banks of
Torneälven river; BUT now very expensive Welcome: pleasant welcome from couple who have owned the campsite for last 15 years Setting: large site with excellent range of camping areas: tarmaced area to corral and control the Norwegian mega-buses and caravans, a grassy area with power supplies, a broad, flat turfed area for tents, and a more secluded woodland area on the Torneälven river bank for the more discerning campers, with lingonberries and bilberries growing on the forest floor Facilities: WC/showers and sauna modern and clean, fully equipped kitchen/wash-up and comfortable common-room; washing machine/drying cabinet (expensive at 80kr); wi-fi at reception inc in price; supermarket in Pajala Price: 25% price increase from 210kr (2013) to 260kr (2016) Pajala is location for Mikael Niemi's bitter-sweet novel Popular Music from Vittula about teenage boy growing up in 1960~70s in Tornedalen and his aspirations to become a pop star |
+4 <Map> |
|
**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
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|
BOTHNIAN COAST |
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|
Rörbäcks
Camping, Rörbäck |
Rörbäck 79 955 92 Råneå 0924 35047
GPS: |
22 July 2013 |
230kr |
Shore-side holiday camp set amid pines at head of
Bothnian Gulf Welcome: cheerless and perfunctory greeting from lad at reception, with not a word of please or thank you and minimal information Setting: pleasant shore-side setting with pitches scattered along shore line amid sheltered pine forests looking out over head of Bothnian Gulf Facilities: mediocre standard of WC/showers with no ventilation; basic kitchen/wash-ups; no wi-fi and no mobile phone signal Price: lovely setting but poor value - inevitably expensive at 230kr with holiday-camp location |
+3
<Map> |
|
Ladrike
Camping, Norrfjärden |
Hyndgrundsvägen 2, 945 91 Norrfjärden 0911 200250 GPS: 65.420926 21.543975 |
23 July 2013 |
250kr |
3rd rate campsite with mercenary owner and
outrageous prices, totally overwhelmed by traffic noise from adjacent E4 highway Welcome: brusquely ill-mannered non-welcome at reception with 'take-it-or-leave-it' attitude Setting: large open camping area totally overwhelmed by traffic noise from adjacent E4 highway and noise from building Facilities: basic and limited WC/showers and wash-up; NO wi-fi despite claims in Swedish Camping Association entry Price: given limitations, unduly expensive at 250kr Owner has other campsites and leisure facilities and is expanding this site by building more huts while leaving the basic and inadequate service-hut much in need of upgrading; his web site is full of misleading claims: Camping Ladrike NOT "quiet, calm and peaceful", it is overwhelmed by traffic noise; his entry on SCA web site is untrue - he has no wi-fi; his 'heated swimming pool relies on the sun and was only 17°C; he claims to have repeat visitors but we doubt anyone would want to return there, it's that bad! Don't come here at all - avoid like the plague |
-3 <Map> |
|
Selholmens
Camping, Älvsbyn  |
Campinggatan, 942 34 Älvsbyn 092917205 |
24 July 2013 and 3~4 Aug 2013 |
225kr |
A delightful little family-run campsite on banks
of Piteälven river at Älvsbyn Welcome: pleasantly hospitable welcome from owner; early evening his wife came round with cakes and coffee Setting: grassy pitches terraced up river bank overlooking Piteälven river, 1km from centre of small town of Älvsbyn; small separate grassy terrace for tents Facilities: straightforward but functional WC/showers; homely kitchen/wash-up; no wi-fi; wood-burning sauna included in price; washing machine (extra cost); supermarket and garage in Älvsbyn Price: 225kr all-in Storforsen Rapids spectacular white-water falls 30 kms west on Route 374, where Piteälven falls 65m over a 1km stretch of hugely impressive rapids, with sturdily constructed board-walk giving close-up access to rapids |
+5 <Map> |
|
**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
|||||
Ringvor i Rengård Stugby-Camping |
Rengård 12 936 93 Boliden 070 395 5094 GPS: |
5~6 Aug 2016 |
100kr |
A jewel of a serendipitous find: delightful small and peaceful
stugby (hut encampment) just off Route 370 along Skellefteälven valley; owner
readily offered us opportunity to camp among the huts making us most welcome Welcome: delightfully hospitable welcome from charming lady-owner Setting: grassy lawned area among stugby huts in large, neatly maintained gardens of family farm house; power from one of huts of traditional textile exhibition, which is part of stugby; some traffic noise from mine trucks from Boliden Group lead/copper/zinc mines further up valley Facilities: service-house with WC/showers in individual bathrooms and homely kitchen/wash-up/common room; full strength wi-fi signal Price: exceptional value at 100kr Close to Linabana former mining cableway at Örträsk~Menträsk, well worth visit |
+5++ <Map> |
|
** A
THOROUGHLY
DELIGHTFUL AND MEMORABLE STAY ** |
|||||
Örträsk Camping-Aire, Linbana
Aerial Cableway |
935 93 Norsjö
GPS:
|
7 Aug 2016 | 60kr |
Good value, straightforward camping-aire (no power) at Örträsk Linbana
Aerial Cableway station, 13km preserved section of former 96lm long cableway
built 1943 and operated until 1987 to transport ore concentrates from
Kristineberg mines to Boliden smelter; ore buckets now replaced by modern
cableway gondola-cars; Welcome: pleasant welcome at station café aire reception Setting: small grassy field next to Örträsk Linbana Aerial Cableway station Facilities: first class WC/showers at station café/mining museum, open 24 hours during summer period of Linabana working Price: excellent value at 60kr; honesty box or pay at café Linbana is fascinating part of Sweden's mining industrial history and very much worth a visit; but to travel on preserved section is ultra expensive at 320/adult |
+4 <Map> |
| Rännuddens Camping, Norsjö |
Rännudden 4 935 32 Norsjö 070 625 4839
GPS: |
8 Aug 2016 | 250kr |
What was once a pleasant lake-side fishing-camp is now badly
run-down with grubby facilities, taken over by new Polish owners, and huts
dominated by Polish migrant workers, and despite all this they are charging
silly prices Welcome: non-existent welcome from surly non-English speaking Polish girl, totally non-communicative and unfriendly Setting: site set on peninsula of Norsjön Lake near Norsjövallen village; site's only saving grace is that it retains its pleasant lake-side setting among pine trees and lingonberries looking out across lake Facilities: facilities grubby, run-down and much in need of renovation; main services hut with WC/showers, kitchen/wash-up and common room is near reception 350m from camping area; 2nd smaller services hut with just WCs and wash-up is nearer to camping area but even more unsavoury and left in filthy state by migrant worker; wi-fi at reception only but weak signal and totally out of range for camping area Price: despite all these shortcomings, totally unrealistic price of 250kr All in all a place now to be avoided |
+1
<Map> |
|
Lufta
Camping, Ånäset |
Galdbacken 1, 915 94 Ånäset 070 612 6146 GPS: 64.268603 21.043282 |
25~26 July 2013 |
220kr |
Small family-run campsite-restaurant with adjacent swimming pool Welcome: pleasant welcome from English-speaking young staff and owner at reception despite busy serving restaurant meals Setting: sloping camping areas ranged around low hillock alongside forest and overlooking river valley; very pleasant but some traffic noise from nearby E4 Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean; well-equipped kitchen/wash-up; limited range wi-fi inc in price only accessible at reception/restaurant area Price: reasonable value for Bothnian coast at 220kr all-in |
+3
<Map> |
Åmsele Camping,
Vindelälven Valley |
Byavägen 122 922 75 Åmsele 0933 60210 GPS: |
9 Aug 2016
|
160kr |
A quaintly unpretentious, welcoming little campsite, former
canoeing centre, now run on community basis by 3 local farming families at Åmsele
in middle
Vindelälven Valley Welcome: being operated on voluntary basis, there is no manned reception but telephone and lady from farm will advise you to settle in; she will call round later to welcome you and for payment Setting: lush turf camping area wit power supplies set amidst crazy golf course, sloping steeply down to lake and huts; Route 363 passes close by but little traffic noise Facilities: small facilities hut recently upgraded with 2 WC/shower rooms (M&F); kitchenette/wash-up/common room in nearby former conference centre; open wi-fi signal (ASUS network) but weak signal; small shop in village 300m Price: excellent value at 160kr An admirable community effort to operate this delightful and welcoming campsite on voluntary basis; very much worth supporting Under NO circumstances use Vindelns Camping 30 kms down-valley at Vindeln village: dreadful place with offensive prices and even more offensive owner; you really would not to camp there!! |
+4
|
EFS Solbacken
Camping |
Dekarsön 300, 891 78 Bonässund 0660 370006 GPS: 60.206944 20.263056 Campsite web site |
27~28 July 2013 and 10~11 Aug 2016
|
210kr |
A Christian farm-retreat centre with welcoming and peaceful
campsite on tiny off-shore island of
Dekarsön Welcome: friendly and hospitable welcome from reception staff Setting: large, open and peaceful green space with camping area along one side, overlooking bay of sea with distant views of High Coast to south Facilities: straightforward but clean and functional; basic kitchen/wash-up; site-wide wi-fi with good signal inc in price; free use of washing machine; wooden church at edge of site with Sunday service; Island of Dekarsön approached across narrow bridge Price: good value at 210kr A haven of peace for a day in camp, well away from the otherwise over-priced, over-crowded holiday-making bedevilled sites along Bothnian Coast |
+5 <Map> |
| Docksta Vandrahem and Camping, Docksta |
Skoved 302, 870 32 Ullånger 0613 13064 GPS: 63.029215 18.307493 |
29~30 July 2013
|
210kr |
Welcoming, good value and straightforward campsite by
Skuleskogens National Park in High Coast Welcome: friendly welcome from young reception staff Setting: very sloping, open grassy camping area with no flat ground and few power supplies, overlooked by forested slopes of High Coast National Park hills; right next to busy E4 highway and overwhelmed with traffic noise Facilities: WC/showers straightforward but clean and functional; basic kitchen/wash-up; washing machine (no dryer) at extra cost; water-filling hose Price: good value at 200kr Docksta Naturum 4km north up E4 is excellent information source for High Coast National Park , with its 3 access points for walks; boat rides out to off-shore islands from Doksta or Köpmanholmen |
+3
|
| Överhörnäs Camping near Örnsköldsvik |
Hörnäsvägen 50, 894 40 Överhörnäs 0660 70143 |
31 July 2013 and 12 Aug 2016 |
200kr |
Small privately owned, lakeside campsite close to E4 but
sufficiently far back to avoid traffic noise, conveniently located for northern
end of High Coast National Park Welcome: pleasant and friendly welcome from lady-owner Setting: linear grassy camping area along lake-shore looking across valley towards distant Själevad church, a very pleasant setting Facilities: WC/showers straightforward but functional; basic kitchen/wash-up; both showers and wash-up need 1kr coins; washing/drying machines (extra cost) Price: 200kr inc coins for hot water |
+3 <Map> |
| Snibbens Camping, Ramvik |
Snibben 139, 870 16 Ramvik 0612 40505 GPS: 62.799120 17.869400 |
1 Aug 2013 |
220kr |
Large lakeside holiday-camp close to High Coast Bridge just off
E4 highway Welcome: helpful welcome from owners who showed us to suggested pitch given crowded site Setting: flat, grassy camping areas spread across headland looking westwards over lake with magnificent sunset views Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean; well-equipped kitchen/wash-up and comfy common-room; non-functioning wi-fi; water-filling hose; washing machine (extra cost) Price: 220kr all-in Site very crowded in peak summer period with noisy holiday-makers so best to ring ahead to ensure space; outside July/Aug, it would be delightful just 3km from E4 and High Coast Bridge so no traffic noise; excellent views of High Coast Bridge from north at hotel parking area/lay-by |
+3 <Map> |
|
Hölick Havsresort, Hornslandet |
Arnöviken 84, 824 93 Hudiksvall 0650 565032 |
2 Aug 2013 |
270kr Outrageously over-inflated price |
Despite the pleasant setting amid pinewoods by Hölick fishing village at tip of
Hornslandet Peninsula, this is an utterly ghastly place, totally contaminated
by rowdy and uncouth holiday-makers, extortionately over-priced and unusable by
civilised campers Welcome: perfunctory non-welcome from reception staff Setting: camping areas spread among pine woods perhaps pleasant in May or October, but during summer months this is simply a beach-goers holiday-camp totally overwhelmed by rowdy holiday-makers indifferent to the impact of their with late night noise levels on others; simply a ghastly experience Facilities: inadequate, basic and grubby; non-functioning wi-fi Price: an outrageous 270kr inc coins for showers Way-marked walking routes around Hornslandet Peninsula nature reserve delightful, as are fishing hamlets of Kuggörarna and Hölick; just a pity this place is such an uninhabitable dump |
-5 <Map> |
|
** GHASTLY OVER-CROWDED
HOLIDAY-CAMP ** |
|||||
| Sandnäsets Camping |
Sandnäset 124 860 41 Liden 0692 51037
GPS: |
13 Aug 2016 | 180Kr |
A third-rate lake-side site full of statics, where
folk from coastal towns go to catch a few fish and get drunk on a Saturday night
(and we chose to stay on a Sat night!) Welcome: perfunctory welcome at bar-reception Setting: linear camping area spread along lake shore, full of statics with minimal space for visitors; at least in mid-Aug most of statics empty but still lot of noise from bar and caravan awnings; site's only saving grace was forested setting among ancient pines, and forest floor filled with plumpest, juiciest bilberries ever picked Facilities: basic verging on primitive; pokey WC cabins, ancient showers and minimally functional wash-up Price: 180kr One of trip's least memorable sites; only the woodland setting saved it from a negative rating |
+1
|
Rävnäsets Camping, Bjuråker, Delsbo |
Rävnäset 101 820 62 Bjuråker 0703 336060 GPS: |
14~15 Aug 2016 | 180Kr |
Pleasant and welcoming site in beautiful setting among pine
woodland overlooking Norrdellen Lake,
6kms from Delsbo; a lovely chance find Welcome: wonderfully polite, hospitable and helpful from welcome the charming lady-owner Irene Öjemark, who responded to phone call and came round 10 mins later to book us in and issue keys Setting: se on shore of Norrdellen Lake near to village of Bjuråker 6kms from Delsbo, with flat camping areas terraced up hillside among magnificent pine woods with Green Woodpeckers calling high in pines; a memorably peaceful setting late in season with sun shining down through pines Facilities: clean and functional WC/showers with well-equipped kitchen/wash-up and common room; no wi-fi; supermarket, bank and filling station 6kms in Delsbo Price: 180kr A charming welcome and thoroughly lovely stay, but only early or late in season when site virtually empty; open mid June~mid Aug but owner more than happy for us to stay on after official closing date. |
+4 <Map> |
| Malnbadens Camping, Hornslandet |
Malnbvägen 34, 824 50 Hudiksvall 0650 13260 GPS: 61.720579 17.177896 |
3 Aug 2013 |
250kr |
A large and family-run campsite and hostel just outside
Hudiksvall Welcome: pleasantly affable welcome from reception staff Setting: formally laid-out, large, grassy pitches in rows well-terraced up hillside slope and shaded by surrounding pine trees Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean, good kitchen/wash-up; washing/drying machine (extra cost); wi-fi at 8kr for 8 hrs but non-functioning on our stay Price: 250kr all-in 'Happy' Hudiksvall is pleasant little port-town |
+3 <Map> |
| Vevlingestrands Camping, Bolnäs |
Vevlinge 3680, 821 50 Bolnäs 073 812 9183 GPS: 61.347530 16.432750 |
4 Aug 2013 |
226kr |
A lake-side beach resort campsite just outside
Bolnäs and popular with local day-visitors during
summer weekends Welcome: friendly greeting from lady owner Setting: small beach-side camping area over-crowded with holiday-making caravans, but larger grassy camping area with more space terraced up hillside overlooking lake Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean but showers need 1kr coin for very brief minute's hot water; basic kitchen/wash-up and common room; free wi-fi but range restricted to reception area; pleasant lawned area with seating and small stage for evening music behind café/reception Price: 226kr inc coins for showers |
+3 <Map> |
|
UPPSALA and STOCKHOLM |
|||||
| Dalstuga Camping-aire, NE Dalarna |
Dalstuga 790 26 0246 41047 |
18 Aug 2016 | (100kr) |
Camping-aire maintained by village of Dalstuga in remote corner
of NE Dalarna overlooking Lake Amungen;
camping area in village recreation area overlooking lake and bathing place now
jam packed full of static caravans which would be bedlam in summer; the place
has become a victim of its own success, only usable mid-week in May or mid-Aug~Sept
when all statics are deserted Welcome: no reception or attendant Setting: large open gassy recreation field full of statics with only space for visitors in centre; but down lower by lake-side there is beautifully secluded space to camp with power supply Facilities: in effect, there are no usable facilities: smelly, un-emptied and unusable earth privvy; wash-up shack with just cold water and no usable power; no showers or wi-fi Price: village web site said 100kr/night, but we found no one to pay |
+2 <Map> |
|
Färnebofjärdens Camping, Österfärnebo  |
Berreksvägen 19, 810 20 Österfärnebo 072 706 3275 |
5~7 Aug 2013 and |
240kr |
A jewel of a small and peaceful campsite on shore of Lake
Färnebofjärden by Färnebofjärden National Park,
kept by ex-pat Swiss couple Welcome: hospitable welcome from owners, Daniel and Pascale Walder Setting: peaceful, grassy camping area spread along reed-fringed lake shore looking out across sluggishly flowing Daläven river system and Färnebofjärden National Park Facilities: WC/showers and kitchen/wash-up modern and clean, but showers need 5kr coins; wi-fi at reception; washing machine (extra cost); small ICA Nära 3kms in Österfärnebo village Price: increased from 210kr (2013) to 240kr inc 5kr coins for showers (2016) |
+4 <Map> |
| Ängby Camping, Stockholm |
Balckerbergsvägen 25, 168 52 Bromma, Stockholm 08 370420 |
8~10 Aug 2013 |
325kr |
An appallingly over-congested and over-priced city campsite, with
curtly perfunctory non-welcome and disgustingly inadequate facilities; but the
most serious issue is that over-crowded pitches significantly breach
Swedish Fire and Rescue
Agency's recommended fire safety standards for minimum intervening distance
between pitches creating SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD Welcome: unsmiling non-welcome from reception staff with 'take-it-or-leave-it' attitude Setting: postage-stamp sized pitches shoe-horned in like sardines for maximum profit gain; in 45 years of camping this is worst over-crowding ever experienced Facilities: limited, grubby and poorly equipped; lukewarm water in wash-ups, no hand-dryers in WCs, disgusting showers which you decline to use feeling you'll come out dirtier than when you went in - all grimly disgusting; wi-fi at extra cost but failed to reach camping area Price: 325kr inc coins for showers; given the unending tourist demand in Stockholm, this is sheer exploitational greed We have made formal request for Stockholm Fire Authority to investigate whether, with open barbecues in regular use immediately next to neighbouring caravan awnings, Ängby Camping's severely confined pitches satisfy recommended fire safety standards |
-5 <Map> |
|
**
WORST CAMPSITE OF TRIP ** |
|||||
Fyrishov Camping, Uppsala |
Iddrottsgatan 2, 753 33 Uppsala 018 727 4950 Campsite web site |
11~14 Aug 2013 |
225kr |
Spacious city-campsite 20 minutes walk or 10 minutes bus ride
from centre of university-city of Uppsala, and adjacent to
Fyrishov sports/swimming centre Welcome: friendly and very helpful welcome from young staff at reception; nothing too much trouble Setting: several camping areas all crowded, but head for upper area by huts less busy Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean but straightforward kitchen/wash-up; washing/drying machine at 70kr; free wi-fi but limited to reception area; ICA supermarket 5 mins walk; #14 bus from outside Fyrishov swimming pool for city but you can only pay by credit card on bus, tickets from Pressbyrån kiosk in city centre; we urged that campsite should sell tickets Price: 225kr all-in, reasonable for city campsite Uppsala is lovely university/cathedral-city; Carl von Linné was Professor of Medicine and Botany here 1741~87; worthwhile to visit his Botanical Gardens to learn of his still current work on binomial classification system; Gamla Uppsala pagan burial mounds and 1st Christian cathedral 3kns north is fascinating glimpse into Sweden's 6~11th century early history. |
+4 <Map> |
| Kapellskärs Camping |
76015 Riddersholm, Kapellskär 0176 44233 GPS: 59.720278 19.050556 |
9 May 2012 and 12 May 2015 |
270kr over-priced
even in |
Pleasantly located site among pine-woods nature reserve,
immediately by Kapellskär ferry port, but many statics and overcrowded in summer Welcome: access difficult early in season when reception un-manned and barrier locked; when you eventually track down warden by phone, he was welcoming Setting: pleasant pine-wood setting in nature reserve but many statics and only a few pitches for visitors; ok early/late in season, but overcrowded in summer Facilities: WC/showers modern, clean and heated but showers need card-token from reception; kitchen/wash-up; no wi-fi Price: vastly over-priced at 270kr Covenant for Åland Island ferries |
+2 <Map> |
|
Sala Vandrahem and Camping, Sala |
Mellandammen 112 733 36 Sala 0224 12730 |
15~17 Aug 2013 and 21~23 Aug 2016 |
210kr |
STF vandrahem (hostel) with small campsite in garden at rear, now
largely occupied by caravans with EU migrant workers Welcome: officious non-welcome from offensive rude, rule-bound and unsmiling madame warden (clearly not a happy bunny!) Setting: small 10 place lawned camping area with power in garden at rear of hostel, but surrounded by tall trees so damp and shady; hostel busy at weekends with noise from children's groups Facilities: WC/showers clean; kitchen/wash-up in common room but this gets taken over by hostel guests; free wi-fi covering camping area; supermarket 2kms in outskirts of Sala Price: very reasonable value at all-inclusive 195kr Sala Silver Mine 2kms - good but expensive underground visits, with fascinating history of mine which supported Swedish 17~18th century economy; Ängelsberg Bruk 18th~19th century iron-works 20kms also worth a visit |
+3 <Map> |
| Sundbyholms Camping, near Eskilstuna |
635 08 Eskilstuna 016 350175 GPS: |
24 Aug 2016
|
230kr |
A useful staging camp on south shore of Mälaren Lake, but only
early or late season; in peak summer site would be bedlam with the many statics
filled with rowdy holiday-makers and the small area for visitors jam-packed with
caravans and camping cars Welcome: pleasantly smiling andfriendly welcome from owner's teenage daughter Setting: large site crammed full with luxurious statics next to bathing beaches, with only small area for visitors near to reception and facilities hut Facilities: first class, well-designed , clean and modern WC/showers (overshoes provided to keep floors clean); well-equipped, modern kitchen/wash-up; site-wide wi-fi Price: reasonably priced for Mälaren area at 230kr Right next to Ramsund Sigurd rock engraving |
+3 <Map> |
| Mälarbadens Camping, Torshälla |
Mälarbadsvägen 75, 644 36 Torshälla 016 343737 |
18 Aug 2013 |
238kr inc all the extra coins needed for basic services |
A mean and penny-pinching, mediocre campsite, poorly equipped and
expensive with additional coin charges for all the basic facilities you should
be able to take for granted Welcome: apparently friendly welcome, but no mention made of all the cost extras for basic services Setting: large open but uneven camping area for visitors surrounded by statics with children's play area in centre; in summer you would be overwhelmed by noise of screaming kids and rowdy holiday-makers Facilities: showers and hot water in wash-ups all needed extra coins; poorly equipped kitchen and no wi-fi; totally unacceptable when paying 230kr/night for an already expensive and basic campsite Price: 230kr + 6kr for showers and 2kr for washing-up water A mean and miserable place best avoided; if you stay there, take hot water from hand-basins as we did, and tell them exactly what you think of their unacceptable meanness |
-1 <Map> |
|
CENTRAL~SOUTHERN SWEDEN |
|||||
| Himmelstalunds Camping, Norrköping |
Campingvägen 2, 602 36 Norrköping 011 171190 |
19~22 Aug 2013 |
200kr |
Large, open-spaced campsite on banks of
Motala ström river in western
outskirts of Norrköping Welcome: out-of-season, reception unmanned, but settle in and one of family who operates campsite attends morning Setting: large, open, lawned camping areas with little shade; set on flat hillside parkland above Motala ström river near to sports complex; 2 kms pleasant walk across footbridge and along riverside footpath through parks into city centre; Himmelstalunds Bronze Age rock engravings on opposite hillside across river Facilities: straightforward WC/showers and kitchen/wash-up but regularly cleaned; free wi-fi but only covers pitches closest to reception; ICA supermarket 1 km Price: low season 200kr/night all-in Campsite owned by Norrköping Commune but run by same family for 9 years; city have neglected responsibility for maintenance, and family in frustration are giving up campsite and its future is uncertain with rumours of housing development; it seems irresponsible for a city so dependent on tourism to abandon a well-located campsite which now has run-down air. Norrköping is former industrial textile city ('Manchester of Sweden'); all mills and factories now closed but conserved in interesting city centre industrial heritage area along river; Bronze Age rock engravings well worth seeing - details at Rock Carvings Museum |
+3 <Map> |
Mallbodens Café-Camping, Göta Canal, Motala |
Motala Verkstad, Varvagatan 17, 591 46 Motala 0141 210923 GPS: |
25~26 Aug 2016 |
200kr |
Small and welcoming ställplats delightfully located on grassy
banks of Göta Canal in outskirts of Motala opposite the conserved Motala Verkstad
(Canal Workshops) buildings Welcome: smilingly hospitable and helpful welcome from café owners Anna and Isaac Setting: superbly unique setting on banks of Göta Canal: just 4 pitches along grassy terrace sandwiched between canal and former dry-dock; best feature is a 2.9m clearance railway bridge which helps deter too many monster camping-cars from attempting to reach the camping, protecting the site for more select campers: George at 2.1m height had no difficulty of course! Facilities: modern/clean WC/showers and site-wide wi-fi but no kitchen/wash-up; but get hot water from WHBs and wash up at café outside tables Price: 200kr With only 4 spaces, best to phone ahead and book; superb spot with boas passing by your door along canal; towpath walk 2kms into Motala; exhibitions on canal construction in nearby wooden warehouses; good base for exploring locks of Göta Canal |
+5 <Map> |
|
**
ONE OF THE TRIP'S BEST CAMPSITES
** |
|||||
| Bergs Slussar STF Hostel and Camping Aire, Göta Canal, Ljungsbro |
Oscars Slussar, 590 77 Vreta Kloster 013 60330 |
23 Aug 2013 | 185kr |
A straightforward camping-aire (no power) by the guest harbour at
Bergs Slussar on Göta Canal Welcome: perfunctory welcome at hostel-café by the Bergs Locks Setting: aire at far side of large public car park at Bergs Locks, looking out across farm land, the locks and guest harbour/marina Facilities: when you book in and pay, ensure hostel warden gives you card-key for facilities building at guest harbour which is some 400m from camping area; WC/showers modern and clean but no wash-up - you can use bench in laundry room where there is hot water; no power at camping area Price: for a basic aire without power, expensive at 185kr Worth spending a day exploring the wonderful locks at Bergs Slussar on Göta Canal |
+3 <Map> |
| Strandbadets Camping, Borensberg |
590 33 Borensberg 0141 40385 |
24~25 Aug 2013 |
210kr |
A family-run, lakeside holiday-camp filled with statics and
little space left for visitors Welcome: friendly welcome from family who have run the campsite for number of years Setting: small site on shores of Lake Borens 1km south of Göta Canal at Borensberg, crammed full of statics whose holiday-making occupants exude noise and materialism, leaving few pitches and little peace for visitors; surrounded by tall trees, giving shade in summer (when place would be overwhelmed with noise) and denying sun out of season Facilities: WC/showers (5kr coins) locked away within fenced prison-compound; kitchen/wash-up reasonably equipped; free site-wide wi-fi; washing/drying machine costing 50kr in 10kr coins Price: 210kr inc coins for showers, low season prices An altogether alien environments for genuine campers; huge Caravan Club site next door even worse; camping aire (No power) by canal harbour in Borensberg a more attractive alternative |
+2 <Map> |
| Wild camp Glänås Nature Reserve, Lake Tåkern |
Glänås Nature Reserve parking area GPS: |
27 Aug 2016 | Wild camp at Glänås Nature Reserve parking area in secluded woodland close by the lake-shore of Lake Tåkern; dry privvies |
<Map> |
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| Getinggaryds Camping, Gränna |
56391 Gränna 0390 21015 GPS: |
8 May & 20 Sept 2012 and 11 May & 16 Sept 2015 |
228kr |
Pleasant lake-side, family-run farm-site just beyond Gränna on
southern shore of Lake Vättern Welcome: friendly welcome eldery lady owner or her daughter Setting: open grassy camping area, sloping down towards lake-shore overlooking Lake Vättern Facilities: modern, clean WC/showers (2kr coins needed); fully-equipped kitchen and wash-up with hot water; no wi-fi; washing machine at extra cost Price: 228kr inc 2kr coins for showers Useful staging camp on drive across width of Sweden |
+3 <Map> |
| Paradisets Camping and Stugby, Rinna |
596 16 Boxholm 070 678 7293 |
26 Aug 2013 |
150kr |
Small campsite found in SCR listing, set in open countryside next
to sports complex, and 4kms south of E4 motorway Welcome: reception unmanned, but telephone number given and warden/sports centre caretaker will respond and arrive within 5 mins to show you round and book in Setting: small, conventionally laid-out camping area and huts all with power but 400m from facilities in sports hall; caretaker suggested we camp in turfed area behind reception hut close to sports centre and facilities; site set in open countryside with glorious outlook all around; some light traffic noise from nearby minor road Facilities: WC/showers (water lukewarm) and small kitchen/wash-up at side of sports centre Price: 150kr all-in A curious place but listed in SCR book and perfectly functional and good value in peaceful setting; convenient stop-off on route south from Vadstena/Linköping area |
+3 <Map> |
Movänta Camping, Eksjö |
Badvägen 4, 575 92 Hult 0381 30028 |
27~28 Aug 2013 28~29 Aug 2016 |
220kr |
Pleasantly spacious and welcoming lakeside campsite 10km east of
Eksjö in Småland Welcome: pleasantly smiling and hospitable welcome from English-speaking girl at reception Setting: spacious camping area spread around lake-shore under tall pine trees; a few statics but lots of space for visitors and peaceful in late Aug; in mid-summer it would be noisy with holiday-makers Facilities: main central facilities with well-equipped kitchen, and smaller subsidiary facilities with clean, modern WC/showers and wash-ups; paying Telia wi-fi Price: 220 kr low season price In late Aug, a peaceful place in pleasant setting for a day in camp; Eksjö a charming little town of historic wooden houses; Skurugata 800m long Gorge 10km to north with impressive gorge walk |
+4 <Map> |
| Orrefors Camping, Orrefors |
Tikaskruv 304, 380 40 Orrefors 0481 30414 GPS: 56.844167 15.707778 |
29 Aug 2013 | 210kr |
Small family-run lakeside campsite in
Småland's
Kingdom of Glass (Glasriket),
but with inhospitable greeting and overwhelmed by traffic noise Welcome: curiously inhospitable, almost xenophobic non-welcome from owner who was too busy listing the rules to remember to tell us that showers not included in price and needed 5ke tokens Setting: lovely lakeside setting under tall pine trees with camp-fire hearths around lake-shore, but overwhelmed by traffic noise of heavy trucks on nearby Route 31 Facilities: limited, straightforward but functional WC/showers which needed 5kr tokens; washing/drying machines (extra cost) Price: 210kr inc tokens for showers A lovely campsite spoilt by owner's strange manner |
+2 <Map> |
| Joelskogens Camping, Nybro |
Grönvägen 51 382 32 Nybro 073 804 1962 GPS: |
1 Sept 2016 | 200kr |
Small municipal site close to glass-making workshops in Småland
town of Nybro, pleasantly located on pine-wooded hillock by town lake: BUT also
totally open parkland with all and sundry able to walk through, with many
handing around campsite; major security concern after dark Welcome: out of season reception closed; phone ahead, helpful response; keys to facilities behind blue door by reception Setting: at first sight pleasant location on pine-wooded hillock by lake; BUT scarcely no flat space to camp and immediately alongside main road with constant traffic noise; but security is the main concern Facilities: basic but clean WC/showers; kitchen/wash-up; no wi-fi or washing machine Price: 200kr With totally open access to all and sundry, major security concern; camp at your own risk |
+1 <Map> |
Kaffetorpets Camping, Oknö,
Möntsterås |
Oknövägen 86 383 92 Möntsterås 0499 10044 GPS: |
30~31 Aug 2016 |
22okr |
Samll and welcoming family-run site in beautiful location at tip
of Oknö peninsula
6kms from small port of Möntsterås;
Aronsson family took over in 2015 and used their own camping experience to
create a deliberately straightforward site with none of distractions and expense
of larger sites, so that guests can enjoy peace of the lovely natural
surroundings while respecting presence of other campers; motto is Den lille
Campingen längst ut på Oknö
(The little campsite at the end
of Oknö) Welcome: family live on site their in caravan for peak summer weeks; out of season, telephone for gate code, and Anna will call for payment; welcoming response to phone enquiry Setting: lovely, flat grassy camping area with several secluded nooks and crannies, and just a few statics, at furthest end of Oknö peninsula (well past the vastly expensive First Camp if you really want all the tasteless distractions!); camping areas surrounded by coastal pine woodlands, with footpaths leading to reed-fringed bays of sea and islets out in the bay; a wonderfully peaceful place, especially out of season Facilities: straightforward but functional WC/showers, spotlessly clean; basic outside kitchenette/wash-up; no wi-fi or washing machine; nearest shops in Möntsterås 6kms Price: all-inclusive 200kr |
+4
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BALTIC ISLAND OF ÖLAND |
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Wikegårds Camping,
Öland |
Frönäsvägen 51, 380 74 Löttorp, Öland 0485 25131 GPS: 57.079374 16.968169 Campsite web site |
30 Aug and 2 Sept 2013 and 2~3 Sept 2016 |
200kr
|
A straightforward campsite set in the home-fields of a former
Öland farming croft on the Baltic east coast of the island Welcome: warmly friendly welcome from elderly lady owner who chats away in an unintelligible mix of accented Swedish~German Setting: camping area spread among home-fields of the former farmland enclosed by dry-stone walls and sheltered from the brisk wind by tall juniper bushes; magnificent open outlook to Baltic shore-line with a Big Sky huge cloud-scape Facilities: basic but functional WC/showers and limited wash-up; wi-fi at farmhouse Price: 200kr low season price A truly magnificent camping experience looking out across Baltic; see campsite's web site for the farm's tragic history |
+5 <Map> |
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Tokenäs Camping, Öland |
Enerumsvägen, 387 75 Byxelkrok, Öland 0485 658585 GPS: 57.320926 16.999025 |
31 Aug ~ 1 Sept 2013 and 4~5 Sept 2016 |
180kr (low season and senior reduction) |
Straightforward campsite on NW coast of
Öland looking out over
Öland post-windmill to the Kalmar Sound Welcome: owner's insistent and unsmiling manner, doubtless intended to be helpful and welcoming, comes across as rather brusque; out of season elderly gent from one of statics calls for payment Setting: several camping areas: recommend 'Small Field' at front overlooking the windmill and sea-coast with western setting sun outlook, but difficult to find flat level spot on sloping ground Facilities: straightforward and run-down, with 1kr coins needed for showers and washing-up hot water; even the owner admitted they were 'old fashioned'; badly in need of modernisation and get rid of the coin-slots! no wi-fi Price: having said that, extremely good value at 180kr low season rates senios' discount Despite all the weaknesses, this is the best site in North Öland, and ideal for exploring around northern coast |
+3
<Map> |
Gräsgårds Fiskehamn Camping,
Öland |
380 65 Degerhamn,
Öland 073 438 3499 |
3 Sept 2013 and 6 Sept 2016 |
110kr |
Basic little campsite by picturesque fishing harbour at
Gräsgårds Fiskehamn Welcome: book in with fisherman at one the fishing huts at the quay-side (sign says 'Camping 80kr/night'); he will show you toilets, water supply and power; leave money in envelope at his hut Setting: beautiful setting with small grassy camping area with huts next to fishing harbour; basic power supply (socket-boxes covered by plastic fishing crate!) in middle of field Facilities: basic but acceptable, earth-privies, wash-up sink with cold water supply from filling hose, power supply in camping area but no showers Price: 110kr/night with electricity |
+4 <Map> |
Ventlinge
Camping, SW
Öland |
118 Ventlinge 386 Degerhamn 0485 661124
GPS: |
7 Sept 2016 | 150kr |
Small, welcoming and good value site in Ventlinge
village, SW Öland Welcome: wonderfully hospitable and helpful welcome from lady-owner; this is the standard of welcome that paying guests should be entitled to expect but rarely receive at campsites Setting: large, flat grassy camping area behind owner's house, opposite church in centre of Ventlinge village, bounded by Öland dry-stone walls and overlooking arable farmland and Kalmar Sound Facilities: brand new totally modern and impeccably clean WC/shower, and wash-up sink (no kitchen); good site-wide wi-fi; ICA mini-market 2kms in South Möckleby village Price: excellent value all-inclusive 150kr Best campsite in SW Öland |
+4 <Map> |
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SOUTH WEST SWEDISH COAST and SKÅNE |
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| Stensö Camping, Kalmar |
Stensövägen 100, 392 47 Kalmar 0480 88803 GPS: 56.649722 16.326944 |
4 Sept 2013 | 210kr |
A gloomy, cheerless and unwelcoming campsite Welcome: out-of-season, none at all; if you arrive after 4-00pm, reception closed and you are instructed by paper notice to camp in the crowded Quickstop area if you want power (with no price reduction), unless you drive through the open barrier and choose your own place Setting: even when the outside world is blessed by bright sunshine, Stensö Camping is in total gloom shaded by dense oak and pine trees so that you need lights on even during the day; ground is sloping making it impossible to find level pitch and, because of heavy shade, very damp Facilities: their service building was last upgraded in 1998 and it shows! WC/showers and kitchen/wash-up are grubby and limited meaning queues even for the toilet! After 15 years they are badly in deed of renovation Price: 210kr low season price Kalmar is beautiful city; be sure to visit the County Museum with exhibition of artefacts recovered from the 17th century warship Kronan sunk off the coast in 1676 |
+1 <Map> |
Dalskärs Gästhamn and Camping, Bergkvara |
Dalskärsvägen 11, 385 42 Bergkvara GPS: 56.391070 16.090340 Campsite web site |
5~6 Sept 2013 and 8~9 Sept 2016 |
220kr |
A welcoming, family-run campsite spread around sea-lagoons by
Dalskärs guest-harbour Welcome: friendly and helpful from owner and his wife who give their guests a truly personal service Setting: glorious setting on banks of reed-fringed lagoons just inland from the coast, with grey heron fishing in the reeds and soaring around overhead Facilities: modern and spotlessly clean WC/showers (5kr coins) and kitchen/wash-up; wi-fi at extra cost at reception; washing/drying machine at bargain price of 15kr each; lovely fresh bread rolls baked fresh each morning Price: 220kr inc 2x5kr coins for showers You could not ask for a more personal service and better setting to camp |
+5 <Map> |
| Långasjönäs Camping, Asarum, Blekinge Län |
Långasjönäsvägen, 374 91 Asarum 0454 320691 |
7 Sept | 210kr |
A functional lakeside campsite tucked away in
Blekinge Län countryside
near to village of Asarum, 10kms on winding lanes from E22 motorway half-way
between Karlskrona and Kristianstad; you'll definitely need the GPS co-ordinates
to find the place; useful for a night's stop as alternative to the ghastly
over-crowded and over-priced Dragsö holiday-camp at Karlskrona Welcome: out-of-season, ring ahead since reception is unmanned; helpful owner will leave keys for facilities building in locked box and give you code; this worked exactly as she said Setting: open camping areas set around hilly, lakeside slopes with plenty of power outlets Facilities: WC/showers (5kr coins) and kitchen/wash-up straightforward but functional; no wi-fi; washing machine (extra cost) Price: 210kr inc 5kr coins for showers |
+3 <Map> |
| Charlottsborgs Camping-Vandrahem, Kristianstad |
Slättängsvägen 98, 291 62 Kristianstad 044 21 07 67 |
8~10 Sept 2013 and 10 Sept 2016 |
200kr |
Quaintly old-fashioned hostel with attached welcoming campsite,
run by Kristianstad Municipality, 3kms from centre of town in western outskirts;
BUT hostel grounds now used for immigrant encampment for large numbers of
asylum-seekers; the place now has a general
air of neglect, facilities are now grubby and uncared for, the wi-fi no longer
works, the parkland is open to all and sundry with dodgy-looking characters and
unknown cars coming and going at all hours. There are major security concerns.
And no one seems to care Welcome: warden only present between 0800~1000 daily, but camping area, power boxes and toilets open; settle in when you arrive and check in following morning; warden will then give you key-code for facilities in hostel; he is helpful but limited English so getting information not easy Setting: pleasant camping area set in parkland at rear of hostel with hedge-divided pitches; but traffic noise from nearby main road Facilities: WC/showers in hostel limited and old-fashioned, but newly re-furbished kitchen/wash-up in separate building; washing/drying machine (extra cost; #21 green bus from outside campsite goes to/from town bus station in centre; but usual Swedish common sense breaks down here: you cannot buy tickets on bus, tickets only available from office at bus station when you get into town; so how do you get into town without 3km walk? do what we did and look gormless on bus hoping driver will take pity and let you on; they usually do! Price: 200kr all-in Kristianstad an interesting historical town, enjoying 400th anniversary of its foundation by Danish King Christian IV in 2014, his initials C4 still decorate town crest; but Kristianstad's unique feature is proximity to Vattenriket wetlands; be sure to visit excellent Naturum for details of nature walks, and don't bother will much-publicised, over-expensive river cruises |
+2 <Map> |
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Major security concerns - you now camp at Charlottsborg at your own risk |
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Ångdala Vandrahem and Camping,
Kivik |
277 37 Kivik 0733 64 84 20 0414 74179 GPS: 55.710268 14.169411 Campsite web site |
11~13 Sept 2013 and 11~12 Sept 2016
|
180kr |
A welcoming and peaceful family-run hostel and campsite 2kms
north of Kivik Welcome: reception unmanned in early Sept but ring owner on 0733 648420 and she will advise you to settle in; power boxes and service building open, and she will call round following morning to collect rent Setting: large, open camping area sloping down from hostel/vandrahem with 87 pitches with power; a lovely peaceful meadow-side setting with little traffic noise from nearby Route 9, and red kites soaring overhead above neighbouring meadow land Facilities: WC/showers modern and clean, and well-equipped kitchen/wash-up; free wi-fi close to reception/hostel building; well-stocked ICA supermarket in Kivik; Buhres Rökeri (fish smoke-house by Kivik fishing harbour with super smoked fish; apple juice and cider for sale at Kiviks Musteri just south of village Price: very good value low season price of 180kr/night for such a wonderful campsite Kivik a pleasant port-village surrounded by apple-growing orchards; intriguing Bronze Age burial mound and chamber tomb (Kings Grave) also just south of village; pocket-sized Stenshuvud National Park 3kms south with woodland walks up onto headland overlooking Hanöbukton Bay and Baltic; Kivik Market in mid-July and Apple Fair at end-Sept, but campsite will be crowded then Kiviks Familje Camping in village is over-crowded, over-priced holiday-camp full of statics |
+4 <Map> |
Kåseberga Ställplats-Camping |
Ales Väg 271 78 Loderups 0411 527277 |
13 Sept 2016 | 100kr |
Ställplats-Camping at
Kåseberga village operated by local football club in parking-field next to
football pitch to raise funds for club Welcome: phone on arrival; Ronny the football club manager a hospitable and jovial gent who also looks after the ställplats, calls round for payment and welcomes you Setting: parking-field next to football pitch marked out with flat, grassy and well-spaced camping pitches Facilities: straightforward but functional WC/showers in football club changing rooms building; no kitchen/wash-up or wi-fi Price: excellent value at 100kr/night Would be crowded in summer with Ales Stenar Iron Age stone ship-setting monument on cliff-tops above village, but mid-Sept peaceful |
+4 <Map> |
Löderups Strandbads Camping |
Östanvägen 276, 276 45 Löderup 0411 526311 GPS: 55.382290 14.126730 Campsite web site |
14~16 Sept 2013 |
160kr |
A vast beach-side holiday-camp crammed full of statics but
virtually deserted in Sept leaving a wonderfully peaceful setting to be enjoyed;
a magnificent shore-side spot to camp looking out directly across the
wind-driven Baltic surf and backed by birch woods NB BUT major proviso: do NOT
come here in other than May or Sept ; in summer months the statics would all be
occupied with a total bedlam of noisy holiday-makers Welcome: gruff but friendly welcome from the eccentric elderly owner, who over 3 days endeared himself to us; so much so that when we went to pay on final night, he returned our 50kr note saying 'Bonus!' A kindly man Setting: magnificent beach-side pitch where statics had been cleared away leaving open space looking out over the white sands and turbulent surf; wonderful sunset across sea; remain indifferent to all the scruffy statics deserted in Sept, and this location could not be bettered Facilities: straightforward but clean and functional WC/showers (5kr coins); basic wash-up sinks (draw hot water from hand basins), but no kitchen; site-wide paying wi-fi Price: 160ker inc 5kr coins for showers, out of season special price; in summer none of us would want to know! This is one of those exceptional places that should not be judged by first appearances, but needs to be experienced in an early autumn gale to be fully appreciated; how long it will last before it's taken over and tarted up as a 'resort' by the nearby luxury hotel remains to be seen! |
+4 <Map> |
| Ljungens Camping, Falsterbo |
Strandbadsvägen, 239 42 Falsterbo 040 602 4020 GPS: 55.397667 12.865353 |
17~18 Sept |
240kr |
A vast, characterless and expensive campsite whose owner
definitely could benefit from an extended course at Charm School; only campsite
open at Falsterbo this late in year Welcome: reception closed on arrival, and as instructed ringing the bell repeatedly eventually produced the owner who treated us to a total no-welcome with his offensively surly and sarcastic manner; booking in took for ever, and he was reminded that customers were his source of income and he if treated them all like this, he would be out of business; the endless torrent of summer holiday-makers doubtless made him indifferent to the need for courtesy; when we left his wife was on duty and her pleasant manner was the very opposite; the personality problem was his alone Setting: vast and characterless camping area with unmarked pitches under the birch trees with number of statics around perimeter Facilities: central service building with clean and modern WC/showers (very brief 4 mins for 5kr coin); site-wide wi-fi at extra payment Price: expensive for out-of-season at 240 inc coins for showers; NB do NOT come in July when price is a breathtakingly expensive 500kr/night!! Falsterbo peninsula excellent for watching migrating birds in late summer/early autumn, especially birds of prey |
+1 <Map> |
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WEBSITES LISTING CAMPSITES FOR SWEDEN & ARCTIC NORWAY
the most useful web sites we found to help with pre-trip planning were:
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SCANDINAVIAN CAMPING CARD (CAMPING KEY EUROPE)
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