STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO More than a city, Stockholm is an archipelago of more than 30,000 islands, islets and rocks with a mix of characters, from wooded islands, sandy beaches, countless lakes, lush green forests, and mile after mile of tracks to ride. The conditions could not be better. There are few other cities in the world, even close to Stockholm, when it comes to the number of miles of tracks directly connected to the city. If you love MTB, make Stockholm your next adventure holiday. BETWE<strong>EN</strong> FOREST AND SEA Stockholm city, the capital of Sweden, is positioned between Mälaren Lake and the archipelago. Like any capital city, Stockholm is all concrete and buildings, but 40 % is parks and green space. There are 240 nature reserves and two national parks directly connected to the city. Apart from Mälaren Lake, there are another 1,240 lakes in the region, and around these lakes are often sweet trails. These make Stockholm so good for mountain biking. Thanks to a Swedish law permitting right to public access and our culture of outdoor recreation, many paths have formed around the Stockholm area. Some have become hiking and running tracks, but many exist in the forest, unmarked and without names, ready to be discovered by adventurous mountain bikers. If you continue out into the archipelago, there are 30,000 islands to explore. Take the bike on one of the ferries and you will ride with a sea view. Even if you spent the rest of your life in Stockholm, it would be hard to ride it all. TO THE NORTH In Stockholm, there’s always good cycling just around the corner. There is even good riding just minutes from the inner city. Fiskartorpet, for example, has tracks especially for mountain biking. “Torpet” as the locals call it, is located five minutes from Sveavägen – a major street in the city – and is perfect for beginners or easy rides. Just north of the city lies Hagaparken, a popular MTB spot. From there you can cruise along the tracks and find your way north to Järvafältet where there are many natural trails and nice roads. Look at a map of Stockholm and it’s easy to see the different green paths leading out from the city to green areas and MTB spots. TO THE WEST Go west, and you’ll find Mälaröarna with its beautiful hiking paths and newly created mountain biking tracks at Lovön. If you want more adventure, put bags on your bike and stay there outdoors overnight. It’s close to civilization, but with a sense of wilderness. There are lots of swimming spots and cosy cafes for a classic Swedish fika (coffee and cake break). BIKESTER
© EMRIK JANSSON 23