Cycling in Sweden

As a cyclist, my dream and ambition was to ride the 300 km Vatternrunden cycling event in Motala, Sweden. Since in our country, we don’t ride at the temperatures that we experience in Sweden, I planned a week’s stay before the event, to acclimatise myself. Even though I was training continuously, I got enough time to explore the city with my team and we decided to visit the places in and around Stockholm.  

Stockholm street

Sweden is famous for its museums and it was interesting to check them out. Nordic Museum (to explore Swedish lifestyle and culture), Vasa Museum (to check out their warships), Abba Museum for music, Nobel Museum for the Nobel Award winners and their first prototypes and the Skansen open-air museum are a must-see.

Gamla Stan, the old town, is one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. There are several beautiful churches and museums in Gamla Stan, including Sweden’s national cathedral, Stockholm Cathedral. One must not miss the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world with over 600 rooms.

An interior view of Nordic Museum

The subway metro lined with paintings is a must-visit for its artwork. If you are a history lover, then you shouldn’t miss visiting the archipelago Vaxholm Fortress either!

The entire cycling event was a memorable experience — I had never witnessed such a huge festival before, and I finished the event without any hassles, to bag the medal. The route I rode was awesome and unforgettable. The atmosphere near the finishing line could not be described in words. The cycling event was not just an event but a carnival celebrated by Motala! It was a festival that you can’t see anywhere else. From kids to elders, everyone encourages riders.

An art installation at Kungstradgarden Metro Station

An interesting aspect of Sweden is that there are separate tracks for cyclists all over the city and 99 per cent of Swedish ride regularly to work. We can see youngsters and the old riding with so much of enthusiasm.

The locals are very helpful and I experienced it personally. Since the event was held at Motala, which takes about two-hours to reach from Stockholm, my team and I had to carry some luggage from railway station to our hotel, a km away. We planned to walk down, but were confused with the route. That’s when I approached a lady to help us and she instantly asked me if I would like her to drive us to the hotel. I was pleasantly surprised. She drove us to the hotel, and asked me for my race number and told me that she will follow my riding time. Indeed, the Swedish are very kind and helpful.

Vaxholm Fortress

The best way to see Stockholm, would be by getting a city pass in the airport itself. The city is well connected through metros. Hence, you can purchase an access card to travel in and around Stockholm. Booking a hotel near a metro station will help save time. The best time to visit Sweden is between May and August.

(As told to Merin James)