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Rural tourism in Sweden takes place in rural areas and is a kind of umbrella under which several types of tourism in rural environments are sheltering, like agri-tourism.
Development of Rural tourism
In 1996, 20% of the farms were registered as agri-tourism business. In recent years, organic farming has spread rapidly in Sweden and has gained more and more recognition by the general public: A lot of tourists travel each year to the northern European countries to find solitude, quietness, and unspoilt nature. In the Scandinavian cultural landscape, meadows and natural pastures are appreciated elements with high esthetic values, but also high biodiversity values. In Sweden, there are several accommodations connected with the national parks and the protection of the cultural heritage, preserving old architecture, showing old farming technologies, etc.
In the South and middle of Sweden, many old castles and manors are now being run as (small) hotels. They provide a unique accommodation experience and are often situated on lakes or rivers with parklands.
The rural tourism is focusing in general on Swedish families in the high season and seniors in the low season. Sweden has a lot of different types of rural accommodation nowadays to offer:
Rural/Farmstay Accommodation
Working farms throughout Sweden offer accommodation, either in the main farmhouse or in an adjoining cottage. Accommodation is normally on a bed & breakfast basis, with self-catering facilities. Some farms offer full board. Accommodation can be booked through local tourist offices. For more information and bookings, see online (www.bopalantgard.org).
Forest cabins and chalets are available throughout the country,
generally set in beautiful surroundings, near lakes, in quiet forest glades or on
an island in some remote archipelago. Purpose-built chalets generally consist of
a living room, two or three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a toilet. They
can generally accommodate up to six people, and cooking utensils, cutlery, blankets
and pillows are provided. Renovated cottages and farm buildings are also available,
usually in remote spots.
Family camping holidays are extremely popular in Sweden, and there is a tremendous variety of attractive sites. Most are located in picturesque surroundings, often on a lakeside or by the sea with free bathing facilities close at hand. There are over 600 campsites, all approved and classified by Visit Sweden. Many offer facilities such as boat or bicycle hire, mini-golf, tennis, riding or saunas. It is possible to camp rough in areas away from other dwellings.
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Introduction | Qualification System for Accommodations |
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