A trip with a dog team, wrapped up in warm blankets under the northern lights, is a superb way of experiencing the countryside of Norrland. There's a good chance you’ll encounter an elk or a reindeer, too. There are four companies that offer dog sledding tours: Hedlunda Husky (www.hedlundahusky.se), Granö Beckasin (granobeckasin.com), River Lake Huskies (www.teamissa.se) and Aurora Borealis Adventures (auroraborealis.nu).

For some cultural entertainment, add Fort Myers's Art Walks and Music Walks to your agenda: these free happenings animate the social scene of the downtown River District at fixed times every month, while shops, art galleries and restaurants stay open until late at night, providing drinks on the sidewalk. The Art Walk takes place every first Friday of the month, 6pm–10pm, and takes you to 13 art galleries that offer self-guided tours and meet-ups with the artists. The Music Walk starts every third Friday of the month at 7pm, with bands and singers taking over the streets, performing in a wide range of music genres.

National roads 86 and 87 between Sundsvall and Östersund, known as the Indalsleden, are said to be some of Sweden's most beautiful tourist routes. The entire stretch along the Indal River valley is an eldorado for independent outdoor activities. If you're interested in history, there are numerous reasons to stop and explore old rural culture, museums, nature information centres and ancient remains.