The Blue Highway – a riverside road trip through northern Sweden

One of the many options for anyone compelled to get behind the wheel and lose themselves in the splendour of Swedish nature is the Blue Highway. Also known as the Blue Road or its Swedish name, E12 Blå Vägen, the route winds from Norway through Sweden and Finland, covering some 1,800 kilometres. Of these, 460 kilometres traverse Sweden, making for a continuous drive of just under six hours.

The spectacular Swedish section runs from the Norwegian border at Högstaby, north of Hemavan, continuing south to Holmsund, which forms part of Umeå municipality on the east coast. The road's name derives from the abundance of water surrounding it, including the 470-kilometre-long Blue Ume River, which flows alongside it. You'll also get the chance to discover the nearby Vindel River and Vormforsen rapids.

There's plenty to see and do as you travel from Hemavan to Umeå and Holmsund – so much so that the road is popularly called 'the tourist route Blå Vägen'. You could comfortably complete your adventure in a day, but we suspect you'll want to extend the experience.

The mountainous charm of the Blue Highway's western end

Setting off from Högstaby, you'll travel through mountainous terrain – replete with marvellous views. Given the Blue Highway's water-rich nature, it's the ideal road trip for fishing enthusiasts. With a permit, you'll find opportunities to hook fish such as arctic char or salmon at numerous marked places. Hemavan Tärnaby Tourist Information Office has all the necessary information and permits.

Sweden's unique 'Right of Public Access' policy also invites you to stop for a spot of wild swimming or a therapeutic moment of 'forest bathing' anywhere. You're even allowed to pick berries and mushrooms. Look out for the plump, amber-hued cloudberry – a northern Swedish delicacy thriving in marshy terrain. To drink – help yourself to clean water straight from the river or mountain stream. Over half of Sweden's drinking water is sourced from naturally pure groundwater, with no treatment necessary before consumption – but avoid stagnant water when refilling your bottle in nature.

Wintertime, the Blue Highway is a paradise for skiers and snow-sport fans. The two major ski resorts, Hemavan and Tärnaby – named after the mountainous beauty spots they extend across – collectively offer several slopes and ski areas, along with restaurants and accommodation in the shape of comfortable cabins and a large hotel.

Storuman and Lycksele – havens for nature and Sámi culture

Heading east, you'll soon discover Storuman and its many gems. Pick a trail and set off on a hike through Vindelfjällen nature reserve – one of Europe's biggest protected areas. Don't miss the Alpine Botanical Garden or the Stensele Church – entirely built in wood and the largest of its kind in Sweden. Accommodation options in the area include Storuman's Camping, which offers both cabin and caravan sites, as well as all manner of outdoor activities.

Culture mavens have plenty of museums and compelling historical sites to look forward to. Learn about Västerbotten's history and Sámi heritage by visiting Gammplatsen in Lycksele. This former Sámi gathering place, idyllically situated on a peninsula in the Ume River, is studded with historical remnants, and you'll also find the inspiring Forest and Saami Museum here.

Accommodation-wise, Granö Beckasin in Västanå, some 54 kilometres from Lycksele, is a decidedly unique option – particularly its 'bird's nest' cabins, which will have you staying up in the treetops. If you prefer traditional camping, this is available here, too. Granö Beckasin's restaurant is an option worth considering, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients – elk meat occasionally included.

Vännäs and Umeå – hiking and city life

Further east, you'll find Vännäs and Starrberget Nature Reserve. Set off on a hike along the trails, snaking through its varied terrain, where flatter areas give way to steep cliffs and a mountain top with sweeping views.

Next stop: Umeå. This vibrant city serves up a smorgasbord of cultural experiences. Head to Bildmuseet for a dose of international contemporary art or the renowned Norrlandsoperan if an opera or dance performance appeals. Väven is a multi-pronged local hub with a cinema, events venue and museum – The Museum of Women's History. Dining is also part of the mix, courtesy of Kajen, Duå and Kulturbageriet, among others. You can even stay at Väven, where you can choose from two stylish hotels – Stora Hotellet and U & Me.

Don't wrap up your Blue Highway road trip without visiting the much-loved Västerbotten Museum. Highlights include interactive, family-friendly exhibits like 'the port city of Umeå' and the open-air museum Gammlia. Open only in the summertime, it’ll take you back centuries via authentic environments and experiences – enlightening you further about the region you're likely to have fallen in love with during your unforgettable adventure.