Camping Fristad

A stay at Camping Fristad places you in Sweden’s Värmland, a region of mountain peaks, forest and more than 10,000 lakes. You can explore this watery wilderness by road, by heading for serene lakes like Rottnen (55 minutes’ drive), or get out on the water yourself. Perhaps take a trip down the Klarälven river (50 minutes) on a wooden raft, or potter around on Lake Övre Brocken (from the site) by paddleboard or kayak. A ski resort in winter and a hiking and cycling hub in summer, Hovfjället (20 minutes) has trails leading through pine forests (look out for moose among the trees), across alpine wetlands and moorland. There are well-signposted trails for all levels of ability, from family-friendly to pretty challenging. Learn a little about the heritage of the area with a visit to the open-air Homestead Museum of Kollsberg, where traditional wooden houses and cottages have been reconstructed. If the kids have behaved, treat them to a splash around in the indoor pool at Torsby Badet (both 25 minutes) – a clever idea to keep up your sleeve in case the weather is disappointing.