Written by Sara Costa
One of the greatest advantages of living in Sweden is the proximity of nature. Even if you live in a big city, there’s certainly more than a forest around. Some are bigger than other ones. Some have trails for walks or runs. Some have elevated points with breathtaking views. All have fresh air and are a great place to be.
But, where to start? I have spent three years trying to explore the green areas around but have always found it difficult to know where to go. It all changed when I found Hitta ut.
What is Hitta ut?
Hitta ut is an orienteering platform spread throughout 46 different cities in Sweden. In each city, there are dozens of checkpoints placed in different areas. Each checkpoint has a code, that you can only see once you have found it and must be registered online.
There are two different ways to find the checkpoints: the more challenging and traditional way, using a paper map, or the easier way, using their app and the GPS on your phone. The goal is to find and register as many checkpoints as possible. Well, the actual goal is to go out, explore and enjoy orienteering!
More information here: https://www.orientering.se/provapaaktiviteter/hittaut/
Checkpoints
In most cities, the checkpoints are in a forest and have different difficulty levels. Some are easy to spot from the trail (green and blue) but others are literally in the middle of the forest (red and black).
Many points are in places of interest, like at a high elevation point with a view or near a charming stream. In Stockholm, a lot of the checkpoints are in the city centre and finding them is almost like going on a tourist tour through Gamla Stan.
The checkpoints are out during the spring, summer and beginning of the Autumn, so there’s still plenty of time to “play” orienteering.
Personal experience
I became a fan of Hitta ut as soon as I tried it, but I still don’t have that much experience. I have done it in three different cities so far and it’s a great way to find spots that I would probably not find otherwise.
In Stockholm, besides the city centre, I had a lot of fun doing the ones in Djurgården and Långholmen. I was challenged by the ones in Jönköping and its dense forests, but I got great views over the surroundings of the city.
I have particularly enjoyed Hitta ut in Gothenburg, where I live and where I have been wanting to explore more its nature. I finally managed to find a way to do it because somehow, it’s much easier to get out the door when you have an exact spot (or several) to find. Some of the places I’ve been to were even new to my husband, who grew up here!
There are a lot of checkpoints and more are added during the summer, so there’s really a lot to choose from.
If you are looking for a fun activity for the summer don’t miss out Hitta ut. Alone or with friends, running or walking, faster or slower, it doesn’t matter. It’s good for the body, but it’s especially good for the mind because above all it’s a lot of fun.
So, wherever you are, go out and try it!
About the Author
Hej! I’m a Portuguese Newbie in Sweden. I have also lived in Brazil, Poland and the Czech Republic. It’s been fun to be a foreigner in so many different countries and I enjoy learning about other cultures. I’m a fan of sports, some to watch and some to practise, my favourite being running. I also love food, reading and blogging. I hope you enjoy my posts!
Leave a Reply