Nya Skogsgården Hostel

I meant to stay just one night after four weeks of riding my motorcycle, but I was tired and ended up staying 4 nights. The staff were outstandingly kind and helpful, and I loved how calm it was right by the river. Breakfast was top notch, and the sanitary facilities were clean. I also got to borrow an old fishing rote, which was a pleasure. Guests, please take care of this unique and lovely place. Simon (Swiss)

The owners were really friendly and clearly working hard to improve the campsite, so I gave it four stars, even though our stay was a bit of a bust after the high expectations I had from the reviews. The setting is fantastic, with amazing views right in nature. But arriving was chaotic. A huge camper blocked the entrance, with another camper in front of it. Reception stays closed until 4 pm, and you’re free to choose a spot, which might work off-season. While it was busy, though, it felt like a stressful fight to find a place. We got a spot at the edge of the site, which was nice, but a long walk from the service house. A family nearby talked around their fire in the evening, and the noise bothered me because I expected the place to be quiet and peaceful. Later, another family member parked their camper practically against ours. I wanted to say something, but with no fixed pitches, it didn’t feel like my place. The service house was very clean, but the showers offer almost no privacy beyond a curtain. Maybe that’s just how nature camping is, I don’t know, but I didn’t feel comfortable showering there. I guess we were unlucky, and that’s okay. It can’t always be unicorns and rainbows. If those things don’t bother you, it’s still worth seeing for the magnificent surroundings. 🤍

There’s no assigned pitch, and there’s plenty to choose from if you get lucky. The site is quiet, and the (German) owners are super friendly. They encourage open fires and sell a net of logs for 70 swedish krones. Electricity is available, though you may need a (very) long extension cable, which the owner will happily lend you for free. The sanitary building is dated, and the showers are coin-operated, with coins only available at reception during its limited hours. Depending on where you’re camped, getting to the toilets can mean a long walk. Canoes are available to rent.

This is a lovely campsite with those scenic, typically Swedish views, and it really feels like camping out in the forest. You can’t reserve a spot, but there’s plenty of room. We stayed for three weeks and never had a problem finding a place. The facilities are adequate: there are four gendered toilets, two in each, with three sinks in each toilet; three separate dishwashing spots; a small kitchen with a little stovetop and basic utensils; and four gendered showers, two in each, with three washing sinks in each. Each shower takes a coin for 5 minutes. One thing to know is that the showers aren’t separated, just divided by curtains. At first it felt awkward, especially because drying off in the cubicle was a hassle. Still, nobody came in while the shower door was closed during my stay, so it never became an issue. I’d suggest adding a separate lockable changing cubicle beside each shower if possible. Aside from that, it’s a great campsite and I’d gladly recommend it.