What the Elfstedentocht is to the Netherlands, the Vasaloppet is to Sweden. Every year in March, over 16,000 people travel to the Swedish village of Sälen to compete in the world's biggest cross-country ski race.

In summer, when all the snow has melted, you can also cycle the route. In just over 90 kilometres (56 mi), you ride along much of the cross-country skiing route, passing the traditional red, wooden houses of all seven checkpoints. You ride through pine forests, over fine gravel paths, singletracks and wooden boardwalks over swampy areas.

This is a stunning route through Swedish nature, giving you a taste of Swedish sports culture along the way. I cycled the route with a gravel bike with bike bags. It was doable on most sections, but a mountain bike would be more comfortable for the singletrack.

The Vasaloppet has existed since 1922, but as early as 1521 a Swede travelled from Sälen to Mora on skis. Gustav Eriksson Vasa used the route at the time to escape the grip of the Danish rulers. When he returned to his hometown of Mora, Vasa led the successful revolt against the Danes and was crowned king of Sweden.

It’s easiest to reach the start by car or bike, especially if you're taking an extended trip in Sweden, as I did. If you fancy a challenge, you can ride the route by bike in one go. I split it into two stages as there are many lovely places to stay overnight in fantastic nature. Along the trail, there are several huts where you can sleep inside for a night for free or pitch your tent.

If you want to hike the route in one or two days, you can adjust the distances here in the komoot app. To get back to the start in Sälen, you follow a quiet, asphalted road right next to the mountain bike trail.

At the checkpoints, you can usually find a toilet and refill water, but there are no shops along the route so make sure you bring enough food for the road. There are several hotels and campsites in Sälen and Mora where you can stay overnight.

In August, an annual mountain bike race is organised on the 94-kilometre (58 mi) trail, so be careful not to plan your trip on race day.