Sweden

It may be best known around the world for its unsurpassable furniture and Eurovision successes, but Sweden is so much more than that.

Sweden is one of three countries situated in Scandinavia, a region of Europe North of the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest country in the whole of the EU, housing expansive and stunning lakes and a host of coastal islands that each have distinct personalities and reasons to visit within their own right.

Throughout its rolling hills, Sweden’s forests are abundant with wildlife, the most famous of these being the moose, which can be seen up close in Sarek National Park in Lapland.

Sweden itself is rich with history. Countless museums and medieval architecture are weaved throughout the country, its Viking heritage largely inherent in the offered culture. Generally seen as barbarians and sea-farers, Vikings were actually mainly traders and craftsmen.

West of Stockholm in Lake Mälaren is an ancient trading centre known as Birka, which is a fantastic opportunity to experience Viking antiquities. Likewise, The Foteviken Viking Museum outside Mälmo allows visitors to take a wander around a ‘living’ Viking town.

The Swedes are a very friendly and welcoming people. They are warm and largely family-orientated, and are commonly quite private. In light of this, in order to visit Sweden you may need to apply for an entry visa. This is still required, even if you’re visiting on a temporary basis for such circumstances as business trips and conferences, to visit family, or simply as a holidaymaker.

Top Places to Visit

Sweden has no end of towns and cities to get lost in, so here are a few to consider:

Stockholm: Sweden’s capital offers a combination between the old and the new: merging historical museums and buildings with fashionable bars, restaurants and shopping. Its most prominent and recognised feature is Gamla Stan, an Old Town medieval city that boasts of the beautiful Royal Palace and the 13^th century Stockholm Cathedral in its rustic streets. Stockholm also has many museums to peruse at leisure – the Moderna Museet, Vasa Museum and prestigious Nobel Museum to name only a few.

Gothenburg: More contemporary than its companion, Gothenburg caters to a younger audience, home to various festivals such as the Gothenburg Culture Festival, and the Liseberg Amusement Park. Gothenburg is also famous for its archipelago, a series of more than 20 coastal islands that can all be visited by ferry. These include Hönö, a popular marina with a range of aquatic-based activities, and Brännö, which holds a traditional ballad festival and opens the quay at Husvik for dancing.

Malmö: Malmö has events for every season. In the Spring, it hosts Walpurgis night wherein people partake in choral singing and gather around bonfires; during Summer, there is the Malmö festival; in Autumn, the “Malmö Love Food” food fair; and in Winter, an elected female member of the City acts as Lucia, a woman who walks the streets singing songs, to remember Saint Lucia, who died a martyr.

Jukkasjärvi: Most famous for its magnificent Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi is a winter wonderland, taking visitors dogsledding, and on fishing and hunting tours. Here you can experience the marvels of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Weather

Sweden’s climate is notably mild, and July is actually its coldest month. It is heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream and has three prominent climate zones:

• In the South, it is warm and generally quite humid, and never has continuous daylight
• Central Sweden has more snow, but maintains its humidity
• In the North, it is far colder, particularly nearer the mountains, and in winter, the sun won’t rise above the horizon for as long as 2 months!

For up to date weather in Sweden visit our partner site World Weather Online

Culture

A characteristic to note in Swedish people is that they are very humble, and believe firmly in kindness and fair treatment of individuals. Swedes avoid drawing attention to themselves in public by not displaying signs of strong emotion, abiding by Lagom, the idea that everything should be ‘appropriate’ or ‘in moderation’.

It is very important that if visiting a Swedish resident’s home to bring a gift to your host. However, there are factors to be aware of in order to stay polite – try to take gifts for any children of the family, and do not include white lilies or chrysanthemums in bouquets, as these are typically associated with funerals.

Swedish culture also includes the tradition of informal get-togethers that centre around drinking coffee. This is known as Fika, which essentially means ‘to have coffee’, and is frequently practiced in the workplace.

The Swedish people are also the world number two for English as a second language, so don’t be too concerned about any language barriers!

Ideal for…?

Sweden is an ideal place to visit for many different types of people and personalities.

From festival goers to couples looking to take in the exquisite landscape, Sweden has no end of experiences.

It is particularly ideal for families, as Swedes love children and family, and promote values of protection, equality and respect.

Likewise, for anyone journeying to Sweden for business purposes, the country is regarded as the most digitally connected economy in the world. The best thing is that you don’t even need to wear a suit! Swedes have a very casual attitude when it comes to clothes – dress in what you feel is smart and comfortable.

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