Sweden

Quick Facts

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Capital

Stockholm

Population

8,878,000

Government

Constitutional Monarchy

Religions

Christianity (Protestant)

Languages

Swedish, plus five official minority languages including Sami.

Calling Code

+46

Nationality

Swedish

Local name

Sverige

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Introduction

A new day

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Once a dearly-expensive destination, travel in Sweden has become economically much more attractive in recent years. Now that the nation's midnight sun, slick cities and historical sites can be enjoyed at a more affordable price, tourism is likely to be on the way up for the Scandinavian state. Stockholm, the capital, hits all the right spots: at once modern and medieval, the city bears testimony to its 13th century origins, as medieval streets are woven together through a myriad of stairways, arches and lanes; and a fine collection of museums, including a hugely popular open-air museum, accent the city's appreciation of the past. At Gothenburg, however, we find Sweden's most popular destination: Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest - and one of the world's best - amusement parks.

Brief History

Geography

Sweden shares international borders with Norway, Finland and Denmark because of a bridge. There is also ferry service to Estonia and Finland

Regions

Sweden has 25 provinces.

North

• Lappland
• Norrbotten
• Västerbotten

Centre

• Ängermanland
• Jämtland
• Medelpad
• Härjedalen
• Hälsingland
• Dalarna
• Gästrikland

South

• Västmanland
• Värmland
• Närke
• Uppland
• Södermanland
• Dalsland
• Bohuslän
• Västergötland
• Halland
• Smäland
• Skane
• Blekinge
• Öland
• Gotland
• Östergötland

Cities

• Stockholm
• Malmö
• Göteborg
• Uppsala
• Kiruna
• Västerås
• Linköping
• Norrköping

Sights and Activities

Höga Kusten

Höga Kusten is one of the most beautiful coastline areas of Sweden. This stunning area is located between Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik, which are decent towns. Home to many glacial lakes and rolling hills one can spend days enjoying the fresh sea air and gentle breeze. There are also several nice traditional fishing villages to enjoy also.

Gotland

Gotland is the largest of the Baltic islands and one of Sweden's most important historic sights. This wonderful island is dotted with over a 100 medieval churches and home to countless prehistoric sites. A highlight is the medieval city of Visby and its magnificent walls.. There is also wonderful biking to be found between the churches and great day hikes. There are over 30 hostels to travel between that do get booked in the summertime.

Mount Kebnekaise

Mount Kebnekaise is the tallest mountain in all of Sweden and is located in Lapland. Its highest peak is 2,104 m (6,900 ft) and is glaciated. From the summit a traveller can see 9% of Sweden's surface area. After climbing the mountain there is a nice lodge to take a break at and have a coffee. Remember to take a break and try to spot some wildlife.

Trelleborg

Trelleborg is the collective name for six viking villages and forts that are located in present day northern Denmark and southern Sweden. Most of them were built in the late 10th and early 11th century. These impressive towns helped to rain havoc on most of the Northern Europe for several years. Many of the ones in Sweden are located near present day Borgedy and Trellebrog.

Other Sights and Activities

• Old Towns - Enjoy the traditional architecture in many of Sweden's older towns.
• Palaces - Explore the royal palaces in Stockholm and Riddarholmen to get a glimpse of grace.
• Turning Torso - Go see the tallest building in Scandinavia with is amazing design.
• Riksdag Building - Watch the social welfare state in action in the Swedish Parliament.
• Skiing - Get the thrill or peace of great downhill and cross-country skiing.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

Plane

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is the national airline of Sweden (and Denmark and Norway) and in Sweden it is based at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN). International destinations with SAS from Stockholm include several dozens of destinations in Europe, also served with many other airlines from European countries. The airport has 5 terminals. Cities served outside Europe are Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Guadeloupe, Doha, New York, Beijing and Chicago. Many charter airlines and lowcost airlines use the airport as well, like Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Several other cities in Sweden have international flights as well, including Göteborg and Malmö. TUIfly Nordic and Apollo have extensive networks from Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT).

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

SAS is the main domestic carrier in Sweden and service about 30 airports in the country, mainly from Stockholm.

By Train

Swedish State Railways runs an excellent network of fast, reliable, comfortable and efficient trains throughout most of the country. Although most lines are concentrated in the south, there are services to the forested areas in the central and northern parts of the country. There are sleeper and restaurant cars on many trains.
There are X2000 high-speed trains from Stockholm to Gothenburg and other destinations include Jonkoping, Sundvall, Gavle, Malmo and Harnosand.
In summer, there are sleeper trains with services to bring your car from Malmo, Gothenburg and Vasteras in the south of Sweden to Kiruna and Lulea in the north of the country.

By Car

Sweden has a well maintained network of roads, although most highways are concentrated in the south and around Stockholm. All international companies have rental cars on airports and bigger cities and a national driver's licence is sufficient. Traffic drives on the right and headlights should be used at all times. Be careful with animals, like reindeer, especially when it's dark. Sufficient insurance (green card) is recommended.

By Bus

Connex and Swebus are the main operators on a number of efficient bus connections throughout the country. Even more remote smaller towns are linked regularly with bigger cities in the south. They also offer bus passes in the Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo areas.

By Boat

There aren't that many passenger ferries in Sweden, except from a number of lines useful when visiting the archipelago around Stockholm. The most useful route is the one between both Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn and the island of Gotland, served by Destination Gotland. The Gota Kanal travels from Gothenburg to Stockholm.
Note that some ferry services might not operate in winter.

Red Tape

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

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