Sweden Travel Guide
Midnight Sun in KirunaHowever, a winter holiday in Sweden is full of other kinds of activities as the bitterly cold weather brings icy wind and deep snow: dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing and enjoying the abundant Christmas markets that spring up in December. Sweden's obsession with the outdoors is only one aspect if its personality, however; millions of visitors enjoy the sophisticated cultural delights of the cities, especially the capital of Stockholm. With a proud history going back several millennia, the many museums and royal buildings around the city are fascinating to visit. Stockholm's modern attractions are just as engaging, with a lively nightlife, and a plethora of excellent restaurants and shops.
But Stockholm isn't the only city in Sweden worth visiting. Smaller towns like Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala and the northern Kiruna all offer unique attractions for tourists in Sweden, ranging from amusement parks to historical churches to boat tours of the archipelagos in the Baltic Sea.
Best time to visit Sweden
The best time to visit Sweden is during the mild summer months (May, June and July), when the famous Midnight Sun shines until 10:30 at night and the weather is warm and pleasant. Keep in mind however, that July is peak tourist season in Sweden, and the crowds are large. Travelling to Sweden in August is a good way to save money, as the flights and accommodation are slightly cheaper and the weather is still pleasant for outdoor attractions. The weather in Sweden varies dramatically, with bitterly cold winter months (November to March), although Stockholm stays fairly temperate due to coastal currents.
Top things to see in Sweden
-Witness Sweden's famous Midnight Sun in Kiruna.
-Visit the historic open-air museum at Skansen.
-Venture north to see the Northern Lights.
-Explore the island of Gotland.
Top things to do
-Learn about the millennia of history at the ancient village of Gamla Uppsala.
-Take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago.
-Ride the rollercoasters at Liseberg Amusement Park.
-Spend a night in the famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi.
Stockholm ArchipelagoGetting to Sweden
Getting to Sweden from the UK is easy due to a large number of direct cheap flights to Stockholm from London and other major UK cities via airlines like Ryanair and bmi. While there are no direct flights to Sweden from the US, there are connecting flights available from dozens of cities across the country. Most flights to Sweden land at Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, 28 miles (45km) north of Stockholm.
Read
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren.
Listen
Movitz! and Folk och Rackare.
Watch
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
Drink
Fruit soup and Glögg (mulled wine).
Eat
Gravlax (salt-cured salmon) or lutefisk (fish cured in lye) and beef stroganoff.
What to buy
Dala Horse statuettes and blown glass.
What to pack
Very warm clothes, including boots, a hat and thick gloves are needed for a winter holiday in Sweden, while a summer holiday requires sturdy walking or hiking shoes.
Liseberg Amusement ParkWhat's on in Sweden
Stockholm celebrates each December as the Nobel Prize Day presents its awards to outstanding scientists and authors. All over Sweden, people take the time to enjoy the idyllic weather and have a party on Midsummer's Eve.
Did you know?
-The population of Sweden is 9.2 million, which is marginally more than the population of New York City.
-Swedes have the longest life expectancy in Europe.
-On Easter, children dress up as witches and go trick-or-treating.
A final word
With different personalities in each season, a holiday in Sweden offers new fascination with each visit.
Bali Hotel
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