A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
The ICEHOTEL in Sweden ranks among the world’s most incredible (and likely the coldest) hotels to experience. Situated in the Arctic Circle in Jukkasjärvi, it undeniably presents a unique experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Capital of Västerbotten County in northern Sweden, Umeå is situated along the Ume River, near its outlet into the Gulf of Bothnia. Notably, Northern Sweden’s largest university resides in this culturally vibrant city, surrounded by pristine nature.
Situated in a landscape abundant in lakes, Växjö is a small yet innovative city within the Småland Province. In this picturesque environment, Växjö has embraced the title of Sweden’s most environmentally conscious city. Since 1993, carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by half, now standing at less than a third of the EU average.
The city of Gävle, located in Norrland, may not be vast in size, yet it offers a remarkable array of museums, family-friendly activities, parks, and cultural venues. If you visit in December, you might also see the Gävle Goat, a large straw Christmas figure that seldom survives to the end of the month due to an unofficial tradition of vandalism.
Located on Sweden’s west coast, Halmstad is a meticulously maintained city that attracts a significant number of visitors during the peak summer months of July and August. These tourists are drawn to its temperate climate, renowned golf courses, and expansive sandy beaches. Among all of them, Tylösand Strand stands out with its impressive seven kilometers of pristine white sand, accompanied by a vibrant resort area that offers a wealth of summertime activities. The city center features an array of dining and drinking establishments along Storgatan, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare.
Established in medieval times along the Svartån River, Västerås has gradually developed toward the picturesque shores of Lake Mälaren. Contemporary neighborhoods are emerging by this splendid water body adorned with numerous islands. This locale hosts Sweden’s largest inland harbor alongside family-friendly attractions like a Viking settlement and an indoor water park situated along the waterfront.
The capital of Sweden is a vibrant city characterized by a complex historic district, trendy neighborhoods, and an energetic urban center. Situated across 14 islands on Lake Mälaren, Stockholm’s environment invites exploration and adventure. The city boasts approximately 50 bridges in the center alone, while ferries provide an enjoyable means of transportation.
Continuing our Nordic expedition, we arrived in Gothenburg, located in Sweden, noted for its picturesque scenery and renowned hospitality.
This is a playful stereotype about Swedish culture, but indeed, the ice and stunning people made the claim seem quite legitimate.
Sweden has made significant contributions to the world’s cultural landscape. From incredibly successful pop acts and songwriters to silver screen auteurs and Nobel Prizes, the hits just keep on coming.
Sweden’s attractions are endless. Get ready for unspoiled nature, world-class museums, fascinating history, beautiful cities and towns, vibrant traditions, and a creative spirit that is evident in everything from science and technology to the country’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Let’s start with the obvious: Sweden is an expensive place. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean your trip has to break the bank.
With its northern latitude, Sweden’s distinctive seasons are defined by the abundance or absence of daylight. In summer, long days give the impression that the sun never sets, especially north of the Arctic Circle.
Conversely, around the winter solstice, daylight is scarce, with the sun not rising above the horizon for several weeks in the far northern regions. Nonetheless, winter presents its own unique beauty, including snow-covered landscapes, brilliant starry skies, and spectacular aurora borealis displays in the north.
Moreover, Sweden hosts a busy festival calendar, with some of the most uplifting events occurring during winter and Midsummer. However, it’s important to note that many seasonal businesses adjust their hours around vacation periods; therefore, it’s wise to check availability to prevent disappointment.
One of the world’s oldest winter sports, cross-country skiing is a popular way for people in Sweden to work out when temperatures plummet. It’s gentler on your joints than running and exercises muscles across the entire body.
A lake archipelago of more than 1000 islands. A bike path that follows an old railway line alongside and over the lake. Loud loons and ospreys flying overhead at dusk. Ancient deciduous forests.
With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes, and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. If you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?
Sweden’s long coastline and nearly 100,000 lakes provide endless opportunities for water-based fun. Much of the shoreline is rocky, often with smooth, gently sloping cliffs perfect for sunbathing, but you’ll also find plenty of beautiful sandy beaches along the coasts and lakeshores throughout the country.
With rich history, vibrant traditions, and glorious nature everywhere you look, Sweden is made for road trips. The country’s comprehensive network of highways and secondary roads is well maintained, and even dirt roads tend for the most part to be relatively smooth gravel and dust rather than suspension-jolting rutted tracks. While many attractions are accessible by public transportation, one of the joys of a Swedish road trip is all the unexpected discoveries along the way, from secluded lakes to endless views, charming cities and towns, to archaeological sites dating back a thousand years. Here are nine driving routes that showcase the best of Sweden.
With a long coastline, gorgeous mountains, countless lakes, and forests covering much of its surface, Sweden is made for hiking. No matter where in the country you find yourself, you’ll never be far from a trail.
The fifth-largest country in Europe, Sweden stretches nearly 977 miles (1,572 km) from north to south. Fortunately, the public transportation system is excellent, with a mix of trains, long-distance buses, and ferries to help you explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Sweden is part of both the European Union and theSchengen Zone, facilitating easy travel for visitors from those regions. For travelers from other parts of the world, it is important to review the visa requirements in advance to ensure a smooth journey.