Baltic Beaches and Amazing Countrysides
Sweden is synonym for vast countryside, crystal-clear lakes, and a multilingual, laid-back population, all of which make up a fantastic holiday destination. It is quite the trip from the Baltic beaches to the northern lights, but what’s in between is so gorgeous that you won’t mind the drive in your hired car .
Popular Destinations
If you are on a great tour of Europe you are likely to arrive in Malmö, a sweet little town linked to Denmark via the Öresund Bridge, and many locals commute to Copenhagen to work.
Should you come directly from the UK you will probably go to Stockholm, the capital. Spread over 14 small islands as well as the mainland this is a special city with a very friendly buzz. Wherever you look there is water or green, and the Old Town (called Gamla Stan) has a medieval feel to it, cobbled streets and small, leaning houses provided. Stockholm is also the main residence of the royal family and the changing of the guards ceremony outside the palace resembles that of Buckingham Palace. If you’re on a family vacation, your kids will enjoy the Viking village of Birka.
Art and Culture
About five hours south-east of Stockholm, probably easier to travel with a car rental, you can visit Gothenburg, a formerly industrial harbour which has transformed into a creative arts town with plenty of museums and other cultural institutions. The Gothenburg Art Museum displays a fabulous collection of Rembrandt, Picasso and other works. Other great places include the Museum of World Culture as well as the Röhsska Museum of Craft and Design.
"Walking in a Winter Wonder land"
One of the reasons Sweden is so popular among the outdoor community is Lapland, the far northern province. A hired car would be ideal for the tiring 15 hour-drive from the capital will be rewarded with one of two unique natural phenomena: polar lights or midnight sun. While the first can only be experienced during the winter the latter makes summer days virtually endless. The preferred route to take is the E4 coastal highway along the Baltic shore, whereas the E45 takes you though the also magical winterland.
On your way north stop in Uppsala, a nice university town with a magnificent cathedral, place of rest of legendary King Gustav Vasa and the biggest church in all of Scandinavia.
Lapland is geographically and culturally fascinating. The Sami people, native to Scandinavia and parts of Russia only, have had roughly 2500 years to adapt to an inhospitable environment. These nomadic people, traditionally keepers of reindeer, have kept their traditions very much alive and are happy to share them with visitors.
Be at One with Nature
Though infrastructure is decent, Lapland is all about nature, and the overwhelming majority of tourists arrive with hiking boots strapped to their feet. Most of Lapland is protected nature reserve, like Padjelanta National Park, the largest in Sweden. A 160 km long trail takes you through the park, and cottages provide accommodation along the way. Other great natural beauties include the mountains of Abisko National Park, the river delta in Sarek National Park, the glaciers in Stora Sjöfallet National Park, and many more.
