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Sweden is one of Scandinavia 's most fascinating countries and is home to many interesting sights which attract millions of tourists from all over the world each year. The largest of the five Nordic countries, Sweden forms part of Scandinavia in northwestern Europe and shares a long land frontier with Norway to the west. Along the south, the country is bordered by Finland , the Gulf of Bothania , and the Baltic Sea to the east.
The country has a quite homogeneous population in ethnic stock, religion, and language. Its population is currently estimated to be at around 9 million, with Swedes comprising the majority of the population. Finnish and Lapp minorities and foreign-born immigrants like the Norwegians, Danes, Yugoslavs, and Greeks are also present.
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with King Carl XVI as the head of state. However, royal power has long been limited to ceremonial and official functions. The country's legislature is the Riksdag which is composed of 349 members. In addition, parliamentary elections are held every four years.
Sweden is an advanced industrialized country with its inhabitants enjoying one of Scandinavia 's highest standards of living. It remained neutral during the two world wars, a move which played an important part on the country's relatively easy climb to economic success once the war was over, coupled with an efficient mix of high tech capitalism and welfare benefits. Today Sweden is becoming increasingly known for its big city tourism, with most of its cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg becoming hubs for culture and arts, heritage, fashion, and trade. Gothenburg is a major hub for maritime traffic on the North Sea and also has a thriving entertainment and culture scene for locals and tourists alike.
History
Sweden 's history dates back to the end of the Ice age, c.10, 000-c.8000 B.C. when it was first populated by Paleolithic hunters. During the Bronze Age, c.15, 000-500 B.C. the people inhabiting the land which was to become Sweden traded lively with the rest of Europe . From c.100, extensive trade was shared with Rome and in the 4 th century trade was centered particularly on Gothland. Around this time, small kingdoms were created by tribes like the Suiones, the Goths, the Halsgins, and Lapps all of which are considered the most popular.
The Christian faith came in Sweden in the 9 th century. When the Goths were finally conquered by the Siuones by 1000, this led to the creation of the first Swedish state. In the 19 th century parts of Finland and Keralia were occupied by the Swedes. Slavery was ended in 1335, and first Swedish national law was established in 1350.
In 1397, the Danish Queen Margaret I unified Denmark , Sweden , and Norway under the Kalmar Union, which lasted until 1523. During this time, Swedish opposition against Denmark and the Hanseatic League was at its strongest, led by Gustav Vasa, who used the murder of Swedish leaders in the Bloodbath of Stockholm to lead an uprising against Denmark . Gustav Vasa ruled Sweden from 1523 to 1560 after years of fighting for Swedish independence. He was also the one who introduced Lutheranism to Sweden and made it the national religion.
Under the leadership of Gustav II Adolf from 1611- 1632, the country entered the 30 Years' War on the side of the Protestants and gained lands in Northern Germany . Sweden 's period as an empire reached its peak under the leadership of Charles X Gustav (1654-1660) but eventually waned in the 18 th century with the rise of Russia as a united empire under the leadership of Peter I.
Sweden lost its Baltic territories and Northern German lands in the Great Northern War, on the death of Charles XII. Sweden 's Age of Freedom came soon after, an era where an early form of parliamentary was established. This era came to a sudden halt in 1772 following a coup d'etat by Gustav III and the reestablishment of a strong monarchy.
Sweden joined the Third Coalition against France during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1809, Russia , which was an ally of France , seized Finland which leads to Gustav IV Adolf's abdication from the throne and the succession of Charles XIII. Soon after, the Riksdag gave Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, a marshal in Napoleon's army, the title of crown prince. From 1818 to 1844, he ruled as Charles XIV John. Norway was ceded to Sweden in 1814 and remained with Sweden until 1905.
Sweden stayed out of the two world wars with its policy of nonalignment and focused instead on social and economic improvement. It joined the UN in 1946, one of the first countries who did not take an active role in WWII to do so. Sweden 's neutrality during the war made it an asset in the post-war rebuilding of Europe , which also led to an economic upswing in the 50's and 60's.
The social democratic party ruled the nation for 44 years and spent the better part of the 50's and 60's founding the Swedish welfare state. By 1976, the social democrats lost to the liberal/right wing coalition and over the next six years four governments ruled and fell, and the social democrats regained their hold on the government by 1982.
A stunning blow came to the whole country when Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated on February 28, 1986. The Social Democrats were again ousted from power after the September 1991 elections, replaced by a new coalition of four conservative parties who resolved to reduce taxes and the welfare state but keep Sweden 's neutrality intact. In September 1994, the social democratic party again regained the majority after three years as the opposition.
Swedish constituents voted for membership to the European Union in 1994, although they rejected the Euro when it came out in 1999 and again in 2003. The Swedish government is now being run by a center-right alliance under the leadership of Fredrick Reinfeldt of the Moderate Party after wining the September 2006 elections.
Essentials
• Religion
The Church of Sweden is Lutheran, with a membership of over 7 million people. However, there are other churches of other denominations all around the country. Churches in major cities usually have a service done in English once a week.
• Customs and etiquette
Swedes are a soft-spoken, humble and mild mannered people. Boasting is considered crude and impolite and most Swedes think that it is good to listen more often rather than dominate a conversation. Displaying anger or any other strong emotion in public is often frowned upon.
The Swedes like to take everything in moderation. Too much hard work or too much play is not a part of the Swedish way of life. They like to work but they also know when and how to have fun without doing anything extreme.
Meals are often formal affairs. If you happen to be invited to a Swedish home, be punctual, as being late is often considered rude. But do not be too early, either! It is also considered a good gesture to bring something as gift, like flowers or a box of chocolates. When it comes to eating meals do not start to eat ahead of your hosts and do not leave anything on your plate since this is also considered rude.
• Currency
Sweden has rejected the euro and chose to keep its national currency, the Swedish krona (SEK). In regards to the foreign exchange rate, 1USD is currently equivalent to 6 SEK.
• Business Hours
Business hours usually run from 8 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday. It is important to schedule business meetings a day in advance to make room for ample preparations as well as have the schedule confirmed before any engagement.
• Health
There are no health risks associated with traveling to Sweden although some precautions may be taken to safeguard against ticks when visiting forested regions. The country has an excellent medical care system and Europeans can avail of the reciprocal health agreements between Sweden and other countries in the EU. Close contacts with live birds should be avoided if possible since small outbreaks have been detected in some areas of the country. In cases of emergency the emergency number is 112.
• Language
The country has no official language but Swedish is the language used by the majority of its inhabitants. Swedish has similarities to Danish and Norwegian languages. A majority of Swedes are also fluent in English thanks to links to Europe and the popularity of overseas travel. English is also a compulsory subject in most Swedish schools.
• Safety and Security
Sweden is largely free of violence and terrorist incidence. The country has a low crime rate and most crimes usually involve theft or damage to personal property like cars or residences and public areas. Tourists are encouraged to keep valuables with them at all times, especially when in crowded public areas since pickpockets and snatchers are increasingly becoming a common problem.
Getting There
By Air Getting to Sweden from any part of the world by air is easy. The main international airport is in Arnanda, just a two hour drive north of Stockholm , and the main air carrier is the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS).
There are daily services to and from the biggest European capitals. Most flights from the US and Asia usually have to make a stop at Copenhagen , where you might have to change planes. A typical London to Stockholm flight may last for 2 hours and 30 minutes while a trip from New York will take much longer, at an average of ten hours.
There are many bus services plying the route between the international airport at Arnanda and the city. Trains also make regular stops at the airport and travel to a range of destinations including Falun, Uppsala and Mora. The international airport at Arnanda houses duty free shops, a bank and ATM outlets as well as restaurants and a tourist information center. If you wish to drive around Sweden you can also find car hire services like Avis, Budget, and Hertz offices at the Arnanda airport.
The Gothenburg airport (GOT) is another point of entry by air. It is located 24 km east of the city and is serviced by coach companies which transport passengers from the airport to the city. Buses and taxis are also available in Gothenburg.
Malmö Sturup (MMX) is another airport located 31 km east of the Stockholm . Buses and taxis are available for the trip to and from the city.
By water The main ports are located in Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Malmo , and Stockholm . Ferries link up with the buses and trains in the mainland to provide services to and from Sweden , Finland , Denmark , Germany , Poland , and the UK .
By Rail One of the popular routes from the UK to Sweden is from London to Omsted and then to Copenhagen, a journey that will take you about 25 hours, good if you want to take in as much of the Swedish countryside as possible. If you want to save some time a better option is to take the Eurostar to Brussels and then catch a connection to Hamburg and on to Stockholm .
By Car Visitors can enter the country by car through Denmark or Germany . Malmo and Copenhagen are joined together through the Øresund Fixed Link which spans 16 km of waterway. The link is comprised of a suspension bridge and an underwater tunnel and was created to facilitate better connections between the Scandinavian Peninsula and Europe .
Another option is to catch a car ferry from Harwich to Gothenburg. Most ferry services plying the Harwich-Gothenburg route run all year. Coach services from London , Dover and Folkstone to a number of Swedish cities are also available, although trips may be limited during the winter season.
Getting Around
Once you arrive you wouldn't want to miss any of the many breathtaking and interesting sights and sounds that Sweden has to offer. Fortunately, you can easily get from one point of interest to another by car. All roads and bridges are free as well as the state-operated car boats. Car rentals are easily available at airports or at petrol stations. A fully recognized driver's license is all you need to drive around Sweden . However, you will need an international driver's license if you want to rent a car.
Swedish roads and drivers are good, but you can also take nice guided detours from the main roads and enjoy the Swedish countryside if you feel like it. Moose, reindeers, and elks are familiar sights along Swedish roads at dawn or dusk.
If you wish to see Sweden by bike there are the specially designed and scenic cycle routes which offer you breathtaking views of the archipelago boats and steamers around Stockholm and Gothenburg.
The cheapest way to travel from one city to another is by train or bus. Swebus Express is the biggest Swedish coach company servicing most of the big cities. Other smaller companies may require you to book trips beforehand. Trains are more expensive than buses although passengers below 26 can get a discount last minute train ticket online or at the station. Stand-by airplane tickets are also relatively cheaper if you are under 26.
Attractions
Once in Sweden you will find yourself busy with all the things to see and places to visit. Most guided tours often show you around the most interesting places in Sweden and will give you time to explore the places on your own before moving on to the next attraction.
Stockholm
Stockholm is often the first city that tourists flock to. With its regal palaces and medieval cobblestone streets sitting side by side with modern high-rises and skyscrapers, Stockholm is a mix of classical tradition and modernity. Gamla Stan is a good place to start as any, with its rich and varied colors and smells of traditional Swedish cuisine wafting from the restaurants lining the cobblestone streets, where you can occasionally hear the clopping of horses' hooves as they pass you by.
An important stop is the Royal Palace , the official residence of the royal family. From here you can take a ferry to Djurgården Island , where the Nordic Museum is located. Other museums that you can visit will include the historical Museum, with its collections of prehistoric artifacts and medieval art, as well as the National Museum where you can find the country's fine arts collection. For a more exciting museum visit try the Vasa Museum which houses a 360-year-old wooden warship recovered from Stockholm 's harbor in the early 60's.
Gothenburg
A visit to Mora and Gothenburg must also be included in every visitor's itinerary. Gothenburg sits along Sweden 's craggy coastline and boast an array of high class restaurants, boutiques, bars, and nightclubs. Gothenburg is a major Swedish sea port and has an impressive tree-lined boulevard and sleepy fishing harbors, perfect for a leisurely walk before you resume your tour.
Dalarna and Värmland
A visit to the Swedish countryside will surely introduce you to the country's many open air music and arts festivals. Visit the provinces of Dalarna and Värmland, in the heartland of the country and experience Sweden just like it was back in the Middle Ages. A visit to the scenic Lapland will surely take your breath away, with its valleys and woodlands giving way to waterfalls and wild rivers and peaceful plateaus. This is unspoilt nature at its best and one attraction that you should not miss. Cap this one off with a quick stop at the famed Absolut Ice Bar at the sculpted Ice Hotel, which is rebuilt every winter.
Gotland
After all the sightseeing you can finish things off with a visit to the island of Gotland in the Baltic, famed for its beaches, spas, and sailing for a bit of relaxation and recreation. This is also a good place to dust up on your Swedish history by visiting the capital of Visby , one of the oldest cities in Sweden as well as the preserved medieval town at Kattlundsgård .
Entertainment
Sweden is not lacking when it comes to entertainment, whether it's the colorful and lively nightlife that you are after or participating in an unforgettable open air music festival. Major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg have pubs, bars, theaters, cinemas and restaurants open to locals and tourists alike.
For a dose of culture you can catch the Royal Royal Ballet which performs in Stockholm from August to June. You can also visit the many open-air music festivals which are held all throughout the year, like the Chalmers Rock Festival and the Hultsfred Rock Festival. The Hultsfred Rock festival is the largest in Sweden and features top artists from all over the world like Linkin Park and Rage Against the Machine. For an unforgettable (and free!) cultural experience you can catch the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra summer concert in the open-air Slottsskogen Park , which is often held in June.
If you want to take in as much of Sweden as possible you can take guided tours that will take you to every point of interest in the city that you are in. In Stockholm , a boat trip could be the second part of a guided tour around the city which will take you to see the surrounding islands and give you a glimpse of Drottningholm Palace , which has been carefully preserved in its 18 th century form.
Sweden 's hundred miles of beaches and numerous lakes are also great places to enjoy a bit of water sports, as many beachfront hotels offer waterskiing and windsurfing activities. If snow is more your thing you can take up skating, snowmobiling, ice climbing and dog sledding on the many winter sport facilities around the country.
If you want to see much of the countryside outside the confines of a tour bus or a car try doing your sightseeing on two wheels. Cycling is a popular activity in Sweden and the country has special cycling lanes which snake around the most beautiful coasts in the country. The Swedish Cycling Promotion Institute schedules regular cycling tours every year.
For the kids, a truly unforgettable experience would be a trip to Mora, where they can meet Father Christmas at the Santaworld theme park. Located at the base of Mt. Gesunda , the theme park features Santa's house, workshop and post-office. Afterwards you can do a little shopping in Sweden 's numerous traditional markets and country fairs. You can use the opportunity to buy good quality glassware and crystal, ceramics, stainless steel and silver.
And finally, for a dose of Swedish history you can visit Bohuslän province, in the southwestern part of the country, which is one of the most important centers of ancient Swedish civilization. Here you can view many archaeological finds dating back to the Bronze Age and Viking times.
Food and Dining
The traditional Swedish meal is simple yet sustaining, although meals may vary according to location. For example in the northern parts of the country how meals are prepared have their roots in the Sami people who ate game, while meals in the south are often prepared with many varieties of vegetables and fruits.
The famed smörgåsbord from the word smörgås which means ‘open sandwhich' and bord which means ‘table' is a type of buffet meal served in Swedish cuisine. It contains a variety of dishes, from herring, salmon, and eel to köttbullar or meatballs, which can be followed by fruits and salad for dessert. Because a typical smorgasbord often takes a lot of time to prepare, most restaurants prepare a plate of assietter or hors d'oeuvres instead. It is best to enjoy this early, when the food is still fresh. Schnapps is the typical beverage used to accompany smorgasbord.
Swedish meals often consist of cheese, ham, sausage, egg and bread for breakfast and a simple one course meal for lunch. Swedes usually reserve complete course meals in the evening, with appetizers, a main course, side dishes and dessert choices included. Fish dishes are prominent in most hotel restaurant menus since Swedish chefs tend to be far more experts with fish dishes than with meat courses.
Swedish cuisine is infused with a variety of foreign influences, from French to Japanese. It is not usual to find restaurants for every type of international cuisine in Sweden . On the fast food side, Swedes also love their pizza and McDonalds. Finding a McDonald's outlet in Sweden won't be hard to do, although some may offer better services than others.
When it comes to coffee, Sweden is second only to Finland as the country with the heaviest coffee consumption in the world. It is considered the universal drink in Sweden , although most Swedes also love their tea. Coca Cola is also another favorite.
Have a taste of Sweden 's culture, tradition, history, and its beautiful places and you'll definitely be asking for more!
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