CENTRAL SWEDEN, take to the road and discover an area immersed in a strong sense of history and a feeling of rugged independence - both of which come across powerfully in its colourful folk culture and the interesting museums that preserve its heritage. With so many lakes, this area is a fisherman’s paradise. If you enjoy walking, visit the stunning Siljan and Orsa lakes in Dalarna. Ransäter in the Klarälven valley hosts a colourful annual festival and is a pretty heritage village with many museums. Also well worth a visit is Rottneros Manor, home to over 100 works by Sweden’s most famous sculptors, together with the lakeside town of Arvika, centre for artists and craftsmen.
CENTRAL SWEDEN, take to the road and discover an area immersed in a strong sense of history and a feeling of rugged independence - both of which come across powerfully in its colourful folk culture and the interesting museums that preserve its heritage. With so many lakes, this area is a fisherman’s paradise. If you enjoy walking, visit the stunning Siljan and Orsa lakes in Dalarna. Ransäter in the Klarälven valley hosts a colourful annual festival and is a pretty heritage village with many museums. Also well worth a visit is Rottneros Manor, home to over 100 works by Sweden’s most famous sculptors, together with the lakeside town of Arvika, centre for artists and craftsmen.
WESTERN SWEDEN, in this region, neat farms and prosperous small towns nestle within wonderful countryside stretching from Lake Vänern to the long sandy beaches (south of Gothenburg), and islands and fishing villages (north of Gothenburg) which run along the West Coast. The area is especially well known for its flat topped ‘table mountains’, its pretty harbours, spectacular archipelagos and great forests. Walking, bathing, boating and fishing are top-of-the-list for many. The Dalsland Canal, a 240 kilometre network of connecting lakes and rivers is popular for sailing and canoeing. A sight not to be missed is at Håverud where the aqueduct dramatically carries the canal over the river Upperud rapids. Another trip packed with historical interest is to Åmål where some exquisite 18th century houses have been restored in its market-place museum. The Baroque Läckö Castle on the stunning Kållandsö peninsular is one of the area’s most famous sights, while Lidköping plays host each August to artists and budding potters.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden’s second largest city retains a strong Dutch flavour. Most of its famous sights are within a relatively small area - easily explored by foot, by boat or using Gothenburg’s tramway system. Museums, the Botanical Gardens, numerous leafy parks and the popular Liseberg Amusement Park offer a vast choice of things to do for visitors of all ages.
EASTERN SWEDEN, this is an area of amazing diversity - where the blue hills of Kilsbergen sweep into the rolling Närke plain. Also, to the South, are the forests and hills of Tiveden’s mysterious ‘troll country’ and beautiful Lake Vättern - the second largest in Sweden. Pay a visit to Örebro Castle, built during the 19th century on a site which dates back to the 13th century. The Vadköping conservation area on the River Svartån offers spectacular views. And we recommend a trip to Karlslunds Gård on Örebro’s outskirts - a superb country house with 90 preserved 18th and 19th century buildings. The immense Karlsborg fortress on western Lake Vättern includes the longest building in Europe. And Skara Sommarland activity and water park features over 70 exciting attractions! STOCKHOLM, has often been called ‘the Venice of the North’; the rich reds and yellows of its old buildings contrast beautifully with the blues of its lakes, canals and waterways. Explore the medieval streets and alleys of Gamla Stan and Stadshuset, the city hall built with eight million bricks and 19 million gilded mosaic tiles. The Royal Palace, The Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum are just some of the countless places of interest to be found here.
SOUTHERN SWEDEN, long sunny days, superb sandy beaches, a rich cultural past and rugged countryside which has inspired poets and artists for centuries, combine to offer an unparalleled holiday experience. The highlight of any trip is to visit one of the thousands of small islands lying off the eastern coastline. A visit to the area’s main city, Malmö, is a must; a thriving, cosmopolitan centre which has been a busy trading port for centuries. It is an excellent base for golfing enthusiasts with many golf courses in the area. In Skåne you can visit the castles and mansions, unwind in the charming seaside resorts and sample the delicious cuisine for which this area has become famous. Småland, the centre of Sweden’s prolific glass-making industry, makes a fascinating day out; and so, too, does a visit to Kalmar Castle on the East Coast. Take time to visit the many towns, villages and historic sites which dot the countryside, forever reminding visitors of this country’s fascinating and ancient past.
