Quick Search
Sweden
Tourist attractions in Sweden.
- Article
- July 25, 2010
- No comments
Tourist attractions in Sweden are many and very varied. From Santa Claus in the north to crayfish parties, Viking adventures, the Midnight Sun and the ubiquitous smörgåsbord, this is a land of many contrasts; the tourist attractions in Sweden will not let you down. Here are 7 tourist attractions in Sweden, in no particular order, that are each well worth the visit.
1. Stockholm is the capital, and it is a great place to visit. This city will amaze you for its cleanliness and its feeling of being safe. It will amaze you for other things too. It has some wonderful museums, large peaceful parks, a nightlife that will take your breath away - literally, and architecture that sets the scene for a purely Swedish experience.
2. Forget Loch Ness in Scotland; come to Storsjön in Jämtland province. This huge lake has a legend to rival Loch Ness, a monster that even enjoys the protection of the law! And if you fail to spot the monster, the general area around Storsjön is still worth the visit; the scenery alone will simply astound you.
3. Inlandsbanan is the inland railway. If you are a train lover, then this is a train ride not to be missed. You can travel across the Arctic Circle, get off when you want, get back on again - it's your choice. The 1,300 kilometer journey goes all the way up to Lappland in the north, and to Kristinehamn further south.
4. You probably associate European beaches with the Spanish Costas, or the Greek islands, but Sweden has plenty to offer too. The island of Gotland in the Baltic has some excellent beaches, and coupled with the surprisingly warm summer weather they can expect most years, this is definitely a destination for those who want to be in a northern country, but still lounge on the beach.
5. If you like traveling on water, why not take a trip on the Göta Canal. You can travel southeast to northwest across the country from Gothenburg to Stockholm on an old ship. You will cross a river, eight lakes and three canals. You will also pass through 66 locks and travel, albeit briefly, on two seas. There are few journeys that can boast that degree of variety!
6. If you enjoy hiking, then this will be one of your favorite tourist attractions in Sweden; the famous hiking trail of Kungsleden. The trail snakes over 500 kilometers from Hemaven to Abisko. It is well marked out and extremely popular. There are cabins along the route of the trail, but in the holiday season these can become very popular and crowded.
7. If you love rugged scenery in a rural natural setting, then Bohuslän is for you. This is the area. More or less, between the Norwegian border in the north, to Gothenburg to the south. There are a multitude of small rocky islands with little fishing villages nestled in between. The scenery is almost surreal and well worth a visit. This must rank as one of the better of the tourist attractions in Sweden.
Sweden
- Article
- July 17, 2010
- No comments
Sweden is one of Europe's best kept secrets. The country has so much to offer. Besides, it's very affordable nowadays and the climate is much better than most people think.
Just to give you an idea what to see I made a top-10 of tourist attractions in Sweden. Here they are - in no particular order.
Stockholm
Stockholm has it all: unique location, great architecture, historical sights, famous museums, huge parks, a vibrant nightlife, trendy shops - and an archipelago of 24,000 islands just around the corner. It's a remarkably clean and safe city as well. If you haven't seen Stockholm, you haven't seen Sweden.
Gotland
Speaking of tourist attractions in Sweden, one wouldn't expect to think of beaches. But there are beaches in Sweden. Some of the best are found on the Baltic island of Gotland, which is popular among Swedes and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The walled medieval town of Visby is an attraction on its own.
Lake Siljan
Found in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, this lake is the center of folklore and tradition. Dalarna is a popular holiday destination in summer. Thousands of Swedes visit Leksand every year to see the midsummer pole set up. The nearby town of Rättvik is famous for its folk dancing. Also worth a visit is the bear park in Orsa.
Mines
Mining has always had a special attraction. Mines make some of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sweden. Three are worth a visit. The copper mine of Falun, Dalarna (now on the World Heritage List), and the iron-ore mines of Kiruna and Gällivare in Lapland. You can book a guided tour and go down yourself.
National Parks
Sweden has dozens of national parks and nature reserves. Even Stockholm has a national park within its city borders! The most impressive scenery - wild rivers, deep valleys, dark forests, high mountains - is found in Lapland in the North. Very popular is Abisko, a great spot with the famous Lapporten landmark. Also recommended is Padjelanta park.
Bohuslän
Bohuslän is the area at the west-coast of Sweden, roughly located between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border. It is characterized by rocky fragmented islands and small fishing communities. Awesome scenery, and one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden according to the Swedes.
Göta Canal
One of the most popular attractions in Sweden. Make a cruise from Gothenburg to Stockholm with an old ship, crossing one river, three canals, eight lakes, passing 66 locks and traveling on two seas. The Göta Canal is one of the most pleasant waterways in Sweden.
Inlandsbanan
Or the Inland Railway. Great trip for fans of train journeys, across the Arctic circle. Inlandsbanan runs from Kristinehamn at the side of lake Vänern to the wilderness near Gällivare, Lapland. Distance: around 1300 km. Stop wherever you want or spend the night and get back on the train - it's all up to you.
Kungsleden
The most famous hiking trail of Sweden, 500 km long and leading from Abisko to Hemavan (south). Well-marked and popular, with cabins along the trail that can be busy in the holiday season. You'll pass Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain (2,078 m) and see some of Europe's wildest and most beautiful nature.
Storsjön
Storsjön (the Great Lake in Swedish) in the province of Jämtland is the Nordic Loch Ness. Locals believe there's a monster in its dark water - and typically Swedish, the monster is even protected by law! The area around Storsjön has a lot more to offer, with highlands, trails and the likable Östersund as its biggest town.