Avid travellers or those who understand the great value of vacation will surely know one or two things that make Sweden stand out as a tourist destination. Just in the unlikely event that you do not know so much about Sweden, just know that the country is home to great sites, bustling culture, vibrant people and eye-catching natural scenes. You will be greatly taken aback to witness how cities have been developed around water bodies that make them blend so well with nature.
Sweden has a name in the global map for being among the countries that rank high in the happiness index. The city of Stockholm has also played host to some of the epic international meetings that changed the course of actions. Key among notable things associated with Sweden include the 1972 Stockholm Conference which marked a turnaround on human health and development.
There can never be enough of Sweden for people travelling to the country. It does not matter whether one is a student, researcher, religious pilgrim or whichever, Sweden will always amaze with its assortment of attractions. Well-travelled people as well as amateur wonder-lusters will always find a reason to go back to Sweden. Let’s together demystify Sweden for its unique attractions.
A sneak peek of Sweden for new and returning visitors
If there is anything one would wish to know about Sweden, it must surely be about its rich history. Not forgetting about its varied landscapes, Sweden for sure is a visitor’s paradise. The beauty of the vast archipelagos along the coastal plains is astonishing. For the outdoor lovers, Sweden should be your dream destination of visit.
Located along northern Europe Sweden is the larger occupier of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The fresh air and water that is crystal clear across the land that slopes gently from the high mountains, is breathtaking. Well, if you want to transverse through thousands of acres of untouched forests and explore the majestic lakes, visit Sweden.
One thing worth noting is the comfort that comes with public transport. What this means is that you will not have to spend a lot of money trying to secure a private comfortable mode of transportation. The roads and public transportation in Sweden are excellent. Geographically, Sweden represents one of the oldest yet possesses the very stable parts of the earth’s crust.
Assortment of attractions in Sweden for tourists
Revolution that Sweden experienced in the past years, brought with it a high voltage of technology that touched through Swedish cuisine. In essence, Swedish cuisine has surely undergone what I term a revolution. Let alone the reminiscent mind-blowing history crowding the notorious Viking. You can never get enough of the Viking invaders, imperial intrigue, to the royal dynasties. This reveals one fact, that one can never be bored.
The tourist attractions in Sweden range from the ancient towns, the vast Arctic landscapes, opulent palaces to the famous Ice Hotel. Visiting Sweden will guarantee you what seems like an everlasting excitement. All that is necessary is the abundance of time you need to enjoy all the sightseeing and educational historical treasures.
Other than the historical treasures, there are more in the line of technology that is eye-catching in Sweden. From the Saab and Volvo automobiles, pickled herring, music group ABBA, to the DIY megastore IKEA. It is a marvellous experience lest I forget to mention the equally famous and stunning scenery. It would be wonderful to experience a view of the picturesque fishing villages in an endless summer sun.
If you are planning to take a trip to this interesting part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, then here is a list of the top places to visit while in Sweden.
Take a trip to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
The Vasa Museum famously known as the “Vasamuseet” located in Stockholm is Sweden’s most popular museum. A million visitors come to the museum every year and up to now, at least 20 million persons have been here since its opening in 1990.
What makes Vasa Museum famous? It was in 1628 when the 64-gun warship Vasa, the pride of the Swedish Imperial fleet, sank on its own maiden voyage. For three consecutive decades, it laid below the icy waters until 1961. An Impressively ambitious rescue operation happened in 1961 and visitors can now afford to witness this fascinating scene.
Tourists across all nationalities are welcomed to witness this historic scenery under the guide of English-speaking tour guides. Nonetheless, audio guides are available too. While in Sweden, a visit to the Vasa Museum is worth your time. Other than just the ship itself, there are additional separate exhibitions and other four museum ships. A day at the Vasa Museum is similar to a day in paradise.
Pass by the Drottningholm Palace, Lovo
It is sometimes referred to as the Drottningholms slott, a fairy tale located at the island of Lovo. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies in the 11-kilometre square in the western part of Stockholm city centre. As you journey to visit the Drottningholm Palace, you get to experience a 45minutes travel by ferry. This even makes it a more excellent trip in a day from the city’s capital.
Drottningholm Palace has existed since the 17th century and is the current residence of the Swedish royal family. The beauty displayed around the picturesque terraced park is exquisite with bronze sculptures brought back as trophies of war. Ever witnessed the late 1700s Chinese Pavilion? Well, visit the Drottningholm Palace in Sweden and have a chance to witness it before your eyes.
The Drottningholm Palace is still very much alive and is used till date for performances in the summer times. Present here is the Theatre Museum from which period stage costumes as well as the stage scenery are displayed. Still visitors from all corners of the world are welcomed here under the guidance of English-speaking guides. If you are a family person travelling in the company of your children, there are a variety of fun programs and workshops that will excite you.
Have you Seen the Ice Hotel, Lapland?
Located in the Northwest town Lapland in Sweden, the world’s first ever ice hotel lies just 17 kilometres from the city. The hotel presents very impressive and stunning rooms covered with exquisite furnishings which are re-created yearly. Each and every year, the furnishings are re-created in a new design built from ice.
The location of the Ice Hotel shares the same latitude as the central Greenland. Lapland town is the biggest town that houses the largest community in Sweden. If you want to witness the epitome of the midnight sun, visit Lapland from mid-May to mid-July and spend a wonderful experience at the Ice Hotel.
During summer time, this region is the centre of fishing, stand up paddle boarding, river rafting, and canoeing. As a matter of fact, Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise, lies 90 kilometres westwards of Kiruna. About 95 kilometres towards the northwest, is the Abisko National Park. While visiting all these beautiful historical sceneries, it will be a pleasure to embrace the ice walls of the Ice Hotel in Lapland.
Visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Gamla Stan is considered to be Stockholm’s old town. The town is situated in a small concentrated location where the original Stockholm city began in the mid-13th century. The city is amazingly engrossed with the mediaeval enclave remains in a typical Scandinavian style. Gamla Stan is regularly brushed and freshly painted.
The beauty and charm that attracts visitors into the city is in its architecture. The appearance of the cobbled streets and the narrow stone-paved lanes around the architect squares is serene. Stortorget is the main one surrounded by the merchant houses.
The neighbouring destinations are paraded with plenty of appealing restaurants and cafes. If you are done with enjoying the beauty of the old town, then you can move to the neighbourhood. Here you will bump into the Nobel Museum, Royal Coin Cabinet, several churches, and even the Post Museum.
Gamla Stan is surely a very pleasing and admirable location to visit with suitable accommodations. It gives you the opportunity of choosing among the guesthouses, luxury boutiques, and also very affordable hostels and inns. You can never regret your stroll into Gamla Stan.
