Overview: Crisp and clean, the tranquil Scandinavian country of Sweden
offers a variety of experiences within its elegant and
sophisticated cities, its picturesque medieval villages, coastal
island archipelagos, peaceful lakes and forests and the icy tundra
of northern Lapland. The capital city, Stockholm, encompasses 14 islands on the
shores of the Baltic Sea. It is a high-tech city with a small-town
feel, filled with top class restaurants, pulsating nightclubs, cosy
pubs and a full array of performing arts. Best of all, nearly
everyone you meet is fluent in English. Few visitors to Stockholm
can resist an excursion to discover the offshore islands: the
Stockholm archipelago offers some of the most beautiful coastal
scenery in Europe, and can be enjoyed from the city on a day
cruise. The west coast and its fishing villages is the place for
gourmets, especially seafood lovers, while those digging for
history will be fascinated with Uppsala, the ancient Viking city
where the newest buildings date from the 18th century. A really
novel excursion is a visit up north to the Ice Hotel, sculpted from
ice every winter in Lapland where the Sami people enjoy showing
visitors their way of life, centred on their reindeer herds.
Meanwhile, way down south Smaland (literally meaning
) has been christened 'the Crystal Kingdom' in honour
of the famous glassworks that exist there in places like Orrefors
and Kosta. Sweden is an enchanting country, not as cold as one might
imagine situated as it is in the high latitudes, and is well worth
exploring whether along the meticulously maintained roads or on the
extensive high-speed train system.
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