Sweden, now one of the most prosperous and peaceful countries on Earth, has come a long way since ferocious Vikings roamed around this Scandinavian nation over 1,000 years ago. It has been more than two centuries since Sweden fought in any wars, and the country now ranks among the safest places to live and visit. The 8,322 km long flights between Stockholm, Sweden's ancient national capital, and Bangkok last about 11 hours.
Don’t MissSweden, like its Scandinavian neighbours, is notoriously cold and dark in winter. Norrland, however, receives far more winter snow and experiences colder temperatures than southern Sweden. The summer months from June to August are the best times of year to visit Sweden. The 30 April Valborg festival is when Swedes and other Scandinavians celebrate the arrival of warmer spring weather. Malmö's Malmöfestivalen, Gothenburg's Kulturkalaset, and Stockholm's Pride parade are some of Sweden's liveliest August festivals.
No Stockholm visit would be complete without strolling down the narrow streets of its medieval old town, Gamla Stan. A changing of the guard ceremony happens every day at the Royal Palace, where Sweden's monarch still lives and which includes the Tre Kronor and Royal Antiquities museums. Liseberg Funpark, the country's most famous amusement park, lies southeast of Gothenburg. Scandinavia's oldest university and biggest cathedral are both situated in Uppsala.
Restaurants and BarsSome of Scandinavia's finest restaurants are situated in Stockholm's Norrmalm and Gothenburg's Lille Torget districts. More affordable options are available at vägkroga (roadside diners), IKEA chains, and restaurants which sell dagens rätt (meals of the day), while kebab and pizza establishments are also plentiful. Pickled herring is Sweden's most famous signature food, but the country's traditional Thursday meal is pea soup and thin pancakes. Malmö's Lille Torg stands alongside Stockholm's Stureplan and Södermalm on the list of top Swedish nightlife scenes.
ActivitiesMost Swedes stay active throughout the year regardless of weather. Snow falls on the northern ski resort of Riksgränsen well into June. Another popular Swedish ski resort, Åre, boasts 44 lifts. After the snow melts, hiking, swimming, and mountain climbing become Sweden's popular outdoor pursuits. Hikers and climbers should look out for bears, moose, and other wildlife while trekking Norrland's 440 km long Kungsleden hiking trail. Kullaberg Nature Reserve in southwest Sweden is filled with challenging hiking trails and towering cliffs. Kayaking and canoeing are fun ways to explore the Stockholm Archipelago's more than 30,000 islands.
ShoppingStockholm's Drottninggatan as well as Gothenburg's Nordstan and Arkaden are the country's major shopping zones. High quality usually accompanies very high prices when it comes to Swedish souvenirs such as Swedish glassware, pepparkakor (ginger biscuits), and Dala horses that are carved and painted in bright colours.