The Swedish capital Stockholm, which has been designated the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1998, is known for its beauty and is by many called «the Venice of the North». In fact the entire city centre is built on islands in Lake Mälaren. Situated by the Baltic Sea, Stockholm offers a widespread and beautiful archipelago. Why not enjoy a relaxing boat trip to one of the islands? The water combined with history and modern life makes Stockholm a glimmering and exciting city.

In southern and central Sweden you will find large numbers of castles and manors, built at a time when the nobility had a strong grip on Sweden.Many castles are now under private ownership, while others have been preserved as museums and some are used to stage artistic, musical and theatrical events.
Take a boat trip along one of the Swedish canals, passing through the many locks.Of all the stretches of water, the Göta Canal is definitely one of the most notable. If you are tempted by something a little more adventurous, try shooting the rapids or building a raft on the Klarälven river. In the winter, the mountains in the north offer a variety of sports, while in the summer, visitors can enjoy the sight of the flowercovered hills.

There are numerous opportunities for an active holiday, and the magnificent countryside will fill your lungs with fresh air and revitalise your spirit. Sweden is renowned for its archipelagos, dominated on the west coast by barren cliffs and salt water, only to be replaced by thickly wooded greenery and brackish water on the eastern coast. It is easy to be seduced by the small fishing communities and the picturesque islands found here. Both the Göteborg and the Stockholm archipelagos are within easy reach. Swedes have always been, and still are, a great nation of inventors – just look at Dahlén’s lighthouse or Nobel’s dynamite. In the field of literature, Strindberg is one of the greatest of all new thinkers – travel to Stockholm and visit his home, the «Blue Tower»!

Welcome to Sweden!

Useful links:

www.visitsweden.com (The official website of Sweden)
www.stockholmtown.com (Stockholm City´s main web page)
www.Stenaline.se (Ferry company between Sweden, Denmark & Norway)
www.silja.se (Ferry company between Finland and Sweden)
www.vikingline.se (Ferry company between Finland and Sweden)