RIYADH, 6 June 2004 — For Tourists, Sweden is a country rich in discoveries, from the Arctic beauty of the North with its midnight sun to the castles of the southernmost province Skane with its easy continental flavor.
Stockholm, the beautiful capital, has been labeled “beauty on water”, but it is also a city of fashion, design and trends. Built on 14 islands between the Baltic Sea and lake Malaren, water is never far away. But Stockholm is nonetheless if rich in contrasts, from the medieval cobblestone passages in the Old Town to the modern city, from the crisp winters to the lively radiant summers when the sun never sinks below the horizon.
From the far north to the deep south, Sweden has a wide variety of climates, activities and scenery that will stimulate your senses. Whether you’re looking for Swedish action, need rest and relaxation Swedish-style or simply come to Sweden on business, there is never a reason to be bored.
The ever-varying Swedish coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers, from Haparanda on the Finnish border high up in the Gulf of Bothnia all the way to Norway and the North Sea to the west.
The Swedish landscape features countless lakes and waterways, surrounded by vast pine and spruce forests in the north, mixed with romantic oak, birch and other deciduous forests further south.
Sweden has majestic mountains and glaciers, as well as wide-open countryside, interspersed with small idyllic villages and vibrant cities like Stockholm. Sweden’s many lakes, islands and canals are linked by an extensive network of canal boats, vintage steamers, and ferries large and small.
Northern Sweden accounts for half of Sweden’s entire land area, though only one seventh of the country’s population lives there. This is a vast region of wide-open spaces, majestic mountains, pure air, fresh water and magnificent views.
The area is perhaps best known for the midnight sun, the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and the Sami culture. The region is ideal for summer and winter outdoor activities such as walking, camping, fishing, snow-scootering or dog sledding. In addition to the wide expanse of Lapland, northern Sweden also includes several other provinces, each with its own distinctive character.
The most southerly province (and one of Sweden’s smallest) is G?strikland, containing the region’s oldest town, G?vle, located on the coast.
The blue mountains and countless lakes of H?lsingland attract many visitors who enjoy active holiday-pursuits such as walking, fishing or cycling.
Medelpad and ?ngermanland each boast magnificent scenery and first class wilderness. The High Coast area has been placed on UNESCO’s World heritage list and is Sweden’s highest coastal area, with mountains plunging dramatically down into the sea. Sundsvall is one of the largest towns in the north, with its annual summer carnival, its concerts, laid-back outdoor cafés and busy shops.
Well-known ski resorts in the area, such as ?re and Fun?sdalen, have also become something of a summer paradise, for adventurers, families and anyone simply wanting to relax in magnificent surroundings. V?sterbotten and Norrbotten stretch north along the Gulf of Bothnia. Here you’ll find the “Nordic Riviera”, which often boasts more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Sweden. The inland areas in these provinces have magnificent mountain ranges and rivers, and spectacular waterfalls.
Eastern Sweden encompasses the island provinces of ?land and Gotland, plus the mainland province of ?sterg?tland.
?land can be reached by bridge from the Hanseatic town of Kalmar. ?land’s long, sandy beaches are well known and together with its unique landscape, ensure that everyone can unwind in a classic holiday setting. Even the Swedish royal family enjoy their summers here.
Like ?land, Gotland has great beaches. Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic, and is dotted with unique “raukar”, which are sea-stacks of sedimentary rock - remnants of ancient coral reefs, standing upright like statues eroded by wind and waves.
No visit to Gotland would be complete without a visit to the well-preserved medieval Hanseatic town of Visby, the island’s main town, with its amazing walls, and World Heritage listing.
?sterg?tland, back on the mainland, has a wonderful archipelago in the east and the spectacular shore of Lake V?ttern in the west.
Attractions include Northern Europe’s largest animal park, Kolm?rden, and important cultural and technological centres such as the university town of Link?ping
Western Sweden encompasses the provinces of Bohusl?n, Dalsland and V?sterg?tland. The friendly maritime city of Gothenburg is a logical starting point from which to explore the region.
North of the city lies the coastal province of Bohusl?n. Bohusl?n is famous for its idyllic fishing villages, wonderful seafood and historic stone carvings.
Further inland lies V?sterg?tland, home of the impressive G?ta Canal, crossing Sweden from coast to coast, through two vast lakes, V?nern and V?ttern and a complex series of locks.
