Travel to Sweden (Europe)

As the third largest city in Sweden, Malmo is a popular place to visit in Scandinavia. The city is one of the region's earliest industrial towns; however, the age of post-industrialism has seen Malmo transformed from a hub of manufacturing into a large university town which boasts an impressive world of arts, education and culture.

If you're visiting Malmo and you want to see the city's most interesting sights, why not visit Malmohus Castle? Located to the west of Malmo's old city, this building was first built in 1437 by Erik of Pomerania, before being inhabited by the kings of Denmark in the 1500s and used as a prison until 1914. Today, it is a history and art museum, as well as an aquarium and a terrarium that attracts a range of visitors.

Additionally, when you're in Malmo, make sure you visit the Mollevangstorget Square, located south of the city centre and which plays host to an open-air market every weekend. Malmo's newest landmark - the Turning Torso - is well worth a visit too. Completed in 2005, Malmo's Turning Torso is, at 190m tall, the tallest building in Scandinavia and is visible from almost any part of the city. It even has a waterfront promenade and a state-of-the-art skate park.

Malmo's cultural attractions will also be of interest to any tourist in the city, whether you pride yourself on being an active culture vulture or you're merely looking for interesting things to do in Malmo. The Municipal Theatre, for instance, was inaugurated in 1944 and began as a repertory; however, during the 1950s, legendary Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman became its Director and Chief Stage Director and made the institution the site of one of the most important art scenes in the whole of Sweden. Today, the theatre showcases all forms of stage performance, from ballet to opera, and musical recitals to diverse theatrical experiments.

Furthermore, since the 1970s Malmo has also played host to a diversity of musical scenes and talents. Malmo has a long history of rock, dance and dub music, and recent musicians to have played in the city include the likes of B.B. King, Morrissey and Australian signer-songwriter Nick Cave. If you're planning to visit Malmo, you'll find plenty of hotels in Malmo, from which you'll be able to enjoy all that this exciting city has to offer. Take a trip to Malmo for a Scandinavian city adventure with a difference - you won't be disappointed!

The Kingdom of Sweden lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is a rich, ecologically friendly, progressive nation with a high standard of living. It offers much for tourists to see and do, both in the cities and countryside.

1.) Vasa Museum

In this museum in Stockholm rests the fruit of some remarkable engineering labor, the seventeenth-century warship Vasa. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 in Stockholm's harbor and was recovered in 1961. The only extant example of the period's ship architecture, the resurrected skeleton, is exhibited along with relics recovered with it.

2.) Stockholm

Sweden's capital city is replete with museums. Aside from the Vasa museum, one can also visit the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Nordic Museum. There are also many examples of historical architecture scattered throughout the city including the Riddarholmskyrkan church, the oldest building in Stockholm, and every district and every neighborhood of this high-tech city has its own unique character, developed through the years.

3.) Liseburg Amusement Park

With over 80 percent of its population living in urban centers, it comes as no surprise that Sweden's cities are well-developed to meet the needs of their denizens. In Gothenburg, treat yourself to a visit to one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Nearby, you will find the Scandinavian, a large area which can seat up to 12,000, as well as the Trade Fair and Valhalla Baths.

4.) Gothenburg

This city is the largest port in Scandinavia, the destination of many flights and ship traffic. Close to a million citizens live here, and the city has an enormous range of attractions to keep a tourist busy. Take a stroll in the scenic Castle Wood Park, or view the masters at the Museum of Art, or listen to music from a variety of genres, from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra to the death metal band Dark Tranquility.

5.) Hiking

The largely untouched expanse of Sweden's northern regions gives rise to a rugged beauty that makes the place perfect for many outdoor activities such as hiking. Swedish law provides the right of public access for anyone provided that they respect both other people and nature. Biking is also a popular pastime here.

6.) Boating

Since the country has over 24,000 islands, 100,000 lakes and rivers, and a long coastline, boating and sailing are integral parts of everyday Swedish life. Many tours can be found to take you sightseeing around the Swedish archipelago. Of particular interest to the tourist is the Gota Canal, but there are lots more locations that are also interesting to the watercraft-bound traveler, and boat rentals are easily obtained, and they can come with or without a skipper.

7.) Linkoping Cathedral

Stop by this masterpiece in Ostergotland to steep yourself in history and gaze upon a superb example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is the burial place of a fifteenth-century bishop, and is also decorated with priceless paintings gifted by King John III. Visitors can also see rare manuscripts at the Diocesan Library and drop by the Bishop's Palace, which are nearby.

8) Skiing

Sweden offers some of the finest locations for skiing aficionados, especially in the mountainous north. In Lapland, one can find the Hemavan. This is a great ski destination for those who are looking for vast areas and mountainous locations.

9.) The Arefjallen Resort

The Arefjallen resort boasts of more than a hundred kilometers of ski runs. It is considered as the world's largest downhill ski race. This ski race is held there every April.

10.) Riksgransen

Riksgransen is in the extreme north of the country. It is known for its snowboarding championships and 24/7 skiing during the spring. During the spring, it seems that the sun doesn't go below the horizon, truly a sight to see!

A visit to Sweden which is the largest of the Scandinavian countries is a must if you enjoy old world country punctuated with sophisticated city life and cultural activities. Sweden travel advice would focus mostly on the delightful must see places as well as which months are coldest if this is a concern for one or alternatively if you are looking for beauty and ice skating.

Although most of Sweden is covered by rich green forest, and caressed by sparkling lakes, it is punctuated with bustling clean cities of organized beauty. Stockholm bears testimony to this fact, with its gorgeous waterfront, pristine lake and friendly people. Most of the inhabitants are fluent in English which is a great help to any lonely or lost traveler. So a visit to Stockholm should be on ones top ten to see list

If medieval charm and Renaissance beauty is your thing, visit Gamla which is both charming and beautiful. The buildings are gorgeous in their past era elegance, and the winding roads which flow between then a delight to walk. In summer the country is bathed in light up until midnight which means a bit of additional sight see time.

A lot of travelers and citizens alike, use cycling as a way to get around, and why not amidst such splendor? so do consider hiring a cycle for the day to get in as much as you can while invigorating the soul. Besides most could do with a bit of casual exercise.

If it is picnics or walks you are after, most of Sweden pays host to this activity but try Haga Park for its relaxing spa like environment. Fishing and canoeing is also popular in one of the many pristine lakes, so if this is your focus make sure to dress warmly between November and April as these are very cold months. Better for ice skaters and purveyors of beautiful scenery as most of Stockholm is covered in a cool white blanket of snow.

As well as these tempting outdoor activities, Sweden also offers a rich night life. Whether you are culturally inclined or just simply want to party the night away.

Tuck into Sweden's substantial cuisine which consists mostly of Pork, Beef and crayfish, covered in rich gravy. Alongside this the swedes prefer a tangy or sour taste so longoberry jam is used with these dishes. Breads of all shapes and sizes are served, with big helpings of potatoes. This helps to ward off the winter chills and set you up for the day. But you can also order a good Pizza in Sweden too.

Your Sweden visit would not be complete without a visit to the Kulturhuset which means house of culture. A great cluster of books stores, art shops coffee houses where culture and art is discussed and exhibited, so should be featured in on your Sweden travel advice booklet. Particularly if you are a culture vulture. Sweden has both night and day travel delights to offer one can only try to savor them all.

Sweden's rich history that includes the Viking Ages lasted briefly between the eighth and eleventh century. Many believed that the Vikings traveled only East and South of present day Sweden. This would take the soldiers to present day Finland, the Baltic countries, Russia, Belarus, The Ukraine and quite possibly as far as the Black Sea. There routes took them down south past Constantinople where they performed numerous raids.

Many people feared the Vikings but one individual general took interest in their great prowess and wanted to use it to his benefit. The Vikings spoke of to their expeditions as "merchant journeys". Theopolis, the Byzantine Emperor admired their war skills and summoned them to serve has his private guard. One Arabic writer comment on the Vikings as "the perfect physical specimens. Big, blonde and ruddy. They wear neither caftans or tunics, but the men wear a garment that covers one side of the body and leaves a hand free. Every man has an axe, sword and knife and keeps each by him at all times. Their swords are broad and grooved, sort of a Frankish sort."

Rune stones in Sweden memorialize many of the Swedish Vikings escapades. The Greece and Varangian Rune stones in particular. They also took routes westward which are commiserated on English Rune stones.  Their last escapade appears to be ill fated. It took the barbarians to Serkland led by Ingvar the Far-Travelled, the region south-east of the Caspian Sea. There are Ingvar Rune stones, which mention no survivors of this excursion. What happened to the crew is not known.  The general belief is that they all perished due to a sickness that spread through the crews' population.

The Scandinavian Viking Age documents a flourishing country of trade centers. An important trade center in the Baltic area during the ninth and tenth centuries there have been remains found of reflecting the Vikings had a large harbor with shipbuilding yards and handcraft industries.  During this time trade brought an abundance of silver.

Christianity was made known to the Vikings in the year 829. However, paganism was not fully substituted by Christianity up until almost 400 years later. Rivalry and domestic skirmishes marred the Nordic's from 1100-1400k, nearly 300 hundred years. Sweden also began to expand into Finland throughout this time era. Feudalism never progressed in Sweden as it did the remainder of Europe throughout this time. Because feudalism wasn't stretched across Sweden, their large populace of peasants persisted as a free class of farmers. Slavery was rare in Sweden and with acceptance of Christianity, what small amount there was Christianity thrust out of the region. In addition, slaves were problematic to obtain from the lands west of the Baltic Sea and the expansion of cities found no need for slave labor.  Serfdom and slavery were mutually abolished by decree of King Magnus Erickson in 1335. The peasantry absorbed the former slaves and they converted to laborers in the towns.

Even with the growth of towns and abolishment of slavery and serfdom, Sweden persisted to be a deprived economically backward kingdom. Their chief form of exchange continued to be bartering. The Black Death struck Sweden in the 14th century and annihilated the population. During this period Sweden and Norway were combined and under the queen of Denmark in 1397, Sweden, Norway and Denmark were all united. However, though combined, the Danish aristocracy was unable to control the Swedish nobility.