Travel to Sweden (Europe)

When I told my friends I was visiting Sweden, I lost count of the number of times I heard mangled impressions of the Muppet's Swedish chef or a tragic rendition of Abba's Waterloo.  But fortunately, Sweden has got a lot more going on than funny accents and seventies pop icons and for me it was the lure of encountering wolves in their natural habitat that convinced me a trip north was long overdue.  My trip focussed on the region of Vastmanland – Sweden's prime wolf territory thanks to the vast forests and the large number of moose that call this region home.  I had heard of how Marcus Eldh, Steppes Discovery's naturalist guide was gaining a reputation as Sweden's leading wolf whisperer, with an uncanny talent for tracking wolves and then enticing them close by mimicking their howl.

"Tonight I will be copying the howl of the mother wolf as I know there are pups in this forest...when they hear this howl their curiosity will get the better of them."

His confidence was not misplaced and not only did we hear the wolves howl in response to Marcus' calling that evening, on the following morning a sub-adult wolf appeared no more than 20 metres from where we stood, sent as a scout by the rest of the pack to detect the source of the howls. Those of us in the group that were stifling giggles the night before while Marcus howled like a lupine impostor were forced to acknowledge we were in the presence of somebody with an intriguing skill.

Wolves are persecuted in Sweden and considered a pest by a hunting community that has serious political clout.  Last year, 27 wolves were shot dead by hunters however this was not without sanction from the authorities as additional wolves are soon to be relocated in Sweden from Finland in order to strengthen the fragile gene pool.

When you  feel as passionate about wildlife as we do it is not enough to offer exceptional wildlife holidays without giving something back. By joining forces with local research projects and carefully chosen wildlife charities, Steppes Discovery is able to give privileged insight into the natural world while supporting conservation and local communities.

Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat should be an inspiring and uplifting experience. Travel with Steppes Discovery and you can have these experiences, safe in the knowledge you are travelling sustainably and responsibly.

Stockholm is one of the most progressive cities in the world, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its social policy. Citizens are provided with housing, health care, and educational opportunities, all of which makes for happy, productive people. While taxes may be high, the money they generate is used to create a high quality of life, which makes Stockholm extremely appealing to the many hopeful immigrants that flock there each year. You don't need to move all the way to Sweden to make the most of what Stockholm has to offer; a simple trip will also allow you to experience this utterly unique metropolis.

The weather in Stockholm definitely reflects the seasons, from snowy winters to balmy summers. Spring brings the heaviest flow of tourists to the city, so you might want to wait until summer or fall to visit. Summer, naturally, brings the warmest weather of the year, with temperatures starting at 68 degrees. Fall is considerably cooler, when temperatures range from 41 to 64 degrees. Both of these seasons also include the benefits of fewer people and lower lodging prices, two definite musts for the smart and thrifty traveler.

European travel can be pricey, but in a city known for its fantastic design sense, you don't need to spend a lot of money to stay somewhere stylish. Travel + Leisure Magazine sites Hotel Rival (Mariatorget 3, S-118 91 Stockholm) as one of Stockholm's best hotels. This boutique hotel-owned by former ABBA member Benny Andersson-features 99 beautifully decorated rooms (which start at less than $200 a night for a double), each with 32" plasma screen TVs, CD/DVD players, and wireless internet access. Other amenities include a bar, bistro, caf, and a bakery known for serving up the best bread in the city.

There is much to see and do in Stockholm, including over 100 museums and a wide array of dining and shopping options. One convenient way to experience many of these entertaining possibilities is by purchasing a Stockholm Card online ahead of time. A one-day pass costs about $38 (a two-day pass runs around $59, a three-day pass, $75), and with it you gain admission to 75 of the city's top tourist attractions and unlimited access to its excellent public transportation system, as well as special deals from local shops and restaurants. You can arrange to have your pass mailed to you, or you may pick them up at the Stockholm Tourist Centre (located at Sverigehuset, Hamngatan 27).

Stockholm's many museums target different audiences. There are some specifically geared toward children (such as the International Child Art Museum, located at Vrby All 14 , 143 03 Vrby), while others cater to niche interests, like maritime navigation (such as the Vasa Museum, Galrvarvsvgen 14, 102 52 Stockholm). Keep in mind that museums worldwide are closed on Mondays for maintenance, so make sure to schedule the start date of your Stockholm Card for another day. 

Each museum includes a permanent collection, as well as special visiting exhibits. There are also many dining choices for tourists, featuring cuisine from all corners of the globe, including Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Europe. Shopping options are no less diverse, and visitors are sure to find that Swedish design extends to far more than just home dcor (a la IKEA). Make sure to check out Gamla Stan-an older region of Stockholm-for all your handmade gift needs.

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Helsingborg is another major tourist destination in Sweden. It is the place to go if you are looking forward to a full immersion in cultural delights, bask in the beauty of stunning gardens and survey several centuries-old buildings.

There is no better place to start your Helsingborg tour than from its namesake castle. From the site of the Helsingborg Castle, follow the archway steps that will lead you to the city center. Do be mindful of your surroundings and make necessary stops along the way to fully enjoy the spectacular view of the harbor it affords. As you find yourself in the center of the city, at the main square of Stortoget, you will find the medieval keep of Karnan. The tower is the only structure left of the 14th century castle that once stood here. You can climb up the tower to catch sight of the city's panorama with the sparkling harbor at the background.

From Karnan, you can pass by Fredriksdal's Open Air Museum. It was once a proud 18th century mansion that was transformed into a beautiful museum. Aside from the rare species of plants in its impressive botanical gardens, it also houses farm animals, old houses and a printing museum in the area. It is a great place for the entire family to visit. You will not only enjoy the wonderful gardens and interesting exhibits, you will also learn a lot during your visit. You may also want to cross the short distance from Fredriksdal to Tropikariet. It is a small zoo where you can interact with some exotic animals sans the cages.

For another interesting museum experience, check out Dunkers Kulturhus or the Dunker's Culture House. The museum's exhibits and art galleries are not the only reason for making a stopover. It also hosts various concerts that you might find worth watching. However, if you are looking for a livelier concert scene, you can check out Tivoli where exciting local and foreign bands usually give the audience a great time.

If you are interested in old churches, you can visit the 14th century church of Sankta Maria Kyrka, which served as a haven for plenty of herring fishermen back in the Middle Ages. There is also Raus Kyrka which dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the country.

Of course, you can't miss the crowning glory of all Helsingborg attractions. It is the 19th century Sofiero Castle. Its oceanfront location adds to its charm and romance. However, it is the castle's rhododendrons which make the area the most visited and easily the most favorite of visiting tourists. Timing is key if you want to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of these lovely blooms. Visit during early summer and you will see for yourself why the blooming plantation of rhododendron is a spectacle worth observing. You can also visit the modern art gallery while you are in the area. 

To cap your Helsingborg exploration, how about a tura experience? It simply means dinner on the ferries and is considered a unique Helsingborg experience. An advance booking is recommended to ensure that you have a place reserved for your romantic dinner getaway.

The Aland archipelago, also called Finnish Ahvenanmaa locally, is situated between Finland and Sweden in the south end of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is an autonomous Swedish-speaking province of Finland which has its own administration, flag and stamps. Aland Sea lies in the west of the Aland Islands, which extends between the island and Sweden. Some 40km across to the east is the arm of the sea known as Skiftet. This group consists of around 6,554 islands and stacks, but you can find habitation in only around 80 of these islands. Aland Islands has an area of around 1, 505sq.km with a population of just 24,000 only.

Their main language spoken here is Swedish, even though it has autonomy, they are still a province in Finland. Aland Islands is a part of the crown of Sweden for hundreds of years, just in the same with Finland. Russia got possession of the Aland islands in 1809.  Finland has always accepted the autonomous status of the island and has always extended support, as now they can issue their own stamps. You will notice that the islanders have pride in their land and independence and do not want to be called Finns. The economy of Aland Islands is mainly based on shipping, agriculture and tourism. It is a very popular holiday destination especially with the Swedes.

In case you are planning to travel from Sweden, it's very simple; you just have to the ferry of your choice as there are many ferry departures. You can take it from Grisslehamn, Kapellskar or Stockholm. It is just a two hour ferry ride. In other words going to Aland is pretty speedy and convenient. Because of its location the movement to and fro the island is excellent, that means you can come here from the main cities in Sweden, Finland or Estonia. You have a choice between relaxed sea voyages, a quick flight, or you can even think of coming here on your own boat.

It is the best place for people who want to relax and rewind, but may not find it very suitable if you are looking forward to a very active holiday. Here you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports, boating, fishing, hiking, cycling, art shows and some more like just walking. You can find what you want from romance and relaxation to adventure and activities. This is a city where you can holiday first-class food, shopping and relaxed accommodation, in a hotel or you can even rent a cottage in the serene natural surroundings. It's up to you how you want to have a unique experience holidaying in Aland islands.

Spring is when the nature at the best. You can enjoy one or many of the activities available on the island. The popular activities associated with spring are; visiting museums or art galleries, fishing, paddling, shipwreck diving, cycling and many more. Any one who is a golf buff then he can really take pleasure and enjoy playing at the golf courses, the season begins by May 1st.If you choose to go in winter then skating is a great experience and you can also experience other winter sports here. Working too hard, forget the workdays! Enjoy life; treat yourself to a breathtaking holiday in the Aland archipelago staying in a luxurious holiday villa.