Travel to Sweden (Europe)

Welcome to Sweden, the land of the extremes. In here the sun rises at 3:30am in summer and sets at 3:30pm in winter. It is the home of the largest ice cream restaurant in the world which makes ice cream out of dry ice. And now, it will be the home of the hottest flip-flops in the world – Havaianas Sweden. We are here to cater the footwear needs of every Swedish Citizen. Havaianas offers the extreme for extreme people. Get extreme deals on extreme on extremely elegant and comfortable shoes, sandals and the extremely famous Havaianas flip flops.

Getting around Sweden is not that hard specially when you are on Havaianas. You can take these suggestions if you’re planning a visit:

Sweden is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund. Most of Sweden has temperate climate with four distinct seasons and mild temperature throughout the year. It mainly hosts three climates oceanic climate, humid continental climate and subarctic climate.

It is warm and drier than other countries based on same latitude; because of its high latitude length of daylight varies greatly. Snowfall occurs from December through March in Southern Sweden.

Smedsuddsbadet: Smedsuddsbadet is really sandy beach, located near capital. "Located on Kungsholmen (metro: Fridhemsplan) by the calm waters of Riddarfjärden, the beach is very popular with locals and is perfect for al fresco lunching." Says thelocalse.

Skutberget: located on northern shore of Lake Vanern, this is well known beach in Karlstad. You can enjoy accompanying background like football, mountain biking, hiking and sauna and playground for kids.

Varamon: You like to be there having cafes, restaurants and ice cream kiosks frontline beaches. You will have water sports like windsurfing, volleyballs and kayaking. "The "Pearl of Vättern" in Motala boasts 80 more hours of sun on average per year than the rest of the country." Says Varamon.

Tylösand: This is 7km long sand beach, having its golf course and Hotell Tylosand. It had small houses, which have been converted to expensive villas preferred by famous and rich families. You will have tons of restaurants, fast food stands and ice cream vendors, trade in area.

Skanör-Falsterbo: You will have rocking nightlife with nightclubs, jazz. Children can enjoy with its shallow waters.Upmarket seaside resort links the white windswept beaches of these Skanian twin towns.

Ribersborg: "Real city beach in downtown Malmö with wooden piers jutting out into shallow waters.
Ribersborg has everything a visitor could need for pure relaxation: from restaurants, showers, green areas and barbecues to the famous old bathing house." Says thelocal.

Every now and then, it is normal for everyone to crave something different and out of the way. One day, you might wake up and for no apparent reason feel like skipping work and spending the day at the movies instead. Or this need for variation may be exhibited in small, somewhat insignificant ways such as opting to order a cold latte with whipped cream instead of the usual hot decaf latte you start your mornings with or wearing white socks instead of the usual black.

Travel and vacations are considered by many as the ultimate form of deviating from the common daily routines we usually lead since it is on vacation and travel that we see new sights, meet new people, and experience new things. However, even vacationing and traveling can take on a humdrum vibe through repetition and consistency. Even you might feel bored with your vacations and travels if you visit a beach every summer, rent a cottage in the woods every winter or have dinner at a hotel every Valentine's day.

Of course, the answer to how you can make vacations and travels more interesting is by injecting some variation and seeking the unusual. One such city that can certainly give you a one-of-a-kind vacation and travel experience like none other is the capital city of Sweden called Stockholm. Take hotels for instance. Most of the rather resemble one another, a five star hotel in this street may be quite identical with the other on the next block. So here's a list of the top 5 most unusual hotels in Stockholm City that are guaranteed to give a pleasant and surprising twist to your usual vacations and travels.

Langholmen Hotel, Stockholm

This first unusual Stockholm hotel is not for the faint of heart. The main construction which is now called the langholmen Hotel, Stockholm was actually built for an entirely different purpose before it was converted into a hotel. Like a hotel, it once housed several “guests” too, although the reason why they are there are not really their decision and they cannot come and go as they please like in a normal hotel. Yes, the facilities which is now called the Langholmen Hotel in Stockholm was once a prison.

The Olde Crown Prison that once housed miscreants of all sorts now has a more inviting atmosphere to it since it was transformed into a hotel. Although the thick concrete walls and the heavy iron doors still remain, a lot of added comforts and conveniences, a touch of color and an overwhelming sense of history and curiosity has made this former prison a hotel you would not want to escape from.


Nordic Sea Hotel

The Nordic Sea Hotel is another Stockholm hotel that piques can easily pique the interest of tourists, travelers and vacationers. This Stockholm hotel is called the Nordic Sea Hotel because of the existence of a large, impressively noticeable aquarium in the hotel that houses hundreds of colorful fishes, plants and other marine animals.

And the presence of the Absolut IceBar definitely boosts up the popularity of the hotel too. You may need fur coats and mittens though because the entire bar, from floor to ceiling and even the glasses, are made from ice.

Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen

If you think a life at sea is both romantic and adventurous, then you might want to stay at the Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen hostel in Stockholm. The hostel is actually found in a boat, or rather the hostel is a boat. A British ship more than a century ago set is anchors along the shores of Sweden and several decades later, it was converted to the hostel we now know as the Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen. You are sure to get a good night's sleep in this Stockholm hotel since the waves of the Lake Malaren would rock you to sleep.

Nordic Light Hotel

If ice bars and humongous aquariums do not pique your curiosity, then maybe the enchanting northern lights would. Experience a dazzling vacation if you check-in at the Nordic Light Hotel also in Stockholm since the entire hotel is based upon the beauty and fascination that the northern lights are popular for. You can easily change the mood and color of your own hotel suite or room by changing the lights at the Nordic Light Hotel. If you're feeling light, a golden yellow lighting may be great and if you want to add a touch of romance, soft pink lights are perfect.

Vanadis Hotel & Bad

And finally, there is also the unusual and historic Vanadis Hotel & Bad which was made from a bathing facility. Bath houses are popular during the early 20th and late 19th century and one of these bath houses was converted into a hotel when the concept slowly lost popularity. The bath house theme is still present and can be seen at the amazing Vanadis Hotel pool area.

For more Stockholm hotel information, whether unusual or not, visit www.Stockholm.net now!

Swedish Companies have always been known for innovation, style, simplicity, and function. That is the trademark stamp of most Swedish companies that are globally known. Think of Ikea and its simple and affordable furniture store which has become the choice outlet for people who are moving into their first residences being it their homes, condominiums, dormitories or apartments. Ericsson is still a leader of cell phones so much so that it was bought by Sony and their partnerships have produced mobile phone products that take a sizeable chunk of the global market in that niche. 

Volvo has been a pioneer when it comes to car safety design. They were the first to put seat belts on their vehicles, air bags, and anti-locking brakes for all wheels. Although Volvo cars in the early 80's were being ridiculed for their boxiness in car design, they did celebrate this condition by countering with stating that their cars were safe. Their unyielding commitment to safety has been emulated by other car manufacturers ever since and they are the car of choice when it comes to choosing cars because of its safety and reliability.

Another company that may not be well known outside of their niche is Thule. Thule is the leading and premium brand when it comes to Car Racks, Ski Carriers, Rooftop Boxes and Bikes mounts for cars whether it be roof or rear mounted. And within the last decade or so, thule has branched out into Snow chains, RV Accessories, Towing Systems and Organized Solutions. Thule is a company that essentially makes products better through long lasting intuitive designs, timeless aesthetics of outdoor products and of an outdoor lifestyle. It is probably the Swedish penchant for outdoor activities that led to the founding of this company.

Sweden is known for its great and many camping sites during the summer and equally interesting and challenging ski slopes and cross country skiing areas in the winter. In looking at the designs made by the Thule company in their products, there is that signature Swedish style impressed on their wares: simple, functional, minimalist and yet long lasting. Such designs are made by engineers and designers collaborating on making products better by engineering them to be simple, as more complicated parts tend to complicate things, lightweight yet made of the sturdiest materials possible. If you are a weekend outdoors buff who likes to go places to mountain bike, kayak, ski or snow board, you would know the value of a thule product is.

Sweden is maybe famous as the nation on the midnight sun, the birthplace of ABBA, the Volvo plus the Saab, and one of the world's most peaceful nations (it has not engaged in war in 200 years) With such a reputation, Sweden is difficult to beat as a traveler magnet.

The capital city, Stockholm, is without an uncertainty one or more of the world's finest and most pleasurable. Vacationers flock on the city for its shops, nightclubs, waterways, museums and parks. It really is fascinating to note that though Stockholm is unquestionably modern and first-world, between its attractions is an old town with medieval, cobblestone streets. This is Gamla Stan, a charming, labyrinthine complex of souvenir stores and ice-cream parlors which can be each and every visitor's delight.

Yet another must-see in Stockholm is Skansen, an open-air museum charmingly situated upon a hilltop. First opened in 1891, it now has on display 150 classic conventional houses that reflect Swedish lifestyle in previous generations. These houses have inhabitants appropriately clothed in period costumes, making for a spectacular scene hardly found elsewhere globally.

Stockholm, as is all of Sweden generally, is ideal for outdoor pursuits. The most common leisure pursuits are skiing, canoeing, hiking and cycling. Berry picking, when the season permits, is a smaller amount known but also counts as another preferred activity. While cycling or hiking, a single may possibly pass through fields of stone graves or perhaps even trod more than an historic king's burial mound. These are evidence of Sweden's much more warlike past, when Vikings pillaged total villages a extremely far cry from the present peaceful and neutral stance adopted through the region.

The optimum time to visit Sweden is between June to September, when the conditions are at its finest. It is significant to note that daylight varies greatly throughout Sweden. In Stockholm in December, the sun usually sets as soon as 3 pm. Swedish may be the national language, but nearly all Swedes speak good English. Several Swedes are thoughts to be heavy coffee drinkers who in addition have a fondness for vodka. The world-famous Absolut Vodka originates in Sweden. On the downside, the cost of everyday living in Sweden is quite high. Still, cheaper alternatives are readily available if one looks for them.

Sweden can be termed as an architect of modern design pioneering many of the international designs in architecture and clothing across the world. Tourists can find varieties of hotels to stay in. Tourists can opt for cheaper hotels or high end hotels as per the tourist's taste and budget. Sweden has comfortable means of transportation within the city and between cities. Visitors have plenty of hot tourist spots to visit.

Shopping in Sweden can be scheduled for weekdays before 7 pm in the night. It is advised to keep off the shopping agenda on Sundays as most of the shops remain closed on Sundays. Few of the shops open on Sundays operate in the noon between 12 noon and 4 pm which is not ideal shopping time for many home revelers. Shops remain closed on Public holidays and it is better to do shopping well before closing time on the day before a public holiday as most of the shops close early.

Shopping in Sweden is in vogue for items such as cutlery, china clay items, sports items, handicrafts and many forms of jewelry items. It helps to know Swedish a bit if bargain hunting is your favorite haunt. Look out for words such as "REA", "Extrapris" and "Fynd" which means there is a sale, red price labels and discounts, special offers. Visitors to Sweden should not miss the opportunity to shop for high quality glass and crystals and low cost bargains are available across leading major glasswork shops. Discounts on ceramics are available for 40% below the retail price.

The wilderness landscapes of Sweden remain one of Europe's best kept secrets for those looking for an away-from-it-all holiday break. In Sweden you have one of the biggest, most beautiful wilderness landscapes in Europe and possible the world: a natural paradise of rolling fields. lush evergreen forests, pristine fish-filled lakes and beautiful coastline with its famous fjords to complete the picture.

For the people of Sweden, nature is there to be worshipped, and much is done to ensure that access to its delights is maintained and supported. Just 1.5% of the land in Sweden is developed for urban living, leaving the remainder unspoiled, hardly touched and fully accessible to those who look for its peace and challenges alike. Swedish law allows 'Right of Public Access', enabling anyone to explore. more or less anywhere. This means there is much to find for an experienced wilderness adventurer, weekend rambler or a regular city dweller just looking for a change of pace.

There are many ways to take advantage of the opportunities given by the great landscapes of Sweden. You can of course enjoy a gentle walk or cycle through wide-open countryside and medieval villages; you can trek into wilds, swim the endless lakes or sail on the waterways. Horseriding is popular, canoeing and rafting is always attractive, and for the golf enthusiast there are courses in some of the most stunning locations.

After it long winters, Sweden's wild landscapes come into their own in summer and the whole nation embraces the outdoor lifestyle. The Summer days are warem with much of sunshine and of course the daylight hours are almost never-ending under the evening light of the midnight sun. This adds new dimensions to an evening dip in a sun-warmed lake or a peaceful evening cruise.

The accommodation choice for holidays in Sweden is varied but always engaging. You can stay in the depths of the countryside in a rural inns, family-run hotels, converted farmhouses or splendid countryside castles. For a 3 night break, for example, the Hackeberga Slott is a beautiful 16th century castle surrounded in woodland and countryside, with amenities for outdoor activities available for horseriding, walking, fishing and water-borne activity all conveniently available to make full use of the time. For those with more time to explore, a tour of the Western Archipelago including its outlying islands is an ideal way to see the peaceful beauty of a holiday idyll just waiting to be discovered.

The Sweden universities system is one of the best regarded academic systems in in Northern Europe. Sweden has approximately five-hundred masters degree programs in the English language, everything from law to humanities. Programs are put together to meet enrollees needs. One good thing is that overseas enrollees are welcome and grants is also present.

At present the public back universities charge no tuition a practice which is good public relations for the country. Why? Because it makes students who would otherwise study someplace else attend university there. As a lesser known fairly isolated country, this is wise to address. Swedish Universities History The right tuition free college or school is often found in Europe, where this educational scheme has a long and successful history. One example of a tuition free college is the University of Gothenburg or Karolinska University -see best-in-class list if colleges in Finland opportunities here.

Pupils who want to study in Sweden can come across multiple advantages in the form of globally acclaimed universities, reasonable costs of study, and blend of so many cultures. Furthermore, get you enthralled in the midst of picturesque landscapes. The country that enjoys strong government backing with subsidized higher studies is home to some world-class universities like Chalmers University of Technology, Blekinge Institute of Technology, University of Gothenburg and Boras, and Uppsala University.

Numerous undergraduate courses in Sweden call for good skillfulness in the Swedish language. So, it may be troublesome for those not having this particular skill. However, there are some institutions that can solver your language barrier with their all-English undergraduate programs. As far as student accommodation is concerned, a large number of individuals prefer university housing to private housing because of low costs and proximity to universities. Broadly speaking, study in Sweden can prove to be a lifetime experience for pupils.

Learn about the different degree programs that the Sweden colleges offer. In particular, engineering, business, law and political science related subjects are very popular. Yo should see which of these programs from the right Swedish colleges actually suits you. Evaluate yourself, list your interest - your likes, dislikes, academic budget and the like. Double check them with the degree programs to find out which one is for you.

Colleges in Sweden are known for being student centered. This is to facilitate more learning in preparation for the real world. They cater to their students' needs which in turn motivates the student to yearn for more learning. This definitely explains why there are a number of foreign students in Sweden's colleges. In fact, this is one of the top Northern European destinations for students who want to study abroad.

Sweden is also known as the land of Vikings but despite of this older era introduction, Sweden has got some very best cities in the world. These cities are very different from other polluted cities of the world as they are full of lush greenery and open areas. Long days of Sweden’s summer give you so much of time to closely watch some of the best cities of the world. Following are the best cities of Sweden.

Stockholm

This city has got the repute to be the Venice of northern Europe. The reason is that this city is also built on the water and entire city is full of canals and waterways. This city presents its best colors in summer season. The secret about Stockholm is that instead of marshland, this city is the collection of hundreds of small islands. Despite of so much of water in and around the city, this city is far more clean than any other cosmopolitan city of the world and most part can be seen either providing workspace or land for residences. As far as sight seeing is concerned, once you get familiar with the city, you will see that this city has so much to offer.

In the entire city, the real Stockholm can be viewed in the Sodermalm area. This area puts behind the modern areas of this city and shows the actual Stockholm hidden in the past. Just by side of this area there are many genuinely old pubs. These pubs are famous because they also act as shops selling all the eccentric pieces of arts available in Sweden. During summer season, this area of Sodermalm becomes even more lively as many temporary outdoor cafes are opened here giving a very friendly feel to the visitors.

Karlskrona

This city can also be called as the biggest competitor of Russia’s St. Petersburg. This city of Karlskrona has been declared as the historical city and is full of maritime history of Sweden. Naval attractions of this city include museums, submarines and a huge variety of ships from contradictory areas.

Other than those naval spots, city has lots more to offer to the visitors coming there. The older part of city is very extravagantly designed whether in architecture, streets or parks area. There is nothing which is particularly famous but despite of this city is itself a very popular destination. People come here in summer season just to shun off their tiredness and get energized once again.

Gothenburg

This city is the second biggest city of Sweden first being the Stockholm. It is situated on the western coast of Sweden in the province called Vastergotland. This city is full of attractive sites for the tourists and the most famous one is situated in the southern part of the city. Its name is Archipelago. This is actually a group of islands within the city borders and anyone can go there by boats. This city has the biggest amusement park of all the Scandinavian countries and it is called ‘the Liseberg’. Very close to this amusement park is the science discovery center called ‘the Universeum’. Trams are the most effective way to travel in this city of Sweden. Other than trams, you can also enjoy the ride on the biggest light rail of northern Europe.

It seems that the world financial crisis is almost on its way out and a sure sign of this is the decrease in unemployment statistics that are recorded on a quarterly or a monthly basis. This indicator is a sign of the increase of business confidence. Businesses feel that they are stable enough to hire people predicting in a rise or gain in sales over the next period. The other way governments help to get out of a seeming recession is to create jobs through infrastructure projects. Governments can also promote their own local companies in exporting their products through other incentives such as tax breaks and promotional aid in trade fairs and shows.

Different governments have different ways in attracting people to work in their countries. To work in Sweden for example, priority is given to their citizens naturally, and to members of the European Union. But more importantly than that, you must have a work permit. To have this, you must have a standing work offer from a company based in Sweden. This company must have advertised this job vacancy in the European Union papers and in the local papers as well. Their offer must be in accordance to a collective agreement or a customary term for that type of work or occupation, based on the standards of the specific industry. 

This company must have also given the union that represents that industry time to state an opinion on the terms of employment, which generally means that they approve of this employment. If one is working for less than 3 months, then a work permit is only required but anything more than that, a residency permit is also needed. The residency permit is granted by the Migration Board who has the power to deny your permit to stay. Before the internet, you could apply for such permits at a Swedish Consulate or Embassy. These days, you can file for an application for a residency permit online. The nice thing about the residency permit is that if your employment is scheduled for more than two years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

There are some organizations that also help you get a temporary job in the country. One of these organizations is a student run organization called AIESEC which was founded in 1948 to deal with the temporary manpower shortage of managers after the Second World War. With this organization, some fees may be discounted especially if the trainee is a fresh student graduate. Whatever the reasons may be, work in Sweden should be something interesting especially for those not based in Europe.