Travel to Sweden (Europe)

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.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and part of the Stockholm Municipality, is located on Swedens East Coast where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea. There are numerous high-tech companies headquartered here. In spite of a full four season climate that includes substantial rain, tourism has doubled since 1991. So, there must be something about its people and places to attract so many visitors. Heres a look at Stockholms luxury hotels, best restaurants, and what to see and do while visiting. The progressive city is on the rise and definitely a worthy destination for world travelers to notch on their boards.

Luxury Hotels in Stockholm

The First Hotel Reisen has been a center of refined hospitality since the 1700s. Aside from offering the best view of Old Town Stockholm from its waterfront location, there is the sauna, the swimming pool, and the sensational restaurant all set beneath 17th century vaults. The Victory Hotel is part of the Bengtsson familys hotel chain. It is named after the English naval hero Lord Nelsons flagship the HMS Victory. Adjacent to Victory Hotel is the renowned restaurant, Leijontornet (the Lion Tower), which is named after a 14th century fortification wall that is on display in the main dining room. The decor of each room has a little captain in it with a portrait of Lord Nelson. Good Lord! The Hilton Stockholm Slussen is located in the center of Stockholm.

It, too, offers incredible views of Old Town Stockholm. The hotel was noted for being the best business hotel in 2003. The gym and sauna are world class facilities. Additionally, the hotel is a civic leader for its commitment to environmental safety issues.

Best Restaurants in Stockholm

Den Gyldene Freden is an 18th century establishment of great historic and epicurean proportions. The esteemed Swedish Academy holds its meetings here for members to enjoy the restaurants well made local dishes. Lux Stockholm is annually commended in the highly valued Michelin Guide for its excellent seasonal offerings and service. Renowned architect Peter Hallen designed crystal lamps to lighten up our tables and color changing walls. Wardshuset Ulla Winbladh is an open air restaurant that serves gourmet lunches and dinners of Swedish fare. Due to the eaterys enormous popularity, making reservations in advance is strongly advised. The owners have five additional restaurants in Stockholm.

To Do in Stockholm

Checking out the Kulturhuset Cultural Centre is a good way to get better acquainted with the citys cultural offerings. There are exhibitions, theatre, dance, music, and other types of performing arts. Additionally, there is a library with a reading lounge and several restaurants in the vicinity. Skansen Open Air Museum is an open air museum that presents 150 historical buildings of Sweden. The museum was founded in 1891. There also is a zoo with wild and tame Nordic animals onsite. The Skansen hosts many annual festivities and events. Here is a place where kids of all ages remain young and foolish forever. The Tivoli Grona Lund is among the favorite amusement parks with its adrenaline pumping roller coasters. The entertainment center proudly proclaims that it has the highest free fall ride in all of Europe. It is a big on fun boutique amusement park with approximately 30 compelling attractions.

Notes on Stockholm

What has six stories and 100 separate departments under one roof? It is the Nordiska Kompaniet. Many call this the greatest shopping center in the world. Products by Hermes, Mulberry, Prada, and YSL are represented as well as an array of well known Swedish brands, such as J Lindeberg and Flippa K. The majestic food market is fit to be graced by royalty with a variety of pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants. This is a favorite destination of the locals.