Sweden is a land of
cultural contrast, from the Danish influence of the southwest to the nomadic Laplanders in the wild Arctic north. And while urban Sweden is
stylish, modern and
sophisticated, the countryside offers many simpler pleasures for those in search of
tranquility.
Sweden’s scenery has a
gentler charm than that of neighboring Norway’s rugged coast. Much of Sweden is
forested, and there are thousands of
lakes, notably large stretches of water between
Gothenburg and the capital,
Stockholm. The lakeside resort
of
Östersund, in the center of Sweden, is popular with Scandinavians, but most visitors opt first for the cities and the
Baltic islands: the largest island, Gotland, with its array of ruined medieval churches, is a particular highlight. Another major attraction is the so-called ‘Kingdom of Crystal’, a forested area between Malmö and Stockholm boasting many fine
glassworks.
Historically, Sweden has an interesting story. Its contacts with the outside world began in earnest during
Viking times, when in addition to the well-documented raiding, there was extensive trading around the Baltic, primarily dealing in furs and weaponry.
Swedish connections with the other Scandinavian countries, Norway and Denmark, have been strong since late medieval times. The monarchies of all three are closely linked, and at various times, one king or queen has ruled over more than one of the countries. Indeed, Norway only fully shed Swedish control for the last time in the early years of the 20th century.
The land and its people have an air of reserved calm, and while best known for its automotive and musical exports -
Volvo and
Abba are household names - a strong
historical undertone bubbles close beneath the surface. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Stockholm, where dozens of
museums, medieval and baroque edifices housing boutiques and cafes overlook the attractive harbor.
GeographySweden is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast, with a long Baltic coast to the east and south. Approximately half the country is forested and most of the many thousands of lakes are situated in the southern central area. The largest lake is Vänern, with an area of 5,540 sq km (2,140 sq miles). Swedish Lapland to the north is mountainous and extends into the Arctic Circle.
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