What to See In: Sweden: Stockholm Gothenburg Malmö ...

Visiting Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is famous for being modern and liberal with a high standard of living for the people of the country.  Conservation, environmental protection, and energy efficiency are high on the priority list for this country and embraced by the general populace, making this a clean and naturally friendly place to visit and live. 

The History

The history of many European cultures can be told through the excavations and discoveries about the earliest cultures that settled there.  Some of the first real evidence of people living in Sweden was left by early hunter-gatherers and farmers in the forms of farming tools, fired pottery, and the remnants of settlements.  They developed amazing megalithic graves, and were eventually followed by single-grave people who were also known for their stone axes. 

Invaders and settlers arrived from all over the place due to the huge water access to the Swedish area, which led to a great deal of cultural mingling as evidenced by the archeological finds in the area.  It was not until the Viking Age, however, that it is thought that the first Kings of Sweden emerged and the area rose from an illiterate state to the use of runes.  Remains of flourishing market towns from this time period have likewise been excavated, showing that the Viking Age was also host to flourishing trade.

The beginnings of what we think of now as modern Sweden were thought to have come about around the time of the protestant uprising in Europe.  In the early sixteenth century, Gustav Vasa was named King of Sweden after the nobility of the Kingdom rose up against King Christian II of Denmark who had taken Sweden by force of arms then ordered a massacre of Swedish nobles. 

Learn all about the history of this amazing country as you explore some of the 300 museums throughout the kingdom.  You will delight in the culture and art that is displayed in these many museums, and you will run out of time before you run out of new things to explore in these many museums.

The Land

The northernmost part of Sweden is composed of mostly forests and mountains, and is quite rugged and beautiful in nature.  The next part of Sweden is known as Svealand, and the glacial ridges of the area hold most of the 90,000 lakes of Sweden.  If it sounds like a perfect area for fishing, you’re probably right.  Continue to head south and you will slowly emerge out of the woods and into the agricultural area of Sweden where the farmland can sometimes stretch unbroken for miles.

Hunting and fishing are both great pastimes in the countryside, and the many lakes make it easy to have an uninterrupted and utterly solitary experience if that is what you desire.  Be careful, though, as they are not really fit for swimming due to the frigid waters – watch the kids to keep them from diving in to inviting-looking waters. 

Don’t Miss

If you are going to Sweden, you have to visit Stockholm.  The capitol of the Kingdom is a beautiful city, full of life and with plenty to explore.  There is everything there for you, from food and shopping to amazing galleries and museums for everyone to explore.  This amazing city is spread out of fourteen islands connected by bridges and boats in the water. 

Sweden is not only a beautiful country, it is one that is full to the brim with wonderful history and fascinating culture for you to enjoy.  There is no place like it in the world, as you will find out when you visit. 

Sweden's Major Cities

• Stockholm
• Gothenburg
• Malmö
• ...