Sweden - overview
The largest of the Scandinavian countries
and arguably the most geographically diverse,
Sweden boasts a staggering 100,000 lakes.
It borders on Norway in the west, on Finland
in the north-east, on the Gulf of Bothnia
in the east, on the Baltic Sea in the south.
Much of the country is sparsely inhabited,
with Lapland lying beyond the Arctic Circle
and Norrland consisting of some of the densest
forest in Europe. The country that brought
you IKEA, Greta Garbo and Absolut Vodka can
almost be forgiven for letting the smorgasbord,
the Volvo and all those zinc-creamed tennis
fans out.
Visitors can experience the magic of age-old
traditions, historical sites and breathtaking
settings in practically every part of this
unique country. The most popular tourist
destination is the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
The grand old city by the water is known
for its unique wonders such as the Vasa Ship;
its elegance and grandeur, typified by the
Royal Palace and surrounds, and its wonderfully
preserved Old Town, "Gamla Stan",
with 13th-century roots, subterranean vaults,
church spires and narrow, cobbled laneways.
Just a short distance to the north of Stockholm,
lies the town of Uppsala, with its colossal
Cathedral - not only Scandinavia's largest
but also tallest church. Uppsala is a university
town, steeped in academic tradition. A walk
through the old town dominated by its churches,
castle views and dignified old centres of
learning, are balanced by open gardens, parks
and canal views. |
