Northern Lights @ Kiruna

TRAVEL TIPS

Sweden-is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9^th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.

Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.

Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the Schengen countries. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to Sweden consulate website: www.vfsglobal.se/UAE/. Sweden is part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.

Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.

Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.

Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.

Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travellers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.

Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.

Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.

Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.

Things do & see:

Stockholm- the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.

Gothenburg- a major city in Sweden, is situated off the Göta älv river on the country’s west coast. An important seaport, it’s known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards like the Avenyn, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops. Liseberg is a popular amusement park with themed rides, performance venues and a landscaped sculpture garden.

Malmo- is a coastal city in southern Sweden. It lies at the eastern end of the striking Öresund Bridge, a long road and railway bridge–tunnel running to Copenhagen, Denmark. In the city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts. Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, houses nature, history and art exhibits.

Umea- It’s not hard to understand why Umeå was the European Capital of Culture in 2014. The locals are in love with culture and as a visitor it’s easy to access the rich cultural life. In winter the annual Sami week, a celebration of Sami culture, art, music, culture and language. In summer, thrilling festivals and events like Brännbollsyran and Umeå Live attract both locals and visitors.

Småland-is a region famous for its beautiful countryside, cute red cottages, glass and furniture design and traditional food. Småland is like a Sweden in miniature with something to do for the whole family.

Öland- The island of Oland joined to the Swedish mainland by the 6 km-long road bridge Ölandsbron from the city of Kalmar in the south of the country, is a favourite summer holiday destination for Swedish families who rent cottages or stay at one of the 25 well-run campsites or holiday villages on the island

Uppsala- is a city near Stockholm, in Sweden. It’s known for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century. The original university building, Gustavianum, is now a museum housing the Augsburg Art Cabinet, an elaborate, 17th-century cabinet of curiosities. Nearby, the Carolina Rediviva library displays the 6th-century Silver Bible. Uppsala Cathedral is the burial place of Swedish royals like King Gustav Vasa.

Malmö Municipality- in southern Sweden’s Skåne province, comprises the city of Malmö and its surrounding area. It’s known for its grand Malmöhus Castle, a Renaissance structure built mostly in the 16th-century by the Danes. Inside are nature, history and art exhibits. In the city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts.

Kiruna- is a town in the far north of Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the huge LKAB iron ore mine and its underground visitors center with an exhibit on mining. Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, the 19th-century former home of LKAB’s first managing director, is now a museum with a courtyard photography exhibit. Kiruna Church is notable for its bell tower and resemblance to the traditional huts of the indigenous Sámi people.

Luleå- is a coastal city in Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the Gammelstad Church Town, a cluster of well-preserved wooden houses and the stone Nederluleå Church from the 1400s. In the city center, Norrbottens Museum showcases local history, art and culture. Offshore, in the Bay of Bothnia, are more than 1,000 islands with beaches, cottages and seals. Junkön Island has a museum and an 18th-century windmill.

Helsingborg- is a coastal city in southern Sweden, across the Øresund Strait from Denmark, which is to the west. It’s known for its old town, home to the medieval Kärnan tower, the only surviving element of a fortress. Nearby is the Gothic Church of St. Mary, dating from the 1300s. The neo-Gothic Town Hall, with its tall clock tower, features stained-glass windows depicting important episodes in the city’s history.

Karlstad- is a city on the Klarälven River in Värmland County, Sweden. It’s known for neighboring Lake Vänern to the south, dotted with tiny islands. In town, Värmlands Museum has multimedia exhibits on local history since ancient times. Nearby, Karlstad Cathedral has an elaborate chandelier and 2 model ships hanging from its ceiling. The Brigade Museum showcases Swedish civilian and military life during the Cold War.

Karlskrona- is a locality and the seat of Karlskrona Municipality, Blekinge County, Sweden with 66,675 inhabitants in 2018. It is also the capital of Blekinge County. Karlskrona is known as Sweden’s only baroque city and is host to Sweden’s only remaining naval base and the headquarters of the Swedish Coast Guard.

Lund- is a city in the province of Skåne, at the southern tip of Sweden. In the cobblestoned old town, the grand, centuries-old Lund Cathedral was built in the Romanesque style. Nearby, the Kulturen open-air museum features replicas of buildings from medieval times to the 20th century. The Lund University Historical Museum displays archaeological relics from the Stone and Bronze ages, plus a large coin collection.

Sigtuna- is a town north of Stockholm, Sweden. It’s known for the stone ruins of St. Olaf’s, St. Lawrence’s and St. Peter’s medieval churches. St. Mary’s Church, built by Dominican friars, still stands in the center. Stora Gatan, said to be Sweden’s oldest main street, dates back to the time of 10th-century King Erik the Victorious. Today it’s full of shops and restaurants in traditional wooden houses.

Ysta- is a town in Skåne county on Sweden’s southern coast. Its medieval town center features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Klostret i Ystad, a centuries-old Franciscan monastery and museum. Close by, St. Mary’s Church has a silver collection and is known for its night watchman’s horn signal. The town is the setting of author Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander crime series.

Kalmar- is a city on the Baltic Sea, in southeast Sweden. It’s known for the Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, with its ornate turrets and drawbridge. The old town has cobbled streets and well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Kalmar Cathedral features a baroque altar and a 17th-century pulpit by sculptor Baltzar Hoppenstedt. Nearby, Kalmar City Park has manicured gardens and exotic trees.

Falun- is a city in central Sweden’s Dalarna County. The city, which was a major copper-producing center for centuries, is known for the huge Falun Mine and its Great Pit. The on-site Mining Museum has interactive exhibits on the mine’s history. In town, Dalarnas Museum displays folk art, furnishings and costumes. In Sundborn village, to the northeast, Carl Larsson-gården is the former home of artist Carl Larsson.

Örebro- is the sixth largest city in Sweden and one of the largest inland hubs of the country. It is located near the lake of Hjälmaren, although a few kilometres inland along the small river Svartån.

Linköping- is a city in southern Sweden, with 161,499 inhabitants as of 2019. It is the 5th largest city in Sweden. It is the seat of Linköping Municipality and the capital of Östergötland County. Linköping is also the episcopal see of the Diocese of Linköping and is well known for its cathedral.

Halmstad- is a port, university, industrial and recreational city at the mouth of the Nissan river, in the province of Halland on the Swedish west coast. Halmstad is the seat of Halmstad Municipality and the capital of Halland County.

Västerås- is a city in central Sweden on the shore of Lake Mälaren in the province of Västmanland, 100 kilometres west of Stockholm. Västerås is the seat of Västerås Municipality, the capital of Västmanland County and an episcopal see.

Visby- is a town on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its well-preserved town wall, a medieval fortification incorporating defensive towers. The town’s many churches include the grand, centuries-old St. Mary’s Cathedral and the medieval ruins of St. Nicolai and St. Karin. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants.

Norrköping- is a city in the province of Östergötland in eastern Sweden and the seat of Norrköping Municipality, Östergötland County, about 160 km southwest of the national capital Stockholm, 40 km east of county seat Linköping and 60 km west of the Södermanland capital of Nyköping.

Gävle- is a city in Sweden, the seat of Gävle Municipality and the capital of Gävleborg County. It is the oldest city in the historical Norrland, having received its charter in 1446 from Christopher of Bavaria.

Jönköping- is a city on the shores of Lake Vättern, in southern Sweden. It’s known for its long lakeside beach, Vätterstranden. In the center is the 19th-century Sofia Church, with its neo-Gothic design and towering spire. Nearby, the Jönköping County Museum is home to artworks by local fairy-tale illustrator John Bauer. On the lake island of Visingsö is the Erstad marsh, home to waterbird colonies.

Växjö- is a town in southern Sweden’s Kronoberg County. The central Smålands Museum displays a wide range of objects including Stone Age relics and a Viking-era sword. In the same complex, the Swedish Glass Museum showcases a vast collection of works spanning ancient times to the present day. Next door, the House of Emigrants is a museum documenting the mass migration of Swedes to the U.S. that began in the mid-1800s.

Södertälje- is a city in Södermanland and Stockholm County, Sweden and seat of Södertälje municipality. Södertälje is located at Mälarens confluence in to the Baltic Sea through the lock in the Södertälje Canal

Östersund- is an urban area in Jämtland in the middle of Sweden. It is the seat of Östersund Municipality and the capital of Jämtland County. Östersund is located at the shores of Sweden’s fifth largest lake, Storsjön, opposite the island Frösön, and is the only city in Jämtland.

Kristianstad- is a city and the seat of Kristianstad Municipality, Skåne County. During the last 15 years, it has gone from a garrison town to a developed commercial city, today attracting visitors in the summertime mainly from Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Skövde- is a locality and urban centre in Skövde Municipality and Västra Götaland County, in the Västergötland in central Southern Sweden. Skövde is situated some 150 km northeast of Gothenburg, between Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern.

Härnösand is a locality and the seat of Härnösand Municipality in Västernorrland County. It is called “the gate to the High Coast” because of the world heritage landscape just a few miles north of Härnösand. Härnösand is the seat of the Diocese of Härnösand.

Uddevalla- is a town and the seat of Uddevalla Municipality in Västra Götaland County, Sweden. In 2010, it had a population of 31,212. It is located at a bay of the south-eastern part of Skagerrak. The beaches of Uddevalla are filled with seashells and Uddevalla has one of the largest shell-banks in the world.

Varberg- is a locality and the seat of Varberg Municipality, Halland County, Sweden with 35,782 inhabitants in 2019. Varberg and all of Halland are well known for their “typical west coast” sandy beaches.

Nynäshamn- is a locality and the seat of Nynäshamn Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden with 13,510 inhabitants in 2010. While interest in the area as a potentially useful port grew from the mid 19th Century, it was only with the opening of the railway to Stockholm in 1901 that Nynäshamn started to develop.

Skanör med Falsterbo- is a statistical locality, situated in Vellinge Municipality, Skåne County. It consists of the two old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo which have grown together and were unified in 1754, but are still regarded as different communities by locals.

Märsta- is a suburb of Metropolitan Stockholm, a locality and the seat of Sigtuna Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden with 27,034 inhabitants in 2015. The town is situated close to Stockholm’s main international airport, Arlanda.

Gamla Stan (Old Town) – Dating from the 1200s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a living-breathing museum in its own right.

Vasa Museum – As one of Sweden’s Wonders of the World, it showcases an amazingly-preserved 17th Century ship, complete with six levels for your viewing. This battle ship was built to demonstrate Sweden’s might, however, it ironically sank upon launch.

Djurgården – A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, the island of Djurgården draws tourists and locals alike, particularly during the summer months of long lazy days and short nights. The park forms part of the Royal National City Park, and it’s a perfect place for a stroll and picnic as well as being home to several of Stockholm’s top museums and other attractions.

Skansen Open-Air Museum – The oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen, on the island of Djurgården. Skansen Aquarium and the Children’s Zoo. More than 150 different buildings and houses were collected from all around the country and reassembled here. On display are distinct town districts, including manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora timber church, and a pottery, all brought to life by costumed staff. At the zoo are moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals. You can visit the aquarium for an extra fee and see more than 200 different animals from around the world, including many species of monkeys. For traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord pay a visit to the Solliden Restaurant.

The Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus) – Located by the water’s edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, this is the official residence of the King of Sweden. The Queen’s residence lies elsewhere, on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Drottningholm (Queen’s island), about a 45-minute ferry ride from Stockholm and an easy day trip.

Fotografiska – is Stockholm’s museum of contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year.

The City Hall (Stadshuset) –Nestled at the water’s edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates Midsummer’s Eve. Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy.

Boat Tours – The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends.

Moderna Museet – At Moderna Museet, you can dip your toes into one of Europe’s foremost collections of art from the 20th century to today, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Dali, Derkert, and Matisse.

Royal National City Park – (allemansrätten) is an indelible part of the Swedish psyche. The Royal National City Park is a six-mile-long, 27 square-kilometer green space surrounding and snaking into Stockholm and encompassing three royal parks: Djurgården, Haga, and Ulriksdal. This, the world’s first national urban park, is where tourists and locals flock to unwind. The forest harbors moose, foxes, deer, and many winged beauties, including rare birds.

Östermalm – is the most exclusive district in the city. Exclusive international labels rub shoulders with high-class Scandinavian design. On Biblioteksgatan, there’s an abundance of flagship shops and designer boutiques, while the neighborhood around Stureplan offers plenty of posh shops – some with sky-high price tags

Brave the cold in Lapland – Located to the far north is the tundra-like landscape in Sweden known as the Lapland. This is where the Sami, Sweden’s indigenous people, continue to make their home in the snowy cold, and where you can see reindeer, do some great skiing, and experience the great Arctic north

Partake in fika – Like “tea time” in the UK, fika  is Sweden’s way of slowing down. Coffee, conversation, and a few baked goods are an important part of the social fabric in Sweden, allowing friends and colleagues to take a break from the day to day and just relax. You don’t invite someone out for coffee in Sweden — you invite them to fika.

The Ice Hotel – Located up north, the Ice Hotel is a hotel built during the winter months out of (you guessed it) ice. You stay in an essentially giant igloo. There’s an ice bar, ice dining room, and an ice bed (with big fur blankets!).

Gotland – This island is a popular place to visit when the weather is nice and it’s where most Swedes spend their summer. Week 29 (out of the 52 week year) is the most popular and crowded week when all the kids come down to party up a storm (so if you’re looking to avoid that, skip that week!). The main town, Visby, is a medieval walled city that is incredibly beautiful. It’s like walking through the 1400s. The island is home to numerous Viking relics, and there’s a cool hostel in an old prison too!

Midsummer Festival – Swedes celebrate the summer solstice with a giant party. It’s not warm and light often here and they make the most of it by dancing around a maypole, eating, drinking, and enjoying nature. Every municipality around the country will organize events, so be sure to find some Swedes who can show you around.

Christmas & Lucia-is one of our best loved traditions and it takes place on 13 December every year. If you visit Sweden on, or before December 13th you can see how the 400-year old tradition of St. Lucia is celebrated.

Bohuslän Coast – This beautiful coast has been smoothed and carved out by glaciers. Taking a boat trip here is a great way to see Scandinavian fjords without having to visit Sweden’s expensive neighbor, Norway. There is also a UNESCO rock-carving site over in Tanumshede too.

Ski – Scandinavians love their winter sports, understandably so because it’s cold most of the year! One of the most popular ski resorts in the region is Åre, which lies 80 km from of Östersund. The highest peak at the resort is over 1400 meters. Daily trains run to the area from Stockholm.

Kick back in Uppsala – This university town is one of the most popular study-abroad locations in Northern Europe, and it’s got a great student life. The city also features a castle, museums, and numerous gardens. This is also one of the most budget-friendly places in the country thanks to all the students there!

Celebrate Valborg Day – Held on April 30th, this annual Swedish festival serves to welcome spring. It’s characterized by huge bonfires, and even bigger parties, and is a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Municipalities will often organize events — including the massive bonfires — though many locals will also host their own parties.

Wallander’s Ystad – If you’ve read the writing of Henning Mankell or seen the popular adaptation, the Wallander TV series, you’re already familiar with Ystad. This small town is picturesque and full of history. If you’re a big fan of Wallandar, you can arrange a tour at the tourist office, but even if you’re not, the town itself has a lot of character and is worth exploring. It’s only one hour from Malmö.

Kosterhavet – This is a marine park located on the Koster Islands, around two hours from Gothenburg. The park contains Sweden’s only coral reef, and the villages on the islands are quaint. The whole natural area is very beautiful, and it’s worth renting some bikes to explore the islands.

Hike The Kings Trail – This 440km trail stretches along some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the country. While it takes over one month to hike the entire trail, it is very easy to carve out shorter hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. There are numerous huts along the route where hikers can sleep, stock up on goods, and get rides back into nearby towns.

Skara Sommarland – If you happen to be in Sweden during the fleeting summer months, consider heading out to one of Sweden’s only water parks. The family-friendly park is host to a campground, and also offers cabins for rent.