Europe > Sweden

The main feature of the Swedish climate is related to its latitude: Summer is very short, during which the sun does not really set and the winter is long with a lot of snow and almost permanent darkness.

But even in the month of July, considered as the hottest month; the temperature will not exceed 17°. If you’re thinking of visiting the country to enjoy the untouched nature, choose the period between May and late July, then you will accommodation easier to find, especially hostels or campsites.

Then, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the midnight sun in the best possible conditions.

Starting with a visit to Stockholm seems a logical choice given the situation of the city which is towards the south of this vertically aligned country. Built on fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea, the ‘Venice of the North’ can be reached by sea or approached overland. With a hundred museums, the Royal Palace, the typically Swedish houses of Vaxholm, and not forgetting the special "Stieg Larsson" route following the traces of the Millennium heroes, there are many reasons for making a long stopover in Stockholm.

Then you could go on to visit Vadstena, on Lake Vättern, and admire its castle and abbey.

Afterwards, lose yourself in the beautiful outdoors by going up north. Discover vast and peaceful landscapes: Storforsen falls are spectacular and unique in Europe, with suspension bridges above them; Jokkmok, Lapp village, which is close to the polar circle and where you will find handicrafts and reindeer meat sandwiches, and finally Kiruna with its multicolored houses, the starting point for hiking into Abisko Park with it’s amazing and unforgettable landscapes, valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, where you can contemplate the midnight sun.

Whatever your itinerary may be, the water will be the most important element in your discovery of the country: Fjords, rivers, rapids and no less than hundred thousand lakes...

Airplane, trains, buses, ferries, many options are available to get to Sweden.

Once you are there, trains and buses can take you almost anywhere. You can also get around by bicycle; cycle paths are numerous and well maintained. And for hitching, do not count on success outside of the main roads!

The currency in circulation is the Swedish kroner. Life is a little more expensive than in France or England, depending on what you eat or drink (e.g. alcohol), but you can find restaurants offering daily specials for under €20, and small hotels with rooms between €50 and €80 per night. In addition, campsites and cabins are very common and quite economical for nature lovers. To reduce your food expenses, try to adopt local customs regarding the rhythm of your meals: A hearty breakfast, quick snack at lunch and a larger dinner around 6 p.m..

For communication, English is the most common language. You'll probably feel disconcerted at first by the apparent coldness of Swedish, but you will gradually learn to know and appreciate their serenity and their respectful conduct towards others and the nature.