Visit Scandinavia

A walk through the Royal Palace

A walk through majestic halls, where kings and queens once lived and worked, evokes a grand and solemn feeling. With its 608 rooms, the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, Stockholm is one of Europe’s biggest. Part of the Palace is built on the remains of the first one, Tre Kronor, which was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1697.

Website: www.stockholmtown.com

Kalmar

The ancient capital of the Baltic sea where the Kalmar alliance was forged.

A small port town facing the Baltic sea where, in 1397, the Kalmar alliance was signed. The Kalmar Castle (Kalmar Slott) still stands. There is a bridge to the adjacent Öland Island, making Kalmar a hub for travelling.

Website: www.kalmar.se

Kiruna

A town contributing to Sweden's steel industry. Kiruna is close to the arctic Lapland area. The city thrives off of the steel industry, mining the finest iron ore. The "Midnight Sun", where the sun doesn't go down all day, is visible from the end of May until mid July, and the mystical Aurora can be seen between September and early April. Sweden's Royal Space Physics Laboratory, famous for its study of the Aurora is located here.

Access: One or two flights per day from Stockholm. 1 hour 35 minutes flight. It takes 16 hours 10 minutes by rail from Stockholm.

Website: www.lkab.com

Rattvik

A town with a population of 11, 000 people and located on the east coast of the Siljan Lake. Famous for hosing the World Folkdance/Folkmusic festival "Rattvikdansen".

Vaxjo

Established in 1342, this town is the centre of the Crystal Kingdom. There is an immigration museum showing records of the 1.2 million Swedish people who left for the United States between 1850 and 1930.

Website: www.vaxjo.se

Karlstad

A sport city abundant in radiant sunshine. North of the Vänern lake, a city located between Stockholm and Oslo. It is abundant in lakes, rivers, greenery and sunshine, especially since this is the city's symbol. Karlstad is known as a city of sports and activities. Boat and canoe sailing on the lakes and rivers, fishing, cycling, hiking, horse riding and many other sports are enjoyed daily here, and courses and facilities are abundant. The people are very enthusiastic about supporting sports too; especially the first stage of the bicycle race "Sweden Rally" that is held in the Varmland District and that attracts many fans.

Website: www.karlstad.se

Dundret

A resort where you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Located almost in the centre of Lapland. They have a variety of trails that a lot of Alpine Ski National team uses for training before the start of their season.

Access: One flight a day from Stockholm. 2 hours flight. 15 minutes taxi ride from Gällivare ariport.

Website: www.dundret.se

Luleå

The town's history dates back to the 17th century, and it prospered in iron-ore transportation and steel industry with the discovery of the Kiruna ore deposit in 1906. It is known more recently as the entrance to Lapland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Gammelstad"(the old town) still bears original structures from the town that grew from the building of the church in 1649. You can't miss the Norrbotten museum which shows the history of the people and their lifestyle.

Access: By air, there are a few flights a day from Stockholm. 1 hour 15 minute flight. If you use the x2000 from Stockholm it takes 12 hours, 3 trains per day.

Website: www.lulea.se

Leksand

Population of 15, 000 people. Every year in June, people wearing national costumes gather here at the summer festival.

Website: www.leksand.se

Lund southern region

A university town located 15 minutes from Malmö by train. The town is said to have been established in 990. In 1666, with the founding of Lund University, this town became a centre of education in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Website: www.lund.se

Malmo

Sweden's third major city has prospered thanks to its role as major area of trade. It is southern Sweden's largest town with 270, 000 people and is located adjacent the Øresund Strait. From a historical point of view, it has proved to be an important area in both trade and defence. Stone structures from the Middle Ages, such as Malmö castle (Malmö hus), are still standing, and the city is full of history and sightseeing spots.

With the opening of the Øresund Bridge connecting the area with neighbouring Demark, it is expected to become an even more important point for transportation.

Falun

A town that grew from the copper mines. This town's mining history dates back to the Viking age and it is said to be one of the largest mines in the world. The copper mine was registered as a World Heritage site in 2001.

Website: www.visitfalun.se