Visit Scandinavia

Smaland Kingdom of Crystal

In the mid 18th century, with forestry in decline, this south-eastern district of Sweden needed to find a new industry to support its people. The glass works industry was born in Kosta, using firewood from the immense surrounding forests and water from the lakes. As the glass industry boomed and its wares distributed all over the world, the district soon came to be known as the Kingdom of Crystal. Authentic products can be bought at discount prices and there is, of course, the factory tour. There are 11 factories in all, and a few of them are introduced below. The access cities are Kalmar and Vaxjo

Address: 382 80 Nybro

Tel: +46 481 457 00

Email: info@glasriket.se

Access: An hour's flight by Scandinavia Air from Stockholm and Copenhagen to Växjö or Kalmar. A 3 and a half hour train ride from Stockholm.

Website: www.glasriket.se

St. Petri Church (St. Petri Kyrka)

A red gothic style building built in the mid 14th century with an 88m high tower, located next to the city hall. A magnificent fresco painting can be fond inside along with a chapel built for traders during the Middle Ages.

Address: Göran Olsgatan 4A

Tel: +46 40-35 90 40

Fax: +46 40-35 90 44

Business hours: Monday to Friday8:00 to 18:00 Saturday and Sunday10:00 to 6pm

Admission fee: free

The Smaland Museum

The Småland Museum, designed to display the history and culture of the Småland District, has a glass museum and it introduces the historical background and the features of each of the glass factories. There is also an immigration museum showing the hopes and dreams of the people who left for America in the 19th century.

The Islands of Fjäderholmarna

These islands called 'Fjäderholmarna', are about 25 minutes from Stockholm by commuter boat, and it is the closest archipelago island from the city. On the island, you can find glass products and textiles by young emerging designers. You can even participate in pottery workshops. The open-air theater is very popular during the summer. The famous designer hotel "Hotel J" is also located in this area at Nacka Strand, the middle stop along the commuter boat line.

www.fjaderholmarna.com

Website: www.nackastrand.se

Nordiska Kristallmagasinet

Nordiska Kristallmagasinet is an old shop that sells Orrefors, Kosta Boda and Venetian glass crystals. Their art glass collection is a must see.

Address : Kungsgatan 9

Tel: +46 8-10 43 72

Fax:+46 8-21 68 45

Website: www.nordiskakristall.com

Östermalm

Östermalm is located north east of the Old Town. This is a residential quarter that attracts many high-class restaurants, expensive boutiques and antique shops. The large bustling indoor-market called Ostermalms hallarna and sightseeing spots such as Historical Museum, Ethnographical Museum cannot be missed. This area is lovely to walk around in, so if you are interested in design & architecture this is the down town area of Stockholm to check out.

Clarion Hotel Stockholm

The Clarion is located in Södermalm. It has a modern and simple interior and was opened in May, 2003. It offers a banquet room with a capacity of 1,000 people, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. The inside is decorated by young artists and their stylish bar is always packed with the local youngsters.

Address: Ringvägen 98

Tel: +46 8-462 10 00

Fax: +46 8-462 10 99

Email: stockholm@choice.se

Website: www.clarionstockholm.com

Birger Jarl Hotel

Birger Jarl Hotel is a typical example of the many design hotels in Stockholm. The rooms are designed with different Sweden themes, and all rooms have different interior decorations. Room No.710 was designed by Jonas Bohlin, the master of Scandinavian design, and is a must-see.

Address: Tulegatan 8

Tel: +46 8-674 18 00

Fax: +46 8-673 73 66

Email: info@birgerjarl.se

Website: www.birgerjarl.se

Museum of the Northern Tribe

Nordiska Museet is located in a Renaissance style building, located beyond the Djurgården Bridge. It exhibits handicraft work collected from various parts of the country and introduces traditional Swedish culture. The collections shed light on tribal history and the permanent exhibition, situated in the basement is very interesting.

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16

Tel:+46 8-519 546 00

Fax: +46 8-519 545 80

Email: nordiska@nordiskamuseet.se

Website: www.nordiskamuseet.se

Gustavsbergs Proceline Museum

Gustavsbergs Porceline Museum has over 50 000 visitors each year. It is located in the harbor of Gustavsberg which is located outside Stockholm. From here you can learn about the history of Gustavsberg's famous china factory and how to make and paint porcelain. You can also purchase porcelain products.

Address: Odelbergsväg 5, Gustavsberg

Tel: +46 8 570 356 58

Email: porslinsmuseum@varmdo.se

Website: www.porslinsmuseum.varmdo.se

R.O.O.M

R.O.O.M. is a funky design shop that sells modern designed interior products from kitchen utensils to furniture. These unique Scandinavian products are great for souvenirs.

Address: Alströmergatan 20

Tel:+46 8-692 50 00

Fax: +46 8-692 50 60

Email: stockholm@room.se

Website: www.room.se

Klassbols textile factory (Klassbols Linnevaveri)

The Klassbols fabric factory is located on the outskirts of Karlstad. The table cloth and linen used at the Nobel Prize Giving reception are made here.

Address: Damastvagen 5 S-671 95 KLASSBOL

Tel: +46 570 46 01 85

Fax: +46 570 46 04 08

Email: info@klassbols.se

Website: www.klassbols-linne.se

Lilla torget Square

Meaning "little Square"in Swedish, it is located next to the south west corner of Stora torget Square. It used to be the central market area, and the Malmö market is currently still on the other side. Also, this area used to be the handicraft centre for shoes, leather and other products, which can be seen in the city scenery.

Glass Factory-Kosta

Sweden's oldest Glass Factory. There is an exhibition room (open from April to September) and restaurants. In summertime, the "Hyttsillsafton" is held. The heat from the glass-melting furnace is used to cook sill (salted herring), potatoes, sausages and cakes for a great feast. Very popular among tourists.

Address: 360 52 Kosta

Tel: +46 478 345 00

Website: www.kostaboda.se

Rattviks open-air museum

A collection of Rattvik houses, regions characteristic paintings and fabrics.

Address: 79532 Rattvik

Tel: +46 248 51 445 /

Info: +46 248 13 789

Open hours: June 23rd to August 10th 11:00 to 17:00

Entrance fee: 40Kr