Visit Scandinavia

Polar World: The world's largest polar bear park

Polar World, the world's largest polar bear park, opened in 2009 in Dalarna in middle Sweden. The 41,000 square meter facility incorporates a large deep water area, its own snow-making machinery and space for the bears to fish.

Polar World is the first polar bear park to engage in breeding of the endangered species and is a part of a broader project to preserve them. Visitors will be able to learn about the bears in the park's exhibition premises, amphitheatre and visitor information stations.

Live with the Sami

If you are seeking a cultural experience out of the ordinary, discover the Sami, one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Visit the northern parts of Scandinavia and stay with the Sami people. Eat a traditional meal, learn about their culture, stay in their traditional huts and experience life as never before. Why not compete with your friends in a reindeer race or go on a guided hiking tour in the snow?

Website: www.swedishlapland.com

Jukkasjarvi

The Saame village famous for its ice hotel. 17km east of Kiruna, a village located along the river where for 400 years the Saame people have operated their market. The ice hotel and ice art museum are located here. In the open-air museum, you can observe the lifestyle and culture of the ancient Saame people. There is a church built in 1608 in the heart of the village. Outdoor activities and Aurora watching is popular.

Access: 15 minute drive from Kiruna

Lapland

In the Lapland region in the far north of Sweden, you can find the most vast, dramatic and spectacular untamed wilderness areas that Europe has to offer.

Lake Siljan

The 7th largest lake in Sweden with a total area of 290 square kilometres is 133 meters at its deepest. Beside the lake there is the Leksans Hembygdsgardar open-air museum, which is famous for celebrating the traditional summer festival.

Website: www.siljan.se

Riksgränsen

A resort area located up in the mountains of the border where you can enjoy the northern wilderness. The ski resort, which opens in mid February to mid June has a variety of trails and bustles with skiers and snowboarders enjoying the Aurora and the midnight sun.

Website: www.riksgransen.nu

Öland island

The island of Öland, located across a bridge from Kalmar, is a very narrow island only 4km in diameter. Öland island, which was used as a hunting ground for the royal family until the beginning of the 19th Century, has been called the"island of sun and wind" and is a very popular resort area for the Swedish people. Even now, due to the natural environment being protected, migrant birds come to rest here and bird watching can be enjoyed. To the south of the island are farm lands, and this area has been registered as a World Heritage Site. The inner northern area, like all resorts, has many restaurants and cottages. There is also the VIDA museum with displays of products from top designers of the Crystal Kingdom, and the handicraft gallery is very popular.

Website: www.olandsturist.se

Abisko

A sporting city that is blessed with rich sunlight, the base point for outdoor activities. The starting point of "the kings walk", a popular trekking trail, is within the grand Abisko National Park. Trails appropriate for everyone from novices to experts are available throughout the year. There is also fishing during the summer. The mountains and foliage are a sight to see during summer and autumn. Winter sports, such as dog sledding, are available, and by using the lift to the top you can enjoy Off Piste Skiing and Telemark Skiing.

Access: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Kiruna by Ofot Line. Two trains a day.

Website: www.abisko.nu

The Ofot Line

Ofot Line opened as a transportation railroad for iron-ore from Norway to Narvik port during the mid 19th century when mining started in Gällivare and Kiruna. Presently, it is operated as a passenger railroad and is the main means of transportation between Kiruna and Narvik. It is popular for the dynamic scenery of the large lakes, Abisko National Park and the cliffs of Rombaksfjord

Mariebergsskogen

A park displaying the historical buildings of the Varmland District. Apart from the exhibitions of interesting structures of windmills and water wills, inside the park there is a small zoo and a tower for bird watching. The walking paths are well maintained.

Address: 651 84 Karlstad

Tel: +46 54-29 69 90

Fax: +46 54-29 69 95

Email: mariebergsskogen@karlstad.se

Sofiero Castle

Located 3km north of Helsingborg, it was built in 1865 by Prince Oskar for his wife, Sophia, in 1865. In 1905 it was given to King Gustaf VI Adolf as a wedding present and has been used since as a summer castle by the royal family. Roses, herbs and the collection of 500 different species of Forget-Me-Nots are definitely worth seeing.

Website: www.sofieroslottsrestaurang.se

Bosjökloster monastery

North 30km via route 23 from Lunds, 7km south from Höör. A 12th century Benedict monastery with beautiful rose and herb gardens, and a 1000 year old oak tree.

Website: www.bosjokloster.se