Sweden | TourisimaGuide.be

Sweden

Balance and the art of living

A somewhat enigmatic country, Sweden fascinates with its art of living, one of the world's happiest people, a subtle balance between man and nature and astonishing inventiveness in many fields.

Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Once you're out of the country's few cities, you're met with endless forests, lakes as vast as seas and, further north, the moors of Lapland. Everywhere, blue and green dominate. A trip to Sweden would therefore be incomplete without a plunge into its grandiose nature and some of the continent's last great wild spaces. Welcome, too, to the land of «lagom», or reasonable balance. A philosophy of simplicity rooted in the history and unique environment of this Nordic people.

Ideal for

Trekking, culture, shopping, water sports, outdoor sports, winter sports.

Did you know?

That in Sweden, the state retains a monopoly on the sale of spirits, and that you have to be at least 20 years old and go to the «Systembolaget» to buy your supplies.

The must-haves

Spend several days in the fascinating city of Stockholm, then explore its archipelago by boat.
Enjoy the beautiful light of the Bohuslän coast and wander from island to island.
Approaching the island of Gotland, an unlikely, almost Mediterranean enclave in the Baltic Sea.
Trekking in Lapland.
Get some fresh air in the country's vast forests.

Between us

Most Swedes are multilingual: English, of course, but also German and French.
If you're traveling in the north of the country, remember to buy a local mosquito repellent. In summer, mosquitoes and small black flies can be aggressive at sunrise and sunset.
Succumb to the tradition of fika: at any time of day, Swedes gather around a cup of coffee and a traditional pastry.
In Sweden, everything is designed to welcome families and ensure their well-being: play areas in stores, administrations and even trains, changing rooms, children's menus...
Take part in traditional festivities such as St. John's Day, the crayfish festival and, of course, Christmas.

When to go?

From May to August if you're looking for bright, cool days, or from December to March if you're dreaming of Scandinavian winter pleasures.

Packing

In all seasons, bring rain gear and warmer clothes, but also something to enjoy the sunny days of summer. Winter in the north can be harsh, and you'll need to equip yourself accordingly: gloves, hat, parka and technical clothing.