Wherever you start, heading out to see Sweden is sheer adventure. From the snow-topped mountain ranges to the serene, still lakes, dense Scandinavians forests and beautifully picturesque villages, towns and cities. It’s a country that has largely avoided the turmoil of history, which means that many of its finest churches and buildings stand perfectly preserved, just waiting for you to visit them.
Stockholm in summer or snow
A city of islands – more than a dozen – Stockholm is a sight for sore eyes whether you’re visiting when it’s sunny or when the streets and buildings are dusted with snow. The old town is called Gamla Stan, and it’s where the country’s nobility have long called home. The Royal Palace, Nobel Museum and Stockholm Cathedral all jostle for attention, and as you cross bridges and walk the cobbled roads you’ll find plenty of surprises.
Scandi-Noir crime fiction in books, films and on TV have driven visitor numbers here, and you can take a literary tour whether your taste runs to Stieg Larsson, Henning Mankell, Arne Dahl and, for something completely different, Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking.
Foodies will love Stockholm too. New Nordic cuisine has swept the country (and other parts of the world) with a focus on foraging and imaginative takes on local produce. But sometimes the simple things are perfect too – herring or the sensational things the Swedes can pile onto bread.
Marvelous Malmo
Malmo feels like a different country to Stockholm, it’s much closer to the rest of mainland Europe and linked by the incredible Oresund Bridge. The city itself is an eco-friendly oasis that has modernized rapidly, with a pretty old town and a lovely harbor area. You’ll be glad you have your rental car when you see the bridge –it’s a wonder of modern engineering that you’ll be itching to drive across.
Lapp of honor
Away from the cities, Sweden has much to offer those who want to experience clear skies, stargazing, skiing and more. Head to Abisko in Lapland – even farther north than the Arctic Cricle. Here you’ll see reindeer and, if you’re lucky, the breathtaking Northern Lights. You’ll also enjoy the midnight sun in the driest area of Sweden, making it perfect for hiking.
The skiing season runs December through to May, when many flock to Are close to Lake Aresjon. t’s the setting for popular bike and extreme winter sports challenges every year, and there’s a real thrill to descending the slopes into the white wonderland below.
Grab a dog-sled, go rafting in the icy, white-water and then enjoy a warming hot chocolate and hearty Swedish fare. Alternatively, get a rare taste of Sami cuisine at Havvi I Glen, which does mouthwatering game, reindeer steak and great things with that Swedish staple, cloudberries.
Car rental in Sweden gives you the freedom to explore every corner of the country at your own pace and open up the very best of this varied and fascinating country.