swedenflag.png

swedenmap.png

Surprisingly Sweden

Romantic getaways, family holidays, backpacking tours and historic explorations – Sweden can accommodate all these what with its wide array of attractions and tourist destinations. The country is not only one of the economically richest in the world; it is also one of the richest in terms of culture, history and scenic attractions. You’ll find a lot of things to do to keep your itinerary full during your stay in Sweden – regardless of your taste personality.

Overview

This progressive society is located at the northern part of Europe. Sweden is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula that is popular for being a good example of continuous progress. Throughout the centuries, the country has shown the world that it is capable of producing people, infrastructure and technologies that will be widely appreciated and admired. Its history is a long journey towards economic freedom, support for property rights and free immigration.

The country’s name was derived from the Old English term Sweooeod or “people of the Swedes”. Some experts believe that the word Swede in itself was taken to the Proto-Germanic term, Swihoniz which means “one’s own”.

Culture

Being the influential country that it is, Sweden is widely known for bringing to the world many Nobel Prize awardees for Literature and a number of scientific discoveries and inventions that are still in use to this day. The country’s culture is egalitarian in nature – that is, it is open to outside influences. That all individuals are created equal is the basis for most of the country’s ideologies.

Germany and the Catholic Church have been greatly influential in shaping Swedish culture as it is known today. These days, its culture is leaning towards the modern westernized that is typical of Americanized nations.

Delicacies

Swedish food, or at least its traditional versions, is a fairly simple fare composed of boiled potatoes, meat or fish and vegetables. One interesting trivia about Sweden is that its people are among the heaviest coffee drinkers in the world. In fact, they are second only to Finland in terms of coffee consumption so you are sure to find brewed coffee served practically everywhere in the country.

Music

The group ABBA hails from Sweden and has become one of the most popular music icons of the seventies and eighties. Other popular Swedish pop groups include Ace of Base, the Cardigans and Europe. Many singers and bands have also been known to have produced an album or two in the country. Some of these artists include Britney Spears, Bon Jovi and the Backstreet Boys.

Attractions

Visiting the country means having a full travel itinerary regardless of the type of travel pursuits you’re interested with. Sweden is home to fourteen World Heritage Sites protected by the UNESCO as well as to a number of nature parks, sporting destinations and historic attractions. During your stay in the country, you shouldn’t miss a chance to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations such as the church village of Gammelstad, Lulea, the Rock Carvings in Tanumshede and the Engelsberg Ironworks.

Hotels in Sweden

This page has the following sub pages.