Eskilstuna  Eskilstuna Dating back from the 17th century, Eskilstuna has become a centre in the fast growing Malaren region. The town is located on the River Eskilstunaan, which connects Lake Hjalmaren and Lake Malaren and creates endless possibilities for swimming, fishing and boating. One of Sweden's most popular attractions is the Parken Zoo. Here you will find a wide variety of exotic animals, like: white tigers, Asian lions, leopards and the renowned "Komodo dragon", the world's largest reptile, but also adventure, thrilling rides, and an outdoor swimming pool. The Mouse Museum provides a fantastic insight into the world of the rodent ranging from Sweden's smallest - the Dwarf Mouse - to the common rat. The amusement park offers both white knuckle rides for the brave and gentler rides for the younger visitors. Eskilstuna's countryside also offers scenic landscapes. Falun Falun Falun is the capital of the Swedish province Dalarna and the centre of an ancient mining area which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Coppermining has taken place here at least since the 9th century. Falun boasts a number of other world-class sights apart from the unique mining environment. The Dalarna Museum in the centre of Falun is one of the third most visited county museums in the country, featuring traditional costumes, folk art and folk music. Stadigstugan in Bjursas is home to the paintings of Mats Persson Stadig, one of Dalarna's most well-known dala painters. The Lugnet ski facility in the north part of the town is one of the country's most extensive facilities for outdoor sports and events. At Sundborn, 10 km east of Falun, you can visit the Carl Larsson estate is one of Sweden's most popular tourist attractions. Gavle Gavle Dating back from the 14th century, Gavle is nowadays a modern city of broad squares, wide avenues, and monumental buildings. County Museum is renowned for its fine collection of contemporary Swedish art, and over 300 works from the 17th to 20th century are on display. In the Cyrén Hall, glass, plastic, steel, and silver pieces by the creator of the Nobel Service Set are on display. Sweden's Map Archive and "Mini Karteum" with its unique collection offer many possibilities for, amongst others, academics, and the historically interested and family history researchers. Swedish Railway Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of locomotives and carriages, together with facts and articles from Sweden's railway history, are on display at the museum. Gavle's Art Centre and gallery host both local and guest artists. Gothenburg Gothenburg The "gateway to northern Europe," Gothenburg is the country's chief port and second-largest city with everything a modern city can offer. The Gothenburg Botanical Garden has been named The Most Beautiful Garden in Sweden and the third most beautiful in the World. Here you can enjoy 13,000 different species of plants, stroll around in the Wood Anemone Valley gully. Next to the botanical garden is Gothenburg's largest park, Slottsskogen, where the Natural History Museum is located. The park is also home to the city's oldest observatory. One of Gothenburg's most popular tourist attractions is the archipelago (Southern Gothenburg Archipelago), which can be reached by boat. Alvsborg Fortress, Vinga and Styrso islands are popular places to visit. The amusement park Liseberg, the largest of its kind in Scandinavia, is situated in the centre of the city. Halmstad Halmstad Once a grand walled town and a major stronghold of Danish power, Halmstad is nowadays the golf capital of Sweden. Halmstad lies in the middle of the wonderful west coast, in one of Sweden's most expansive regions. Along with the adjacent Ringenas and Frosakull beaches, this is one of the longest beaches in Scandinavia. During the summer months Halmstad transforms into a pulsating Riviera. There are several open air activities that can be enjoyed like: golf, football, ice hockey, handball and ping-pong at elite level. The museums and galleries have exhibitions with both Swedish and international artists. The well known Halmstad group has its exhibit at Mjellby Art Museum. One of Sweden's most interesting and sensational residential areas is being developed along the banks of the river Nissan in the centre of Halmstad. Harnosand Harnosand Founded in 1582, Harnosand is the oldest town in the administrative district of Vasternorrland. It is a jewel on the east coast of Sweden, close to the mountains and countryside. It is the best base for exploring Angermanland, the area of Sweden that most resembles Norway, with its coastlines and long fjords stretching inland, and also the High Coast or Hoga Kusten. Harnosand is built on islands connected by bridges and its setting is one of the most scenic in Sweden. The city also has an extensive selection of outdoor activities both in summer and wintertime. Wintertime offers possibilities for skiing (cross country and downhill), ice skating, etc. Summertime activities include climbing, kayaking, trekking, etc. The town also features a summertime beach Smitingen, which occasionally gets some surfable waves. Helsingborg Helsingborg Located by the sea, Helsingborg has historically been the gateway to Denmark and the rest of Europe since it is only 4 km of water between Helsingborg and its Danish sister city Helsingor. Surnamed the Pearl of the Sound it is a town striving to be continental and something else than the rest of Sweden. Helsingborg is known for the Karnan Tower, the remainder of a medieval fortress. A trip to Sofiero is a must, particularly in May and June when the rhodendendron is in full bloom. Fredriksdal museums and gardens is one of Sweden's most famous open-air museums with an outstanding botanical garden. The Karnan tower, Helsingborgs most famous landmark, has guarded the city for over 600 years. The Dunker Culture center displaying various temporary exhibitions along with objects from the town's museum collections. | Hemavan Hemavan Hemavan is a ski resort located in the Lapland Mountain Range north in Sweden and nearby the Vindelfjallens National Park. The clear skies of Swedish Lapland are ideal to admire the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun and the magic Northern Lights in winter. Swedish Lapland is the best place in the world for cross-country skiing and for enjoying other winter activities like snowmobile or rides by husky dogs and reindeers. This magnificent region offers great opportunities for fishing and hiking, and the fact that is only one hours drive to the coast of Arctic Circle Norway, just makes it a more interesting area to visit. Hudiksvall Hudiksvall Dating back from the dating from 1582, Hudiksvall is a charming small fishing town located on the Swedish Coast. The town's heritage is visible in the typical fishermen's cottages along the Strommingssundet Sound, the well-preserved wooden buildings of the Fiskarstan, and the town's area around Lilla Kyrkogatan. Hudiksvall's municipality has breathtaking nature lying by the sea with a fantastic archipelago, deep forests, lakes and blue mountains. It also has a rich cultural life with theatre shows and exciting exhibitions at the Halsingland museum. Hudiksvall area also houses many magnificent Halsingland farmhouses that are part of its living cultural heritage. Jonkoping Jonkoping Jonkoping is one of the oldest trading centers in Sweden, dating back from the Middle Ages. Set south of Lake Vattern, the city has a long beach walk and beautiful surroundings with a lot of lakes and forests. Jonkoping offers a wide variety of cultural venues, theatres, museums (among them the unique Match Museum), cinemas, a modern concert hall and art galleries. Leisure and sports facilities are available to suit every taste: four golf courses, a racket sports centre, ice rinks, and indoor adventure baths, sandy beaches in the city centre, and nature trails and paths within easy distance. Jonkoping is also a good starting point to explore other destinations in Sweden, such as Astrid Lindgren's world in Vimmerby, Granna - home of the famous Swedish candy Polkagrisen - and the amusement park Liseberg in Goteborg which are all within a 2 hours drive. Kalmar Kalmar Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in Sweden and contains Sweden's best-preserved Renaissance castle. Although nowadays it is a thriving commercial center, Kalmar still retains many 17th-century buildings and sea captains' houses. Traces of the past are found in architecture and cultural artefacts. Kalmar Castle, the Old Town and Kvarnholmen are the main tourist attractions. The town has a vibrant night-life with musical events, theatre, pubs, dancing and in the summer, outdoor venues and sidewalk cafés where you can relax after the day's activities. Kalmar is also famous for glassworks such as Orrefors and Kosta Boda. Within an easy reach, the island of Oland offers you the opportunity to see ruin stones from Viking times and archeological excavations at the reconstructed Iron Age village of Eketorp. Karlshamn Karlshamn On the border of Skane, Karlshamn is an excellent stopover for those traveling from Kristianstad in the west to Kalmar in the north on the road to Stockholm. The main tourist attraction is the Karlshamns Kulturkvarter, at the corner of Vinkelgatan and Drottninggatan. Here you will find the town's most historic buildings, some of which have been turned into small galleries and museums.The historical buildings of Karlshamn are well preserved and the Culture Centre has some very interesting attractions. One of Sweden's finest antique trading houses is situated at the Skottsbergska garden. The buildings are from the 1700's and in the cellars you can see how business was conducted 200 years ago. The museum houses exhibits reflecting the fishing and shipping industries. Hollandarhuset building is a remarkable example of 1600's architecture. Karlskrona Karlskrona Karlskrona, an historic navy base at the souteastern tip of Sweden, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list as an outstanding example of a late17th-century European planned naval city. Stortorget, or the main square of town, is one of the biggest and most beautiful in northern Europe. In the middle of the square is a statue of Karl XI, who founded the town. The Admiralty Church is Sweden's largest wooden church. Don't miss Drottningskar's citadel and Kungsholm's fortress with its circular harbor and exotic plants from all over the world. You can also experience a genuine part of Swedish life in the countryside - going hiking, walking, fishing or swimming in the many forests, lakes and nature reserves. Sweden's southernmost archipelago with a string of 1 650 islands are waiting to be discovered by boat, ferry or car. Karlstad Karlstad Situated on the northern shore of Lake Vanern, Karlstad has convenient access to the major urban centers of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Oslo and is also a good starting point for many of the tourist routes of Varmland. Here you can see Sweden's longest stone bridge, East Bridge, built in the 18th century. Karlstad is Sweden's sunniest city and therefor its symbol is a happy sun. The varied nature with the beautiful scenery of the river Klaralven, the deep forests and the Vaner archipelago offer breathtaking views. The Varmlands Museum houses an exhibition of the history of Varmland. Another impressive landmark is the city's cathedral. A nice way to experience the town is to take a walk along the river Klaralven. | Kiruna Kiruna Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden and it covers more than 4,800 sq. km, being the largest city in the world, in terms of geography. The midnight sun can be admired here from mid-May to mid-July. Not far from Kiruna lies the Mount Kebnekaise - Sweden's highest mountain with an altitude of 2,117 metres and Lake Tornetrask. The fantastic countryside around Kiruna offers a varied landscape ranging from mountains with beautiful crystal clear lakes and lush forests, to ancient wooded areas with lively streams. There are plenty of well-marked walks and day treks that can be tackled by foot in summer and on skis in winter. The area contains more than 6,000 lakes in Kiruna and seven runing rivers, offering great opportunities for fishing in the summer. Other highlights of your visit could be snowmobile tours, experiencing the Sami culture, ice fishing or feeding the reindeers. Kristianstad Kristianstad Founded in 1614 to defend the Danish kingdom against Swedish attacks, Kristianstad was actually a part of Denmark for 44 years, and therefore is still called today most "Danish of Sweden's towns." The fort laid out by Christian IV was northern Europe's most modern. The only parts of the fortification still left are portions of the northernmost system surrounding what now is the residential district of Utanverken. The town is known for its famous town plan and its Renaissance church. The surrounding countryside offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Only a short distance from the town, the long beaches offer good opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and swimming and the forests, lakes and rivers are ideal for hiking, canoeing, fishing and bird watching. Within 25 km there are six golf courses. Linkoping Linkoping Dating back from more than 700 years, Linkoping is the center of an old cultural region, mostly known nowadays for its university and its high-technology industry. During the Middle Ages, the Old Town (east bank) developed at the river's only fjord as a commercial center with busy river traffic. The great square, still used as the marketplace for the town and surrounding countryside, was surprisingly modern for the period. Dominating the city's skyline is the tower of the cathedral - one of the finest buildings in Scandinavia. The city also offers: fine parks, an adventure pool and swimming baths, a newly built Diocese and County Library, the world famous Old Linkoping with Valla Recreation Area, the Air Force Museum, the County Museum, fine churches, sports grounds. Several old castles round the city are well-known sights for excursions with activities. Lulea Lulea Lulea is a port city on Sweden's east coast at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia, south of the Arctic Circle. Lulea is the largest town in Norrbotten region. Nearby, you can visit the 15th century Gammelstad Church Town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved example of a type of town that was once widespread throughout northern Scandinavia. Gammelstad Church is surrounded by 424 wood-built houses. The houses used only on Sundays and at religious festivals to house worshippers from the surrounding countryside who could not return home the same day because of the distance and difficult travelling conditions. About an hour north of Lulea you can admire beautiful waterfalls and one of the most beautiful rivers in Sweden. Lund Lund Dating back from more than 1,000 years ago, Lund is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage and full of charm. The town has winding passageways, centuries-old buildings, and the richness of a university town. Lund University, founded in 1666, continues to play an active role in town life. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, there are lots of young people and it's nice to stroll around the old centre. Lund offers a wide variety of leisure activities ranging from swimming and fishing to youth recreation centres, community group activities and much more. Lund also provides a broad range of cultural experiences in art, music, dance, theatre, literature and film. Malmo Malmo Dating back from the 13th century, Sweden's third-largest city, Malmo is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Its oldest building, dating from the early 14th century, St Peter's Church peeks out from behind the City Hall. The church was built in "Baltic Brick Gothic" style. Malmohus Castle is the oldest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia dating from 1436. The most charming square and one of the most popular meeting places in the city, Lilla Torg was built in 1592 as a market square featuring several interesting buildings. In the heart of the city, west of the Lilla Torg square, is the picturesque Gamla Vaster area hosting colourful street buildings and grand stone and brick establishments. Don't miss architect Santiago Calatrava's spectacular apartment building in the Western Harbour. At 190 metres, Turning Torso is the tallest building in Sweden. Mora Mora Mora has always been considered to be the centre of northern Dalarna. Here, Swedish history took a significant turn in 1520 when, King Gustav Vasa managed to convince the men of Mora to join the battle against the Danish king. To comemorate this, a cross-country ski race - the Vasaloppet was inaugurated in 1922 and has become one of world's largest ski events nowadays. The unique nature of the area, combined with rich cultural traditions and historical events, attract tourists from all over the world. Mora is also home to famous attractions such as the Zorn art collections, the Vasa Momument and Santaworld in Gesunda. Mora knives, TV and communication masts, sawn lumber, and water taps are some examples of products that are not only market leaders in Sweden, but have also had a great deal of success in export markets. | Nykoping Nykoping Located along the coast, on beautiful Tunaberg Peninsula, Nykoping is one of the oldest towns in Sweden. Its proximity to Stockholm, to the archipelago and the cultural landscape of Sormland make Nykoping an attractive alternative to spend a relaxing vacation. You will find here a great number of restaurants, good shopping and a wide variety of culture and entertainment. Stroll along the High Street and visit art galleries and designer shops. Rosvalla Nykoping Event Centre is a newly constructed arena that houses an ice rink, tennis courts, bowling lanes and a multi-purpose facility for sport, trade shows and concerts. Nykoping Golf Course is five minutes from the city and with 36 holes of golf, it's enough for a whole weekend. The archipelago is particularly suited for kayaking and other watersports. Orebro Orebro Orebro is a beautiful town located in the very heart of Sweden. Its old town Wadkoping, located on the banks of the Svartan, contains many 18th and 19th century wooden houses, museums and exhibitions. The water tower of Orebro, nicknamed The Mushroom is an excellent viewing point. Another landmark is the medieval fortress located on an island in the river Svartan, which was transformed into a major castle in the 16th century. The marshes around the outlet of the river Svartan into the lake Hjalmaren are a famous bird watching area. Gustavsvik, the largest water park in the Nordic countries, is located just a kilometer from Orebro and is one of the most popular leisure establishments in Sweden. Orebro also offers a wide range of sporting and leisure activities in the town, in the mountains and by Lake Hjalmaren - the 4th largest lake in Sweden. Skelleftea Skelleftea The Skelleftea Region's nature highlights the contrasts between the wild and the tranquil, offering something for all five of your senses ranging from northern lights to midnight sun. Skelleftea is more than a coastal Norrland gem; it is a seaside resort in the summer, ski resort in the winter and entertainment centre all year round. It is also the gateway to a region full of exciting and memorable sights, activities and destinations. The monumental Skelleftea Church is the largest and most beautiful building in the north of Sweden. Other interesting sights are: the Wilderness Mine in Varutrask - one of the richest places in the world in minerals and Rismyrliden - Vasterbotten's only preserved new building from the beginning of the 19th century. Its proximity to real winters and coastal summers with lots of sunshine make Skelleftea a good place to spend a peaceful vacation. Skovde Skovde Located between the two largest lakes in Sweden, Vanern and Vattern and at the foot of Mount Billingen, Skovde is a beautiful city with much to offer: ski slopes, cross-country ski tracks, jogging tracks and forests rich in flora and fauna. The Skovde Municipal Museum houses a copy of the Timboholm treasure (dating from 375 ? 550 AD). There are many beautiful churches that are well worth visiting like Forsby church - Sweden's oldest church, or St Lukas church - considered to be the most beautiful in Sweden. Skovde is also a starting point for exploring many important sights in West Sweden: Lake Hornborga, Sweden's largest aqua park Skara Sommarland, the baroque castle at Lacko, Gota Canal - the blue ribbon of Sweden, the fortress at Karlsborg, the idyllic, turn-of-the-century town of Hjo on Lake Vattern, the medieval town of Skara and the town of Falkoping. Soderhamn Soderhamn Located at the center of an archipelago of 500 islands, Soderhamn is an industrial port city. The main tourist attraction is the archipelago with its many bays, and its opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing. Soderhamn is surrounded by scenic natural beauty. The town's many parks that explode into an array of color during summer are well-known throughout Sweden. The characteristic observation tower at Ostra Berget that looks out over Soderhamn and its surroundings is an unforgettable sight. The tower, opened in 1895, is known nationwide as a symbol of the town. If you're a fish lover, than a visit to Ostlins Fish Smokehouse is an absolute must. You'll find all the goodies of the sea here such as: salmon, whitefish and herring in a variety of prepared forms. An abundance of coastal delicacies are also available for sale at the Trollharens Fishing Village. Stockholm Stockholm Built on 14 islands around one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval city centers, the Swedish capital is superbly positioned, with stunning and extremely varied scenery in every direction. To the west, Lake Mälaren branches out among lush, idyllic landscapes. To the east the magnificent Stockholm archipelago stretches seaward, an enchanting maritime world of more than 24,000 islands and islets. The Old Town is particularly spectacular, and walking around the city's waterways and parks is a glorious way to spend a weeklong stretch of European summer. Stromstad Stromstad Dating back from the 18th century, Stromstad is an excellent stopover for those heading farther north into the wilds of Sweden. There are many interesting places in Stromstad and its surroundings. Galleri 88 houses art works of contemporary and past artists. The gallery also gives an opportunity for self-taught artists to display their art. Hogen, Nordkoster is a viewing point at the highest point of the island, offering a scenic landscape. Stromstad Museum is an active museum with interesting exhibitions. Dating back from the earlier Iron Age (500-1050 AD), Blomsholm Stone Ship near Stromstad is one of the largest in the country, over 40 m long with 49 standing stones. Stromstad also is the starting point to explore the Koster Islands, Sweden's most westerly inhabited islands. | Sundsvall Sundsvall Ideally situated in the middle of Sweden near the mouths of the Ljungan and Indalsalven rivers, Sundsvall is a magnificent neo-Renaissance town with richly ornamented buildings. After being devastated by fire for the third time in 1888, rendering 9,000 people homeless, the town was rebuilt in stone. Today is surnamed the "Stone City," its buildings appearing just as they did at the end of the 19th century. The best way to experience the town is a guided tour, either at the street or roof level. Sundsvall is a real coastal town, rivaling Spain's Costa del Sol and it has several wonderful beaches along this beautiful stretch of coastline. If possible arrange your visit during the fantastic Gatufesten street festival in Sundsvall - the largest street festival in Sweden or of the Jazz Festival. Sunne Sunne Lying on Lake Fryken, Sunne is the center for tourism in Fryksdalen (Fryken Valley or The "land of legend"). Its scenic natural landscape is perfect for outdoor activities. You can hire a canoe, walk or cycle in the nature reserves with their unique flora or play golf. Sunne is a modern ski resort with facilities for both cross-country skiing and alpine skiing including: a ski school, ski rental, a ski shop, sports service, a restaurant and a lodge. There are ten descents that vary in difficulty. Four of them are illuminated and there is a special area for snowboarders. Akka Stadium is the ski stadium and there are several cross country tracks that start here, 6 km of which are illuminated and qualified for World Cup Championships. In Sunne you will also find folk museums, churches and exhibitions of paintings, pottery, glass, textile and sculptures. Trollhattan Trollhattan Trollhattan is a modern city famous for its most prominent industries are Volvo Aero and Saab Automobile. Saab Automobile is one of Swedens two major car makers whereas Volvo Aero is a maker of aircraft engines and aerospace parts. In Trollhattan, the Gota River takes a mighty leap, offering an amazing sight, a dramatic demonstration of the natural forces. The best spots for viewing these waterfalls include Kopparklinten, Nyckelbergeet, and Spikon Island. The Saab car museum - a newly renovated museum with guided tours in 9 languages. Here you'll find old models, concept cars, innovations, and everything else that made Saab to what it is today. The Canal Museum depicts the history of the Trollhatte Canal by means of, amongst others, boat models, divers, and film presentations in Swedish, English, and German. Umeaa Umeaa Umeaa is the largest town in the north of Sweden, home of the famous Umeaa University (the most northern one in Europe). It is a city of knowledge and culture with a multiethnic population, offering world-class art, drama, films, industries, music and research. There are many different sights worth visiting in Umeaa region. At Gammlia, there is Vasterbotten's Museum with its outdoor museum, the Fishing and Maritime Museum, the Swedish Ski Museum and the Art Museum. Holmon and Norrbyskar are two idyllic islands which you can get to by car/bus and ferry. This region offers many exciting outdoor activities and attractive swimming beaches. You can go on an unforgettable canoe trip or go fishing on the coast. There are beautiful hiking trails along the rivers and lakes. If you play golf, you can try five different golf courses from 9 to 27 holes. Uppsala Uppsala Dating back from the Viking period, Uppsala is one of the oldest cities in Sweden. Its historic heritage consist of a collection of monumental buildings. The main sight is the Domkyrka (Uppsala Cathedral), Scandinavia's largest church (118.70m high). Facing the west end of the cathedral is the Gustavianum, built in 1625 to be the main building of the University - oldest center of higher education in Scandinavia.It contains the Museum of Nordic Antiquities, the Victoria Museum (of Egyptian antiquities) and the University's cultural history collections. It also houses a perfectly preserved 17th-century Anatomical Theatre. 5km north of Uppsala lies Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), the location of the medieval village of Uppsala called "The cradle of the Swedish nation". Vasteras Vasteras Beautifully situated on Lake Malaren, the old city of Vasteras is the capital of the province of Vastmanlands. The main tourist attractions are: the cathedral considered to be one of the most magnificent in Sweden and the Old Town. Many visitors come here to enjoy the lake and its thousands of boat trips in all directions. Vasteras has the largest lakeside port in Scandinavia on Lake Malaren. Vasteras also has a skyscraper surnamed "Skrapan" (English: The Scraper) which has Sweden's highest cocktail bar, the Sky Bar on the 24th floor. Only 100km away from the metropolis of Stockholm, Vasteras offers you the benefits of a small town including shorter distances, the lack of traffic jams, fresh air, and a more human pace that leaves time left over for yourself, your family and your hobbies. Vaxjo Vaxjo Vaxjo is a unique combination of idyllic small town, university town and centre of entertainment in Sweden's "Kingdom of Crystal". Vaxjo houses Sweden's National Glass Museum and claims to be the capital of the "Kingdom of Crystal" as well as of the "Kingdom of Furniture". Within an easy reach from Vaxjo you can visit the Kronoberg Castle, a ruined fortress constructed in the 15th century. The fortress has thick walls and an interesting array of artillery portals. The city also holds another castle, Teleborg Castle built 1900 situated near the University. Several popular golf courses and a large number of sport and open air recreation facilities provide excellent opportunities for those who love sports. For those wishing to enjoy the open air life, the close proximity to beautiful natural scenery and Lake Helga, with its idyllic inland archipelago, is not to be missed.
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