Destination:
Sweden

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is not only Scandinavia's largest city but also its most enchanting, with its centuries-old alleyways and squares being spread across an archipelago of 14 islands. Locals are extremely proud of the fact that here one can go ocean-fishing in the heart of the city.

This historic metropolis with a small town heart also boasts a multitude of museums, restaurants, parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife (licensing hours extend until 5am) and a rich cultural tradition. It all adds up to 'never a dull moment', particularly in the summer when the sun virtually never sets because of its position in the far northern latitudes.

Most tourists are initially drawn to the quaint Gamla Stan (old town), a warren of narrow cobbled-stone streets overshadowed by historic houses, radiating out from the sumptuous Royal Castle where Swedish monarchs have resided since the 13th century. Despite the medieval heritage, Stockholm is no staid, old-fashioned enclave. Citizens have developed a reputation for being trendy, daring and innovative, especially in the global realms of IT and fashion, often setting the pace in the design and technology fields.

Stockholmers are also immensely concerned with the environment, and the city-scape is made up of one-third water, one-third green space, one-third buildings and the cleanest air of any city in the world. Take a deep breath, pack a picnic, hop aboard a ferry, and make for one of the parks where you will undoubtedly be treated to a free concert; or head for the legendary shopping districts of Biblioteksgatan (exclusive European boutiques), Odengatan (antique treasures), and others. There is culture to be soaked up too, with more than 150 museums to visit, art festivals galore, architecture to be admired (including the beautiful City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place), and a world-renowned opera or jazz concert to attend.

It may be old, but Stockholm is a destination for the young and energetic, as yet not over-run with tourists like many other European capitals.

The second-largest city in Sweden, and Scandinavia's most important port, Gothenburg (or Goteborg) is situated on the west coast of the country, at the outlet of the Göta Canal which links Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea, and indirectly to the country's capital, Stockholm.

Positioned on the Göta River, Gothenburg, or Göteborg, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is the arrival point of hundreds of visitors a year.

Gothenburg is also a stunningly beautiful city with its waterside location, green open spaces and fine architecture, and boasts a wide selection of cultural establishments with no shortage of theatres and museums. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known simply as Avenyn, is a hive of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and shops and is at the centre of life in the city. Gothenburg is also well-known as an event city, hosting major international events and artists, yet despite its sophisticated feel it still maintains a small town charm with its own special character, augmented by the large student population of the University of Gothenburg. In many people's opinion, Gothenburg is more beautiful and entertaining than Stockholm, and also provides a better understanding of the people and the Swedish way of life.

Sweden's northernmost city and home to around 20,000 people, Kiruna is located in the Lappland province and has gained recognition as the closest city to Jukkasjärvi, the location of the world-famous Icehotel which is perched on the edge of the Torne River and attracts thousands of tourists from across the world each year. Kiruna is also famed for its Neo Gothic-style church which was built in 1912 and is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings, even voted the country's best looking church. What was once a sleepy mining town has now become a bustling hive of activity during the winter months when Kiruna hosts the annual Snow Festival, and although the city's population has not grown dramatically over the last few decades, it still sees throngs of travellers and tourists passing through each year to enjoy the festivities of the Snow Festival, which include an ice sculpture contest, the annual summer Kiruna Festival and, of course, the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.

At other times visitors can enjoy winter activities like dog-sledding, hunting, and experiencing the local Sami culture; Kiruna is also one of the best places in Sweden to see the Northern Lights. Summer in Kiruna offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, river-rafting, cave exploration, and expeditions to view the famous Midnight Sun.

A small city just north of Stockholm with some serious staying power, Uppsala is dominated by the Uppsala University, which provides it with interesting museums (like the Museum Gustavianum), and an energetic nightlife. The exuberant population throws itself into festivals and parties alike, and Uppsala has many bars and clubs, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants.

However there is more to this city, whose history stretches back to the Bronze Age. This original settlement was founded on the west bank of the Fyris River, with the the more modern and commercial city taking shape across the river to the east. Uppsala's long history means it has many historical sites and beautiful buildings, including the Uppsala Cathedral, which is Scandinavia's largest church; and the Gustavianum, which contains the Museum of Nordic Antiquities, the Victoria Museum, and the University's cultural history collections. Another site of architectural interest is Uppsala Castle, situated on a hill near the University and home to several more museums.

Uppsala is a pretty city, with a number of botanical gardens and parks, including Carl Linnaeus' personal garden. Pedestrian walkways like Svartbäcksgatan are pleasant to stroll along, amid shops and cafes. Most of Uppsala's attractions are within walking distance of the city centre, however there are several interesting places to visit further out, including Hammarby Estate and the beachside town of Älvkarleby. Three miles (5km) north of the city is Gamla Uppsala, the remains of an ancient town, which is accessible by bus.

Sweden's third largest city, Malmö is a busy port that has alternated between Swedish and Danish control throughout its 900-year history. It's location at the southern tip of Sweden, and close proximity to Copenhagen, contribute to its reputation as the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in Sweden. Visitors to Malmö enjoy a mixture of Swedish heritage and diverse culture in the form of cuisine, music, art and festivals.

Downtown Malmö is centred around three public squares, which boast unique attractions. At Big Square you'll find beautiful buildings and statues going back to the 16th century, Little Square has a number of bustling restaurants that spill out onto the pavement, and Gustav Adolf's Square has a number of shops and is a good place to access the pretty Slottsparken Park.

There are a number of attractions in Malmö for sightseers, including museums dedicated to technology and art; beautiful churches such as St Peter's Church, St Johannes Church and the Malmö Synagogue; historical buildings including Malmöhus Castle and City Hall ( Radhuset); and interesting modern buildings like the Turning Torso skyscraper. The City has many public parks as well: Pildammsparken and Kungsparken are tranquil and nice for a picnic, while Folketsparken has a small amusement park with rides and other attractions. Malmö's beaches are also very popular during the summer months.

Sightseeing and shopping intertwine in Malmö's diverse neighbourhoods. Just south of the city centre, Möllevångstorget Square is the centre of an Asian and Middle Eastern neighbourhood with many shops and restaurants, and open-air market on weekends. Gamla Väster has a number of sophisticated boutiques and galleries. The main shopping plazas include HansaCompagniet, Triangeln, and Caroli.

Malmö's restaurants and nightlife share its cosmopolitan reputation, with cuisine from all over the world represented and a wide array of pubs, nightclubs and bars to choose from. Lilla Torg is the centre of Malmö nightlife, but Möllevångstorget is the area to try if you're on a budget.

At only 35 minutes' journey from Denmark, Malmö is closer to Copenhagen than it is to the other major cities in Sweden. It comes as no surprise that Malmö is a popular stop on any Scandinavian holiday, and thousands of visitors each year fall in love with this unique city.