Sweden’s ever-evolving capital city of Stockholm is built on an archipelago of islands at the meeting of Lake Malar and Salt Bay, and two-thirds of its area is comprised of water, parks and woodland. The medieval ‘Old Town’ contains old-world houses; a magnificent gothic cathedral; and countless other historic buildings lining its cobbled streets. Some of the best historic sites in Stockholm include the Vasamuseet, which houses the enormous 1628 worship, Vasa; the spectacular Kungliga Slottet palace; and the incredible open-air museum, Skansen, which offers insight into traditional historic Swedish life. The city is also a high-tech, futuristic metropolis at the forefront of international design and technology. Party the night away at the famous outdoor club Tradgarden; sip rose at a floating bar at Strandvagen, the city’s most glamorous street; or immerse yourself in the gaming world at basement venue Ugglan.
Lulea, the capital of Sweden’s Norrbotten County, sits at the mouth of the Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. This laid-back town is a top culinary and outdoor-sports destination and a top base for adventures in Arctic Lapland. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledging, sea kayaking, ice yoga, boat tours, fishing and hiking are just a few of the activities to look forward to, which can often be enjoyed while being watched over by the magnificent ‘aurora borealis’ or Northern Lights. A world of heritage awaits, too. Meander through the country’s largest church town, the historic, UNESCO-listed Gammelstad, or visit the fascinating Norrbottens Museum to find out more about the way of life of the ancient Sami people lived here for thousands of years. Gourmands will delight in the food-focused tours on offer.
Set in the north of Swedish Lapland, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the town of Kiruna is an unusual and incredible destination boasting several strange and unique attractions. The town offers spectacular views of the colourful Northern Lights, which can be admired in various ways, such as on snowmobiling and dogsledding tours or among the magnificent flora and fauna of neighbouring Abisko National Park. The Midnight Sun here means the stunning natural scenery is visible at all hours. The Ice Hotel, made mainly from ice, provides a weird but wonderful place to stay with its 20 Art Suites, Ice Bar and Ice Gallery. Kiruna offers an excellent place to discover the rich culture of the ancient Sami people and learn about their unique attire. Other activities include snowmobile safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing.
One of the most picturesque villages in Norway, Svinøya, also known as Svinøya Rorbuer, serves as an excellent base from which to explore the majestic Lofoten Islands. It is situated in Svolvaer harbour with accessibility via a bridge and also within walking distance to the city of Svolvaer. Visitors can look forward to staying overnight in a red traditional rorbu cabin that offers exceptional views of the Lofoten mountains and the open ocean; or visiting the 200-year-old Manor House, the ‘Jewel in the crown’ at Svinøya Rorbuer, which dates back to 1828. Other popular activities include fishing, kayaking, horse riding, mountain hikes, northern lights, snowshoe hikes, mountain skiing, and much more. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about local marine life and natural surrounds on a thrilling nature safari.
The tiny, bustling city of Tromsø lies in the northernmost part of Norway, on a small island 349 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Visitors are often surprised by the extent of Tromsø’s delights: sophisticated art, fascinating history, fine cuisine and boisterous nightlife. Despite its northern location, the city enjoys a relatively moderate climate and numerous attractions. Paramount are the arctic aquarium, home to bearded seals and a panoramic cinema playing films on the Arctic wilderness; the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, with arctic and alpine plants from all corners of the globe; and the Science Center of Northern Norway, home to the country’s largest planetarium. For a bird’s eye view of the striking natural surroundings and the chance to see the enthralling northern lights, catch a ride up the town’s popular cable car.
