Sweden

Sweden is an easy country to travel around, with English widely spoken and card payments accepted almost everywhere. The Swedish krona (SEK) is the local currency, and distances can be greater than they first appear, particularly when travelling north.

Trains and buses connect many towns and cities, while renting a car gives you much more freedom to explore the countryside, smaller villages and places away from the main tourist routes.

Sweden has a strong connection to nature and outdoor life. The Allemansrätten, or Right of Public Access, gives everyone the freedom to enjoy much of the countryside, including forests, lakes and mountains, as long as nature, wildlife and private property are respected. This makes it easy to combine a city break with hiking, swimming, kayaking or simply finding a quiet spot beside a lake. In summer, the long daylight hours make it tempting to stay out far longer than planned.

Swedish culture is closely connected to the seasons, and food is an important part of the experience. Fika is a familiar Swedish tradition, while local produce, seafood and seasonal dishes vary across the country. And don’t expect Sweden to be all meatballs and herring.

Swedes can seem a little reserved at first, with personal space and privacy valued, but there is usually a warmer and more relaxed side once you get talking. Add bright summer nights, colourful autumn forests and dark winter days, and you get a country that can feel surprisingly different depending on when you visit.