Sweden, a land of contradictions with beautiful lake and forest landscapes that contrast with stylish, modern cities. The country is as famous for its Viking-era sites and its cutting-edge technology. The flat, relatively balmy south contrasts with the mountainous, Arctic north. It's a place where you can get away from it all in quiet forests or be right in the thick of things in bustling cities and towns.

Best time to visit

Late May to late July is the best time to visit for Swedish sunshine or December to March if you want to ski.

Essential experiences

Drifting around Stockholm and its archipelago by boat; skiing Dalarna's slope or watching Vasaloppet, the worlds biggest cross-country skiing race; ambling around the historic town of Lund; hiking amongst Sweden's superb forests, exploring the ruins of Visby's churches; touring the glassworks of Glasriket (Kingdom of Crystal) in Kalmar.

In a few words, Sweden is

Stunning blondes of both genders, Saabs and Volvos, cheap but impossible-to-assemble flat pack furniture, ABBA, Vikings, meatballs and schnapps, sexually liberated socialists, Ericsson and skiing.

Did you know?

Not all Swedes are blonde, Sweden is not completely covered in snow in winter, alcohol can only be bought through the state-run alcohol retailing monopoly Systembolaget and in summer it's actually hot enough to swim.