The most famous Swedes. Interesting facts about Sweden (8 photos)

Sweden is one of the largest European countries, a maritime power, and a country with a high standard of living.

Sweden is a country of coniferous forests and mirror lakes, beautiful parks with many fountains and sculptures, rural landscapes with fields and windmills, well-groomed streets, monumental monuments to Swedish kings.

Sweden's forests are a national treasure; A significant part of the land is covered with green areas. Pine, birch, and spruce trees grow and reach for the sky. Sweden's forests are a basic component of the economy in the northern regions of the country. Wood processing enterprises employ tens of thousands of people.

Forests in Sweden are treated with care. Forests are the “lungs” of our planet. The experience of Sweden, the experience of a prudent attitude towards the green kingdom, can be very useful for other countries.

What other industries, besides woodworking, are developed in this Scandinavian country? Sweden is a country of rich natural resources - hydropower, ore, and this determines the development of the relevant industries.

In Sweden, information technology, biomedicine, tourism, design, and fashion are at a high level. Sweden occupies a prestigious place in the world in terms of the number of multinational concerns, such as Electrolux, Saab, Ericsson, Ikea and others.

Even if you have never been to Sweden, you know one resident of this country for sure. This is Carlson, who lives on the roof. Perhaps you will object and say that he lived in the time of Astrid Lindgren, who wrote about him, but no one knows how original Carlson is; perhaps he still lives on one of the roofs of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

Famous people of Sweden are the natural scientist, botanist, doctor, Carl Linnaeus, writers Astrid Lindgren and Selma Lagerlöf, natural scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg, famous actress Greta Garbo, and, of course, Alfred Nobel, chemist, inventor. It was he who was at the origins of the fund, which is designed to distribute bonuses to those people who have brought the greatest benefit to humanity during the previous year. And today the Nobel Prize is awarded to outstanding people; Prizes are awarded in the following areas: physics, chemistry, physiology and medicine, literature, peace prize.

Swedes are very disciplined, hardworking people who love precision and accuracy. Most of them live in cities. Working Swedes receive high wages, and their spending on annual vacations is among the highest in the world. He who knows how to work well knows how to rest well.

What attractions are there in Sweden?

— Stockholm is the highlight of Sweden, a city located among waters, greenery and stone. The first mention of Stockholm dates back to 1252. Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a repository of ancient architectural masterpieces: the magnificent Royal Palace (1754) with the royal chapel and the Antique Museum of Gustav III, the Royal Mint, the Treasury, the Palace Church, St. Nicholas Cathedral (XIII-XV centuries, the famous coronation site of the Swedish monarchs), the Armory,

— Stockholm metro is the longest “art gallery” in the world,

- in the suburbs of Stockholm there is the residence of the Swedish royal family - the famous Drottingholm Palace (XVII century) with a magnificent park,

— “Royal Path” Kungsleden,

— Sarek National Park, an ideal place for serious tourists,

- the west coast archipelago from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border, an amazing natural place known for smooth and textured granite cliffs, quaint fishing villages and a hectic maritime lifestyle,

— Kolmorden Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Scandinavia, the first dolphinarium in Scandinavia, opened in 1969, is also attached to it,

- Sweden's most significant port is the city of Gothenburg.

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Sweden. According to the CIA directory, it ranks 21st in the world in terms of attendance.

This is an amazing country reindeer, the polar night and the largest number of nuclear power plants per capita. Fairy tales and reality coexist perfectly on 450.3 thousand square meters. km of its territory.

Everything is interesting in Sweden, starting from the picturesque nature and ending with the culture and traditions of the country.

The population is approaching 10 million and almost 300 thousand of them bear the surname Carlson. Maybe that's why Astrid Lindgren gave such a name to one of the characters in her fairy tale.

The neighbors of the largest country in Scandinavia are Norway and Finland. Located on the border with the latter golf Club, in which the course and holes on it are located on the territory of both countries.

Almost 90% of Sweden's population lives in its southern part. The official language is Swedish. Unofficially it is divided into simple and complicated.

Swedes do not like to use complex words in everyday life. Even the authors of books, when composing or translating them, try to do without sophisticated words and phrases.

All local residents can communicate fluently in English. Its in-depth study is carried out in all educational institutions of the kingdom.

Sweden belongs to the countries with the highest income level. In its history there is a known case when, after the death of one of the local tramps, an inheritance of 1.5 million dollars was left. For forty years of his life, he handed over empty bottles and used the proceeds to buy shares in Swedish companies.

The country has given the world many useful and interesting things.. For example, such as a refrigerator, a zipper and a computer mouse. This list also includes a “buffet wall”, “buffet” and “Swedish family”.

Stories that every Swedish family consists of three partners in real life are more of a myth. Here is the information that the kingdom imports garbage - the honest truth.

Sweden monitors its environment very carefully and helps its neighbors do the same. It is considered a country of green environmental standards.

Do not deny the locals practicality. In the city of Helsingborg there is a crematorium, which, in addition to its direct purpose, is used for heating the houses of the city. All local cities have implemented a waste sorting system.

You can drink tap water in Sweden without fear. Swedes know how to take care of people.

Much attention is paid to creating an accessible environment for people with disabilities. Until the age of 20, every Swede can receive free dental care.

The road traffic in Sweden is very interesting. The country can be safely named kingdom of ring roads. Having got out of one road ring you immediately find yourself in another. There are significantly fewer traffic lights.

This road arrangement allowed Sweden to avoid traffic jams and significantly reduce road deaths as a result of accidents. No more than 80 people die in them per year.

It is noteworthy that residents do not install washing machines in their apartments. They clean their laundry in public laundries.

What is Stockholm famous for?

In 1634, Stockholm was appointed the capital of Sweden. Currently, it is home to almost 2 million citizens, 16% of whom are immigrants.

The most common languages on city streets- Swedish, Finnish, English, Bosnian and Dutch. For some time now you can hear speech in Arabic.

The city has metro, which locals compare to a museum gallery. It is considered the most beautiful in the world. The design of each station is a real work of art.

Stockholm can be called city of balloons. This is the only capital in the world where flights on them are allowed.

Royal Palace. This is the largest residence of monarchs in the world, used for its intended purpose. It is located in the center of the capital and consists of 600 rooms.

Together with Forest Cemetery The palace is a UNESCO cultural heritage site.

One of the city's attractions is Royal Park. It was the first in the world to receive National status.

There is no industry in the city and this makes Stockholm one of the cleanest capitals in the world. But not only this brought the city worldwide fame.

Stockholm is not only the capital of Sweden, it is deservedly considered the center of Scandinavia. The shortest daylight hours in the city last 6 hours, and the longest - 21. There are more than 1000 restaurants in the city.

Due to the large number of open bodies of water Stockholm is sometimes called the Venice of the North. It is one of the most comfortable cities in the world to live in.

What about the buffet?

Receiving guests in your home, locals never serve buffets. The maximum you can count on is one dish and dessert. Most often, this only dish turns out to be meat and potatoes.

The most consumed drink in the country is coffee. In this, the Swedes are not much different from the inhabitants of other Scandinavian countries.

When visiting, you will have to drink what you buy yourself along the way. The most famous strong alcoholic drink in Sweden is Absolut vodka.

In the national Swedish menu you can find a dish made from rotten fish. Similar food is on the menu of the national cuisines of Iceland and Norway.

Modern residents do not really like to cook at home. They prefer fast food. The largest number of McDonald's restaurants operate here. But the recipes of national dishes are not forgotten and tourists coming to the country get acquainted with them.

Once in Sweden, you should try local herring with mustard-lemon sauce, potato casserole with sprats, or mackerel with mayonnaise and cream.

Most Swedes' mornings start with milk porridges, which are called welling.

Getting ready for lunch Grutta. This is a dish of boiled meat and vegetables. It could be lamb stewed with cabbage or beef with beans.

Pea porridge is served as a side dish for pork, and turnips are supposed to be added to corned beef. Locals hold venison and elk meat in high esteem, as well as homemade dairy products.

A festive table in Sweden is not complete without punch and mulled wine. The best gift for a celebration can be local tinctures Branvin and Aquavit. They are prepared with local herbs.

What do you know about the Swedes?

The Swedes are great patriots of their country. Their love for their homeland is expressed in their attitude towards the streets of their cities and the nature that surrounds them. They keep their places of residence clean and try to treat everything with special care.

They are all obsessed with home appliances. Their kitchens are literally stuffed with multicookers, juicers, grills and many other devices for preparing food and drinks.

If a Swede can somehow manage without a kettle, then without a coffee machine he is like without hands.

All residents are obsessed with a healthy lifestyle. A sports ground in a park or courtyards has long become the norm for residents, as well as playgrounds.

Despite the fact that Swedes do not like interference in their personal space, they are very hospitable, friendly and will always stop by to visit a new neighbor. But It’s not customary for them to visit without calling.

According to your character Swedes prefer to remain silent than to speak.

They are big dog lovers. You can find a four-legged pet in almost every home.

Sweden is one of the countries that compete with each other in terms of the life expectancy of their citizens. Currently they live on average 80 years.

They big fans of fishing. Having caught a fish, they release it into the pond after taking a photo with the catch. They do not consider many species of fish to be such. These include pike.

The interesting thing is that reservoirs intended for fishing are paid and they keep strict records of the data of all fishermen.

The average age of Swedish students is 25 years old. This is explained very simply. After finishing school, they start working and only then enter college or university.

25-30 years old is not considered a serious age for Swedes. They get married late and have children. After 18 years, each of them tries to separate from the family and live independently.

Swedes prefer snus to cigarettes is moistened chewing tobacco.

The Swedes, as they say, you're not stupid to drink, but alcohol is very expensive here. On weekdays it is very difficult to meet drunk residents, but on weekends on city streets you can count up to 80% of passers-by drunk.

All Swedes are law-abiding citizens. They don't like it when someone breaks the law, so they always report any observed violations to the police.

You cannot hear loud music from the windows of houses or cars in Sweden. This is due to the fact that Swedes respect not only themselves, but also others.

Traditions and customs, holidays, habits

Many Swedish traditions have their roots in paganism and are associated with the seasons. On the last day of April they celebrate Walpurgis Night.

The summer holiday of Ivan Kupala here is called Midsommar. In autumn comes the time of the holiday known as All Saints' Day. Advent and Lucia come after him.

There is one interesting tradition here. When the host raises his glass at the festive table and makes a congratulatory toast, you cannot place it on the raised cup until all the guests look into each other’s eyes.

You cannot make toasts to the hostess and master of the house until the meal is over.

The funniest and most unusual tradition in Sweden is Celebrating Fermented Herring Day.

The under-salted fish is filled with water and left in the sun for two days. According to the Swedes, such fish is an excellent delicacy.

They are very popular Christmas. New Year's gifts are given by the gnome on this holiday. According to custom, on Christmas night, residents of the country place porridge with almonds on their doorstep.

Swedes paint eggs for Easter and decorate their houses with figurines of chickens and rabbits.

In addition to New Year, Christmas, Easter and Epiphany in Sweden there are also public holidays such as May Day and Independence Day.

Other unusual features of the country

For attending school in Sweden students are paid $187 each month.

Children are seriously protected by law in Sweden. It prohibits any corporal punishment.

An interesting study was conducted in the country King Gustav III. He commuted the death penalty to life imprisonment for two prisoners. The condition for changing the sentence was their obligation to drink three cups of coffee every day for one and the same amount of tea for the other.

The king wanted to know which of them would live longer. The monarch died before the end of the experiment.

Historical fact: Swedish King Charles IV had a tattoo in French on his body. Translated, it sounded like “death to kings.”

A Swedish passport allows you to visit almost all countries of the world without a visa.

Sweden has a lot of National Parks and Nature Reserves. For those who want to enjoy the picturesque nature of the country, it is best visit Kullaberg.

This nature reserve is located on the island of Anholt. In good weather here you can observe the unique glow of the North and Baltic seas.

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Famous people of Sweden

Rulers, founders, generals
Saint Birgitta (1303-1373)

Birgitta was born into a noble family, married at 13 and gave birth to eight children.
In 1349 she left Sweden and went to Rome.
She had 600 revelations throughout her life. Three years before her death, Saint Brigid founded a monastery in Vadstena, Sweden.

Gustav Vasa, or Gustav I (1496-1560)

Gustav Erikson Vasa became King of Sweden in 1523.
He led the popular uprising, liberating the country from Danish rule.
He was captured, fled, and organized partisan attacks against the troops of Christian II.
In 1522 he defeated the Danes at the Battle of Stockholm.
Having become king, he fought against the omnipotence of the church and suppressed several uprisings.
During his reign, in 1536, Sweden adopted the Protestant faith.
He also established a hereditary monarchy and unified the country.

Gustav II Adolf (1594-1632)

A talented commander who inherited the throne at the age of 17.
During the Thirty Years' War between Catholics and Protestants, he participated in the anti-Habsburg coalition, leading the Protestant forces.
Killed at the Battle of Lützen.

Charles XII (1682-1718)

The classic type of warrior king, stern but fair.
He ascended the throne at age 15 in 1697.
At the age of eighteen, he won a major victory over Russian troops near Narva, but 9 years later he was defeated in the Battle of Poltava and fled to Turkey. He returned to his homeland in 1715, and in 1718 he died during the siege of the Fredriksten fortress in Norway, after which Sweden was forced to conclude peace agreements, losing most of its possessions, with the exception of Finland.
There is a famous painting by Gustav Sedeström, The Funeral of Charles XII, which can be seen in the Gothenburg Art Museum.

Gustav III (1746-1792)

Crowned in 1771.
He carried out two coups d'etat, restoring strong royal power.
The period of his reign is called "Gustavian" or "enlightened absolutism".
“King of the Arts”, patron of literature, founder of the Swedish Academy following the example of the French Academy, author and director of plays in the theater he created.
In 1777, the first of the Swedish kings paid a visit to St. Petersburg, his cousin Empress Catherine II. He met her for the second time in the Finnish town of Friedrichsgam in 1783, when he tried to persuade her to agree to the annexation of Norway to Sweden.
In March 1792, he was mortally wounded by a shot fired by a retired officer Ankarström, a participant in a conspiracy against the king, during a costume ball at the Stockholm Opera.

Queen Christina (1624-1689)

In 1644, at the age of 20, Christina became Queen of Sweden.
The story of her turbulent life inspired director Stenberg to shoot the film “Queen Christina” in Hollywood, in which Swede Greta Garbo played the main role. Historians have determined that the plot of the film is fictional.
The philosopher Rene Descartes moved to Stockholm at the invitation of the queen.
At the age of 30, she abdicated the throne, converted to the Catholic faith and left Sweden.
She died in 1689 and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
She was interested in science, collected paintings and manuscripts, and wrote memoirs.

Jean Baptiste Bernadotte (1763-1844)

A native of Béarn, a province in the south of France, the son of a minor clerk, soldier of the royal army, general of the French Republic, Napoleonic marshal of France.
In 1810, he was elected at the Riksdag as heir to the Swedish throne under the childless King Charles XIII.
Since 1818, King Charles XIV Johan of Sweden and Norway.
Maintained friendly relations with Russia.
Founded the Bernadotte dynasty.

Folke Bernadotte (1895-1948)

Count, relative of the ruling dynasty.
The head of the Red Cross, in 1945, shortly before the surrender of Nazi Germany, contributed to the release of 30,000 concentration camp prisoners.
In 1948, he became the UN representative in Palestine and in the same year was assassinated by the Israeli far-right terrorist group Stern.

Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia

Carl-Gustav-Folke-Hubert Bernadotte was born in 1946. Since 1973, King of Sweden.
Performs mainly representative functions.
In 1976 he married Sylvia Sommerlath (German father, Brazilian mother). They have three children: Victoria, heir to the throne, Karl Philip and Madeleine.
The royal family lives at Drottningholm Castle.

Once I had an affair that continues to this day. I arrived in the city on a wonderfully warm August day. There were almost no people on the streets, it was Saturday, and most residents of the Swedish capital were enjoying their weekend sleep. The city was bathed in sunshine, the embankment smelled of coffee and fresh pastries, and seagulls cheekily climbed into a bag of muffins. My first impression of this country was this: a lot of sun and warmth, despite its initial coldness. The Swedes are amazingly kind and smiling people; everything in their country speaks of a love of comfort and convenience. Sweden is ideal for a variety of holidays: family with children, active or urban. Sweden is the birthplace of the beloved IKEA store, the Abba group, Astrid Lindgren and the Nobel Prize. Sweden amazed me with its simplicity, comfort and smiles. If I were to choose heaven on Earth, Sweden would definitely be it.

The bulk of tourists go, of course, to. There is entertainment for every taste and age. Young people will be interested in visiting Gothenburg, which is considered the capital of Swedish rock music, but those who prefer a relaxing holiday can safely go to Malmo.

Why did Sweden captivate me personally? Stockholm. This is an amazingly cozy city that has everything I love: the sea, a lot of green places, narrow walking streets, cafes with delicious coffee and pastries, interesting and unusual monuments, bright houses (you look and think that Carlson is about to fly out of the rooftops ).

What else I liked about Sweden: you can come here for three days or three weeks. In any case, you will find something to do and see.

So, I’m telling you more about this beloved and amazing country.

Visa and border crossing

I told Travelask readers in great detail and in vivid detail about obtaining a Swedish visa (the first one in my passport, by the way). But let's refresh the information together.

A Schengen visa is required for Sweden. If our passport already has an open Schengen multiple visa (that magic wand that allows you to enter and exit Schengen several times), then we do not apply for anything, but boldly go with it. If not, we collect documents according to the type of visa requested and go to the nearest visa service center.

An important detail: the Swedes are not generous with multiple visas, so you shouldn’t count on it.

How to get there

The fastest way to get to Sweden is by plane, and the cheapest way is by ferry. It is also very convenient to get from St. Petersburg by bus.

By plane

There are direct flights to Stockholm from Moscow and St. Petersburg. With transfers in European cities also from them. From other large cities of Russia we fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg, and from there to Stockholm. If your goal is Malmo, then it is more convenient to fly to Copenhagen, and then take a bus from there to Sweden

There is an Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Stockholm every day at 11:25, the journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes, the cost is from 816 EUR (from 12,000 to 14,000 rubles or from 1,700 Swedish kronor) per person round trip. As for luggage, everything is standard here: 23 kg per person.

If you fly from Moscow, but with a transfer, then the most profitable option is an AirBaltic flight with a transfer in Riga (usually the transfer lasts no more than two hours, flight time is 1:20), ticket prices from 690 EUR (10,000 rubles / 6,780 CZK) to person back and forth.

Sas airline flies from St. Petersburg on Thursdays. Flight time is 1.5 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is about 690 EUR (10,000 rubles/6,780 CZK) per person. Bellavia flies with a transfer in Minsk (travel time is 5 hours, including a two-hour transfer) and you can change planes in Riga with AirBaltic (fly with a transfer for about 3-4 hours). Ticket prices from both airlines start from 748 EUR (11,000 rubles or 7,350 crowns).

More ticket options with prices can be viewed.

Airports in Sweden

There are many airports in Sweden, but only three accept commercial flights:

Arlanda(),
Malmo,
Gothenburg-Landvetter.

Arlanda Airport (where we fly from Russia) is located 37 km from Stockholm, it receives 20 million passengers annually, and there are a total of 5 terminals at the airport. From the airport you can take the high-speed train, and in 20 minutes we will be in the city. Or take a ticket for bus 583, get to Marst, and then take the train to Stockholm.

By train

Moscow and St. Petersburg do not have direct railway connections with Sweden and Stockholm. The only option is to take a train to (about 207 EUR, 3000 rubles or 4447 Finnish marks) from St. Petersburg and 345 EUR (5000 rubles or 2,000 in Finnish currency) from the Capital, and then take a ferry to Stockholm.

By bus

There are no direct buses (got in Russia, woke up in Stockholm). You also need to get to or Turku (from 40 EUR per person one way, it’s more profitable to take a round-trip ticket for 60 EUR), and then change to a bus or ferry there. The cost of the ferry one way is from 35 EUR per person.

By car

What points are important to remember when traveling by car to Stockholm from Moscow or St. Petersburg? I’ll say right away: I prefer to travel around Europe by buses/ferries/trains, but after interviewing fellow motorists who had practiced traveling from St. Petersburg to Stockholm by car, I learned a lot of interesting things. And since the author is not a greedy person, I am happy to share important points with you.

Toll sections on the road. In Sweden itself the roads are free, but in Latvia there may be a toll.
Ferry crossing (cost from 35 EUR per person, plus additional payment for a car is possible). We need to get to the Finnish city of Turku and take the ferry there.
There is a fee to enter and exit from Stockholm. It costs 1 EUR one way, we will prepare some change in advance, since the machine does not give change.
Be careful and careful outside the city. The fact is that Swedish wild animals have a habit of running out onto the roads, doing this very suddenly, so I do not advise you to drive on the highways.
There is also a charge for crossing the Oresund (connects Sweden with Denmark) and Svinesund (connects Sweden with Norway) bridges. The cost is about 30 EUR one way, we also pay through special machines.
Gas stations in Sweden are mainly open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 24-hour gas stations are located on the highways.
In Sweden, the two most popular types of gasoline are 95 and 98, 95 will cost 1.40 EUR per liter, and 98 will cost 1.46 EUR per liter.

From Moscow the road will take approximately 23–26 hours, depending on the chosen route: it can be the M-9 road or two routes (M-10 and E-105).

There are also two roads to choose from from St. Petersburg: E18 and E4. The travel time is from 15 to 19 hours, and you will also have to transfer to Turku by ferry. There is no other way here).

By ferry

This is the most convenient and inexpensive way to get to Sweden. True, the luckiest people here are the residents of St. Petersburg, who are connected by a direct route to Sweden. From Moscow, as from other cities, you will first have to go to. The St. ferry runs three times a week. Peter Line, journey time approximately 20 hours, cost from 50 EUR one way.

From Finland (where you can get from St. Petersburg by bus) ferries run daily; you will spend a little less on the road: 16 hours. Cost from 30 EUR one way per person. We wanted to see both Finland and Sweden, so we chose the ferry.

Tourist regions

I can divide Sweden into three regions: Götaland, Svealand, Norrland.

Götaland or Southern Sweden

Two famous Swedish cities are located here - Malmö and Gothenburg. Götland is considered the most developed region of Sweden in terms of economics. Plus, most tourists strive to get to this region because of the favorable climate.

In southern Sweden we can sail, row, fish, or just sit on the sand and enjoy the Baltic Sea. Plus, Götaland is saturated for me with the atmosphere of the Vikings, Beowulf and other Scandinavian epics.

Svealand (central Sweden)

In the center of the country are Stockholm and the university city, as well as the picturesque Lake Mälaren and the ancient Viking capital of Sigtuna. A trip to Svealand is suitable for lovers of eco-tourism and hiking.

The views here are amazing, I enjoyed the nature and tranquility every minute.

Norrland (everything is clear from the name: Northern Sweden)

The region occupies 66% of Sweden's territory, and it is a real northern romance with eternal winter and snow (Game of Thrones fans, this is the place for you). with a national northern flavor, it seems to me that one of the famous regions of Scandinavia, and not just Sweden, is located here.

The west of the region is perfect for skiers, snowboarders and other lovers of active winter recreation! In summer you can go mountaineering here. The most popular routes are Åre, Vemdalena and Idre.

You can book hotels in Sweden on Booking –, you can compare prices from different services. You can also rent private apartments -.

Top cities

Sweden is famous for its three most vibrant, large and interesting cities. This Stockholm, Malmo and Gothenburg.

Stockholm is the heart of Sweden and Scandinavia. This is a city where you can easily combine shopping, studying history and culture, as well as just walking. In Stockholm, I inhaled the sea air with notes of coffee and cinnamon, and realized how comfortable and good I felt in this city. Plus Stockholm is the capital of European design and style.

Gothenburg is a city in southwestern Sweden. Its name translates as Gothic fortress. And it’s true: it reminded me of one big beautiful fortress. Gothenburg is for me a city of fortresses, castles and culture. A whole direction was formed in it: melodic death metal, and the famous group Ace of Base was founded. Gothenburg hosts a film festival and the Liseberg amusement park.

Malmö is a city in the south of Sweden, from it it is very quick and easy to get to Copenhagen, and that’s how we got there. It is smaller in size than Stockholm and Gothenburg, and occupies an honorable third place in the cities of Sweden. Malmö is an industrial city, but it has a lot to see! The capital of shipbuilding, it is home to the Malmö Arena (a stadium where you can often see hockey matches, and where the Eurovision Song Contest took place in 2013). It is the warmest and southernmost of the cities in Sweden, so the climate here is milder.

You can view tours to different cities in Sweden.

Islands

Do you know what else Sweden is called? Kingdom of a thousand islands! Because it is literally filled with a host of islands and small islets.

I will talk briefly about the Swedish archipelagos and the largest islands:

The Stockholm archipelago is located 80 kilometers from the city and has more than 24,000 islands. Having sailed from Stockholm for an hour, we saw the very beautiful Vaxholm fortress. The more distant islands (Sandhamn, Blidø and Utö) have everything that will allow tourists to relax: cafes and restaurants, hotels and holiday homes, as well as marinas.
The archipelagos of Northern Sweden are a group of islands near the cities of the North and Piteå. The islands are famous for their northern beauty and nature.
Estgöt archipelago - located in the east, it united three archipelagoes: Gryut, Tyst, the St. Archipelago. Anna and Arkosund. Here we were able to enjoy nature and see the most beautiful rocks. There are many accommodation options for tourists: hotels, tents, campsites.
The archipelago of the Southeast coast is famous for the fact that the island belongs to it Eland, one of the largest islands in Sweden. It features white sand, shallow waters and Borholm Castle. In general, if you want to combine relaxation with excursions, then feel free to go to Öland! The archipelago itself has about 10,000 islands.
The West Coast archipelago is famous for the freshest seafood that we caught and prepared. The so-called “sea safari”. Plus there are many small fishing islands where you can relax, go fishing, fry fish on a fire and enjoy the sea air.

In addition to the already mentioned Elland, Gotland is considered a large island in Sweden. It is located in the South, and is distinguished by its special beauty and history. For a long time, the Danish and Swedish kings divided the island, like a bone of contention. Today it belongs to Sweden, and here we can both enjoy history, viewing the fortresses, and simply relax our soul and body.

Top attractions

Basically, a holiday in Sweden becomes a city tour, and tourists tend to spend more time in cities: Stockholm, Malmo, Gothenburg. By the way, both in the cities and in the country itself you can find something to see, explore and visit. So, my personal must go&see list looks like this:

Royal Palace in Stockholm. Sweden is a country with a constitutional monarchy, so everything related to the history of the royal family is highly respected here. The inside of the Royal Palace impressed me more than the outside. It has a rich history: its design has changed several times depending on reasons. Be it a fire, or an outdated design.

ABBA Museum. Not visiting Stockholm and not visiting the Stockholm Four museum is a crime! It is very stylish and modern, has a lot of features. For example, there is a telephone here that anyone can call, and one of the ABBA members will answer the phone.

Stockholm City Hall - it hosts important meetings of the city authorities, as well as receptions after the Nobel Prize. It is one of the favorite places among tourists. Anyone can get into the courtyard of the town hall, but only with a guide is allowed to enter the halls. To be honest, we were more impressed by the garden and surroundings than the inside of the building.

Unibacken is ideal if we take little travelers on a trip! This is a fairy tale museum located on the island of Jynibakken, where you can meet the characters of your favorite Swedish fairy tales.

Millesgården in Stockholm is an open-air park created by a couple of artist-sculptors Olga and Karl Miless. The park amazes with the unusualness of the sculptures in it. What I liked: the unusualness of the sculptures, and, indeed, the park itself. It is beautiful and well-groomed; you can easily have a small picnic here, enjoying the fresh air and contemplating the monuments.

The Nobel Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Nobel Prize and Nobel laureates.

The ship "Gustav Vasa" is a warship that sank in the 17th century during its first attempt at operation. It was raised from the bottom, mothballed and restored, and is used as an exhibit as a preserved first sailing ship. If you remove my personal comparisons with Kon-Tiki in , it is quite impressive and inspiring!

Liseberg is an amusement park in Gothenburg, considered one of the largest parks not only in Europe, but also in the world. It is located on 25 thousand square meters and has about 35 attractions. In winter, it opens a skating rink and hosts Christmas markets.

I would also like to note that most of Stockholm's attractions: Junibacken, the ABBA Museum and the ship "Gustav Vasa", for example, are located in one place: on the island of Djurgården, located in the center of Stockholm, so we can combine visits to several interesting places at once.

Weather

In Sweden, on its main territory, there is a temperate climate, perhaps similar to our St. Petersburg. But since the country is stretched to the North, it is much colder in these areas. For example, Laxbacken recorded the lowest degree in all of Europe: -53 °C. As for the main tourist cities (Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg), you can come to them all year round without fear that cold or abnormal heat will ruin your vacation. There is no seasonality/non-seasonality here as such. We can enjoy city walks both in July and January during the New Year holidays, when Stockholm is decorated with snowfall and lights.

Personally, the weather and climate in Sweden seemed ideal for a holiday (we were there in August), and even sudden five-minute downpours, after which the sun came out, did not bother or spoil the holiday.

Average temperature in winter: about -10 °C, in summer +20–25 °C.

Money

In Sweden, like in any respecting Schengen country, euros are accepted. By the way, why I love the Swedes (unlike the Hungarians and Danes): you pay in euros, and you also get change in euros, and not in local currency! The national coin is called the Swedish krona (SEK), and today 1 SEK is approximately 0.1 EUR.

We arrived with euros bought in Russia, and already in Sweden we paid with them. I repeat that we had no problems with giving change in local currency and worrying about where to put it later.

As for cards, they are accepted without problems (I have a Sberbank Visa). It is convenient to pay with cards in large stores and souvenir shops, and if you are going to the market, it is better to take crowns or euros with you. It is important to remember: when traveling to any country, including Sweden, alert your bank so that they will allow the transaction in another country.

Moving around the country

By car

Let me tell you right away about my find, which will be of interest to motorists and those who like to rent a car. You can already at home, in advance, rent a car through the travel section. We select the dates and place we need to pick up the car. The longer the rental period, the cheaper the price. If we book on the spot, it will cost about 100 EUR per day, through the website about 50 EUR.

In order to rent a car in Sweden and drive it you will need: a passport, a credit card and an international license. The age at which you are allowed to drive depends on the chosen model: for most from 18 years, for some from 24 years. Rental of additional equipment (child seat, ski rack, navigator), as well as additional insurance are paid separately.

The cost of gasoline in Sweden is approximately 1.46 EUR (13 SEK) per liter. Roads in Sweden are free except for two places: Svinesund on the border of Sweden and Norway and Öresund (the road from Malmö to Copenhagen).

Safety rules on Swedish roads:

The low beam must be on constantly, throughout the year, no matter what time of year it is outside.
Speed limit:
- in a populated area 30–60 km/h,
- outside the populated area 70–100 km/h,
- motorway 110–120 km/h.
Children under 15 years of age and less than 1.35 m tall must sit in special chairs.
All passengers must wear seat belts!

Metro of major cities

As for getting around in Stockholm, there is a metro consisting of three lines. It is designated by the letter T (tunnelbana).

The cost of one metro ride is 1.5 EUR (15 SEK), so it is more profitable to take a subscription for several trips.

The Stockholm metro is worth the trip. The fact is that it is called a gallery. All stations are decorated by completely different designers and in different styles from each other: Greek style, design in the style of the Vasa ship or in the theme of fairy tales. I have always said that the best metro is in our capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but the Stockholm metro struck me with its unusualness.

Taxi

As for taxis, they are quite expensive in Sweden: if the route does not exceed 10 kilometers, it will cost 30 EUR (300 SEK). The fee for 1 kilometer is 0.8 EUR (8 SEK) plus 2 EUR (20 SEK) you will be charged for landing.

By bus

The bus system in Stockholm is also very developed: buses also run at night. And bus 47 will take you directly to Djurgården. The ticket can be purchased directly at the salon and costs 2 EUR or 20 SEK.

It is also cheaper and more convenient to travel within the country by bus: you can buy tickets at the station ticket office, which will be cheaper than traveling by train. Save about 10 EUR, check prices at the box office.

By bicycle

You can also explore Stockholm by bike! There is a bicycle rental system here. The maximum period for which you can rent a bike is 3 hours, then you will need to return it to the parking lot and take another one.

The cost of a card for 3 days is 13 EUR (125 SEK), a seasonal card, valid from April 1 to October 31, costs 26 EUR (250 SEK) or 21 EUR (200 SEK) when purchased on the website. Bicycles are available from 6am to 10pm.

Connection

Sweden is known as the provider of the most inexpensive communications in Europe.

WiFi

Wi-fi is available in all hotels and hostels in Sweden. Plus, in many tourist areas of large cities, you can easily connect to a free network to share photos with friends on social networks. This made me happy and helped me a lot during the trip.

So, we arm ourselves with phones and tablets, and remember where you can get Wi-fi in Stockholm:

Central station.
Junibacken Museum (while the children are hugging Carlson, you can use the free Wi-Fi).
Shops? Pressbyrån kiosks, they can be found quite a lot.
Espresso House? caffeine network You don’t have to go into them; you can catch the Internet if you just stand nearby.

mobile connection

As for mobile Internet and communications, it is more profitable to take a SIM card from local operators than to use Russian roaming. For comparison: 1GB of Internet abroad from Megafon will cost 759 EUR (11,000 rubles), and from a local Internet operator it will cost us 3.3 EUR (48 rubles) per 1GB.

The most famous operators in Sweden are Tele2, Telenor and Telia Mobile. In order to buy a local SIM card and connect it, we only need money, we don’t even show our passport. The card costs about 7 EUR (70 SEK).

You can purchase a SIM card at any communication store, but it is important to clarify the information on tariffs, since without connecting special options, the cost may increase.

Language and communication

The official language is, of course, Swedish. In Sweden we have no problems with the language: the majority of the population here understands and speaks English. Even my mother (whose English is more like a mixture of Finnish and Portuguese) easily found a common language in shops and on the streets.

But let's try to learn Swedish together and find out for ourselves a few common phrases that we may need while traveling:

ja [I] – yes;
nej [ney] – no;
tack [sic] – thank you;
Pratar du Engelska? [pratar do engelska] – do you speak English?
förlåt [felo:t] - sorry!
Valkommen! [ve:lkomen! (ve:lkomna!)] - hello!
Adjö! [aiyo:!;] – goodbye! or Hey då! [hey do:!]
Tala om för mig [tala om fer mig] - please tell me;
Hur får man till tunnelbanan? [khur fhar man till tunnelban] – how to get to the metro?
Hur mycket kostar det? [khur muket kostar det] – how much does it cost?

ö – these are the so-called umalauts, which soften the language.

Features of mentality

How did I remember the Swedes on my trip to this northern but warm country? Swedes love coffee. They drink it a lot and everywhere. Swedish offices and even the streets are permeated with the smell of coffee.

Swedes are very smiling and hospitable, despite the first impression of melancholy introverts.

Swedes do not like to be compared to their neighbors from other Scandinavian countries, as they have strong national pride. Therefore, in conversation with them, we will not mention how great the Danes or Norwegians are. Only the Swedes are the best, period!

In Sweden we were able to see the following picture: dad takes care of the house and children while mom works. This is a common pattern, with men often taking charge of the household and women doing typical male work.

Swedes have a very patronizing and condescending attitude towards other countries and cultures. Don't expect questions about your homeland and culture. Treating colleagues from the CIS as unexpectedly civilized representatives of their nation who have become people. That is, moving to Sweden is necessarily perceived as progress in the life of a visitor.

Food and drink

You should not expect a variety of spices, herbs, or any special delicacies in dishes from Swedish cuisine. But it is simple and quite tasty.

As for drinks: Swedes are not stupid to drink. The famous Absolut vodka has been produced since 1879.

And it has several types and variations:

Kurant - with a delicate taste of black currant and its rather bright aroma.
Peppar – with a hint of black pepper.
Citron – with a citrus aftertaste and aroma.
Raspberri – with a hint of raspberry in taste.

I told you about the Swedes’ great love for coffee. Glögg is also popular here - this is the Swedish version of mulled wine and a variety of berry fruit drinks.

Personally, I liked and remembered the meatballs, muffins with raspberry jam, ginger cookies and simply but deliciously prepared fish.

You can try really delicious baked goods: muffins with various berry fillings, gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls. A variety of jams and preserves made from wild berries are also held in high esteem by the Swedes.

In Swedish cuisine you can find many dishes made from fish, herring and meat. The famous meatballs that Carlson loved so much and which you can treat yourself to in the IKES store are already a trademark of Sweden.

5 dishes worth trying

Swedish meatballs (Kötbular) - after traveling around Sweden, I prepared this amazing dish for friends, proving that meatballs, familiar to Russians, and meatballs are different meat dishes. Swedish meatballs (the classic version) are made from minced meat or chicken and then fried in oil. Served with lingonberry sauce. Believe me, Swedes have large portions, but both adults and children are ready to eat countless quantities of this dish!

Any baked goods – my favorites are definitely gingerbread cookies and muffins with raspberry jam! The Swedes are famous for their coffee shops and baked goods, which are very fresh and flavorful. Sweet tooth, you will be delighted, I guarantee. By the way, Swedes love to bake bread. And among the varieties there are often sweet options.

Smörgostorta – Scandinavians are also fans of sandwiches, because they are filling, tasty and simple. Smörgostorta has everything: beets, cream cheese, peas, bacon, and cucumbers... In general, the dish turns out tasty and satisfying, despite the fact that it looks like an appetizer.

Surströmming is perhaps the most specific dish of Swedish cuisine. I can compare my feelings and attitude towards such a dish with durian, the king of fruits. You can either eat it and love it, or hold your nose and say, “get her away from me immediately.” Surströmming has a pungent odor, giving the impression of not being the freshest fish. This does not affect the taste in any way. Some people mistakenly call it herring, but in fact it is Baltic herring. It is salted in a special way: it is fermented with less salt than fish is usually salted. This is where the specific smell comes from. As in the case of durian: when purchasing jars of Surströmming as a gift to friends and family, it is better to check them in your luggage.

Glasmestarsil - glazier's herring. This is a traditional Swedish Christmas dish that begins to be seasoned in November. To be honest, when I tried this dish, I didn’t notice much difference with our herring.

Shopping

Sweden is one of the most ideal countries in Europe for shopping. Stockholm is a real Mecca for designers and fashion designers. The whole secret of Swedish product design (be it furniture, household goods, clothing or even cars) is simplicity and convenience. But everything is made from expensive and high-quality materials; the Swedes, as champions of environmental protection, pay a lot of attention to the environmental friendliness of their products. Well, prices for clothes and goods here are much lower than many European countries.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

I didn’t notice any “peculiarities of national shopping” in Sweden, but I did pay attention to some points:

All large stores and shopping centers are open from 10 to 19, with reduced hours on weekends and holidays.
In Sweden, the tax-free system (tax refund for purchases) is very common, so when you purchase things, you can get your money back. The refund amount is 15–17% for purchases of at least 20 EUR or 200 SEK. Almost all stores in Stockholm have this rule: they have a tax-free sign. When paying for your purchase, tell the seller that you would like to receive a tax-free check. The seller will issue a form indicating the purchase price and the refund amount. The receipt and cash register receipt, as well as the purchased product in undamaged packaging, must be kept until crossing the EU border. When leaving Sweden, you need to remember that the customs stamp on the tax-free check must be affixed no later than 30 days from the date of purchase.
Treasured sales in Sweden, when goods can be purchased at a 50-70% discount, take place from Christmas to mid-February and from July to the end of August.

Best cities for shopping

Definitely, in my opinion, all the best stores are in Stockholm!

By location, shopping in Stockholm can be divided into three areas - City, Östermalm and Södermalm:

The City is an area where inexpensive clothing stores (H&M, for example) are located next to luxury designer stores. The most popular shopping streets in the City are: the pedestrian Drottninggatan, which crosses the area from the center to the south, Hamngatan, and the streets around Stureplan Square. Many shops can also be found in the area between Sergels Torg and Kungsträdgården. The City is home to large popular Swedish shopping centers: for example, PUB and NK. As a fan of the H&M store, I appreciated it in Stockholm: the selection of clothes is huge, and if you find yourself on sale, the prices can’t help but please you!
Östermalm – This area is famous for its designer homeware and furniture stores, as well as boutiques and high-end antique shops. And it is in Östermalm that the famous Östermalmshallen food market is located.
Södermalm – lovers of flea markets will definitely find something interesting and unusual here. There are many small shops with second-hand clothes and home furnishings.

The most popular shopping streets in Stockholm are Hornsgaten and Slussen.

Stockholm has also won the title of the most environmentally friendly city in Europe for several years in a row. Sweden has many stores selling natural cosmetics, vegetarian products, and clothing made from natural fabrics. The most famous "health store" in Stockholm is the Ekovaruhuset supermarket. If you are a supporter of the environment and a healthy lifestyle, then I recommend visiting it!

What to bring from this country

At one time I was very touched by Swedish souvenirs! All these wonderful figurines of trolls (a couple of them still make me happy with their positive appearance), red Swedish horses, deer and moose. There are a lot of things you can buy with moose here: kitchen utensils, T-shirts, mugs and, of course, knitted sweaters with deer! Children should also bring books by Astrid Lingren and toys of their favorite characters. Prices for a book are around 5–7 EUR, a figurine will cost us 3–5 EUR.

For those who smoke, you can bring snus - smokeless Swedish tobacco - about 4 EUR per pack.

Among the products you can bring a pack of ginger cookies, vodka or berry tincture, a jar of Surströmming for the bravest ones, a pack of Gevalia coffee (approximate cost 6 EUR), any Swedish sweets (from 2 EUR per pack of cookies, for example).

As for purchasing alcohol, it is sold in special Systembolaget stores and can be purchased by persons over 20 years of age! Therefore, we take a passport so as not to go home without Absolut. A bottle of vodka will cost us about 8–10 EUR.

Baggage allowance varies by airline, but ours was the standard 20kg per person. The ban on the import and export of goods is also standard here: you cannot export national currency worth more than 6,000 SEK from the country. Items that have historical or artistic value. Ammunition, weapons and substances that are easily flammable.

Vacation with children

It seemed to me that it is ideal to go to Sweden with a child when he turns five. Firstly, little travelers will have to stomp their feet a lot. Secondly, this is not Southeast Asia or Egypt, where the main recreation is running on the beach and splashing in the water. Plus, all the entertainment in Sweden is not designed for infants, but for children aged 5–7 years who have already heard or read Astrid Lingren’s fairy tales, and they will be interested in seeing her museum.

It seems to me that the most interesting place for kids will be in Stockholm, where Junibacken is located, and it’s not boring! Junibacken, as I already said, is a museum of fairy tales by Astrid Lingren. It was opened during the writer’s lifetime in 1996. There are many themed areas dedicated to book characters. It is better to visit the museum on a weekday; there are much fewer visitors than on weekends. Entrance tickets cost from 13 EUR (125 SEK) per adult (price depends on the time of year) and from 11 EUR (110 SEK) per child. After visiting the museum, stop by the bookstore to pick up Lingren's books in Swedish or English, and sit in the café.

In addition to Junibacken, on the island of Djurgården there are: the Gröna Lundl amusement park, as well as a zoo and parks where you can have a picnic for the whole family.

And if you go to Gothenburg, be sure to visit the huge Liseberg Park, where the whole family will not be bored!

Sweden is a comfortable country for a family holiday. You won’t have any problems with “what should I feed my child”, because Swedish cuisine is tasty and simple, children will be delighted with meatballs, and I’m not talking about baking.

There are a lot of family rooms in hotels with bunk beds for children, and the climate at any time of the year will not be very shocking for the Russian body; you can do without acclimatization. What else I like about Stockholm and Sweden: there are few boring museums that will not be interesting for children. There are many national parks, walking areas, and the air even in the cities is very clean. Therefore, if you are wondering which European country you can start traveling with kids from, then Sweden is the ideal option!

Safety

Sweden is safe for holidays and tourists. There is no hectic traffic or widespread theft here, as in Barcelona, for example. The crime rate in the country is very low. Nevertheless, general safety measures must be observed: do not put documents and money in your bag or backpack; it is better to distribute them in your pockets. Also keep your equipment with you. In museums and galleries, only put things in the cloakroom if there is an employee there, and do not leave your bags unattended.

If you do become a victim of robbery, you can contact the Swedish police: they are always ready to help tourists and speak good English. The telephone number for police, ambulance and firefighters is the same: 112. Calls from payphones are free, from a cell phone at the operator’s rate.

Popular types of scams

Sweden is, of course, a calm country, but it’s worth taking precautions! So what to watch out for:

Change currency only through exchangers. If kind people on the street offer to change money, then feel free to avoid them.
When walking along a pedestrian street or a market where there are a lot of people, keep your personal and valuable items with you.
Do not leave documents or money at the hotel, unless in the safe.
Swedes do not pester strangers on the street due to their mentality, so if you are approached on the street, then most likely this is not a local person, and it is better not to talk to him.

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

Here are some important points to keep in mind while in Sweden. The author did not do any of the following and does not advise readers.

We come to Sweden, and remember what is not worth it here:

Smoking in public places, a no smoking sign hangs at all stops, in all museums and galleries in Sweden. Many restaurants have a special room for smoking with an exhaust hood.
Photograph private homes. Swedes are very protective of their personal space, so you can easily be fined for wanting to film a beautiful country house.
Approach other people's children on the street, even if the child is crying or lost. You will definitely reveal the tourist in you, and you will also have to explain yourself. Swedes do not interfere in the lives of others, and it is considered rude to approach strangers or children on the street. Plus, if human rights activists see you with someone else’s child, they can easily suspect you of harassment.
Insult animals. In Sweden, cruelty to animals (even an unintentional animal accidentally hit by a car, for example) is punishable by up to 6 months in prison.
Make noise after 22:00. This, of course, does not apply to you if you decide to have a blast in a nightclub. The clubs here are night clubs and work as expected. But most ordinary Swedes work from 8 am to 5 pm and go to bed early. Therefore, it is better not to make noise in a hotel or rented apartment after 22:00.

5 things you must do in this country

Sweden is a country with an indescribable atmosphere of comfort, peace and northern tranquility. Everyone will find something to do and places to their liking here, but there is a list of things that should be done in order to proudly declare “yes, I was in Sweden.” I recommend, advise and strongly support your desire in Sweden:

Visit the island of Junibacken and visit several important museums where you can listen to your favorite ABBA songs, fool around with Carlson and Peppy Longstocking and see the ship Gustav Vasa with your own eyes.
Drink coffee and eat aromatic pastries while enjoying the view of the Baltic Sea.

See the smallest monument in Europe: Nils, who traveled with geese, and it is about him that Stockholm residents and tourists constantly take care of, insulating him for the winter. The monument is wonderful, I just want to not even rub it, but gently pat it on the head.

Will go down to the Stockholm metro. It is considered one of the most unusual and beautiful in Europe: all three of its lines were designed by artists, and each station is decorated in its own style.

Visit Gothenburg - a northern city with stunning castles and atmosphere.

Nearby countries

A trip to Stockholm can always be combined with a visit to three more Scandinavian countries: Finland, Denmark and Norway.

We started our trip from Finland, from where Stockholm can be easily and conveniently reached by ferry. The cost of the ferry depends on the type of cabin and day of the week: on weekends it is more expensive. The cost starts from 70 EUR per person one way. In general, the +Stockholm route is ideal for travelers who find themselves in St. Petersburg and want to combine a vacation in the Northern Capital with two Scandinavian cities.

It is also very convenient to get to Norway from Stockholm. By plane it will take 55 minutes (one way ticket costs about 68 EUR), by train 5 hours (one way ticket costs about 40 EUR) and by car about 6 hours. From Gothenburg you can get there faster: 3 hours by car and 4 hours by train.

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

Sweden is a cold Scandinavian country with amazing history and culture. It is known that this country is one of the richest and most developed countries in the world. However, how Sweden managed to achieve everything, what was the fate of the country over the centuries? We tried to find answers to such questions by delving into interesting data and facts.

Sweden is an independent Nordic country. The name of the state is translated as “country of the Svei.”
Swedes prefer to have a child at the age of 30. According to official statistics, this is the highest age in Europe. One of the main reasons is women's desire to succeed in business or climb the career ladder before having a child - an interesting fact.
There are currently more than 10 nuclear reactors operating in Sweden.
Sweden remained neutral during the First and Second World Wars.
Interesting fact: The “profession” of a housewife is not very popular in the country, so more than 75% of mothers go to work soon after the birth of a child.
The ancestors of modern Swedes were the Vikings - a warlike and fearless people. They (in this case, the Swedish Vikings) made sea voyages to other countries for the sake of profit and search for new territories.
Fun fact: the most popular sports in Sweden are football and hockey. The national ice hockey team won the gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics. The football team consistently performs at major world championships.
Sweden boasts the largest number of McDonald's fast food restaurants in Europe.
Interesting fact: the most popular Swedish souvenir is a road sign warning of the possibility of encountering a moose on the road. Every year a huge number of these signs are stolen from Swedish roads.
IN Sweden There are more than 300,000 people with the surname Karlsson.
The Swedish working class receives 34 days of vacation each year. According to this indicator, the country ranks third in the world. More only in Finland - an interesting fact.
The average age of Swedish students is a record 25.4 years!
Fun fact: the average life expectancy is 80 years! For women it is 83.4 years, and for men it is 78.7 years. This is largely due to the excellent ecology and calm, measured life.
90% of the population Sweden concentrated in the southern region of the country.
In Sweden, flora and fauna are treated very carefully and, for example, for killing a sparrow you can be given up to 6 months of correctional labor - an interesting fact.
In Sweden, it is not customary to go straight to university after graduating from school. As a rule, graduates first begin to live separately, go to work, and after a couple of years they just enter university.
The government system is a constitutional monarchy.
Interesting fact: the so-called “Buffet” began to be actively used more than a century ago. It is known that the Swedes do not really like to stand on ceremony with the design and serving of dishes for their guests, which is why they came up with this way of serving food. In addition, this significantly increased the time for communication.
Capital and largest city Sweden is . The city's population is 871 thousand people. Stockholm is also the cultural capital and economic center of the country. The name of the city translates as “island in the bay” - an interesting fact.
The country's area is almost 500 thousand km2
Car seats for children first appeared in Sweden in the 60s of the 20th century.
Interesting fact: over the course of 60 years from 1850 to 1910, more than 1 million Swedes migrated to the United States.
The "@" symbol in Sweden called "trunk" or "elephant".
The population of Sweden is more than 9.5 million people.
The first population census took place in Sweden. This was back in 1749 - an interesting fact.
The world's first ice hotel was built near the village of Jukkasjärvi in the Kiruna region. It was one of the most unusual attractions in Sweden, the presentation of which was attended by a record number of tourists.
Interesting fact: more than 70% of the population are adherents of the Lutheran Church, more than 20% are atheists. There are also more than 300 thousand Muslims in the country.
Unofficially, there are two varieties of Swedish: simple and complex. As a rule, no more than 25% of the population uses a complicated form of the language. If you use “complex” words in your speech in Swedish, such as “subject”, “interpretation”, “presumption” and the like, then you will be considered a very erudite and intelligent person.
Interesting fact: Sweden has the highest percentage of personal computers per capita in Europe.
The official currency is Swedish krona.
Sweden is one of the most generous countries in the world. For several years in a row, donations to poor countries have exceeded 1% of GDP. This is an absolute world record - an interesting fact.
Sweden gave the world such pop groups as Abba, The Cardigans, Roxette, Ace Of Base, as well as many other performers.
Astronomical telescope lenses were invented in Sweden.
Interesting fact: Swedish scientists and writers have won the Nobel Prize 30 times throughout the history of the award!
42% of Swedish parliamentarians are women! This is a world record for the number of female legislators.
In 1862, Sweden became the first country to grant suffrage to married women in local elections - an interesting fact.
Sweden has passed a law, thanks to which by 2025 the country will completely abandon gasoline and switch to biofuels.
Interesting fact: Swedish inventors have received more patents than inventors in any other European country.
The average Swedish person drinks up to 6 cups of coffee a day!

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