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A week’s driving in Sweden will open up a veritable treasure chest of delights and wonders. Blessed with a surprisingly temperate
climate, Sweden offers a fantastic mix of rugged, unchanged
landscape and cosmopolitan city life that is sure to please every
visitor. Immerse yourself into the history and character of this
energetic and friendly country, where the atmosphere is as
refreshing as the clean air and the welcome as warm as you would
expect from the ever-cheerful Scandinavians.
Day 1-3
Stockholm is one of the great European
capital cities. Blessed with history, culture, and beautiful
countryside as well as around 24,000 archipelago islands within easy
reach, it is a watery, magical city. Enjoy a gentle stroll around
the Old Town ('Gamla Stan'), the medieval heart of Stockholm. Don’t
miss the Djurgarden, a royal park that is home to many museums and
an aquarium. Check out the Skansen, the world’s first ever open-air
museum founded in 1891 and experience how the Swedes lived in
previous times. Move on and try out the Grona Lund Tivoli fun park
and experience the infamous and hair-raising Free Fall ride. In the
evening, head to one of the city’s many restaurants, where you will
find there’s something to suit every taste and pocket. After dinner,
take in a live concert or if you are after a more energetic evening,
check out one of the city’s many lively and trendy bars and
nightclubs.
Take Route 274 northeast out of the city and pay a visit to Vaxholm. This charming town acts as the gateway to the Stockholm’s archipelago and is full of beautiful architecture, including some fine old houses at the Hembygdsgard and the Customs House, one of the few stone buildings remaining in the town, which dates from 1736.
Take a winding ferry ride around the archipelago and stop off at the island of Arholma, one of the most interesting islands and an extremely popular attraction for sun and nature lovers alike. Return to the mainland and take the E4 northwards and stop off at Stigtuna. This is the oldest surviving town in Sweden and is also most attractive and important historical town around Stockholm. Wander around its streets flanked by wooden architecture and enjoy a meal at the eccentric floating restaurant on nearby Malaren lake.
Day 4
After sampling the delights of Stigtuna, rejoin the E4 and travel north towards Uppsala . One
of Sweden’s best-kept secrets, Uppsala is in fact Sweden’s fourth
largest city and features a university consecrated in 1477. There’s plenty
to see and do in this surprisingly busy town. Visit the
history laden Uppsala Slott, the town castle built in 1550 and site
of the enthronement of many of Sweden’s kings as well as the
scene of some horrible murders in medieval time. Savour the
atmosphere here before moving on to the elegant Wiks Slott. This
impressive brick building features an unusual clock tower and
magnificent landscaped gardens. Prepare a picnic and sit and enjoy the nature around
you.
Day 5-6
From Uppsala, travel southwest along route 55 before joining the E18 and then the E20 to Gothenburg. Although
Gothenburg is Sweden’s most important industrial and commercial city
and is Scandinavia’s most important port, it is a simply stunningly
beautiful city and has a fascinating architectural heritage. Pay a
visit to the Tradgardsforeningens Park, the location of a miniature
version of the Crystal Palace, the Palmshuset, as well as Europe’s
largest rosarium with 2,600 varieties of rose and the Fjarilshuset
(Butterfly House) where all kinds of tropical butterflies are free
to fly around. Climb up Ramberget in Keillers Park to get one of the
best views of the city or take a bus if you want a more leisurely
ascent.
Day 7
Take the scenic E6 and E20 directly south from Gothenburg through Helsingborg into Malmo, a city with the
reputation of being one of Sweden’s most cosmopolitan cities. With
canals, parks and largely pedestrianised streets is a pleasure to
explore. The Old Town is encircled by canals and is where most of
Malmo’s main attractions are located. Start your walk at the
Centralstationen and cross the canal, heading towards Stortorget, a
vast market square that dates back to the 16th century when most of
the buildings were constructed under Danish control. Next, continue
to the Stadsmuseum, which has a permanent collection that
concentrates mainly on the local cultural history of Malmo and the
greater Skane region. The Konstmuseum is the site of Sweden’s
largest collection of 19th century Nordic art and also features an
extensive collection of Russian fin de siècle art. There are plenty
of restaurants and cafes from which to choose as well as a host of
ethnic food stalls. Good pubs abound, especially jazz and music
clubs in a city with a vibrant and varied nightlife.
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