Sweden is an amazing place to spend your summer holiday, and the hot temperatures along with the clear blue sky are living proof of that. A lot of people choose Gotland, which is an isolated island situated 90km away from the mainland, to relax and enjoy the beauty of the location. Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage City located on the west coast of Gotland, is a place of interest for all tourists who wish to enhance their knowledge, thanks to its impressive history. You have the possibility to visit this incredible medieval city from May to September, and you can be sure that its stunning aspect and past will exceed your expectations.

Almedalen park in Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Żeglarz

Visby, a spectacular medieval city

Due to its strategic location, Visby was an attractive target for invaders, and that’s why the prosperous and historically rich municipality was surrounded by a strong defensive stone wall meant to prevent potential attackers from looting the place. The 3.5km Ringmuren, also known as the Ring Wall, dates back to the 13^th Century, it features over 50 spectacular towers, and is encircled by numerous moats. At the moment, approximately 22,000 individuals live in Visby, and 3,000 of them have their residences within the beautiful medieval walls.

The Medeltidsveckan (Medieval Week) takes place each August, and during this week the city rejoices its astonishing medieval heritage. If you intend to visit this city, make sure to come in the summer and you’ll have a great time enjoying the jousting tournaments, and the live performances, theatre and lectures. Open markets will also be organized, and the amazing cobblestoned streets of the town will be crowded with craftsmen.

City walls of Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Żeglarz

An impressive legacy

The Danish army occupied Gotland in 1361, and the place was turned into a Danish colony until 1645, when Sweden took possession of Gotland again. Travelers will have the chance to observe pieces of this tumultuous past through the devastated ruins of the fortresses destroyed by the Danes on their way out. The Gotland Historical Museum is a perfect place to connect with the history of this city, and if you visit the Gun Powder Tower, the thin passageways and the damaged brick and stone stairs will guide you to spots from where you can enjoy fabulous views over the city.

A great number of conserved ruins

Visby features numerous conserved ruins, such as churches that were built in the 12^th Century. The majority of these places of veneration were constructed by rich Germans who brought Christianity to this city. Several ruins serve as theatre and concert settings, so the contemporary events that take place there also feature a medieval feel. Over 200 medieval buildings can be found in Visby, and Burmeister House is among the most famous ones. From June to August, travelers can delight their eyes by visiting this place that serves as a museum, and the matchless interiors and the impressive history of this building will surely blow their mind.

Saint Nicolaus Church Ruin, built in 1230, burnt in 1525, Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Jürgen Howaldt

A European touch

The structures that you will see in Visby are different from the ones you probably except to find in a Swedish city. The dark brown houses made of wood feature beautiful green wooden doors, as well as window panes. These buildings were the residences of the merchants who lived there in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries, so their design matches the building techniques brought in by northern European traders at that time.

Stones and human skeletons

As it was already mentioned, Visby has preserved a wide range of remains, and artifacts make no exception. The Gotland Historical Museum displays over 31,000 objects, such as silverware, hand-carved weapons, and stone tools. What’s more, human skeletons can also be found at the museum, and note that they date back to the Stone Age. You will also have the possibility to see engraved steles referred to as rune stones. They belong to the Viking era and pagan worshippers made them in order to commemorate an individual’s death.

Colours of Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Marie Sahlén

Daily life

At present, most Visby’s modern inhabitants stay and work in the spectacular historic structures. When it comes to food, the maritime character of the city is highly reflected. Most restaurants serve seafood dishes, and Bakfickan is among the greatest ones. It looks just like a fisherman’s shack due to the nets, metal buckets, anchors, and wooden benches utilized as ornamental elements. Among the delicious dishes served here you will find fried Baltic herring, fisk soppa, as well as turbot.

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This guide explains why it has such an outstanding record in auroral activity and gives a travellers introduction to the area.

Northern Lights by Jens Ottoson / Fotolia.com

Location

Abisko, a village with an official population of 81, lies in the northwest part of Swedish Lapland. Located  90 Kilometres from Kiruna, which serves as the arrival airport to the region and 40 kilometres from the Norwegian border, it is located 250 kilometres above the Arctic Circle and is reached by train ( 1.5 hours) or by road  (1 hour) from Kiruna. The train ride runs on the same tracks used to carry the precious iron ore mined beneath Kiruna to the port of Narvik in Norway.

Why is it so good for Northern Lights hunting?

There are three main reasons why Abisko ranks as one of the best places in the word for seeing consistent sightings of the aurora.

1. Being situated well north of the Arctic Circle, the northern auroral oval, where the solar winds are drawn towards the magnetic poles, is directly overhead. This in itself is not unique but is significant.
2. The second reason is due to the Gulf Stream which draws warm water up the Norwegian coast and leads to a more moderate climate. Coastal regions can be foggy which affect sightings.
3. The third and unique factor is to do with Abisko falling within what is known as a precipitation shadow. This is the result of the location and shape of the high mountains that separates the coast of Norway from Abisko.  Precipitation rising off the North Sea releases its snowfall west of Abisko which means that Abisko has much less snow than the region as a whole. Locals refer to the ‘hole in the sky’ but there is no denying the fact that Abisko has the most cloud free nights in Sweden.  So marked is this that Björkliden, only a few kilometers away, has much fewer clear nights per season.

In terms of hard facts for the latest season, these are the latest statistics for nightly sightings as recorded by professional Northern Lights photographer Chad Blakley on his night tours:

• Looking at the whole season, 74% of nights between 01 December and the 31 March had the most Aurora activity.
• The lowest month was January at 65% and highest March at 91%.

Northern Lights by ronnihauks / Fotolia.com

Where to see them from

Literally if the skies are clear then you have exceptional chances on any given night to the see the aurora from anywhere in Abisko. For sheer drama you might like to venture by chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, situated about 300 metres up Mount Nuolja (cost 750 SEK), or consider having the excellent dinner up there (1995 SEK). But this is by no means a necessary expense for seeing the Aurorae.

Where to Stay

Abisko has two main accommodations. The STF Turiststation in Abisko has its roots as one of the stops on the famous 450 km Kungsleden hiking trail which tracks through the mountains of North West Swedish Lapland. The hotel/ lodge has 104 rooms which have seen some modernisation over the last few years. There is a restaurant and lounging area too.

Alternatively there is Abisko Mountain Lodge which has 16 rooms and is run by the welcoming Mina and Dick Johansson. En suite rooms are simple but the communal area and restaurant are packed with atmosphere. The restaurant serves excellent cuisine based on the best local ingredients and is a definite reason for staying.

What to Do

Nights take care of themselves during the aurora season although there are a few enhancements to any itinerary. Besides a night up at the aurora sky station two of the top aurora photographers in the world run courses during the winter months. Chad Blakley and Peter Rosen are both based in Abisko and are worth spending time with, irrespective of whether you are a professional or amateur photographer!

During the day there are numerous things to do. Bookable in advance by your tour operator are husky and snowmobile day tours, both of which have great appeal to most visitors to the region.

For hardier visitors, how about trying your hand at ice climbing up a frozen waterfall in a canyon in Abisko or alternatively spending some time ice fishing on the majestic Torneträsk Lake? This is home to the ice fishing championships and little fishing huts can be seen along the vast length of this lake.

Daytrips from Abisko can either take you towards Kiruna and its neighbour Jukkasjärvi, home to the original and best IceHotel.  Alternatively you can cross the border and descend through the Norwegian Fjords into Narvik, the small interesting port which saw much naval warfare in World War 2. The fjord is still home to a number of sunken German battleships.

Alternatively, for those wishing to learn about Sami life and indeed the mythology of the Northern Lights, then there are a number of settlements within 30 minutes of Abisko that welcome people on Northern Lights tours or day trips where reindeer safaris can be undertaken.

Finally for late season arrivals, the Abisko region is regarded as the best ski destination in Sweden. The main resorts are at Riksgränsen and Björkliden which offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country and snowshoe trails while Abisko itself is regarded as an excellent base for heli-skiing. Dick Johansson at Abisko Mountain Lodge is the pre-eminent guide in the region for this extreme form of skiing.

Northern Lights by Stefan Senft / Fotolia.com

Best time to Go

February and March when the days are getting longer, the climate is at its best and the aurora are consistently good!

About the Author: Kevin Collins is a seasoned Northern Lights expert, having built up a wealth of knowledge over the years about the natural phenomena through his business Weekend a la Carte – a leading specialist in Abisko Northern Lights trips and other top Aurora-spotting travel destinations.

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Established in the 13th century, this ancient centre is still an exciting place to visit to this day. Steeped in culture, the area remains one of the most popular sites for visitors to the Swedish capital.

But why do so many 21st century tourists revel in its ancient streets?

Stockholm – Gamla Stan (Old Town), Sweden by Carles Tomas Marta­

The sights

It might be obvious but it’s true. The quarter’s glorious architecture and cobbled streets makes visitors feel like they are treading through history itself.

Organised walking tours are a relatively cheap and fun way to learn about the notable events that have occurred there. And, with the city’s dubious honour of having Sweden’s narrowest alleyway, it means you won’t get lost in the area’s meandering maze of streets.

There are photo opportunities a plenty in the Old Town, with the Brantingtorget Square and Riddarholmen Church, the oldest building in Stockholm, musts to be snapped at.

The Nobel Museum is another draw for tourists. Opened in 2001, it celebrates the history of the Nobel Prize and popularises its ideals. A rotating series of exhibitions means that there is likely to be something that’ll interest everybody in your group.

Stockholm Palace, the equivalent of Britain’s Buckingham Palace, also dominates the Old Town and is a great place to gain a flavour of the area’s culture. Devised by Tessin and Harleman in the 17th century, it is one of the finest and most interesting examples of European palatial design.

Royal Palace, Stockholm, Sweden by Nick Sieger

Food

Things are a bit more modern here than hog roasts and flagons of ale. The Gamla stan now contains some of Stockholm’s finest and most chic dining establishments.

The Frantzen/Lindeberg restaurant gives diners the chance to try something a little bit different. Recommended for those who like to push their culinary boundaries, the food can even come served with an accompaniment of pollen or a music box on the side of the plate.

Djuret, or “The Animal”, gives meat lovers an innovative chance to feel good about themselves, with only one kind of animal served depending on the season, which helps aid sustainability. With meat grinders used as lamps, what’s not to like?

Great hotels

The rejuvenation work carried out in the 20th century means it’s highly unlikely you’ll find yourself in a bad Stockholm hotel. The Old Town offers both budget hostels and more luxurious accommodation, all of which come with the traditional Swedish friendliness and cleanliness.

Despite being located in the historic part of the city, the hotels all tend to come with all the expected modern innovations to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

What are you most looking forward to seeing in Stockholm’s Old Town?

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.radissonblu.com/royalvikinghotel-stockholm

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Sunset at Stockholm, Sweden by Olof Senestam

Djurgarden Island

Considered as the top attraction center, the Djurgarden Island is smack in the middle of Stockholm and well appreciated for its events, parks, greenery and many sights and sounds. This island alone handles 10 million visitors every year. A popular 2 hour walking tour takes tourists on a myriad of interesting features of the island.

Grona Lund

Probably a top pick for the entire family, the Grona Lund is an amusement park in Stockholm that is always an excellent spot for tourists. The Tivoli in this amusement park offers a Viking Ship ride the Scandinavian way.

Stockholm Nightlife

Compared to the nightlife of any major metropolitan city in Europe the one in Sweden and in particular Stockholm stands on top. Plenty of bars, discos and all night café offer a lot of drinking and partying for party lovers.

Vasa Museum

A 17^th century Swedish vessel, Vasa was christened and sent on its maiden voyage never to return again. This warship was salvaged after its discovery some time back with its remains brought back intact to the Vasa Museum. Today, this is the only museum exhibiting an intact war ship of the 17^th century. Chosen as one of the 7 Swedish wonders, the museum provides a glimpse into the six different levels of the ship.

Change of guards in the Royal Castle, Stockholm, Sweden by Clemens v. Vogelsang

Guard Changing Of Stockholm

One of the free excitements to witness in Stockholm is the Change of Royal Guards. A 40 minute long event shows over 30,000 guards changing in front of the King’s Royal residence.

Artwork Shopping

Considered as the shopping capital in the North of Europe, Stockholm provides many streets lined with designer shops and bargain points. IKEA, a major Swedish furniture brand is just one of the few shops set up in the city. You can find anything and everything related to Swedish design and styling in its streets from famous and not so famous artists, craftsmen and designers.

Kungstradgarden Ice Skating

For those who visit Stockholm in winter, the Kungstradgarden is a must-visit site. This park offers free ice skating in a city that adores this sport. A major reason why travel guidebooks and websites advise visiting Sweden in winter is because of the many winter activities you can engage in.

The ABBA Museum

This museum is the only ABBA museum in the world and it will receive well over half a million visitors each year. The museum provides a 4000 sq. meter tour of interesting items belonging to ABBA and displayed on three different levels. Stated to open real soon, keep your calendar empty to take this never seen before spectacle in full glory.

Guided Tours of the City

The best way to take in all the splendors spread across 14 islands is to go on a guided tour of the Swedish capital. There are plenty of guides and tour companies around to choose from but it is best to book in advance.

Autor Bio: This article was produced by Catalita G. (the girl standing behind the travel blog Channel Voyager).  On that blog you can read more information about trips and learn how to book a hotel in Stockholm (it is interesting to know that the term in Swedish is boka hotell Stockholm).

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Göran (Kartläsarn)

Travelling and Getting Around

There are two international airports located in the vicinity of Hisingen Island. The larger of the two is Landvetter Airport, which offers international flights around the world and is a short thirty minute bus ride into the heart of the island. The second and significantly smaller airport is the Gothenburg City Airport. This airport primarily offers budget flights around Europe but is closer to the city centre than Landvetter. Although cars are certainly permitted in the area, they are far from necessary. Opt to use public transport in the form of buses, trams, trains and ferries for very reasonable prices instead.

Volvo Museum

The car maker Volvo is one of the most important and historically significant companies in all of Sweden. The company has recently opened an exciting museum on Hisingen Island that is a truly must visit destination for car and transport enthusiasts. You can view some of the earliest car models created by Volvo as well as try out simulators designed for learning how to drive the largest vehicles and trucks. Children will love the actual cars that they are allowed to steer and pretend to drive. Admission is 60 SEK for adults and 25 SEK for children. Discounts are available for groups and students attending together.

Ostindiefararen Götheborg

With so many harbours on Hisingen Island, it is clear to even a first time visitor that the region must have a significant maritime history. Perhaps what the area is best known for is the Ostindiefararen Götheborg, a ship built in the eighteenth century but sunk after a series of long voyages to China. Some twenty years ago private citizens built a replica of the ship and resumed the worldwide voyages. Today the eighteenth century replica is located at one of the larger harbours on Hisingen Island. Although the magnificent wooden ship does set sail for regional journeys on certain dates, visitors also have the opportunity to see the ship docked right in Hisingen and even step onboard to tour the vessel.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Karin Jonsson

Ramberget Hill

This landmark on Hisingen Island stands at a height of nearly three hundred feet above sea level and is the tallest spot in all of Gothenburg. The short walk up to Ramberget Hill winds through the beautiful public space of Keiller’s Park. This park is a popular hangout for university students and families who want to relax in the sunshine, enjoy street vendors and local foods or just chat with friends.

Accommodations on Hisingen Island

As a popular travel destination and home to a large university, there is no shortage of accommodation options in the area. Some holiday ideas might include staying in a private apartment in order to save money and get a feel for local life in the area. Of course, there are also some boutique hotels, international hotel chains and even some traditional guesthouses and inns. Those who want a truly luxurious holiday might consider Swedish villas on the island instead.

View A Visitor’s Guide to Hisingen Island, Sweden in a larger map

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jimmy Harris

Romantic places for an evening stroll

Monteliusvägen

Promenade Monteliusvägen runs through the hills of Södermalm. It offers picturesque view of the bay Riddarferden, the island of Kungsholmen, City Hall and the Old Town. A true Mecca for romantic travel fans.

Kina slot

Secluded Chinese Pavilion was built in the Drottningholm Palace park by order of King Adolf Fredrik in the 1750s. All the construction works were kept in secret as this pavilion was meant to be a birthday present to Queen Lovisa Ulrike.

Stadshusets gård

Leave behind the noise of big city and step behind the massive walls of this park. Magnificent garden, sculptures and water views will surely set up a romantic mood.

Sandhamn

A small island with scenic maritime terrain of the outer archipelago. This island is a true romantic hide away thanks to its idyllic village, yacht port and The Sandhamn Sailing Hotel with hot baths at the open air. A perfect place for romantic weekend or at least a romantic day out.

Djurgarden

A romantic green oasis, a must-visit place if you are a fan of slow travel and leisurely strolls. A walk along the canal can be combined with a visit to various museums followed by a relaxation in one of park’s cozy cafeterias.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mispahn

Restaurants

Cloud Nine

Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite French cuisine. But the best part is that a dinner can be followed by excellent desert in a cozy Cloud Nine desserts and drinks hall, where tables are enclosed by black tulle curtains.

Brasserie Le Rouge

A burlesque-themed café inspired by Amsterdam’s Red District with romantic and a bit ironic atmosphere. Classic French and Italian menu guarantees a great culinary experience.

Gondolen

An elegant restaurant with an exclusive menu of Swedish and international cuisine is situated high above Stockholm’s port and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Old Town. What could be more romantic? Ensure to book your table in advance as this is an extremely popular place.

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One thing that makes Stockholm so unique is that the large city is actually comprised of 14 separate islands, connected by a network of bridges. There are currently 50 bridges keeping Stockholm’s different areas within easy reach of each other, and many of these are attractions in their own right.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mispahn

Despite the fact it is made up of islands, Stockholm has an enviably good public transport network, comprising trains, buses and underground subway trains. You can buy day passes that allow you to get around using any combination of these, as with most major European cities.

The climate in Stockholm is surprisingly mild for a Scandinavian country, though you will find that if you visit in December the days are incredibly short, with only 6 hours of daylight on the shortest day. By contrast, there are 18 hours of daylight at the mid point of summer.

There are so many things to see and do in Stockholm’s many thriving districts that there is certainly something for every traveller. You can check out the historical sights in the old town, or shop and socialise in the trendy districts of Norrmalm and Ostermalm. The nightlife is great, but be aware that drinks are very expensive in Sweden.

Stockholm is a truly great European destination for a city break, and with plenty of transport links and hotels it is easy to find a well priced deal for a trip there.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hunter-Desportes

European E20 route passes through Öresund Bridge as well, which is important connection between Scandinavia and Central and Western Europe. But not only the bridge is interesting here. Another part of this route is a well-built tunnel under the sea that ensures better navigation and transportation network for the ships. The long tunnel permits fleets of large cargo boats, passenger ships and speed boats steer safely through this extended tunnel.

On Öresund Bridge you will pass the borders but thanks to Schengen Agreement there are usually no passport inspections.

View Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark in a larger map

The Architect of the bridge is Georg Rotne who designed several important bridges throughout the world. Öresund Bridge is 7,845 meters long and up to 23.5 meters wide and today it serves to more than 17,000 road vehicles every day.

If you visit Sweden or Denmark in the future, you have to make a trip by train or car through this unique bridge and tunnel. It is really very impressive!

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Jukkasjarvi Ice Hotel, Sweden by bjaglin

During the winter season from December to April the aurora borealis light up the sky regularly. Ice hotel is located in the zone of most frequent northern lights occurrence.

Sleeping in a fantastic design rooms between artworks and sculptures made of ice is a great experience. Here you really can enjoy ice and snow. Try some of the non-traditional activities that are available here like a transfer from the airport on the dog sled, snowmobile safaris, ride on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, a night trip on horseback in aurora, hunting expeditions, ice sculpture, reception in the typical Lapland tents or a wild party in a unique Absolut Icebar.

If you love cold and winter, then The Biggest Ice hotel in the world is the best choice for you.

You can find more information about this unique Ice hotel on its official site icehotel.com. If you have ever been accommodated here or in any other ice hotel, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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The national park is popular with hikers and mountaineers, but not suitable for beginners. Sarek National Park has no marked trails, no accommodation possibilities.

Sarek National Park was established in 1909 (in this year the first national parks in Europe have been established) and protects nearly 2000 km2 of wilderness.

Sarek National Park is best reached from Kvikkjokk. Another way is by ship from Ritsema on the north side through the lake Akkajaure. Whether you choose any path you will get into absolute wilderness. You will find here more than 100 peaks that are higher than 1,800 meters and over a hundred glaciers.

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