Sweden is a country located in Northern Europe and borders Norway to the west and north and Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Oresund, a strait at the Swedish-Danish border. It is the largest country in Europe with an area of 450,295 square kilometres and has a total population of 10.2 million. The capital of Sweden is Stockholm which is the most populated city in the country.

The name Sweden was loaned from Dutch in the 17th century to refer to Sweden as an emerging great power and was called Swedeland. Sweden became known to the rest of the world through the Vikings who emerged in the 9th century to raid much of northern Europe. The Swedish Viking Age lasted roughly from the 8th century to the 11th century. In 1397, Sweden united with Denmark, Norway, and Finland in the Kalmar Union led by Queen Margaret of Denmark. After that, Sweden left the union.

In the 17th century, the Kingdom of Sweden reached the peak of its power. It controlled areas of Denmark, Russia, Finland, and northern Germany. However, Russia, Poland, and Denmark united against Sweden in 1700 and fought the Great Northern War. In 1809, after the Napoleonic wars, Sweden lost Finland to Russia. Later, however, Sweden gained Norway. Norway would stay part of Sweden until 1905 when the union was dissolved, and Norway became an independent country. Around 1 million Swedish people immigrated to the United States due to a poor economy in the 18th century. After that, Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 but decided by a referendum in 2003 not to commit to the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency.

The Swedish people were Pagans until around the year 1000, then Christianised and obedient to the Roman Pope until the 16th century.  Around 61% of the population belongs to the Church of Sweden, and the number keeps decreasing due to the influence of immigrants. The first Muslim congregation was established in 1949 and Sweden started to receive migrants from the Balkans and Turkey. The official language of Sweden is Swedish that acts as a North Germanic language. It is also similar to Danish and Norwegian, but differing in pronunciation and orthography. The dialects spoken in Scania, the southernmost part of the country, are influenced by Danish because the region traditionally was a part of Denmark. Besides Swedish language, Finnish is also recognised as a minority language. Also, English also acts as one of the languages used in Science subject in school.

Swedish cuisine is mainly meat or fish with potatoes. Besides the ubiquitous potatoes, modern Swedish cuisine is to a great extent based on bread. The traditional everyday dishes are called husmanskost. Among them is a hash which composed of meat, onions and potatoes, hard cheese or ost, pickled herring is commonly eaten with bread or potatoes and pea soup with pancakes and diced pork. Besides that, Sweden is also famous for its varieties of bread. There are whole-grain and mixed-grain that contains wheat, oats, barley and mostly eaten as a sandwich with cheese. For those who love to try something new, you may want to try the world’s stinkiest fish dish which is fermented herring in a barrel.

How to Get There?

By Flight

The tourists from Singapore can reach Sweden by plane. They need to take a flight from Changi International Airport and can choose for transit flights or direct flights to Sweden. The most common places to transit flight are Munich International Airport and Frankfurt Airport. The ticket price per person will be around SGD 830 to SGD 3000. The price of the ticket will be increased at the peak season which is during the public holiday and school holiday season. Therefore, it is recommended for tourists to plan and buy tickets before the peak season. The main airport in Denmark will be at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The journey from Changi International Airport to Stockholm Arlanda Airport will be around 15 hours with one transit and takes another 5 hours if transit at two places. Once they have arrived, they can grab a taxi and go straight to the hotel or walk around the city. Among the airlines that cater the flight from Singapore to Sweden are Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and many more.

What to Do There?

Ice Hotel

Covering an area of 64,600 square feet, Ice Hotel started its operation in 1990 and became the world’s first hotel. The hotel is comprised of chairs and beds constructed from snow and ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne River, 55 guestrooms and ten restaurants. Each year from December and April, this hotel will be rebuilt with snow and ice. The guestrooms are equipped with the beds with reindeer furs and sleep in polar-tested sleeping bags. There is no heating, and the bedroom temperatures are always around −5 °C (23 °F). Besides that, the furniture is sculpted with blocks of ice in the form of chairs and beds. The thick walls, floor and ceiling, are also made of ice. Apart from that, for those who want to experience to dine here, there are various restaurants to choose from. Also, the hotel also features a bar, church, main hall and reception area.

Ski Resort Are

The ski resort Are is located in Are area, and it is one of the main attractions in Sweden. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 380 and 1,274 metres. The winter sports resort of Are with its ski mountains of "Are By" and "Are Bjornen”, is one of the largest connected ski areas in Scandinavia. There are 91 kilometres of slopes with different difficulties available for skiing and snowboarding and 31 lifts transport the guests. Families and beginners are ideally catered for in Are Bjornen with its children's areas and easy slopes.  This ski resort offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Aresjon Lake. Visitors can bring own winter attire or rent at the resort. Besides that, there is also a Snowman Valley which provides entertainment for children and various stalls selling snacks and hot drinks.

Sarek National Park

Sarek National Park was established between 1909 to 1910 and becomes one of the oldest national parks in Europe. Sarek is the name of a geographical area which the national park is part of, and the Sarek mountain district includes a total of eight peaks over 2,000 metres or 6,600 feet. Sarek National Park is located adjacent to two other national parks which are Stora Sjofallet and Padjelanta. This park also features approximately 100 glaciers and becomes a popular area for hikers and mountaineers. Visitors especially beginners are advised to accompany by a tour guide since there are no marked trails or accommodations and only two bridges aside from those in the vicinity of its borders. Also, the area is among those that receive the heaviest rainfall in Sweden making hiking dependent on weather conditions. Visitors who interested to hike the mountain are encouraged to go during the best weather.

Where to Stay?

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel is a luxurious hotel that offers 414 well-appointed rooms and suites. This hotel is conveniently located next to the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre and the Central Station. The guestrooms are equipped with fantastic amenities such as flat screen television, mini fridge, spacious work desk and balcony. Private bathroom with hairdryer, hot and cold shower facilities and bathtub and Nespresso machine are also provided. Besides that, this hotel is certified as an environmentally friendly hotel and offers dining options. Among the restaurants are RBG Restaurant, Bar & Grill and free breakfast every morning. Apart from that, there are also various facilities and services provided by the hotel which include a 24-hour reception desk, complimentary Wi-Fi access, lounge area and gymnasium.

Freys Hotel

Freys Hotel is a family owned and stylish hotel and strategically located within 3 minutes’ walk from Stockholm Central Station. Freys is one of Stockholm's oldest brands and originated from one of the oldest transport companies in Sweden that was founded as early as in 1896. This brand has developed two personal hotels in central Stockholm, apartments and a house for long-term stay, a health centre, a travel agency and a limousine service. All rooms at Freys Hotel feature modern and bright decorations, television and private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers. Besides that, there are also breakfast buffet every morning, and for lunch and dinner, the restaurant specialises in Belgian classics such as marinated mussels. Also, guests also can enjoy relaxing at the sauna and work out at the fitness centre.

Clarion Hotel

Clarion Hotel is conveniently located next to Arlanda Airport’s Skycity between Terminals 4 and 5. This hotel features contemporary furnishings and wooden floors as well as fantastic ambience. All guestrooms are equipped with flat-screen satellite television, spacious work desk and mini fridge. Besides that, the breakfast is available as early as from 4.30am and guests also can enjoy a drink and snack at Living Room and Sky Bar. Other than dining options, facilities and services are also provided by the hotel. There is a business centre with computer and free Wi-Fi, 24-hour receptions desk, luggage storage and elevator. For activities, guests can relax at the sauna, work out at the gym swim at the outdoor swimming pool.