About Sweden
Here are some fun facts about Sweden, the country of abundant forests and picturesque lakes, is mainly known for its breathtaking views and severe winters. But did you know that Sweden is also the country of pop music, great design, recycling, and many more?Cinnamon buns - Swedes bake them, eat them, love them. You?
Kanelbullar or cinnamon buns are a classic, Swedes love Cinnamon buns, so much so that we have a special Cinnamon Bun Day October 4th. Apparently, the average Swede eats cakes and pastry equivalent to 316 cinnamon buns per year!
The forest covers two-thirds of Sweden, a whopping 68%.
This means that Sweden, second only to Finland (73%), is the country in Europe with the highest proportion of forest land. Coniferous forest is the most common in Sweden.
The Birthplace of many global companies and iconic brands
A number of prominent design, manufacturing, and tech companies were founded in Sweden, including IKEA, Ericsson, H&M, Volvo, Saab, Scania trucks, and Electrolux, to name a few.
About 15% of the land area is protected in some form.
There are 5111 nature reserves in Sweden, many national parks and nature reserves are accessible to visitors.
There are nearly 270 000 islands in Sweden.
The Stockholm archipelago consists of some 30 000 islands, islets, and skerries. Around 10 000 people live on the islands permanently.
A land of Midnight sun and Northern Lights
The sky comes alive as streaks of pink, green and purple dance high above.
To see the beauty of the Northern Lights, head to Swedish Lapland between early September and late March.
The Nobel Prize
Considered the most prestigious prize in the world it has been awarded to individuals 959 times and organisations 30 times between 1901 and 2022.
There are over 10,5 million inhabitants in Sweden.
Approximately 85% live in cities and about 20% of Sweden’s population has family roots in other countries. Sweden has a long history of migration, and many move here to further their studies. Most international students in Sweden are usually from Europae, followed by Asia and North America.
A global influence in Pop Music
Sweden is renowned for producing wildly successful pop bands, singers and DJs, indeed the nation is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of music after the United States and the United Kingdom. The most widely known is ABBA, one of the most famous bands in history, and other artists include Zara Larsson, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Robyn and Alesso, and bands such as Roxette, Alcazar, Ace of Base, Hammerfall, and The Hives, to name a few.
Fika is a real thing
Somewhat simpler and more spontaneous than the Brits’ afternoon tea tradition, the whole thing with coffee, buns, or cakes and socializing has a word in Swedish: Fika. A social phenomenon, a legitimate reason to set aside a moment for quality time. Fika can happen at any time, morning as well as evening. It can be savored at home, at work, or in a café. It can be with colleagues, family, friends, or someone you are trying to get to know. It is a tradition observed frequently, preferably several times a day, Swedes really love coffee, they drink an average of 3.2 cups a day.
For more information about Stockholm, read more here at Visit Sweden
Coniferous forest
3% of Sweden consists of islands
Kosterhavet, one of 30 national parks.
Northern lights over ICEHOTEL
The Swedish music miracle
Since the mid-1990s, Swedish songwriters and producers have at times been behind up to half of all top tens on the US Billboard chart. Sweden is the world’s third largest music exporter. Everyone in the world has a connection with Swedish music!
Please enjoy the music!
About Stockholm
Stockholm is known as one of the most inclusive and welcoming cities in the world. Its contemporary, urban appeal is balanced with centuries-old history and closeness to nature. As for the things to do in Stockholm, the list is endless.
Art in the Stockholm metro stations
The Stockholm metro system is said to be the world's longest art exhibit - 110 kilometers long. Around 90% of the stations have been decorated by over 150 artists in different themes and in various forms, including mosaics, paintings, graffiti, installations, sculptures, and so on. Stockholm’s subway system is truly one of a kind. Read more
The hip district of Södermalm
Södermalm - also called Söder - has developed into one of Stockholm's hottest neighborhoods. The atmosphere is relaxed, creative, and trendy, and the neighborhood offers a myriad of vintage, fashion, and design shops.
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The best view
Some of the best viewpoints in Stockholm are located on Södermalm: Fjällgatan, Monteliusvägen and Skinnarviksberget. From Ivar Los park at Monteliusvägen, you have a nice view over the City Hall and Kungsholmen.
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Sightseeing
Visit Stockholm has a list of available sightseeings by bus and boat here.
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The Stockholm City Hall turns 100 years old
Inaugurated in 1923 the city hall is the house of Stockholmers. For a hundred years, important decisions have been made here, ideas have been formed and love has flowed. The National Board of Health and Welfare welcomes you to an evening to remember at the town hall on May 9th!
Museums
There are several of museums and art galleries in Stockholm. The Vasa Museum is a must if you are into history, while Modern Museum and Fotografiska are the top choices for art lovers. And, of course, the ABBA Museum for you who are interested in Swedish music history. What's on in Stockholm this season: Read more
Eat & Drink
Swedish cuisine might be best known for its meatballs and pickled herring, but in recent years Stockholm has made huge gastronomic leaps. The city has a vibrant restaurant scene in which Michelin-starred restaurants mingle with more casual but equally delicious options. Make sure you try a Swedish Fika in one of the city's excellent cafés. Read more
For more information about Stockholm, read more here at Visit Stockholm
The Vasa Museum
Fotografiska
100 subway stations - each with unique art
Stortorget in Gamla Stan
Södermalm
Sergels Torg