Travel in Sweden: useful information

Sweden is bigger than the other Scandinavian country and thanks to the low population density is the ideal place to go if you desire to get away from your ordinary life. The country is a renowned tourist destination where English language is widely spoken by all the population making all the trips easy to handle. Travelling in Sweden represents a unforgettable experience that will welcome you in a marvelous natural landscape that will enchants everyone.

Stockholm

Outstanding examples of Sweden beauty are the world famous national parks such as Abisko, Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet, Sånfjället and nature reserves that testify the value of this beautiful place. The country is one of the coldest places in Europe with cities as Stockholm, Goteburg and Malmo rich of interesting activities to do and see during your Sweden travel. Climate is really cold, but milder than other regions of the world that lie as far north thanks to the influence of the warm of Gulf Stream. The country experience rigid temperatures for about seven months and summer for three months in a year.

The northern regions of Sweden are known to have only few hours of sun light during the winter months when visitors will have the chance to admire the Northen Lights. From October to April, when climate conditions are more favorable, the country represents one the best places to see the Aurora Borealis  lightening up the dark winter sky, a spectacular that cannot be missed. May through August offers very  long days with sunny nights.

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Travel in Sweden especially during the winter season can be very challenging due to the low temperatures. We provide some advice to face the cold and survive:

Packing list:
Winter can be really freezing so be sure to pack warm layers, topcoat, waterproof gloves, hat and scarf. To keep your feet warm pack shoes with solid sole and comfortable fur lining. Whenever you decide to travel in Sweden be prepared for rain so pack a raincoat for summer and a more consistent coat for the coldest periods of the year as well as a pocket umbrella.
We suggest you to bring low ad comfortable shoes without heel both if you are headed to the countryside and for visiting the city walking on the cobblestone paving in centre.
If you decide to travel in summer don’t forget to bring with you a  sun cream to avoid to get a suntan taking  the midnight sun!

Money Saving Tips:
Sweden local currency is the Kroner and foreign money is usually not accepted but airports or in those towns on the borderline. You have chances to use Euro also in some department store in Stockholm.

FOOD

Alcohol: is very expensive in Sweden since is heavily taxed, but beer have quite fair prices so we suggest to stick to it if you decide to go in a bar.

Restaurants:  eating out in Sweden isn’t cheap especially  if you reserve a table. To save money we suggest to try the food street vendors, there a lot of variety comprehending also abroad cuisine.

Water:  is expensive and costs about 20 SEK per bottle, so we suggest to re-fill it when you have the chance to do it.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis: are quite expensive but there is no big need to use them since the public transportation system is really efficient plus subway is open all the night long.

City Tourism Cards: are travel discount cards that provide discounted or free transportation in Swedish cities and many other vantages such as the admission to museums and tourist attractions. They certainly represent a great way to visit the city at fair prices that can vary from the card’s selected duration. As an alternative we suggest to buy a Metro Card that will make you save a lot of money.

Car Hire:  Car rental in Sweden is one of the best ways to explore the country especially when accompanied  by the comprehensive ferry system. By renting a car you’ll have the opportunity to easily travel also outside the borders and visit Norway, Finland and Denmark. Be aware that, as in most countries, the minimum age for car driving is 18 years and for motorcyclists is 17 years. Speed limits outside the city are 110, 90 or 70 km per hour while in city centre is 50 or 30 km per hour. Driving license is sufficient if it’s include a photo. It’s recommendable to check the validity of insurance policies before departing. Green Card is not required. Using mobile phone during the drive is strictly prohibited.

Compulsory equipment: from December to March all cars must use winter tyres (M+S, mud and snow). Always be sure to have with you your passport, car insurance and car registration. Helmets for motorcycle, seat belts, emergency warning triangle and dipped headlights are compulsory. If you are travelling with children be sure to equip your vehicle with child restraint or a regular seat belt suited for the child’s use (compulsory for kids under seven years old).

Etiquette
In Sweden people are open and respectful of all different cultures, but we suggests to follow these few tips concerning  the right behavior to adopt. Never be late, try to arrive at your appointment early if you can. If invited in a private house ask whether or not you should take off your shoes. Every kind of drugs and drink driving are condemned so try to avoid crazy party and keep a low profile.

Accommodation

Hotels in Stockholm
Scandic Bromma Stockholm  from euro 70.19 per night
This 3 star hotel is located out of the city centre but the location is very convenient if you need to get to Stockholm  reachable in less than 20 min by train, coming every 10 min.

Scandic Jarva Krog Stockholm   from euro  69.92 per night
Ideally located 3 star hotel that provides all the best comfort for the most relaxing stay thanks to the sauna, Jacuzzi and fully equipped gym. The hotel offers also an easy access to city’s tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace and Skansen zoo .

Scandic Ariadne   from euro  106.94 per night
Located in Vartahamnen in Gardet in Stockholm this 3 star hotel is close to the city centre. From the 17th floor visitors can admire a breathtaking sight of Stockholm.

Hotels  in Goteborg   
Scandic Backadal/Goteborg  from euro  94.08 per night
Renovated in 2000 this 3 star hotel is perfect for a relaxing  vacation. Particularly suggested for family, the hotel location offers attractions such as boat tours, Botanical Gardens, Universeum Science Park and Liseberg amusement park ideal for children of all ages.

Scandic Crown Gothenburg  from euro 96.02 per night
Ideally located in the city centre this 3 star hotel provides an easy access to the train and bus station. Recommended for both business and leisure travel visitors can enjoy sauna, Jacuzzi gym where relax and 23 meeting rooms.

Novotel Goteborg Hotel   from euro  116.08 per night
Luxury 4 star hotel that provides and good base to explore Goteborg city. The hotel houses a first class restaurant and fully equipped fitness centre.

Hotel in Malmo
Rica Hotel Malmö from euro 123.23 per night
This modern 4 star hotel is located right in the centre of Malmo. Visitors can enjoy fully equipped rooms with free wireless internet connection.

Elite Plaza Malmo from euro 119.84 per night
Established in 2010 this beautiful 4 star hotel provides an ideal solution to visit cultural, shopping and entertainment areas in  the city.

Comfort Hotel Malmo from euro 141.12 per night
This 3 star hotel is one of the most convenient in Malmo. Located in the city centre, the hotel is ideal to visit the city providing an easy access to the Central Station.