Occupying an area of 450,000 square kilometers and home to 8.9 million people, Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries. Glacial activity has formed much of the country’s landscape. Early life in Sweden is documented in the rock paintings (hallristningar) that survive in certain areas. The many Roman, Byzantine and Arab coins left in Sweden bear testament to the wealth and power that Swedish Vikings accumulated during the Viking age. Famous Swedes include the influential dramatist and author Strindberg and the famous children’s writer Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking. Another famous Swede was the 19th century chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel who became the first patron of the Nobel Institute and the coveted international prizes. 

Downhill and cross-country skiing are popular sports in Sweden. There are ski centers in Vastmanland and Stockholm. Hiking, canoeing, orienteering and diving opportunities abound. The spectacular Northern Lights or the aurora borealis can be seen in the north of the country. The aurora borealis are a natural phenomenon characterized by the appearance of streamers of colored light in the sky caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere.

Three cities come swiftly to mind when Sweden is mentioned: Stockholm, the capital, with its far-reaching archipelago; Goteborg, the country's main port and second-largest city; and Malmo, across the way from Copenhagen and the gateway to an assortment of castles. Within this triangle, a fascinating group of attractions-and festive smorgasbord tables-await the visitor.

Stockholm, Scandinavia's largest city, is a historic capital as modern as the 21stcentury. In Gamla Stan, the old-town section, brightly colored houses date to medieval times. Many of them now are shops, restaurants and pubs. Riddarholm Church, built in 1270; the Royal Palace, featuring royal regalia and artifacts; and the magnificent City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held, are sightseeing "musts." Many visitors prefer to tour the city from the water. Stockholm is built on 14 islands, and east of the city, in the Baltic, is a maze of 24,000 islands where ideal sailing conditions prevail. About 40 miles from the city, near Mariefred, is Gripsholm Castle, a well-preserved 16th-century fortress.

Goteborg, the largest port and home of Volvo, is an important business center, but its citizens believe in taking time out for fun. The hub of the city is broad Kungsportsavenyn ' better known as "The Avenue," where you can see the beautiful Poseidon statue by Carl Milles.

Mallmo s an ancient city where remnants of the Middle Ages are visible everywhere. There is frequent terry service from Copenhagen, and it serves as the gateway to Skine, the beautiful Swedish chateau country.

Dallarna, in the south, is a region of lakes and forests. It is the home of Sweden's most authentic folk music. The local costumes indicate one's home village and marital status. The best time to visit is midsummer.

Uppsala is best known for its university, the largest cathedral in Scandinavia and a castle that was the setting in 1654 for the forced abdication of Queen Christina, in favor of Charles X.