The road into the forest was narrower than I expected, a thin ribbon of gravel cutting through tall pines that seemed to close in behind the car as we drove deeper into the Swedish countryside. Somewhere ahead, I had been told, there would be a Midsummer celebration. I had imagined something organized, perhaps a village …
Systembolaget, the only store in Sweden that sells alcohol
Many visitors to Sweden have the same experience. You walk into a supermarket looking for a bottle of wine and discover there isn’t a single one on the shelves. In Sweden strong alcohol is sold through a government owned chain of stores called Systembolaget. It is a system shaped by history, social policy and a national attempt to balance access to alcohol with responsibility.
What happened to Elite Hotels after the pandemic
For years Elite Hotels was known as one of Sweden’s most dependable hotel chains, offering elegant historic properties and reliable service across the country. After the pandemic, however, many returning guests began to notice changes. The hospitality industry faced major disruptions, and the effects have reshaped the experience at many hotels, including Elite.
Köttkompaniet the Stockholm butcher shop that treats meat like a craft
Köttkompaniet in Stockholm is far more than a typical butcher shop. Known for its carefully selected Swedish meat, skilled butchers, and dedication to traditional craftsmanship, it has become a destination for serious food lovers and chefs alike. Visitors quickly realize this is not just a place to buy meat but a place to experience the craft behind exceptional ingredients.
The Swedish hotel that lets you sleep in the trees
Sleeping at Treehotel in northern Sweden feels like stepping into a childhood dream, only redesigned by world-class architects. Hidden among tall pine trees near the village of Harads, the hotel features unique treehouse rooms suspended several meters above the forest floor, each with its own striking design such as a mirrored cube, a bird’s nest, or even a UFO. Surrounded by quiet forest and sweeping views of the Lule River valley, it offers a rare combination of modern Scandinavian design and deep immersion in nature.
Sweden has some of Europe’s best beaches and almost nobody knows about them
When people think about beaches in Europe, Sweden is rarely part of the conversation. Travelers often imagine the Mediterranean, the Atlantic coast of Portugal, or the beaches of southern Spain. Sweden, by contrast, is associated with forests, lakes, and cold northern landscapes. Yet along its long coastline and scattered islands, Sweden hides some of the …
Swedens strangest school break gets expensive
In Sweden, the winter sports holiday known as sportlov is not just a break from school. It is a national migration. Every February and early March, hundreds of thousands of families leave the cities and towns for the mountains, packing skis, winter jackets and the expectation of a week that has become one of the …
Long distance ice skating one of Sweden’s most unique winter traditions
When winter arrives in Sweden and lakes begin to freeze, a special kind of skating season begins. Instead of heading to indoor rinks, many Swedes travel out onto frozen lakes and coastlines to practice what is known as long distance ice skating. In Swedish it is called långfärdsskridskor, and it is one of the country’s …
Kukkolaforsen where you can experience real Swedish sauna culture
Far up in northern Sweden, along the Torne River that forms the border between Sweden and Finland, lies a place where one of the country’s oldest traditions is still practiced in its most authentic form. Kukkolaforsen is known for its powerful rapids and centuries old fishing heritage, but visitors increasingly travel here for another reason: …
A practical guide to backpacking in Sweden
Backpacking in Sweden offers a rare combination in Europe: vast wilderness, well maintained trails, and the freedom to explore nature almost everywhere. Forests stretch for hundreds of kilometers, mountains rise along the Norwegian border, and thousands of lakes create endless places to stop for the night. What makes Sweden particularly appealing for backpackers is that …