The author is a native of Sweden and knows the region intimately. Discover Scandinavia's pristine wilderness with suggestions on the best places to ski, hike, cycle, canoe and dogsled. In Sweden, half the country is forested and there are thousands of lakes. Northern Sweden has abundant moose, roe deer and reindeer. The author guides you through the big cities as well, such as Stockholm--worth visiting year-round, with a lively cultural and nightlife scene, not to mention the thousands of restaurants. He takes you to Renaissance castles and Viking ruins; outlines spectacular driving tours; recommends the best cruises; and guides you through the magnificent countryside. Hundreds of hotel and restaurant choices are offered in all price ranges--from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels, from casual eateries to the hottest new restaurants, complete with thorough reviews showing what makes each place special. The myths and legends are explored, along with the history--from Harald Bluetooth to Sven Forkbeard, Knut the Great, Gorm the Old and the Vikings--examining how those traditions carry through in the culture today. The guide shows you how to meet the people, get involved, experience Sweden directly and unforgettably. The clean air, smelling of spruce and moss in the summer and of newly fallen snow in winter, is unforgettable in Sweden. This is the definitive guide to a country that is nearly 80 per cent mountains, vast forests, lakes and wilderness. But this book covers all, from cities and villages to the Midnight Sun Coast, the islands to the Lapland area. Color photos throughout.
