Facing Finland across the Gulf of Bothnia, Sweden forms the eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula. This long, narrow country reaches from within a few kilometres of Denmark to deep inside the Arctic Circle, and the distance from north to south is the same as that from Malmö to Rome. Despite this vast land mass, the country has a population of just 8.5 million, which is concentrated for the most part around the Swedish capital, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala. Once outside of these cities, Sweden is a land of seemingly endless tranquil countryside, with villages picturesquely dotted beside some 20,000 lakes or hugging the deeply indented coastline.

In the middle of the Skåne countryside were the fields meets the ridge, you find us down by Ringsjöns shore. A god and nice campground that offers both bath and fishing. Restaurant and conference-room only if you precook. Arranges raft rides on the Ringsjön with or without food onboard. A guided raft ride to Bosjökloster Castle with whine or chocolate tasting. Speciality for conference groups is “Food-competition” and “chef for a day”

Swedish arts and culture are best experienced in one of the two main cities of Stockholm and Gothenberg. Both enjoy a beautiful setting dominated by water. Stockholm is built on a linked chain of islands that forms part of the archipelago stretching across the Baltic to Finland. A great mix of fine architecture can be seen here, from the medieval timber buildings of the Old Town (Gamla Stan) to the ultra-modern high rises in the business district. Stockholm also has the best of the country's museums, restaurants, nightlife, and culture, including the magnificent Drottningholm Theatre, famous for performances by the Swedish Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

Stockholm
Built across 14 islands linked by 50 bridges, Stockholm enjoys an excellent natural setting. The atmospheric alleyways of Gamla Stan, site of the 14th-century Storkyrkan (Great Church) and the majestic Royal Palace, attest to Sweden's medieval greatness. Important museums lie on the adjacent island of Skeppsholmen, while the extraordinary Vasa Museum, displaying a 17th-century warship, is just one attraction located near Djurgården, an immensely popular park. City Hall is Stockholm's major 20th-century building and site of the Nobel Prize banquet. The abundant waterways can be enjoyed on a boat trip to the splendid outlying royal palace of Drottningholm.

Gothenburg
The major city of Sweden's west coast, Gothenburg (Göteborg) is Scandinavia's busiest port and has ferry links with Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The port brings affluence and an international flavour; taking a trip on a sightseeing boat on the Göta River makes an excellent introduction to the city. Comparatively little of old Gothenburg remains, though a sense of the past is provided by the City Museum, set within an 18th-century shipping company building. Gothenburg's museums are generally excellent, in particular the Museum of Arts and Crafts, the Maritime Centre, and the Gothenburg Art Gallery.

Uppsala
Culturally and historically, Uppsala is one of Scandinavia's most important cities; it has been a religious centre since pre-Christian times. The 15th-century Uppsala University has several historic sections, including the excellent library, that can be visited. Uppsala Cathedral's origins reach back to the 13th century but the enormous building has been frequently altered. Similarly, Uppsala Castle dates from the 16th century but retains little of its original appearance, though it is still well worth seeing. The playwright August Strindberg, the film-maker Ingmar Bergman, and the botanist Linneaus were all born in Uppsala; the latter is commemorated by the attractive gardens of Linnéträdgärden.