Sweden

Neighbouring Finland, Norway and Denmark; Sweden is the largest nation in Scandinavia. Visitors to this intriguing nation will discover a range of cultural and historic landmarks in the cities, while more intrepid explorers will prefer the snow-covered expanses within the Arctic Circle.

As most of Sweden’s renowned cities are positioned along the coastline, it makes sense to try and see as many of them as possible on board an ocean-based cruise through the Baltic. That said, if you want to spend an extended amount of time in any one particular city, TravelQuest can also help create your perfect land-based holiday experience.

Malmo is one of Sweden’s most popular cities to visit, offering a fine blend of colourful architecture with historic landmarks and an intriguing culture. Three main city squares connect the city centre together, with Big Square (Stortoget) and Little Square (Lilla Torg) connected via a corner, while Gustav Adolfs Torg is accessible via a nearby pedestrian-only shopping street. Big Square is home to a number of interesting monuments and landmarks including a statue of King Karl X Gustav of Sweden and the beautiful Malmo City Hall. The other two squares offer a more cosmopolitan feel, with plenty of cafes, restaurants shopping venues.

The Swedish capital of Stockholm has maintained its historical value while also adapting to become a cosmopolitan city. There are several fascinating museums and interesting churches that are worth visiting, but the best place to go in search cultural value is Gamla Stan (Old Town). Here, you will find the heart of Stockholm, with well-preserved landmarks including the Royal Palace and a Medieval Church. Shopaholics will be glad to know there are a number of vast shopping areas, with Drottninggatan offering a mixture of brand names smaller and smaller specialised outlets.

Situated on the south-eastern tip of Sweden is the city of Gothenburg, which is known for being one of the friendliest cities in the country. Locals will extend a warm welcome as you wander the city streets and visit renowned landmarks including the Cathedral, Oscar Fredriks Church, and the fortification of Skansen Kronan. Driving fanatics will know that Sweden is the birthplace of Volvo and you can learn more about past and present models of the Swedish car at the Volvo Museum.

Much further northward, visitors can enter the Arctic Circle and enjoy a range of exciting possibilities. The towering snow-capped peaks offer opportunities for skiing, particularly in Åre – which was voted by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the top ten places to ski in the world.