Holidayhomes in Sweden

Sweden is the largest country on the Scandinavian peninsula. It borders Norway to the west and north and Finland to the northeast. The 2700 km long coastline of Sweden runs through the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic, the Sound and Kattegat to the Skagerrak. Sweden, together with the countries of Denmark, Norway and Iceland, form what is called Scandinavia. Sweden is traditionally divided into twenty-five provinces (“landskaps”). These provinces are deeply rooted in the Swedish tradition and were originally politically independent realms with their own legislation. This classification of the lands is still widely used, although it has been a long time since they have exercised any independent administrative function.

The twenty-five provinces are in turn grouped into three “lands” (regions): •
Norrland
• Svealand
• Gotaland

The northern region of Sweden is the Norrland. The Norrland is mountainous and contains large forests and many rivers and lakes. The Norrland covers almost two thirds of the total area of Sweden. In the area above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise from May to mid-July. In winter, you can observe the spectacle of the lights of the Aurora Borealis in the sky. You can also enjoy all forms of skiing as well as other snow activities in this region. This is also the area of the Sami people (Lapps). Although traditionally they have made their living herding sheep, fishing and fur trapping, they are best known for their semi-nomadic reindeer herding. This area is sparsely populated as the majority of the people of Sweden live in cities along the coast. With luck however you can see faune here that you will only see elsewhere in zoos. These include wolves, lynx, wolverines and hundreds of species of birds. Northern Sweden consists of seven provinces, each with their own character. Norrbotten and Lappland are where you will find many Sami traditions, along with an unspoiled nature. Vasterbotten is a province with lively cultural cities. Medelpad and Ångermanland have spectacular cliffs which form fjords with their wonderful bays. Jamtland and Härjedalen are provinces known for their vast forests and high mountains, where many come to ski and hike. Here you will also find the Hälsingland blue mountains and numerous lakes, not to mention many music festivals.

The central region of Sweden is comprised of the provinces of Dalarna, Narke, Sodermanland, Uppland and Varmland. Central Sweden has an open and friendly landscape. In the east, on the Baltic Sea, lies the capital of Stockholm, a beautiful old town full of attractions. Stockholm is a lot like Amsterdam, with its waterways and bridges. You can stroll through the beautiful old town (Gamla Stan), shop in the chic department stores of NK and Ahlen, explore many museums or simply sit in one of the lovely cafes and enjoy a cup of coffee with Princesstarta. Around Stockholm there landscape is covered by dense forests. Inland you’ll find arable open plains. The fertile fields, however, are again interspersed with dense forests and swampy plains. Svealand is composed largely of vast forests and crystal clear lakes. The Swedes love their forests and Sweden has a rich folklore tradition. This is most clearly visible in the area around Lake Siljan, especially in towns and villages such as Rättvik, Mora and Leksand.

The region of southern Sweden consists of the provinces of Blekinge, Bohuslän, Dalsland, Gotland, Halland, Skane, Smaland, Oland, Ostergotland and Vastergotland. The southern part of Sweden is generally known as Gotaland. Gotaland has a varied landscape including, in the southernmost province of Skane, farmlands and beech forests. One can also find great forests rising from stony ground, hardly suitable for farming. The west coast is flat, sometimes with long sandy beaches and inlets. Offshore there is an archipelago with many islands. Here you will also find the large lakes of Vänern and Vättern. Vanern is the third largest lake in Europe. Gotaland, the land of the Goths, is the southernmost part of Sweden. Centuries ago, the Danes and Swedes fought fiercely for every piece of earth here. Eventually the bloody land grab went in favor of the Swedes who settled the area. The Kattegat is the natural border between the two neighbors. Furthermore, in the Gotaland you can still find traces of Danish Viking settlements.