Sweden is the biggest of those in Scandinavia, and it is often rated as one of the nicest places in the world to live. Much of the country is open countryside, with a few scattered cities that over vibrant nightlife and a cultural style that is both Scandinavian and Swedish all at once.
The action begins in Stockholm, the capital city and where you'll probably start your vacation. Stockholm started out as a small medieval outpost on one of the several islands found in this harbor, and you can still visit the medieval part of town today, called the "Gamla Stan." Here you'll find tiny winding streets, gift shops, and a venue that calls itself the oldest restaurant in the world. Hard to believe the incredibly beautiful city that has sprung out from this island.
The city is great for shopping - there are some world-famous department stores, as well as a couple of venues that feature local artists and designers, so you should pay both a visit. And be sure to look up and admire the architecture - just by wandering across the bridges and around the edges of some of the islands, you can get some sweeping picture postcard views of this city, such as the Royal Palace or the City Hall. Stockholm's churches are also very noteworthy for their interesting designs, particularly Riddarholmen.
Stockholm also has over 70 museums - you could spend weeks visiting them all. Skansen, the first open air park in the world, explores Nordic flora and fauna, while the Vasa Museum is an entire Viking ship, in good condition, housed inside of a massive building. What a sight.
Outside of Stockholm, you have plenty of choices to travel afar. Lapland is a popular destination, the area to the far north, where you can see the Northern Lights. Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site on an island in the sea, is another great spot and a favorite with the locals.
No matter whether you choose to travel to Sweden for the city life or the great outdoors, you'll leave with memories of a lifetime.
