Southern Sweden

Imagine yourself coming out of a well-equipped cottage, and right across the threshold there is a picturesque coast, sea and a pure lake. And the neighboring village meets you with its delicate salmon - one of the main ingredients of the interesting and varied Scandinavian cuisine. This is a kind of an "ecological rest." Some think that its rather boring but for those who are tired of endless fuss and noise, for those who just want to relax this is the thing!

Start your trip with the south of Sweden - Scania region. This is a real fairytale, and it is no wonder why this is the homeland of Pippi Longstocking. Stunning sandy beaches stretched between steep coast and picturesque cliffs, ancient monuments, thousands of mysterious castles and beautiful palaces. Many of those who discovered Scania's beauty come here again and again.

Our next stop is at Blekinge province which local people often call the "Garden of Sweden". The unique coastal landscape and wooden houses with white platbands, painted in copper and surrounded with fir trees, create an incredibly lovely atmosphere. Unlike many other European regions, you can halt almost anywhere to enjoy the crystal clear air and wonderful landscapes. But mind that you should follow definite rules.

Let's move forward. Our next stop is in the naval city of Karlskrona, which is considered to be a true museum in the open air. This especially refers to the ideally restored old city with its nice wooden fishermen's houses. One of the main city's attractions is a Karlskrona Admiralty Church which is thought to be the highest wooden church in Sweden. Another local attraction is a Naval Museum, famous for its extensive collection of ship models (Sweden used to be one of the most important sea powers). As for Swedish people, they think that real Sweden is found in Smaland province.

Here you will find a Kalmar city with its famous castle. Thanks to its location on the country's south, the castle was once called "The Key of the Empire". In the end of the XIV century Queen Margaret united Denmark, Norway and Sweden into so-called Kalmar Union, which played rather an important role in history of Northern Europe. Many people say that the only place that can be compared to the old city in its beauty and antiquity is the centre of Stockholm.

Cross the 6 km bridge and straight from here you will get to the island of wind and sun - the scenic Oland. The island is famous for its sandy beaches and unique Swedish Stora Alvaret limestone barren plain. There is also another extremely interesting spot - Viking's village which bears all the attributes of that glorious epoch.

Let's leave the wonderful Oland island and move to the north to get into unique amusement park - Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby city. It is a real village where characters from books by this world-known author live. Your children will be in raptures over it.

And, of course, don't forget about what it all started with: the breath-taking unique nature of the Southern Sweden. It is hard to imagine that more than 5000 lakes are found here, bathing in which can be compared to nothing else. There are many ecologically safe mushrooms and berries in local forests. And, what is most important, this is the place to enjoy quietness and peace, which are so rare for our everyday life.