Good to know about Sweden
Accidents
In the event of an accident, call 112 and ask to be connected to the Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade.
Capital
The cobbled streets in the Old Town, the changing of the guards at the Palace - a visit to Sweden's capital Stockholm, the Venice of Scandinavia, always includes many moments worth photographing. Why not photograph the 750-year-old city built on 14 islands, from the magnificent lookout from the City Hall tower? Or hop on a sightseeing boat and experience the beauty of the city from the water.
Climate
The weather in Sweden varies considerably during the year, but thanks to the Gulf Stream the climate is quite temperate. In June, July and August, the average temperature is 21–22 degrees, though heat waves of over 30 degrees are not uncommon!
Currency
The currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona. It should not be confused with the Danish or Norwegian krona with different exchange rates.
Dogs/cats
Pets that are brought into Sweden must have a passport, be id labelled, vaccinated and wormed. The import of a pet must be reported to Customs. For information, see www.jordbruksverket.se
Drinking water
In general, Sweden has good quality drinking water that can be drunk straight from the tap.
Fishing
Not getting a bite in one of Sweden's thousands of lakes, rivers and streams ought to be an impossibility. Anyone has the right to fish with hand tackle in the sea and big lakes. A fishing permit is required for individual waters, e.g., lakes and the archipelago. Fishing permits are usually sold in fishing conservation areas, tourist offices, campsites and via the Internet.
Food & Drink
“Dagens rätt” (today’s special) is served 11 am–2 pm and costs 90–120 SEK. It often includes a drink, salad and coffee. Alcoholic beverages (over 3.5%) are sold at licensed restaurants and Systembolaget’s shops (the Swedish Alcohol Retailing Monopoly). The age limit to buy alcohol is 20 years. At restaurants and bars, it is 18 years.
Eating traditional Swedish food and trying classic Swedish drinks is a big and important part of the Swedish experience. When you come here, start ticking off your list with meatballs, crayfish, prawns, reindeer meat and schnapps. There's a lot to look forward to!
Highest mountain
At 2,104 metres above sea level, Kebnekaise in the Municipality of Kiruna, Lapland, is Sweden’s highest mountain.
Holiday
Most Swedes take their holiday in July.
Midnight sun
In northern Sweden, the sun can be seen day and night from the end of May to mid-July.
Music
Swedish music has made a big impression on the world, with ABBA probably by far the most difficult to beat. But that has not stopped new Swedish rising stars from taking their place on the star-studded international music stage. From dance bands representing this popular music genre in Sweden to the pop singer Robyn who heads the charts in England and the USA.
National day
In Sweden, we hoist the flag and sing our national anthem on the sixth of June.
National Parks
In Sweden there are 30 national parks. According to the legislation, the purpose of a national park is to “preserve a larger, connected area of a particular type of landscape in its natural state or in an essentially unspoilt condition”. The government owns the land covered by national parks. Sweden’s national parks include mountain areas, forests, cultivated areas, and the sea. And of course, all national parks are open to visitors. All the information on Sweden’s national parks can be found at www.naturvardsverket.se.
Northern lights
Seeing the Northern lights (or Aurora Borealis as they are called in Latin) across the sky in red, green and sometimes purple is a privilege few experience but perfectly possible to see all year round in Sweden. The best chance is on clear winter nights, especially if you head for the northern parts of Sweden.
Opening hours
The shop opening hours are generally 10 am–6 pm on Monday to Friday, 10 am–2 pm on Saturdays, and most big shopping centres are also open on Sundays.
Pharmacy
In Sweden, all licensed pharmacies have a green plus sign. Medicines without prescriptions are also available to buy in many food shops!
Right of public access
The right of public access is a unique right for everyone who visits Swedish nature. It allows you to swim in lakes, sunbathe on beaches, and pick flowers,
berries and mushrooms, but you must show respect and consideration for wild animals, plants and people who live in the surroundings.
Meeting the king of the forest face to face is not uncommon when you walk through Swedish forests, so make sure you have the camera ready. For more information about the right of public access, see www.naturvardsverket.se/
Shopping
Bargain hunting can be an enjoyable experience on your holiday, especially if you take home some typical objects or clothes from Sweden in your luggage. Sweden offers many such items, and you don't just have to go to IKEA or the clothing chain H&M. Stockpile sales at the glassworks in Småland are a hot tip for real handicraft bargains!
Smoking
In Sweden, smoking is prohibited indoors in public places, shops, restaurants and bars. This prohibition also applies on buses, trains and trams.
Tips
A service charge is included in the price at restaurants, but a 10% tip is always welcome.
Traffic
Unless stated otherwise, the speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h outside and 110 km/h on motorways. For cars with caravans it is 80 km/h. All cars must drive with at least dipped headlights. Seatbelts are compulsory. Note also that the alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille.
