SWEDEN
A land of pleasent surprises
Photographer - R Ryan
The most affordable of all of the Scandinavian countries. Visitors who explore Sweden are often surprised by the countries stunning natural beauty and endless reminders of their extensive historical past. There are beautiful forests, enormous lakes, snow capped mountains, castle ruins & ancient churches and of course Viking remains.
As with most Scandinavian countries it is big on activities & sports. Visitors can skate on frozen lakes, ski down or cross-country, hike and of course fish. Summer in Sweden can be hot and sunny from May through to July. But on the other side of the coin, winters can be extremely cold.
Worldmark's range of services include:-
Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted fares with British Airways & SAS.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
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Stockholm
Photographer- Preben Kristensen
Stockholm is the centre of what is technically a group of small islands that sit along the Baltic Sea. On the island of DJURGARDEN visitors will find extensive parklands and a selection of excellent museums. The island of STADHOLMEN is home to the OLD TOWN DISTRICT is oldest part of Stockholm is today renowned for its picturesque narrow alleys, charming medieval streets, very old and beautiful houses, the 18th century ROYAL PALACE, many shops, restaurants and sights. Visitors should take time out to explore the Old Town on your own or join one of the many guided walks. The island of SKANSEN offers yet more interesting sights such as the world's first open air museum, an excellent zoo and an aquarium.
Stockholm is also packed with many interesting museums, galleries and attractions such as THE VASA MUSEUM, the SKANSEN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, the MILLES MUSEUM, the MUSEUM OF NATIONAL ANTIQUITIES & the GOLD ROOM, the JUNIBACKEN, the KAKNAS TOWER, and the DROTTNINGHOLM PALACE, The Royal Ecopark The first national city park in the world lies in the heart of Stockholm and comprises a large natural area stretching right through the city. The palaces in the park all add to its cultural value, making it very interesting from an architectural and historical point of view.
Stockholm is a delightfully exciting city and a shopper’s paradise with many bargains to be found along the streets of DROTTNINGGATAN, KUNGSGATAN, and STUREPLAN. Visitors will also be made to feel at home in any of the numerous vibrant bars or excellent restaurants.
Visitors are asked to remember that Stockholm is never far away from the countryside and encouraged to explore further a field. Where you can explore the region’s small picturesque towns, fish, play golf or just drive through some of the charming local countryside.
We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-
Radisson SAS,Elite Palace,Victory and Scandic Park
Towns and attractions in the Stockholm region.
Trosa
A small, picturesque town situated around a harbour, 65 km south of Stockholm. You will find several good restaurants and hotels in Trosa. You can reach Trosa by car or bus (1 hour). On your way from Stockholm to Trosa you can visit the 17th century palace Tullgarn.
Marirfred and Gripsholm Castle
Mariefred is a small, idyllic town situated by Lake Mälaren. Visit Gripsholm Castle with the largest portrait collection in Sweden. The oldest inn in Sweden, the Gripsholm Värdshus and Hotel, is beautifully located in the heart of Mariefred. During the summer, there is boat service from Stockholm (3.5 hours).
Skoloster Castle
This beautiful baroque castle was built in 1653-73 and offers a collection of more than 50,000 objects of art, furniture, weapons and porcelain.
Drottiningholm Palace
A 17th century Drottningholm palace is the residence of the Royal Family. Visitors should visit the Royal Palace, the Chinese Pavilion, and the unique 18th century Royal Court Theatre where the original settings and machinery are still in use. Operas and concerts are staged during the summers.
Vaxholm
charming island town in the archipelago, which can be reached by boat. Vaxholm used to be an important military outpost, a key to the defence of the Stockholm region. Today, you can visit the impressive fortress that dates back to the 16th century. The fortress is now used for concerts and group activities and also houses a museum. You reach the fortress by a very short boat ride from the Vaxholm quay.
Uppsala
Uppsala dates back to the 16th century and is home to the oldest university of Sweden. It offers interesting sights such as the cathedral, castle and Linnégården - the home of Carl von Linneus, and of course a university atmosphere.
Steninge Palace
Steninge Palace is located by Lake Mälaren. The palace was built in 1705 and was designed by the well-known architect Tessin the younger (the same man who designed Stockholm Palace). Today, there is a culture centre in the palace. You can visit a glassworks, a pottery, candle making, a gallery and you can also buy the local products.
Sigtuna
Sigtuna is the oldest town in Sweden. The town was founded in 980 and the first Swedish coin was minted here. Sigtuna is a very idyllic town with lots of interesting historical sights. Picturesque wooden houses and shops with Swedish art and handicrafts also contribute to the atmosphere.
Birka
Sweden´s first town, Birka, situated on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren. Birka was an important Viking trading community in the ninth century and it was here that Christianity first came to Sweden. There are guided tours on the island as well as a museum that presents the archaeologist’s picture of the Viking town.
Other destination suggestions:-
Vadstena
If lakes, castles, monastery's and harbours are your thing then this is the pace for you. Set along Lake Vattern this pretty city is packed with interesting sights. Such as the beautiful Renaissance castle of VADSTENA SLOTT with it's Van Dyck paintings and period furniture. Then you have 15th century Gothic KLOSTERKYRKAN, which makes for an interesting visit.
Gothenburg
One of the most popular tourist destinations and another of Sweden's surprises with it's grand harbour and Paris style boulevard. The city is home to one of the world's best amusement parks LISEBERG which attracts thousands of visitors each year. For the more serious minded visitor there are a selection of excellent museums as well as some fine art galleries.
Visby
Within easy reach from Stockholm is this interesting historical medieval port. Visitors will find ruins of once great churches, twisting cobbled streets and numerous towers.
Oland
Another island that reflects Sweden's historical legacy.Here you will find an Iron Age ring,a fortified medieval village,and the ruins of BORGHOLM CASTLE.
Sarek National Park
This national treasure covers over 2000sq km with glaciers,snow covered mountains and some beautiful lakes.
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Travel Warning / Information
There is no recent history of terrorism in Sweden. But Sweden shares with the rest of the world, including the UK, a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. You should therefore be vigilant in public places, including tourist sites.
Sweden is generally a risk free country to visit. Petty crime occurs, but at much lower levels than in most European countries. Pick pocketing is rife in the summer months in the major cities when tourists are heavily targeted for their passports and cash.
This information is current as of 13/5/05 we recommend that travellers contact the FCO Travel Advice Unit: 0870 606 0290 for up to date information.
Health Information
You should be aware of the risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in coastal areas, especially the Stockholm Archipelago. Advice on TBE, and inoculations, are generally available in the UK. If you are visiting remote areas, you should consider the relative inaccessibility of the emergency services. The telephone number for emergencies is 112. If you are resident in the United Kingdom you should take with you a completed Form E111. This can be obtained free of charge at most UK post offices, and entitles you too emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swedish nationals. You are likely to be required to produce it should you require medical treatment whilst in Sweden. We strongly recommend that you should also take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance, particularly if you are intending to be involved in any sports activities.
We recommend that all travellers consult their local G.P prior to departing the UK for up to date information.
Sweden is a member of the European Union and if you are a British national you can stay as a visitor for three months without a Visa.
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WORLDMARK TRAVEL
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The Arena
24 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9FH
Tel:- 020 7 922 0670 Fax 020 7 401 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com
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