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StockholmThe Swedish capital, Stockholm, is not only Scandinavia's largest city but also its most enchanting, with its centuries-old alleyways and squares being spread across an archipelago of 14 islands. Locals are extremely proud of the fact that here one can go ocean-fishing in the heart of the city.
This historic metropolis with a small town heart also boasts a multitude of museums, an abundance of restaurants, a plethora of parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife (licensing hours extend until 5am) and a rich cultural life. It all adds up to 'never a dull moment', particularly
in the summer when the sun virtually never sets because of its position in the far northern latitudes.
Most tourists are initially drawn to the quaint Gamla Stan (old town), a warren of narrow cobbled-stone streets overshadowed by historic houses, radiating out from the sumptuous Royal Castle where Swedish royalty has resided since the 13th century. Despite the medieval heritage, Stockholm is no staid, old-fashioned enclave. Citizens have developed a reputation for being trendy, daring and innovative, especially in the global realms of IT and fashion, often setting the pace in the design and technology fields.
Stockholmers are also immensely concerned with the environment, and the city-scape is made up of one-third water, one-third green space, one-third buildings and the cleanest air of any city in the world. Take a deep breath, pack a picnic, hop aboard a ferry, and make for one of the parks where you will undoubtedly be treated to a free concert; or head for the legendary shopping districts of Biblioteksgatan (exclusive European boutiques), Odengatan (antique treasures), Drottningsgatan, Harrngatan, Hotorget or Stureplan. There is culture to be soaked up too, with more than 150 museums to visit, art festivals galore, architecture to be admired (including the City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place), and a world-renowned Opera to attend.
It may be old, but Stockholm is a destination for the young and energetic, as yet not over-run with tourists like many other European capitals.
Getting Around: Navigating the compact but confusing city center is best done on foot. To see the sights further away you can utilise the city's buses, underground (Tunnelbana or T-bana), ferries and trains run by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL). Discount cards or strips of transferable tickets are available. Information on the transport system, as well as a map and timetable, is available at the SL-Center inside T-Centralen station at Sergels Torg. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed in the street or booked by telephone. Buying a Stockholm Card (Stockholmskortet) is perhaps the best way to make the most of the city as it allows for unlimited travel on public transport, as well as free entry to 60 museums and free sightseeing trips. Stockholm Cards can be bought at various tourist centers in the city.
GothenburgThe second largest city in Sweden, and Scandinavia's most important port, Gothenburg is situated on the west coast of the country, at the outlet of the Göta Canal which links Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea, and indirectly to the country's capital, Stockholm.
Positioned on the Göta River, Gothenburg, or Göteborg, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is the arrival point of hundreds of visitors a year.
Gothenburg is also a stunningly beautiful city with its waterside location, green open spaces and fine architecture, and boasts a wide selection of cultural establishments with no shortage of theaters and museums. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known simply as Avenyn, is a hive of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and shops and is at the center of life in the city. Gothenburg is also well known as an event city, hosting major international events and artists, yet despite its sophisticated feel it still maintains a small town charm with its own special character. In many people's opinion, Gothenburg is more beautiful and entertaining than Stockholm, and also provides a better understanding of the people and the Swedish way of life.
Getting Around: The compact city is easily navigated by foot, but a bus and tram network also covers the city and is easy to use. The Älvsnabben ferry provides services along the harbor and Padden boats tour the canals. All public transport tickets are interchangeable and there are a variety of travel cards available. There are extensive parking facilities and motorists are advised to find a parking space and explore the city on foot or public transport. The Gothenburg City Pass is the most cost effective way of getting around Gothenburg and of visiting the city's hot spots, offering free travel on public buses and trams along with special discounts and free entry to many museums and parks.
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