NordenBladet – Apparently in Scandinavia there is not a single child who wouldn’t know the Swedish children’s author Astrid Lindgren’s* main character from the book “Pippi Longstocking” – the wealthy, naughty, strong and kind-hearted Pippi. For many a kid in the northern countries this girl with two red braids has brought an abundance of splendid emotions to their childhood. I recall how much I enjoyed the Pippi character as a child and just how my own children got the Pippi thrill a few years back.
In Sweden, going by car from Stockholm through Linköping 350 km along E4 road heading South (ca 4 hours driving) or from Göteborg along road 40 via Jönköping heading East (ca 3 hours driving) there’s Vimmerby where back in 1981 initially under the name Sagobyn the “Astrid Lindgren World” was open (address: Fabriksgatan 59840, Vimmerby / home page astridlindgrensvarld.se) – an actual fairy tale land that continues to fascinate children as well as their parents. An ideal place to visit with the entire family! It is an exciting theme park open from May to August where you can meet lots of well-known characters from Astrid Lindgren’s book for children.
The theme park with the Swedish name “Astrid Lindgren’s Värld” (with a more common name “Pippi Longstocking Värld”) is situated on a 180 000 square metre territory and there you can find everything – a cinema, theatric spectacles, a large fairy tale town full of doll houses, cafes, shops, playing grounds, a museum, a mini zoo, etc. The park offers employment to more than 50 actors depicting various characters from the book. it is possible to stroke Pippi’s horse and step inside her great yellow “Villa Villekulla” or Villekulla Cottage. Many times a day plays are performed in Swedish language.
I like to travel with children – be it then a children-centered travel or my own business travel. When possible I always take my children along. Ivanka Shoshana (10) who has been diagnosed with autism has as a result of my continuous effort grown to be very brave. Despite the fact that usually a child with autism is very tough to be travelling with (you will never know when the tantrums occur and when they would lay down screaming so that there is nothing else to do than take the child in your arms and quickly flee from the scornful icy glances of people around you), travelling actually has been a factor that has helped broaden her horizon and has facilitated her socialisation. Today I am able to take her along with a light heart – the embarrassing moments are less, next to none. Oooh, but what happened in Pippi-land. Estella Elisheva (during the trip 9 years of age), who is usually a super obediant child and who has from birth been very easy to raise, dashed off to one direction, driven from excitement and joy of discovering the place, and Ivanka Shoshana (during the travel 7 years of age) dashed to the opposite direction – but I can fully understand the children. The entire theme park was just amazing that even a grown person will be overwhelmed! And of course we could not leave without clothing from head to toe into Pippi brand garments.
I add a few photos from that journey (summer 2015).
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Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren (14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for children’s book series featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil i Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children (Children of Noisy Village in the US), as well as the children’s fantasy novels Mio, My Son, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter, and The Brothers Lionheart. In January 2017, she was calculated to be the world’s 18th most translated author, and the fourth most-translated children’s writer after Enid Blyton, H. C. Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Lindgren has so far sold roughly 165 million books worldwide.
Biography Astrid Lindgren grew up in Näs, near Vimmerby, Småland, Sweden, and many of her books are based on her family and childhood memories and landscapes.
Lindgren was the daughter of Samuel August Ericsson and Hanna Jonsson. She had two sisters, Stina and Ingegerd, and a brother, Gunnar Ericsson, who eventually became a member of the Swedish parliament.
Upon finishing school, Lindgren took a job with a local newspaper in Vimmerby. She had a relationship with the chief editor, who was married and a father, and who eventually proposed marriage in 1926 after she became pregnant. She declined and moved to the capital city of Stockholm, learning to become a typist and stenographer (she would later write most of her drafts in stenography). In due time, she gave birth to her son, Lars, in Copenhagen and left him in the care of a foster family.
Although poorly paid, she saved whatever she could and traveled as often as possible to Copenhagen to be with Lars, often just over a weekend, spending most of her time on the train back and forth. Eventually, she managed to bring Lars home, leaving him in the care of her parents until she could afford to raise him in Stockholm.
In 1932 she married her employer, Sture Lindgren (1898–1952), who left his wife for her. Three years later, in 1934, Lindgren gave birth to her second child, Karin, who would become a translator. The character Pippi Longstocking was invented for her daughter to amuse her while she was ill in bed. Lindgren later related that Karin had suddenly said to her, “Tell me a story about Pippi Longstocking,” and the tale was created in response to that request.
The family moved in 1941 to an apartment on Dalagatan, with a view over Vasaparken, where Lindgren remained until her death on 28 January 2002 at the age of 94, having already become blind.
Astrid Lindgren died in her home in central Stockholm. Her funeral took place in the Storkyrkan (Great Church) in Gamla stan. Among those attending were King Carl XVI Gustaf with Queen Silvia and others of the royal family, and Prime Minister Göran Persson. The ceremony was described as “the closest you can get to a state funeral.”
Career Lindgren worked as a journalist and secretary before becoming a full-time author. She served as a secretary for the 1933 Swedish Summer Grand Prix.
In 1944 Lindgren won second prize in a competition held by Rabén & Sjögren, a new publishing house, with the novel Britt-Marie lättar sitt hjärta (Britt-Marie Unburdens Her Heart). A year later she won first prize in the same competition with the chapter book Pippi Långstrump (Pippi Longstocking), which had been rejected by Bonniers. (Rabén & Sjögren published it with illustrations by Ingrid Vang Nyman, the latter’s debut in Sweden.) Since then it has become one of the most beloved children’s books in the world and has been translated into 60 languages. While Lindgren almost immediately became a much appreciated writer, the irreverent attitude towards adult authority that is a distinguishing characteristic of many of her characters has occasionally drawn the ire of some conservatives.
The women’s magazine Damernas Värld sent Lindgren to the United States in 1948 to write short essays. Upon arrival she is said to have been upset by the discrimination against black Americans. A few years later she published the book Kati in America, a collection of short essays inspired by the trip.
In 1956, the inaugural year of the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, the German-language edition of Mio, min Mio (Mio, My Son) won the Children’s book award.(Sixteen books written by Astrid Lindgren made the Children’s Book and Picture Book longlist, 1956–1975, but only Mio, My Son won a prize in its category.)
In 1958 Lindgren received the second Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Rasmus på luffen (Rasmus and the Vagabond), a 1956 novel developed from her screenplay and filmed in 1955. The biennial International Board on Books for Young People, now considered the highest lifetime recognition available to creators of children’s books, soon came to be called the Little Nobel Prize. Prior to 1962 the Board cited a single book published during the preceding two years.
On her 90th birthday, she was pronounced International Swede of the Year 1997 by Swedes in the World (SVIV – Svenskar i Världen), an association for Swedes living abroad.
In its entry on Scandinavian fantasy, The Encyclopedia of Fantasy named Lindgren the foremost Swedish contributor to modern children’s fantasy. Its entry on Lindgren summed up her work in glowing terms: “Her niche in children’s fantasy remains both secure and exalted. Her stories and images can never be forgotten.
Translations By 2012 Astrid Lindgren’s books had been translated into 95 different languages and language variants. Further, the first chapter of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter has been translated into Latin. Up until 1997 a total of 3,000 editions of her books had been issued internationally, and globally her books had sold a total of 150 million copies. Many of her books have been translated into English by the translator Joan Tate.
NordenBladet – Do you sometimes feel that you need extra inspiration, new kind of emotions, something different. As for myself, I find inspiration mostly in blogs-vlogs. Oftentimes I surf the web, from one blog to another (or from vlog to vlog), yet finding something inspiring is not that easy. Today I have been browsing the sites from various Swedish bloggers and stumbled upon the blog from Janni Olsson Deler, and from there on to her husband Jon’s vlog – what an amazing couple of bloggers! Their way of vlogging – simply super cool! Love it so much!
It is curious that I have not noticed their blogs earlier, since I often read various Swedish blogs. By the way, for those who love blogs, Sweden has very many super great bloggers! I am fond of blogs-vlogs that are quality-based – where you can see devotion, enthusiasm and effort – quality photos, a coherent narrative, etc. Now, today I would bring out these two blogs.
Jon’s and Janni’s blogs (see: jonolssondeler.com and janniolssondeler.com) are steeped in POSITIVITY! I immediately liked the pages – I like “Yes” people – the positively minded folks who see the bright side of life, not the troubles. Who live a full life and yet can apprecite the little things in it, are supportive and loving towards each other, also somewhat vane and able to find pleasure in living. Besides, it won’t go unnoticed when people have hobbies. You can usually perceive if things are done with passion or just for the sake of it – the posts reveal that there is the person’s soul in the thing – new cameras are tested, there is dialogue with the fans, people open up, give out their energy – not to mention active and healthy lifestyle that both practice.
I have spent the entire day today in the company of Jon and Janni Olsson Deler – I just couldn’t stop. At the moment it feels as if we were long time friends. I even brought my laptop to the treadmill, to keep viewing Jon’s vlogs.. Hehe.. I did a lot of sports as a result – time was flying. Thank you for the cool vlog posts! You are most positive and inspiring!
Today’s blog will be concluded by Jon’s idea, I quote: “When you think it’s enough, double it!” A word of wisdom that well suits every situation. Sunny hugs to all!
NordenBladet – I continue the two-day Setomaa and Southern Estonia blog (read the first part HERE). In the travel blog I was last describing Saatse – a tiny town near the Russian border. It was already past five o’clock and the only village shop was already closed. This got us rather anxious since we knew that there might not be any other places on the way where we might get food, yet we wanted to buy the food and drinks for the evening. We drove to Saatse village square up to the museum but those, too, had already been closed. It was rather weird though that also in the gardens, in the entire village we didn’t meet anybody, not a single soul!
The village was very small – there was the village square, museum, tiny shop, a church and a cemetery. The latter we needn’t have visited by the end of the day with my younger daughter Ivanka Shoshana (10), especially since none of our relatives have been buried there, the visit annoyed her. Just lately we had been to a funeral, also we had visited the cemeteries in Viljandi – there might have been just a little too much of the death topic – Ivanka is still young and cannot completely grasp it. The visit slightly got her out of balance and I regretted it afterwards. Yet I also know that I cannot raise her in a “pink bubble”, despite her being an autist I wish her to see and to experience everything as much as possibe just the way regular kids do. Life is as it is and death is a part of life.
Saatse done, we suddenly realized we already wished to stay somewhere for the night and to peacefully spend the evening – we had been dashing around for quite a while already. However, since were so to say “behind the tree” and passing small settlements, there had for long miles been nothing really – not a shop, not a house, to say nothing about accommodation. We were already slightly in despair and had already had enough of driving the car towards the evening. Then suddenly we were in Koidula border crossing point on Estonian-Latvian border. We dashed on – the only aim was to find a shop and accommodation. In spite of the exhaustion the emotions were high and we had enjoyed the visit to Setomaa – I got more interested in Setomaa when we visited Tallinn tourism fair “Tourest 2018” with my daughter Estella Elisheva for a story for NordenBladet about tourism objects in Estonia (see more pictures HERE), we met many nice people and representatives of village societies. One name that immediately comes to mind is Elin Priks (in the picture on the right) – a spirited nice woman who is working to develop tourism in Setomaa – she told many interesting stories about Setomaa, and later in Facebook invited to visit Setomaa. Such warm introductions won’t go unnoticed! 🙂
And it didn’t take long until in the middle of nowhere there was Orava A&O food shop and a few kilometres further hidden in the wood there was Väike-Orava recreation centre (Orava village, Põlva county). We called the cell number written on the street sign near the road and booked a room. In ten minutes the hostess and host of the centre arrived and handed us the keys – we were the only guests on a large picturesque territory. We lit a fire in the fireplace and settled on the first floor to watch TV and enjoy the supper – just at the time when Football World Championship was on and England was playing against Columbia (3 July).
Often when I speak about accommodation options in Estonia with NordenBladet staff in Sweden, Norway or Finland, they would listen to me as if my story were “a tale about wonderland”. And Estonia really is a wonderland! At times it is sad, since many of the people living here lack money, yet mostly it is joyous – nowhere else is there such beautiful nature and sincere people that in the countryside in Estonia. I could go on praising them forever! I have travelled a lot in the Nordic countries, been in the countryside, talked to people, listened to their worries and sympathized with their achievements – travelling like this you see a completely different world, with completely different thoughts, different worries and different joys.
Our accommodation cost 25 EUR for three people – we had a two-floor private house and ca 10000-15000+ m2 well-groomed garden around the house. There was no particular luxury, yet everything was neat and clean and PRIVATE! We were thinking to ourselves that merely mowing the lawn in this place takes so much time and care, to say nothing about the cleaning of the sauna, the house, etc. It was a very good price, the place was private, a good change! Very suitable for those who wish to get away from the urban noise. Since we didn’t have cash with us, we even got such a deal that we could leave the money in Orava shop in the morning – this is how the good people in Southern Estonia trust their guests! No passport copies, no annoying procedures. Most heart-warming!
We watched the football game. There were two World Championship games and the two quarter finalists were concluded. Sweden subordinated Switzerland 1:0 and England, after the 1:1 normal and extra time subordinated Columbia 4:3 in the penalty series! The last one we predicted. To be exact, we spelled it – haha… but I won’t tell this today. Myself as well as my sisters have strong sensitive power and spell power and these are especially visible when we are together or do something together. Sometimes it is nice and sometimes it can be quite scary, as weird as it may seem (even if we don’t want that), we see and can change the future, on many occasions can read people’s mind, control energies, see the aura. Sometimes it scares me, sometimes I try to ignore it, sometimes I just take it as one part of my life.
Around ten p.m. I put Ivanka Shoshana to bed and when she was asleep – we chatted with my sister for hours…
In the morning when we had left the money for the night to Orava shop, we headed towards Võru. Stomachs empty, we soon found a cozy small cafe. I guess it was named “Muffin cafe” if I remember it right. The cafe was OK, but it seems Võru is not a nice place – I mostly mean the city centre. No looks, no use. Usually small places are beautiful and with character – but Võru, for me, says nothing. Yet the surroundings – Haanja, Rõuge etc.. are among the most beautiful places in Estonia!
From Võru we headed towards Otepää and Pühajärve.
Otepää is again a wonderful place. Otepää is a place for active life around the year – with snow it is named the Winter capital city, in summertime the town attracts you with hillside forest paths and lake orbits.
Opportunities for an active holiday in the best known winter sports centre in the Baltics and Nordic countries are limitless. There are tracks for cross country skiiers, downhill skiers, skiboarders, motorcar racers, sledging friends and hikers. We stretched our feet, Ivanka was playing for a while, my sister brought her son from the sports camp and then we drove through Tartu everyone to their own home. Nice! Road trips are my favourites lately – they won’t take a lot of time and are a nice change for the working day.
In September-October there is a longer visit ahead to NordenBladet offices and a journey in Finland – I want to take both Estella Elisheva (12) and Ivanka Shoshana (10) along with me. But this all will follow in the forthcoming blogs! Hugs to everyone and I wish you a nice continuation of the beautiful month of August!
NordenBladet – This summer we have been doing plenty of short road trips across Estonia (see the blog about Central Estonia and Southern Estonia on the route Tallinn – Rapla – Türi – Imavere – Tartu – Tõravere – Elva – Nõo – Rõngu – Koruste – Pikasilla – Suislepa – Tarvastu – Mustla – Holstre – Paistu – Viljandi – Suure-Jaani – Lahmuse – Vändra – Järvakandi – Kehtna – Saku HERE and Northwest Estonian blog, where I visited Tallinn – Ääsmäe – Laitse – Riisipere – Turba – Risti – Palivere – Taebla – Linnamäe – Sutlepa – Pürksi – Österby – Hosby – Riguldi – Nõva – Vihterpalu – Hatu – Pae – Harju-Risti – Padise – Rummu – Vasalemma – Keila – Saue – Tallinn HERE).
Now in this blog I’m gonna take you to Setomaa! Estella Elisheva (12) had a violin camp in Värska and thus I gathered that taking my child to the camp might actually be accommodated into a splendid little Setomaa sightseeing tour. Like always we started off from Saku on the outskirts of Tallinn where we have a lovely home – I am so happy that I can raise my kids in this peaceful, safe and picturesque environment. When driving I like to take the smaller and still roads – therefore I headed from Kajamaa to Viljandi road and from there through Rapla and Türi to Kabala village in South-Järvamaa. In Kabala we did the first stop and took pictures of Kabala manor house and the local A&O shop. A tiny sweet Estonian village, whenever I drive through it, I get a good feeling. Although I actually like the sea view, I must truly be an inland person at heart. All the lengthy fields, thick forests, hills and valleys are very close to the heart.
Kabala manor (with the name Cabbal in Pilistvere pastorate books) was a manor in Pilistvere parish, Viljandimaa. Nowadays the manor territory greatly overlaps with Türi municiplaity in Järva county. In the year 1905 Kabala was housing the manor owners self protection headquarters. Since the year 1923 the main building of the manor houses Kabala school, later on a kindergarten also followed. Historically the heart of the manor was tunneled by Türi-Viljandi road (today it is Türi-Arkma road), now as a result of straightening the road runs its course a few hundred meters to the West.
From Kabala we headed to Imavere where we stumbled upon a really nice sight – namely there was Sassi ostrich farm on our way! Children were very excited to see the ostriches. The fields and meadows around the farm were neat and nicely maintained – as would great Estonian folks do. A few kilometers from Sassi farm there is Imavere Knight’s Manor – I have written about it in depth HERE, but since I didn’t take photos that time then I post these now! When driving to Tartu or Southern Estonia I especially like taking this road – although passing the village houses the journey is more time consuming, but at the same time it is great to have a look around. Even though Imavere manor is halfway to ruins, left without care and the newly built part of the edifice is plainly horrible, the surroundings of the manor are private and beautiful. Not like many other manors in Estonia it has plenty of land around – fields and forest – before the neighbour can start peeping into your window. It would make a wonderful location to found a SPA or a hotel complex.
From Imavere we headed through Adavere to Tartu where my elder sister accompanied us in the car. The plan was to take Estella Elisheva to the Värska camp and then me, Ivanka Shoshana and Maris would go further on to an adventure in Setomaa and Southern Estonia. The road from Tartu to Värska is rather dull – perhaps this is because we had to be there on time and we didn’t take a good look on the signs by the road leading to various sightseeings nearby. The mood was elevated, however, so we sang in the car and were making jokes so that the eyes nearly ached from laughter. In Põlva we took photos from the Karl Kikas monument (a memorial).
For those who are not that familiar with the Estonian history of music: Kikas (born on 4 November 1914, lived in Põlva district, Valgjärve collective farm) was a legendary accordion player. Kikas is considered to be the second most influencial figures in Estonian accordion playing culture after the musical instrument inventor August Teppo. With his innovative and fascinating style of playing the instrument he made the accordion, initially known only in the Southern part of the country, well known all around Estonia.
It didn’t take long before we arrived at Lobotka village – the bus stop was so cool that I took a photo of it. By the way, the “Ancient Lights’ Night” with the main message of joining the nations around the Baltic Sea for a productive collaboration, celebrates its 25th anniversary on August 25th – as usual, along with musicians playing as well as enjoying the local cuisine. All around Estonia there are thousands of bonfires lit, and so it was also in Lobotka harbour on the banks of Värska Bay. The bonfires are lit once a year to remind people of the historical signalling lights. At the times of the Vikings this used to be a practical necessity, nowadays it conveys positive ideas and positive messages.
So why would I bring out The Ancient Lights Night in connection to Lobotka village? For that we would need to know a few background details about the village.There are 75 people living in the village and the territory of the village is roughly 500 hectars. Lobotka village people organized the first Village Day in 1998 with financial support from Värska rural municipality government. The Village Day was attended by former and current village people, all in all more than a hundred people. The village society was created in 1999 in order to divide the duties and responsibilities regarding the events organised in the village. In cooperation with Värska municipality a new setting for the village square was found. The big village swing was built together and the square was taken care of. The first event ever to take place on this little square that had been fought for so ardently, was “Ancient Lights’ Night”. It is really great that even in the more distant places in Estonia the old traditions and the culture is kept alive, showing that there can be life outside the capital city! I like it!
Once we had taken Estella Elisheva to the camp we thought we might look around a bit in Värska. From earlier times I had heard a great deal about Värska Sanatorium – once this had been a really popular destination. We decided to check it out with our own eyes. We didn’t have to go very close to see that there was nothing that popular left from those times.- it was just a memory of earlier times. The sanatorium badly needs a renovation – even better to be pulled down completely and the starting from scratch. In the current sanatorium I personally would become even more sick – the beautiful pine tree forests and then suddenly this horrific stagnation period crap. So ugly that I even didn’t wish to take a photo. However, a slightly better impression was made by Värska Water Park. For once I even thought we might stay overnight there, but no — I had intended to go to the extreme and visit some strange unfamiliar place. That was the right decision!
Further on we decided to visit Saatse – I wanted to see with my own eyes what are the events there and how does the South-Eastern town in Estonia that is the closest to Russia, look like. It can be reached only when one crosses the border twice. On the way there was Üüklubi (an alphabetical joke), the advertising sign of which amused us a lot (in Estonian mainland the discotheque is ordinarily called Ööklubi) and the Setomaa Farm Museum, there in the courtyard we also had a meal. We didn’t understand much from what we read in the menu, it seemed as if we were abroad – Seto language is so different from the Estonian language. For example, suulliim means cold soup… I also dug into the newspaper on the cafeteria’s table, and that, too, seemed much like Chinese language. Some parts of it I certainly understood, but it was really weird to read. Like another Estonia. While in Võru they have just a minor dialect – instead of warm (soe) they say hot (lämmi), and a few other examples – then in Setomaa it is rather a different language. Surely it would be possible to get used to it, but as someone coming from the capital it does seem strange.
The food was delicious and service was delightful, the prices were suitable, yet slightly higher than near Võrtsjärv in Mustla or not far from Võru in Rõuge, however still a great deal cheaper than in Tallinn. The menu that stood out from the ordinary ones as well as the names of the dishes in Seto language gave a good impression and wouldn’t be forgotten easily.
Seto Museum was open on July 17 1998. In Seto Farmhouse Museum one can have a look at farm house architecture from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The exposition accommodates a half closed courtyard, a dwelling house, a storehouse for clothing, a granary, a storeroom for food, a stable and a hay barn, a working area, several shelters, smoke sauna, a pottery workshop, a blacksmith’s workshop, a barn and a teahouse (dinner on the farmyard). Most of the buildings are original, from Northern Setomaa. The branch of the Farmhouse Museum is located Saatse, founded by the local schoolmaster Viktor Veeber and open since 1974. From May 2004 the unique teahouse (tsäimaja) stands there.
After the meal we headed toward Saatse. It was somewhat frightening to drive via Russia twice. There was nothing we could do, but I thought to myself – is it really so difficult to build the new road (gravel road) with a slight bend, and why would i have to read – whiled driving to a small Estonian village – that soon you will be trespassing the Russian territory and therefore stopping the vehicle and walking outside is prohibited. Before Saatse there was even a police patrol asking us where we were going. So that’s where we answered: “We are discovering Estonia!” 🙂
Saatse (in Seto language Satserina; also Satserinna, Satseri, Korki and Gorki are used) is a village in Võru County, Setomaa municipality. The village hosts a middle school, a folk house, Saatse Great Martyr Paraskeeva Church, a cemetary and a border crossing point. Saatse postal office was closed in 2007. Saatse Orthodox Church is a memorial building. It has been consecrated in the honour of the Great Martyr Praskeeva. The stone church was erected in 1801 near the earlier wooden church. In 1839 a wooden belfry was added that in turn was substituted by a new belfry in 1884. The history of the school dates back to 1895 when it was open as a parish school in Linnaste village. From there it was soon shifted to Saatse and was there changed into a national elementary school in 1918. In Saatse cemetary one can find a few historical stone crosses. Close to the village in Samarina there is a museum of local history – the Saatse Seto Museum. Saatse-Petseri Road passes through Vassili (Solovski) village and within the area is joined by Saatse-Pattina Road and Saatse-Perdaku Road. Near the village on Värska-Ulitina Road between Sesniki and Lutepää there the so-called Saatse boot where the road continues through the Russian territory for an entire 1 kilometer.
NordenBladet – The Drottningholm Palace (Swedish: Drottningholms slott) is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. It is located in Drottningholm (178 02 Drottningholm, Sweden). Built on the island Lovön (in Ekerö Municipality of Stockholm County), it is one of Sweden’s Royal Palaces. It was originally built in the late 16th century. It served as a regular summer residence of the Swedish royal court for most of the 18th century. Apart from being the private residence of the Swedish royal family, the palace is a popular tourist attraction.
History
Origin The name Drottningholm (literally meaning “Queen’s islet”) came from the original renaissance building designed by Willem Boy, a stone palace built by John III of Sweden in 1580 for his queen, Catherine Jagellon. This palace was preceded by a royal mansion called Torvesund.
The Queen Dowager Regent Hedwig Eleonora bought the castle in 1661, a year after her role as Queen of Sweden ended, but it burnt to the ground on 30 December that same year. Hedwig Eleonora engaged the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder to design and rebuild the castle. In 1662, work began on the reconstruction of the building. With the castle almost complete, Nicodemus died in 1681. His son Nicodemus Tessin the Younger continued his work and completed the elaborate interior designs.
During the period of the reconstruction, Hedwig Eleonora was head of the regency for the still-underage King, Charles XI of Sweden, from 1660 to 1672. Sweden had grown to be a powerful country after the Peace of Westphalia. The position of the queen, essentially the ruler of Sweden, demanded an impressive residence located conveniently close to Stockholm.
During the reign of the kings Charles XI of Sweden and Charles XII of Sweden, the royal court was often present at the palace, which was used for hunting. Hedwig Eleonora used the palace as a summer residence until her death in 1715, also when she had become the undisputed host of the royal court during the absence of Charles XII in Great Northern War (1700–1721).
18th century
Drottningholm continued to serve regularly as a summer residence for the royal court during the entire 18th-century. After the death of Hedwig Eleonora in 1715, Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden and King Frederick I of Sweden held court at the palace in the summer.
In 1744, the palace was given as a gift from King Frederick I to the then Crown Princess, later Queen of Sweden, Louisa Ulrika of Prussia when she married Adolf Frederick of Sweden, who became King of Sweden in 1751. During Louisa Ulrika’s ownership of Drottningholm the interior of the palace was transformed in a more sophisticated French rococo style. Louisa Ulrika was also responsible for having the Drottningholm Palace Theatre rebuilt in a grand style after the more modest original building burnt down in 1762. Louisa Ulrika and Adolf Fredrick continued to reside at the palace during their reign (1751–1771). In 1777, Louisa Ulrika sold Drottningholm to the Swedish state.
While it was owned by the Swedish state, the palace was used by King Gustav III of Sweden, son of Louisa Ulrika, as a summer residence, and a grand ceremonial court life was performed at the palace, which is considered to have been a great age for the palace, during which it was known for the elaborate masquerades and grand theatrical festivities and tournaments performed in the gardens. During the reign of Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden (reign 1792–1809) and Charles XIII of Sweden (reign 1809–1818) the palace was gradually used more sporadically. In 1797, it was the place of the great festivities when the King’s bride, Frederica of Baden, was received there upon her arrival in Sweden, during which the last so called carousel, or tournament, was staged in the palace garden. After the Coup of 1809, the deposed Gustav IV Adolf was kept here under guard in the Chinese Drawing Room for eleven days.
19th century During the reign of Charles XIV John of Sweden (reign 1818–1844), the palace was abandoned. The King regarded it as a symbol of the old dynasty, and Drottningholm was left to decay. The buildings were damaged by the forces of nature, and their inventories were either taken away or auctioned off.
It was apparently opened to the public for the first time during this period: a tour was mentioned in 1819, and the public used the park for picnics. Occasionally, the grounds were used for public events: in 1823, the bride of the crown prince, Josephine of Leuchtenberg, was received upon her arrival to Sweden, and her name day continued to be celebrated here. Foreign guests were received in the palace gardens, such as Tsar Nicholas I of Russia.
Oscar I of Sweden took an interest in the palace, and though he preferred Tullgarn Palace as summer residence, he took care to preserve the palace by doing the first repairs in 1846. He further more used it for public celebrations, such as a reception for Pan-Scandinavian students in 1856, and in 1858, the future Gustav V of Sweden was born in the palace. Charles XV of Sweden preferred Ulriksdal Palace as his summer residence and ignored Drottningholm, but Oscar II of Sweden continued the repairs.
Both Oscar I and Oscar II were criticized for modernizing the palace and adjusting it to contemporary fashion rather than restoring it to its original state, and it was not until the reign of Gustav V that the palace and surroundings were reconstructed to their 18th-century appearance. In 1907, a major four-year restoration of the palace was begun to restore it to its former state, after which the royal court began to use it regularly again.
Royal residence
The current Swedish royal family have used Drottningholm as their primary residence since 1981. Since then, the Palace has also been guarded by the Swedish Military in the same fashion as Stockholm Palace.
The palace
The palace and its grounds have seen many renovations, changes and additions over the past 400 years. The largest renovation, in which electricity, heating, sewage, water lines were either installed or updated and the castle roof replaced, took place between 1907 and 1913. During a 20-year-period beginning around 1977, several major areas of the palace were restored and rebuilt. The library and national hall received much of the attention and fire protection was installed throughout the palace. In 1997, work began to clean and rebuild the exterior walls. This was completed in 2002.
People also search/ask: Where does the royal family live in Sweden? Drottningholm Palace. Drottningholm Palace, just outside Stockholm, has been home to the Swedish Royal Family since 1981. Today, however, only the King and Queen live there.
Who lives in the Swedish palace? Stockholm Palace. Stockholm Palace or the Royal Palace (Swedish: Stockholms slott or Kungliga slottet) is the official residence and major royal palace of the Swedish monarch (the actual residence of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia is at Drottningholm Palace).
Is there a king in Sweden? Carl XVI Gustaf has been King of Sweden since 1973. He is the 74th King of Sweden. Sweden’s successor to the throne is Crown Princess Victoria.
How did Sweden become a country? During the 11th and 12th centuries, Sweden gradually became a unified Christian kingdom that later included what is today Finland. … Modern Sweden started out of the Kalmar Union formed in 1397 and by the unification of the country by King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century.
Is Sweden a democracy or a monarchy? Politics of Sweden takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister of Sweden. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament, elected within a multi-party system.
NordenBladet – Preparing yourself for Sweden may include understanding a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish – some quite basic, others more subtle. When you’re invited home to a Swede, you’d better be on time and take your shoes off.
#1 Swedes love their coffee Few people drink more coffee than the Swedes. In Sweden, coffee drinking is fostered through a tradition called fika – in which friends, family or colleagues meet for coffee or tea, often with something sweet on the side. Most Swedes will enjoy at least one fika a day as an opportunity to bond.
What is a Fika? Fika is considered a social institution in Sweden; it means having a break, most often a coffee break, with one’s colleagues, friends, date or family. The word fika can be used as both verb and a noun.
What is Swedish coffee? Coffee isn’t just coffee in Sweden. … In Swedish, it’s called fika, both a verb and a noun to indicate the time of day that you sit down to take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, and preferably have a baked good to go along with it.
#2 Get in line From the pharmacy and tax office to your local grocery store’s meat counter, you’ll be forced to exercise patience as you wait to be served in a numbered queue. Many businesses have a ticketing system – usually a small hard-to-find machine hung on a wall that dispenses number notes. Once you grab your ticket, you’ll have to wait until your number shows up on a screen before you can proceed to the counter.
#3 Speaking Swedish helps (no, really?) Chances are you can live here for years without learning a lick of Swedish. Swedes are widely rated as world number two at English as a second language. Therefore it might take you longer to learn Swedish, and the Catch-22 is that fluency in the language is crucial to full integration. Signing up for SFI (Swedish for immigrants) could be a step in the right direction. Learning Swedish might be a challenge, but worth the effort.
SFI courses are offered through each local municipality’s adult continuing education program (kommunal vuxenutbildning, or komvux) so you will need to contact your local municipality. Here’s a contact list of Sweden’s 290 municipalities.
Is it easy to learn Swedish language? Not only is Swedish relatively easy to start understanding early on, speaking it will give you a huge head-start to understanding other Germanic languages like Norwegian, Danish, Dutch and German. With Babbel, you can learn Swedish without going to classes, hiring a tutor or investing in expensive software.
Is it hard to learn Swedish? In addition, there are also a lot of grammatical similarities. So, for someone with a background in a Germanic language (German, Dutch, Flemish etc.), learning Swedish will not be that difficult. Probably the hardest thing to grasp about Swedish is how “intonated” the spoken language is.
Where is the Swedish language spoken? Swedish language, Swedish Svenska, the official language of Sweden and, with Finnish, one of the two national languages of Finland. Swedish belongs to the East Scandinavian group of North Germanic languages. Until World War II, it was also spoken in parts of Estonia and Latvia.
What language family does Swedish belong to? Swedish is an Indo-European language belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Germanic languages. In the established classification, it belongs to the East Scandinavian languages, together with Danish, separating it from the West Scandinavian languages, consisting of Faroese, Icelandic, and Norwegian.
What percent of Swedes speak English? Among some of the non-English-speaking EU countries, the following percentages of the adult population claimed to be able to converse in English in 2012: 90 percent in the Netherlands, 89 percent in Malta, 86 percent in Sweden and Denmark, 73 percent in Cyprus and Austria, 70 percent in Finland.
#4 Get your shopping done before 17:00, if you can Many stores close early, especially at weekends. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a store open past ten in the evening that isn’t a petrol station. It’s worth keeping in mind that since many Swedes are done with their regular jobs around five, it’s likely that you’ll be battling crowds to get your shopping done between five and half past six.
#5 You will squeeze food out of toothpaste tubes To prepare you for your first visit to the cold foods section of a grocery store, understand that in Sweden, tubes are also used to package foods such as caviar, mayonnaise, mustard, and other similar condiments. At some point, you’ll probably squeeze some caviar from a tube onto half a boiled egg for breakfast.
#6 You will see fathers pushing prams When it comes to equality between the sexes, Sweden is one of the leaders, and the men definitely pull their own weight in staying home and raising infant children. In Sweden, couples are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, and this time can be shared between parents.
#7 The Swedes are an outdoorsy bunch Okay, maybe not all of them. But many. In Sweden, all year round there’s at least one activity that can be enjoyed, come rain, shine, or winter blizzard. And the government has made it easy to enjoy Sweden’s nature by giving people the Right of Public Access, Allemansrätten.
Allemansrätten – the Right of Public Access – gives everyone the right to enjoy Sweden’s outdoors. It allows the public to roam freely, even on private land, to camp overnight and to pick mushrooms and berries. The right also brings responsibilities – to treat flora and fauna and other people’s property with care. It can be summed up in the phrase ‘don’t disturb, don’t destroy’. The Right of Public Access is written into the Swedish constitution. But it is not a law as such, rather a custom or part of the cultural heritage that has evolved and become accepted over the years.
#8 Many businesses shut down in July It’s not uncommon to find restaurants and stores shut down for an entire month, usually in July, while employees take their four to six weeks of holiday. Read more about the Public holidays in Sweden.
#9 Lagom There is a societal code of conduct in Sweden which really has no direct translation. Loosely translated, the word lagom means ‘just enough’, ‘in moderation’, ‘appropriate’ and other synonyms you can pull out of the dictionary. When used in reference to societal behaviour, it means blending in appropriately without extreme displays of emotion.
#10 Melodifestivalen – not so lagom Melodifestivalen – the national event through which Sweden’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest is decided – unites large parts of the population. Held every February through March, it is a particularly welcome distraction on long dark winter nights. Come May, the Eurovision Song Contest is just as popular – though some Swedes prefer the ice hockey world championships, which usually coincide with the international music event.
#11 Locate your nearest IKEA There are very few stores in Sweden where you can buy affordable furniture and food at the same time, so it’s definitely worthwhile locating your nearest IKEA. Many IKEA stores offer free bus services from central locations to the store and back.
#12 Take off your shoes! You’ll quickly notice that shoes are taken off when entering private residences in Sweden. Some explain it with the simple fact that Swedes spend a lot of time outdoors during winter and are prone to dragging in dirt. Others say it’s a sign of respect for the home. Either way, you might want to think twice before wearing full lace-up boots when visiting folks.
#13 Winters are cold and dark It’s no secret that Sweden’s geographical location makes it prone to cold, dark winters. At the depth of winter in some northern parts of the country above the Arctic Circle, you might get as little as three hours of sunlight per day. So, winters may be rough, but you’ll be rewarded during summer. Long hours of daylight and moderately warm temperatures make Sweden one of the most beautiful places to be in during May to August.
#14 Be on time It is common knowledge here that ‘time’ should be respected at all times – regardless of whether you’re going for an interview or a friendly fika. Meetings will start on time with or without you. The train leaves on time with or without you. Swedes value punctuality.
#15 The state-owned alcohol monopoly While you can purchase alcoholic drinks in restaurants and bars, if you’d like to take a sip from the bottle in the privacy of your own home, you’ve got only one legal option of buying stronger alcohol, and that’s from one of the roughly 400 state-run liquor stores (Systembolaget).
#16 Keep that plastic bag Think twice before you toss out that plastic bag. Most Swedish grocery stores charge you for plastic or paper bags in an effort to keep waste low and encourage recycling. Swedes like to keep it sustainable. Recycling is second nature to most Swedes.
#17 Special days celebrating food Sure, Swedes celebrate Christmas, Easter, Midsummer and Walpurgis Eve. But almost as important are the days celebrating foods: Shrove Tuesday (Fettisdagen), which in Sweden calls for a semla; Waffle Day (Våffeldagen) on 25 March; and Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens dag) on 4 October. Feel free to gorge on said food all day long without guilt.
#18 It is safe to drink the water Drinking straight from the tap is the norm in Sweden. The water is clean and fresh, so you can save both money and the environment by not buying bottled water.
#19 Business casual means jeans General everyday fashion in Sweden is simple, relaxed and casual. This same concept has seamlessly seeped its way into more formal business settings. Unless your colleague is meeting foreign clients or attending a high stakes board meeting, chances are they are wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.
#20 Not all education and healthcare is free While the Swedish healthcare system is largely taxpayer-funded, it’s not entirely free. For routine doctor’s office visits, the maximum amount you may have to pay out of pocket for an entire year is SEK 1,100.
Universities in Sweden are free for citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Since 2011, students from other countries are charged for studying at Swedish universities. The universities set their own fees, which mostly vary between SEK 80,000 and 140,000 per academic year. Read more about studying in Sweden at studyinsweden.se.
NordenBladet – It’s your first time in Sweden. You’ve decided to combine a few days in the capital with a hike in the forest. You’ve heard great things about the natural scenery and are excited to start exploring some of Europe’s last wilderness areas. But what is really out there? Is there anything you should think of before heading out into Swedish nature?
Let the bears know where you are You’re surrounded by pine trees. The sun is unable to fully break through the layers of branches above you. It is dead quiet save for the occasional buzzing mosquito. If you sit still for long enough you might hear a branch break against the damp moss undergrowth.
This is bear territory. This is where wolves howl at night. You’re all alone and you need to find a way to survive. Welcome to Sweden’s back country.
Suddenly, what you thought was a boulder rises up a short distance away. It takes a few seconds before you realise you’re standing in front of one of the many big animals that live in Swedish forests.
Some large predators do stalk the woods in central Sweden: brown bear, wolf, wolverine and lynx. Most likely you’ll never meet one of them, simply because they would not want you to.
But if you’re ever ‘lucky’ enough to meet a wild bear in Sweden, strike up a conversation and make sure the bear knows you are there. Clap your hands. Whatever you do, don’t run. Back up away from the bear without turning away from it. Keep talking to it calmly. Go about your business.
There have been bear attacks against humans in Sweden, but they are extremely rare. ‘Large predators in Sweden do not normally present a danger to humans. There are, however, certain situations in which predators could cause harm; that is, they have the capacity to harm,’ says Benny Gäfvert at Sweden’s Large Carnivore Centre. The rare situations Gäfvert refers to are likely to happen in occurrence with hunting. So in general, common sense is enough to keep everyday hikers like you alive. As long as you don’t corner or attack bears, they will leave you alone.
How to Be Bear-Savvy When Hiking and Camping
1. Make noise while you walk. Clapping your hands, singing, ringing bells, or speaking loudly will keep you from surprising a bear. Surprised bears are more likely to react aggressively. 2.Do not take your dog with you. A dog can provoke a bear and send it your way. 3. Carry bear pepper spray. This should be your first line of defense if a bear attacks. It creates a large cloud that will usually stop a bear in its tracks. 4. Never ever feed or approach a bear.
5. When you see a bear stand up, it is not attacking but trying to see, hear, and smell you better. Talk firmly in a low-pitched voice while backing away. Avoid direct eye contact, as bears may perceive this as a challenge or threat. 6. Keep children with you on the trail at all times. If you see a bear, immediately pick up small children while you assess what to do. Mother bears are very protective of their cubs. A startled black bear will often send her cubs up a tree while she stands guard at the bottom. This gives you a chance to walk away without a confrontation. Never come between a mother bear and her cub. 7. If attacked by a bear, do not run. The bear will think you are prey and will chase you. 8. Do not climb a tree. Bears are excellent climbers. 9. If a bear touches you, drop to the ground and play dead. Lie on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your neck, and use your elbows and toes to avoid being rolled over. If the bear does roll you, keep rolling until you land back on your stomach. Stay still and do not struggle or scream. A defensive bear will stop attacking once it feels you are not a threat. Do not move until you are absolutely sure the bear has left the area. 10. When camping, make sure to set up camp in an open area away from dense vegetation. Before you set up camp, look around for discarded food or for signs that bears have been around, such as bear tracks, poop, or scratched trees. If you see these signs, look for a new campsite. 11. Be scentless. Bears are attracted by smells, so use fragrance-free shampoos and soaps. Insect-repelling citronella candles actually can attract bears. 12. Keep all food, even wrapped food, in bear-proof containers at least one hundred yards from your tent. Garbage and the clothing you wear while cooking should also be stashed this far away. Wash all utensils immediately after use.
Clean up after yourself. Don’t jeopardize campers who follow you by leaving food around.
Find something to eat The odds are on your side and hopefully the animal backed off when you did. But managing not to get attacked is the easy part: now it’s time for you to find something to eat. With autumn just around the corner, these woods are filled with treats. Below the pine trees the undergrowth is filled with blueberry bushes. The neighbouring lingonberries are not yet ripe and therefore sour, but still highly nutritious. It’s not recommended to try out the mushrooms that spring up seemingly everywhere. Some make you sick, most taste like waste and practically none of them are worth eating raw. Chanterelles, however, are the truffles of the north and something you shouldn’t miss out on.
Other foods might be brilliant as herbal remedies or at least make a good cup of tea, but still warrant a warning. The stinging nettle, for example, can be used as remedy or food once prepared, but it’s not something you want to rub up against. If you see ‘peppermint’ growing in the wild in Sweden, approach with care.
Get yourself a drink Once you have stuffed yourself with blueberries, you might want some water. Hiking requires water, but you’re in luck. Not only is all of Sweden scattered with lakes and streams, but you can feel safe about drinking the water. As long as it is flowing, whether from a kitchen tap, stream or river, there’s no need to filtrate or purify.
Water comes in many forms, though, and you can expect a clear sunny day to suddenly turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. If dark clouds gather overhead and the first few drops of rain fall against your forehead, it’s time to rummage through your backpack and put on a windbreaker.
Dress for success – layers upon layers As the rain intensifies the air gets cooler. It’s getting late. You sit hunkered over under a tree and thank the stars you are not in the mountains of the very far north, where you’ve heard it can even snow in the summer. So how do you dress for the cold? You wear lots of layers, avoid cotton and make sure you have something wind and water resistant as an outer shell.
Swedish nature has so much to offer it would be foolish not to head into it. Imagine sitting by a creek up north, on a hilltop looking out over miles and miles of untouched terrain. You might be only an hour from a city but it feels like you are at the end of the world. You are all alone. It is dead quiet. And the best advice is to stay within your comfort zone. Sweden has something to offer everyone. From a stroll along the beach in Skåne in the south to backpacking trail-less country in Sarek National Park in the north.
Watch your step and wear good shoes Per-Olov Wikberg, spokesperson for the Mountain Safety Council of Sweden, finds that international summer guests tend to be underequipped for the potentially cold conditions in the very north. ‘Check the weather conditions, let someone know your detailed itinerary and head out only if you are well equipped,’ he says.
When asked what is the most common reason for the rescue service to be dispatched in the summer, he says, ‘Sprained ankles, without a doubt. We pick them up by helicopter.’ So there you go: watch your step and wear good shoes.
Swedish nature really is filled with danger: freezing cold weather, poisonous mushrooms, treacherous bog soil, wolves, bears, and forests so big you could get lost. Of course if you bring a compass or GPS, wear proper clothing, avoid eating stuff off the ground you are not familiar with, and try not to cuddle with bear cubs, you should be fine. And if for whatever reason you are not, we have a great rescue service.
Ten dos and don’ts in Swedish nature: 1. Don’t approach bears (and never ever, ever, ever a cub).
2. Don’t eat foodstuffs you are unsure about.
3. Drink water as long as it is flowing.
4. Wear cotton-free layered clothing.
5. Watch out for ticks, wasps and red marks after a bite.
6. Let people know your itinerary during backpacking hikes.
7. Use appropriate equipment that you are familiar with.
8. Bring a map and compass or at least a GPS.
9. Wear bright clothing during the hunting season.
10. Don’t go alone.
The right of public access Allemansrätten (Freedom to roam) – the right of public access – gives everyone the right to enjoy Sweden’s outdoors. It allows the public to roam freely, even on private land, to camp overnight and to pick mushrooms and berries. The right also brings responsibilities – to treat flora and fauna and other people’s property with care. It can be summed up in the phrase ‘don’t disturb, don’t destroy’. The right of public access is written into the Swedish constitution. But it is not a law as such, rather a custom or part of the cultural heritage that has evolved and become accepted over the years.
People also search these questions:
Which bears live in Sweden?
The bears which inhabit the forests and mountains of Sweden are Brown Bears, Ursus arctos. In the wild, a male can weigh as much as 350 kg and a female up to 240 kg. No! The nearest polar bears are in Spitsbergen in Norway, almost 1000 miles north of Stockholm.
What kind of bears are in Sweden?
The bears which inhabit the forests and mountains of Sweden are Brown Bears, Ursus arctos. In the wild, a male can weigh as much as 350 kg and a female up to 240 kg. No! The nearest polar bears are in Spitsbergen in Norway, almost 1000 miles north of Stockholm.
Are there polar bears in Sweden?
Contrary to popular belief, we have no polar bears, or ice bears, walking in the streets. In fact, there are no wild polar bears in Sweden at all. The wildest animal you’re likely to see here is a moose, and the best chance to meet one is to run into it with your car.
What is a bear scared of?
Black bears usually run away when dogs chase them. Even the smallest breeds of dogs have scared black bears away. However, bears learn to ignore dogs that are tied up or in pens. Ely researchers watched a yearling black bear forage and rest 100 yards from a dozen barking, tethered huskies.
Can you outrun a bear?
Fact: Bears can run more than 60 kilometers an hour, and they can do it up hills, down hills or along a slope. To put that in perspective, that’s 15 m/sec or 50 ft/sec – more than twice as fast as we can run. In fact, a bear can outrun a racehorse over short distances but has little endurance.
How do you scare off a black bear?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
How do you protect your food from bears?
To keep your food safe (and to help prevent bears from developing an association between hikers and food), here are the options.
a) Hang It: Bear Bag. To be bear-proof, food must be suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and 8 feet from the trunk of a tree. …
b) Can It: Bear Canister. …
c) Sack It: Stuff Sack.
What do you do if a bear is chasing you?
When bear has detected you and shows signs of aggression
Assess the situation.
Do Not Run.
Try to retreat slowly.
Climb a tree if available.
If the bear charges you.
Use your pepper spray.
If a black bear (or any bear that is stalking you) makes contact.
If a grizzly makes contact.
Do bears eat people?
Truly man-eating bear attacks are uncommon, but are known to occur when the animals are diseased or natural prey is scarce, often leading them to attack and eat anything they are able to kill.
What is a bear can?
Bear-resistant food storage containers, also called bear canisters or bear cans, are usually hard-sided containers used by backpackers to protect their food from theft by bears.
Which bears attack humans the most?
The number of black bear attacks on humans is higher than those of brown bears, though this is largely because the black species outnumbers the brown rather than their being more aggressive. Compared to brown bear attacks, violent encounters with black bears rarely lead to serious injury and death.
What is the difference between a brown bear and a grizzly bear?
Grizzly bears and brown bears are the same species (Ursus arctos), but grizzly bears are currently considered to be a separate subspecies (U. a. horribilis). Due to a few morphological differences, Kodiak bears are also considered to be a distinct subspecies of brown bear.
Is a brown bear a grizzly bear?
Is it a brown bear or a grizzly? The answer is that all grizzlies are brown bears, but not all brown bears are grizzlies. The grizzly is a North American subspecies of brown bear with the Latin name Ursus arctos horribilis.
What is the difference between a Kodiak bear and a grizzly bear?
The geographic differences between these two subspecies has also led to differences in size. Generally Kodiak bears have a larger bone structure, and therefore larger frames than grizzly bears, though both species can reach very large sizes. … Grizzly bears can weigh up to 1,150 pounds.
Why is the brown bear important to the ecosystem?
While brown bear population numbers are currently stable, they are considered a high priority in conservation. … Brown bears also play important roles as predators who keep other animal populations in check. Additionally, they act as seed dispersers, helping to sustain their own environment.
What is the most aggressive bear?
Grizzly and polar bears are the most dangerous, but Eurasian brown bears and American black bears have also been known to attack humans. Some species depredate livestock on occasion, and some bears, such as Asiatic and American black bears, may destroy fruit or other crops, especially corn.
What is the biggest bear in the world?
The polar bear. It is a close call, but the polar bear is generally considered the largest bear on Earth. A close second is the brown bear, specifically the Kodiak bear. The Kodiak is a subspecies of the brown bear native to Alaska.
What eats a brown bear?
Adult brown bears are powerful, top-of-the-food chain predators, but much of their diet consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. Bears also eat other animals, from rodents to moose. … Over the winter a grizzly bear can lose 150 pounds.
How many black bears are left in the world?
It is estimated that there are at least 600,000 black bears in North America. In the United States, there are estimated to be over 300,000 individuals. However, the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolu) and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) are unique subspecies with small populations.
What is the biggest bear of all time?
The previous heavyweight was a North American giant short-faced bear—a related extinct species—that weighed up to 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms). The largest bear on record in modern times was a 2,200-pound (998-kilogram) polar bear shot in Alaska in the 19th century.
Do bears eat bees or honey?
Bears do love honey and are attracted to beehives. But unlike in Winnie the Pooh, the bears eat more than just honey. They will also consume the bees and larvae inside the beehive, which are a good source of protein. Both brown and black bears will raid beehives.
NordenBladet – Swedes love to talk about Swedish weather. Spring, summer, fall and winter each have their own unique personalities, and the seasons vary a lot from north to south. And in a country with long coastlines and deep forests, every time of year is a new reason to spend time outdoors, year-round, whatever the weather.
Most people think of winter when they hear of Sweden. But because of the warm Gulf Stream, the climate here can be much milder than you might expect. Spring, summer, fall and winter each have their own unique personalities. Spring runs from March/April to May, summer from June to August, fall from September to October/November and winter from November/December to March/February.
In a land as varied as Sweden, these seasons can be quite different depending on where you live. For simplicity’s sake, the country can be divided into three major regions: Götaland in the south, Svealand in the middle and Norrland in the north.
In Götaland, where you’ll find the cities Gothenburg and Malmö, winters are shorter and milder, while daytime summer temperatures normally range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The air is relatively humid here, making warm days feel warmer and cold days colder. However, even in winter months, snow is rare near any southern coast.
Stretching from Stockholm in the east to southern Norway in the west, Svealand has a climate that is normally a few degrees cooler than that of Götaland. Average temperatures are just below zero in January, and snowfall is more common – especially in the northwest, where a number of popular ski resorts are located.
Although relatively few people live here, Norrland has the climate many people falsely associate with all of Sweden. Winters here are long, cold and dry, with sub-zero temperatures lasting several months. There is also much more snow here. Summers may be short, but temperatures are often a comfortable 15 degrees, with occasional peaks of up to 30 degrees.
Time and daylight
Although the Swedish winters seem cold and dark, the long summer days are well worth the wait. In most of the country, people stay outdoors well into the night, chatting in parks and outdoor cafés as the sun barely dips below the horizon. As far south as Malmö, summer daylight outlasts the average person’s waking hours. And in the far north, the sun never sets for weeks at a time.
Sweden is located in the Central European Time (CET) zone. Like in other European countries, summer time is also observed here. This means that the clock is set forward one hour, from the last weekend in March to the last weekend in October, in order to gain more daylight.
Winter, as you might expect, is dark and cold across most of the country. In midwinter there’s no daylight at all north of the Arctic Circle. Instead you might be lucky enough to experience the sky lit up by northern lights. Though there will be more daylight hours the further south you go, this is the time of year when people either stay indoors or gear up for winter sports. Family and friends come over for dinner, living rooms are lit by candlelight and most people look forward to holidays like Lucia, Christmas and winter breaks with their children.
Allemansrätten – please trespass
Sweden is filled with forests and open landscapes and one of the unique joys of living in Sweden is allemansrätten, or the Right of Public Access. It allows anyone to roam freely in the countryside, swim and travel by boat in someone else’s waters and pick mushrooms and berries in the forest. Although landowners can put up signs to exclude visitors from certain private lands, and areas that are particularly vulnerable to damage are always off-limits, the general rule is that visitors are allowed to walk across lands at a reasonable distance from houses, yards, gardens and fenced-in areas. With this right comes the responsibility to tread carefully and to show consideration for landowners and others.
As long as the land is not cultivated, and as long as no damage is caused, this means that most of Sweden’s nature is yours to explore. Except for the area nearest a person’s house, you’re even free to camp or park a motor home on another person’s land for up to 24 hours. After this, you’ll need the landowner’s permission to stay.
Because it has existed for generations, allemansrätten is a part of the national identity of Sweden. School groups explore the forests from an early age and families often fish, pick berries or go for walks in the woods together. Many people can identify a surprising number of birds, fish and trees by name. And nearly everyone knows where to find their secret patch of chanterelles, sometimes known in Swedish as ‘the gold of the forest’.
Swedish landscape
The Swedish countryside is dotted with thousands of lakes, freshwater streams, mountains and rolling hills. Starting up north, villages are few and small, nature fills in. The landscape is very dramatic, and rolling hills rise into mountains. On the way south, you’ll pass by endless numbers of lakes, streams, and pine and birch trees.
On the Baltic island of Gotland, limestone columns rise dramatically from the sea. And in southernmost Sweden, you’ll find everything from deep-green potato fields to some of the richest apple orchards in Europe.
So if there’s one thing Sweden has plenty of, it’s open landscapes. Even those living in large cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg have direct access to hundreds of unspoiled islands – just a short boat ride from the city centre.
Key facts about Sweden:
Population: 10 million
Land area: 407,000 km²
Population density: 24.5 inhabitants/km²
Capital: Stockholm
Political system: Parliamentary democracy
Main language: Swedish
Currency: Swedish krona (SEK), 1 krona = 100 öre
Featured image: Summer in Sweden (NordenBladet) Source: sweden.se
People also look/ask: What is the climate like in Sweden?
Sweden’s many lakes and the gulfs of Bothnia give Sweden generally a relatively mild climate. July temperatures in Sweden average 13 to 17°C. February is usually Sweden’s coldest month, with temperatures from – 22 to -3°C. In northern Sweden, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C, sometimes even lower.
How cold is Sweden in the summer?
Stockholm, Sweden has on average the warmest summer of the Nordic countries, with an average maximum temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) in July; Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki have an average July maximum temperature of 22 °C (72 °F).
What is the weather like in Sweden in June?
June is also one of the warmest months, the abundance of sunshine helping to keep things warm. The average temperature is 16°C—only July and August are warmer, but only by a degree or two. June afternoons heat up to 21°C on average, which is absolutely delightful.
How hot does it get in Sweden?
Between June and August you can expect temperatures to regularly top 20°C (68°F) and it can get as hot as 30°C (86°F), with occasional rainy weather. Summer temperatures in the southern cities of Sweden average out around 18°C and winter temperatures around -2°C.
What is the coldest month in Sweden?
Stockholm: Annual Weather Averages. July is the hottest month in Stockholm with an average temperature of 64°F (18°C) and the coldest is January at 27°F (-3°C) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in June. The wettest month is July with an average of 72mm of rain.
Is it always cold in Sweden?
The air is relatively humid here, making warm days feel warmer and cold days colder. However, even in winter months, snow is rare near any southern coast. Stretching from Stockholm in the east to southern Norway in the west, Svealand has a climate that is normally a few degrees cooler than that of Götaland.
Is it cold in Scandinavia?
Parts of the Scandinavian mountains in Norway and Sweden have an alpine tundra climate with very cold temperatures, especially in winter. Further north, in the regions of Greenland and Iceland, you experience arctic climate with cold winters.
What is the weather like in Sweden in October?
Guaranteeing enjoyment all year round, Stockholm, Sweden, impresses visitors with its majestic landscape, historic highlights and natural scenery. Vast green areas and numerous waterways ornament the city. In October, temperatures reach up to 10°C in the afternoon and drop to an average low of 5°C overnight.
What is the best time to go to Sweden?
Summer — When it comes to weather, the ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August. At this time, all its cafes and most attractions, including open-air museums, are open, and thousands flock to the north of Sweden to enjoy the midnight sun.
How expensive is it to visit Sweden?
Add in some museums, and you’ll need around $70 USD per day (420 SEK). If you’re the average “stay in a hostel/hotel, eat cheap, go out a few times” traveler, then you should budget around $90 USD per day (540 SEK).
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NordenBladet – A glacier on the southern tip of Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountain has melted so much that the height of the peak has shrunk, and it’s no longer the country’s tallest, scientists said this week. The announcement came Wednesday in a press release declaring the mountain’s northern tip as the nation’s new tallest peak. From July 2 to 31, the southern tip lost 13 feet of snow to melting as much of Scandinavia baked in searing heat.
“This is happening very fast,” Stockholm University geography professor Gunhild Rosqvist said in a statement. “The result of this hot summer will be a record loss in snow and ice in the mountains.”
The news came after scientists measured both peaks and found the southern tip measured 6,880 feet above sea level, less than a foot taller than the mountain’s northern peak. At the time the measurements were taken, the scientists said the northern tip would surely be taller by Aug. 1, and the next time they measure, it’ll become official.
Last year, the southern tip was 6.5 feet taller than the northern tip at Kebnekaise, the release also said. But according to Stockholm University, the glacier on the southern tip has melted more than 3 feet per year for the last two decades.
“I’ve never seen this much melted snow on the southern peak as I did this summer,” said Rosqvist.
The snowmelt has been so rapid because of soaring temperatures that set all-time records in some parts of Sweden. North of the Arctic Circle, the village of Kvikkjokk recorded an all-time high of 90.5 degrees Fahrenheit in July, and other areas recorded temperatures in the 90s in Scandinavia, previously unseen heat for any time of year in the region.
The news came as researchers from numerous countries came together for an IPCC meeting in China, according to GlacierHub. The goal of the meeting was to give the scientists a chance to compare research and discuss ideas for future studies of the world’s glaciers, the report added.
At a Glance * A glacier on Sweden’s tallest peak is melting rapidly, causing the southern tip’s overall height to shrink.
* Scientists say the southern tip of the Kebnekaise mountain is no longer Sweden’s tallest.
* It’s shrinking 3 feet per year, on average, and the northern tip is now the tallest peak.
Featured image: Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountain is seen in this image captured in June 2014. (Wikimedia Commons)
NordenBladet – What is the Sweden known for?, What is traditional Swedish food?, What is the climate like in Sweden?, Can I see Northern Lights from Stockholm?, How long does it take to become a citizen of Sweden?, What animals are found in Sweden?, Who was the first king of Sweden? – get answers to all your questions!
What is the Sweden known for?
What is Sweden famous for? You probably know all about ABBA, IKEA and meatballs (Svenska Kottbullar). … Swedish food has also hit the big time recently, going far beyond classic dishes like meatballs and pickled herring (though you can still get both at any local supermarket).
What are some popular foods in Sweden?
Meatballs made from meat and herbs tightly rolled together, frequently served with mashed potatoes and pickles. Sliced sausage pieces (usually falukorv) served in a creamy tomato sauce, a cheaper Swedish variation of Beef Stroganoff.
What is traditional Swedish food?
Swedish cuisine is the traditional food of the people of Sweden. … Many traditional dishes employ simple, contrasting flavours, such as the traditional dish of meatballs and brown cream sauce with tart, pungent lingonberry jam (slightly similar in taste to cranberry sauce).
What is in Swedish meatball sauce?
Whisk together the beef stock, heavy cream, flour, soy sauce, black pepper, and rosemary in a large saucepan until smooth. Cook and stir over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the meatballs, and continue cooking until meatballs are heated through, about 5 more minutes.
What is a Swedish Dala horse?
Over the years the handcarved and painted Dala Horse has become a symbol of authentic Swedish handicraft and one of Sweden’s most popular souvenirs. The name comes from its home province, Dalarna, in central Sweden. Most popular are the red-orange horses from the little village of Nusnäs near Mora.
What is Sweden’s favorite sport?
Sweden is a country with a high interest in sport. It is estimated that about half the population is active in some sport. The most popular sports that Swedes play are handball, football, golf, athletics and gymnastics. Other common games played or competed in are tennis, ice hockey, basketball, table tennis and bandy.
What is the climate like in Sweden?
Sweden’s many lakes and the gulfs of Bothnia give Sweden generally a relatively mild climate. July temperatures in Sweden average 13 to 17°C. February is usually Sweden’s coldest month, with temperatures from – 22 to -3°C. In northern Sweden, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C, sometimes even lower.
How cold is Sweden in the summer?
Stockholm, Sweden has on average the warmest summer of the Nordic countries, with an average maximum temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) in July; Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki have an average July maximum temperature of 22 °C (72 °F).
What is the weather like in Sweden in June?
June is also one of the warmest months, the abundance of sunshine helping to keep things warm. The average temperature is 16°C—only July and August are warmer, but only by a degree or two. June afternoons heat up to 21°C on average, which is absolutely delightful.
How hot does it get in Sweden?
Between June and August you can expect temperatures to regularly top 20°C (68°F) and it can get as hot as 30°C (86°F), with occasional rainy weather. Summer temperatures in the southern cities of Sweden average out around 18°C and winter temperatures around -2°C.
What is the coldest month in Sweden?
Stockholm: Annual Weather Averages. July is the hottest month in Stockholm with an average temperature of 64°F (18°C) and the coldest is January at 27°F (-3°C) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in June. The wettest month is July with an average of 72mm of rain.
Is it always cold in Sweden?
The air is relatively humid here, making warm days feel warmer and cold days colder. However, even in winter months, snow is rare near any southern coast. Stretching from Stockholm in the east to southern Norway in the west, Svealand has a climate that is normally a few degrees cooler than that of Götaland.
Is it cold in Scandinavia?
Parts of the Scandinavian mountains in Norway and Sweden have an alpine tundra climate with very cold temperatures, especially in winter. Further north, in the regions of Greenland and Iceland, you experience arctic climate with cold winters.
What is the weather like in Sweden in October?
Guaranteeing enjoyment all year round, Stockholm, Sweden, impresses visitors with its majestic landscape, historic highlights and natural scenery. Vast green areas and numerous waterways ornament the city. In October, temperatures reach up to 10°C in the afternoon and drop to an average low of 5°C overnight.
What is the best time to go to Sweden?
Summer — When it comes to weather, the ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August. At this time, all its cafes and most attractions, including open-air museums, are open, and thousands flock to the north of Sweden to enjoy the midnight sun.
How expensive is it to visit Sweden?
Add in some museums, and you’ll need around $70 USD per day (420 SEK). If you’re the average “stay in a hostel/hotel, eat cheap, go out a few times” traveler, then you should budget around $90 USD per day (540 SEK).
How safe is it in Sweden?
Sweden is very safe overall, with a low crime rate, although some cities have some rough areas that tourists should better avoid. … Sweden is the 18th safest country in the world, based on the safest and most dangerous countries ranking.
Is Sweden the safest country?
Scandinavia: The Safest Region In The World. Having all three of its most prominent constituent nations (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) among the 25 safest countries in the world, Scandinavia has to be considered the safest region. … Scandinavia also appears to have some of the happiest people on the planet.
Is Sweden safe for American tourists?
Sweden is very safe overall, with a low crime rate, although some cities have some rough areas that tourists should better avoid. … Sweden is the 18th safest country in the world, based on the safest and most dangerous countries ranking.
Are Sweden Northern Lights? The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, appear around the beginning of September (Kiruna) to around the end of March all over Swedish Lapland. But for the very best chance of seeing the Northern Lights you should make the trip to the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park.
Can I see Northern Lights from Stockholm?
Usually, the northern lights are only visible in Sweden’s northern reaches. It is possible to see the northern lights much further south than Jokkmokk, however, and during periods of particularly high solar activity, it’s not unheard of to see the aurora as far south as Stockholm and Gothenburg.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia?
Historically, the chances of seeing the northern lights are best viewed in Northern Norway between October and March, because the polar night makes them easier to see. The northern lights are visible in a belt around the magnetic North Pole.
What is the best month to see the Northern Lights?
In this period of time, no Northern Lights can be observed. In the most intense Northern Lights area (notably Alaska, Iceland, Northern Scandinavia and Yukon), the lights are observed from late August to mid April. However, from late September to late March, it is dark after 6pm, and one enjoys maximum chances.
Is there a monarchy in Sweden?
When The King is unable to fulfil his duties as Head of State because for example he is abroad, his duties are discharged to Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip or Princess Madeleine. Sweden has a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch’s power is regulated by the Swedish constitution.
Who is the current queen of Sweden? Queen Silvia of Sweden (born Silvia Renate Sommerlath on 23 December 1943) is the spouse of King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother of the heir apparent to the throne, Crown Princess Victoria.
What is the last name of the Swedish royal family?
Estelle, her mother Crown Princess Victoria, and the rest of Sweden’s royal family, belong to the House of Bernadotte. However, they do not use Bernadotte as their surname, with the exception of the country’s newest prince, Prince Daniel, whose full name is Daniel Westling Bernadotte.
Where does the royal family live in Sweden? Drottningholm Palace. Drottningholm Palace, just outside Stockholm, has been home to the Swedish Royal Family since 1981. Today, however, only the King and Queen live there.
How did Sweden become a country?
During the 11th and 12th centuries, Sweden gradually became a unified Christian kingdom that later included what is today Finland. Modern Sweden started out of the Kalmar Union formed in 1397 and by the unification of the country by King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century.
Is Sweden a democracy or a monarchy?
Politics of Sweden takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister of Sweden. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament, elected within a multi-party system.
Is Sweden a capitalist country?
The Nordic model (also called Nordic capitalism or Nordic social democracy) refers to the economic and social policies common to the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Sweden).
Is Sweden a republic?
Republicanism in Sweden (Swedish: Republikanism) is the collective term for the movement in Sweden that seeks to establish a republic and abolish the Swedish constitutional monarchy.
Who was the first king of Sweden?
However, due to scant and unreliable sources before the 11th century, lists of succession traditionally start in the 10th century with king Olof Skötkonung, and his father Eric the Victorious, who also were the first Swedish kings to be baptized.
Who is the current president of Sweden?
The current Prime Minister of Sweden is Stefan Löfven, leader of the Swedish Social Democratic Party.
What is Sweden’s economy based on?
Sweden is an export-oriented mixed economy featuring a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade.
Are Vikings from Sweden?
According to the Icelandic sagas, many Norwegian Vikings also went to eastern Europe. In the Viking Age, the present day nations of Norway, Sweden and Denmark did not exist, but were largely homogeneous and similar in culture and language, although somewhat distinct geographically.
Who was the greatest Viking?
There are so many badass Vikings that it’s tough to narrow it down, but these ten who made their peers soil their breeches.
Eric Bloodaxe.
Freydis Eriksdottir.
Sweyn Forkbeard.
Harald Hardrada.
Bjorn Ironside.
Gunnar Hamundarson.
Erik the Red.
Ragnar Lodbrok.
Is there a real Ragnar Lothbrok?
In fact, Lothbrock is a legendary Vikings figure who almost certainly existed, although the Ragnar Lothbrok in the Viking Sagas may be based on more than one actual person. He is the scourge of England and France. One highly probably link is to the real life character Ragnall.
Why did the Vikings die out?
The Viking age ended when the raids stopped. The year 1066 is frequently used as a convenient marker for the end of the Viking age. At the Battle of Stamford Bridge, the Norwegian king Haraldr harðráði was repulsed and killed as he attempted to reclaim a portion of England.
Where would Kattegat be?
According to the definition established in a 1932 convention signed by Denmark, Norway and Sweden (registered in the League of Nations Treaty Series 1933–1934), the northern boundary between the Kattegat and Skagerrak is found at the northernmost point of Skagen on Jutland.
Is Thor a Viking god?
Thor was one of the most important and famous gods in Norse mythology. He was the son of Odin and Fyorgyn, the earth goddess. Thor was considered the storm-weather god of sky and thunder and also a fertility god. His wife was Sif, a goddess also linked to fertility.
What was Sweden called before?
Before Sweden’s imperial expansion, Early Modern English used Swedeland. Sweden is derived through back-formation from Old English Swēoþēod, which meant “people of the Swedes” (Old Norse Svíþjóð, Latin Suetidi). This word is derived from Sweon/Sweonas (Old Norse Sviar, Latin Suiones).
What is the color of the cross in the Swedish flag?
The Nordic Cross design traditionally represents Christianity. The design and colors of the Swedish flag are believed to have been inspired by the present coat of arms of Sweden of 1442, which is blue divided quarterly by a cross pattée of gold, and modeled on the Danish flag.
What is the national animal of Sweden?
So, they are the same animal species. But then it gets really confusing, because in North America there is another member of the Deer family, the Wapiti, which is also called Elk. So, the Swedish Älg (Alces alces) is a Moose in American English and an Elk in British English.
Is Sweden a developing or developed country?
Sweden is considered to be a developed country. In fact, Sweden is considered to be one of the most highly developed post-industrial societies in the world. According to the IMF, Sweden has a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $46,420 as of 2016. It is ranked number 17 in the world in terms of GDP per capita.
What animals are found in Sweden?
Sweden is a great place if you are interested in wildlife. Besides moose, reindeer, deer and various birds, which you can spot without too much effort, Sweden is also home to predators such as the bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine.
Are there polar bears in Sweden?
Contrary to popular belief, we have no polar bears, or ice bears, walking in the streets. In fact, there are no wild polar bears in Sweden at all. The wildest animal you’re likely to see here is a moose, and the best chance to meet one is to run into it with your car.
What kind of bears are in Sweden?
The bears which inhabit the forests and mountains of Sweden are Brown Bears, Ursus arctos. In the wild, a male can weigh as much as 350 kg and a female up to 240 kg. No! The nearest polar bears are in Spitsbergen in Norway, almost 1000 miles north of Stockholm.
What are the main ethnic groups in Sweden?
ETHNIC GROUPS. The Swedes are primarily Scandinavians of Germanic origin. There is also a small the Lapp (Sami) population. The remaining 12% of the population is comprised of foreign-born or first-generation immigrants, including Finns in the north, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, and Turks.
What are the people of Sweden?
Swedes (Swedish: svenskar) are a Germanic ethnic group native to Sweden. They mostly inhabit Sweden and the other Nordic countries, in particular Finland, with a substantial diaspora in other countries, especially the United States.
Who is the richest man in Sweden?
1. Stefan Persson, (born 4 October 1947) is a Swedish business magnate. In March 2013, Forbes reported Persson’s net worth as $28 billion[2] making him the richest of Sweden’s 12 billionaires and the 17th richest person in the world; he has since dropped to number 80. Persson is the chairman and main shareholder in fashion company H&M, which was founded by his father Erling Persson in 1947. Persson took over the company from his father in 1982 and served as its manager until 1998. Persson also owns a substantial stake in the Swedish technology company Hexagon AB. Through his privately held real estate company Ramsbury Invest, Persson owns a large number of properties in London, Paris and Stockholm.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Persson had a net worth of US $31.9 billion in 2014, making him the 17th richest person in the world at the time.
How wealthy is Sweden?
Sweden ranks 11th in the world by nominal GDP per capita (53,218 US$). The top 10 countries by GDP (nominal) per capita are: Luxembourg, Switzerland, Macau, Norway, Ireland, Iceland, Qatar, United States, Singapore, Denmark, Australia.
What is the main source of income in Sweden?
Sweden is an export-oriented mixed economy featuring a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade.
What is the tax rate in Sweden?
Denmark’s top marginal effective income tax rate is 60.4 percent. Sweden’s is 56.4 percent. Norway’s top marginal tax rate is 39 percent. However, the rates are not necessarily the most important feature of the Scandinavian income tax systems.
What is the average salary in Sweden?
A typical Swedish man works in the manufacturing industry, earning an average of SEK 33,305 per month. The largest share of working Swedish women is found in the healthcare sector, where they have an average salary of SEK 24,176 per month.
Is health care free in Sweden?
The Swedish health care system is mainly government-funded and decentralized, although private health care also exists. The health care system in Sweden is financed primarily through taxes levied by county councils and municipalities.
What is the minimum salary in Sweden?
There is no general minimum wage, instead the companies sign agreements with the unions and these agreements set the minimum level depending on the employee’s age and experience.
Is there free college in Sweden?
Swedish colleges and universities are free. … College in Sweden is free. That’s not even all that common in Europe anymore. While the costs of education are far lower than in the US, over the past two decades sometimes-hefty fees have become a fact of life for many European students.
How much maternity leave do you get in Sweden?
For 390 of the days, parents are entitled to nearly 80 per cent of their normal pay. Benefits are calculated on a maximum monthly income of SEK 37,083, as of 2015. The remaining 90 days are paid at a flat rate. Those who are not in employment are also entitled to paid parental leave.
What is the race of Swedish people?
The majority of the population are Swedes or Swedish people. The Sweden Finns are a large ethnic minority comprising approximately 50,000 along the Swedish-Finnish border, and 450,000 first and second generation immigrated ethnic Finns, mainly living in the Mälaren Valley region.
How can I get permanent residence in Sweden?
Get a job offer from an employer in Sweden that will help you get a work permit. Once you move to Sweden, you’ll need to live and work there for 4 years. You will then be eligible for permanent residency when you renew the permit. Another year after that and you can apply for citizenship.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sweden from the US?
Many foreign nationals, including those from the United States, do not require a visa to enter Sweden if the intended length of stay is less than 90 days. But for stays that will exceed 90 days, or if the applicant is from a country that requires a visa to enter, it is necessary to obtain a Schengen visa.
How long does it take to become a citizen of Sweden?
To become a Swedish citizen, you must have been living in Sweden on a long-term basis for a certain period of time. As a rule you must have been resident in Sweden for a continuous period of five years.
How do you immigrate to Sweden?
Offer of employment. To obtain a work permit, you must have an offer of employment in Sweden.
The employer initiates the application.
You receive an email.
Enclose documents.
Pay and submit your application.
The Migration Agency processes the application.
Information needed for residence permit card.
Receiving the decision.
Do you need a visa to go to Sweden?
Visit the Embassy of Sweden website for the most current visa information. Sweden is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Sweden for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
Do I need a visa to go to Sweden from the US?
Sweden is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Sweden for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Can I get Swedish citizenship?
In order to apply for Swedish citizenship you must fulfil the requirements needed for right of residence, a residence card, or have been given a permanent residence permit. You can also apply if you have been given a permanent residence card, or have permanent right of residence in Sweden.
How can I become a citizen of Sweden?
To become a Swedish citizen you must:
be able to prove your identity.
have reached the age of 18.
have a permanent residence permit, a right of residence or residence card in Sweden.
have fulfilled the requirements for period of residence (lived in Sweden for a specified period)
have conducted yourself well in Sweden.
How do you become a citizen of Sweden?
To obtain Swedish citizenship you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have permanent right of residence in Sweden.
Have lived in Sweden for at least five consecutive years or two if you are a Nordic citizen.
Have no criminal record.
Is a child born in Sweden a Swedish citizen?
A child born after 1 April 2015 is always given Swedish citizenship if: one of the parents is a Swedish citizen. It does not matter if the child is born in Sweden or abroad. a deceased parent to the child was a Swedish citizen upon their death.
What is the nationality of Sweden?
Swedish nationality law determines entitlement to Swedish citizenship. Citizenship of Sweden is based primarily on the principle of jus sanguinis. In other words, citizenship is conferred primarily by birth to a Swedish parent, irrespective of place of birth.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Sweden?
If you become a Swedish citizen, you may retain your foreign citizenship if the other country permits it. Likewise, if you are a Swedish citizen and become a citizen of another country, you may keep your Swedish citizenship if the other country permits it. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship.
Is it hard to learn Swedish?
In addition, there are also a lot of grammatical similarities. So, for someone with a background in a Germanic language (German, Dutch, Flemish etc.), learning Swedish will not be that difficult. Probably the hardest thing to grasp about Swedish is how “intonated” the spoken language is.
Is Swedish easy to learn for English speakers?
Learning Swedish. … Speaking Swedish gives you access to the world of 9 million native speakers in Sweden and parts of Finland. Swedish is considered one of the easiest languages for a native English speaker to understand. The grammar and sentence structure are very similar to English, but with fewer irregularities.
Do all Swedes speak English?
Swedes really do like getting the chance to speak some English now and then. In general, people in Sweden believe that their language proficiency is as good or even better than the average English speaker. But do keep the following in your mind; Don’t try to simplify the language.
What is the main religion in Sweden? The Church of Sweden (Swedish: Svenska kyrkan) is the largest Christian church in Sweden, and also the largest religious body. The church professes the Lutheran faith and is a member of the Porvoo Communion.
