Sweden

Sweden is the third-largest country in Europe – yet it has a population of less than 10 million, most of whom live in urban areas. The result is that much of rural Sweden is unspoilt and unpopulated. One example of this is the Stockholm Archipelago – 24,000 islands around Stockholm, only 1,000 of which are inhabited. The islands provide an opportunity to truly get away from it all and are very popular with visitors in summer.

For those interested in more urban pursuits, Stockholm has a fine selection of historic buildings and cultural attractions – including the Royal Palace, in Stockholm, and Drottningholm Palace, the Swedish royal family’s permenent home, just outside Stockholm. Drottningholm Palace is said to be one of Europe’s finest 17th century palaces. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and, to add to its charm, can be reached by a boat taken from close to Stockholm’s City Hall.

Drottningholm is actually only one of three sites in Sweden that feature on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Also listed are Skogskyrkogarden, the Woodland Cemetry noted for its modernist architecture and Birka; the remains of a Viking settlement situated on Bjorko Island on Lake Malaren.

Sweden’s roads are of a very high standard and away from the urban centres, traffic is very light. As a result, touring Sweden by hire car might involve a lot of miles but should be stress-free and very scenic.