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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Exploring the Bohuslan Coast: Although unknown to many visitors, a journey along the western coast of Sweden north of Gothenburg is one of Sweden's great travel experiences. Many Swedes themselves build summer cottages here. Highlights along this coast include the once-royal resort of Marstrand, evocative of Nantucket, Massachusetts; Lysekil, a 2-century-old town of wooden houses and narrow alleyways filled with the workshops of artisans and artists; Tanumshede, with the greatest concentration of Bronze Age rock carvings in Scandinavia; and Stromstad, the best base for exploring the Koster Islands, among the most idyllic getaways in all of Sweden.
Shopping in the "Kingdom of Crystal": Many visitors come to Sweden just to shop for glass. In the "Kingdom of Crystal," which stretches some 112km (70 miles) between the port city of Kalmar and the town of Vaxjo in Sm?land province, some of the world's most prestigious glassmakers, including Kosta Boda and Orrefors, showcase their wares. At least 16 major glassworks welcome visitors to this area and offer cut-rate discounts in the form of "seconds" -- goods containing flaws hardly noticeable except to the most carefully trained eye. Visitors can see glass being blown and crystal being etched by the land's most skilled craftspeople.
Viewing the Awe-Inspiring Northern Lights: In the darkest of winter in the north of Sweden (called Lapland or Norrbotten), you can view the shimmering phenomenon of the northern lights on many clear nights, usually from early evening until around midnight. The sun and solar winds create this amazing light show when electrons from the sun collide with atmospheric atoms and molecules.
Touring the Land of the Midnight Sun: Above the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never dips below the horizon, you have endless hours to enjoy the beauty of the region and the activities that go with it -- from hiking to white-water rafting. After shopping for distinctive wooden and silver handicrafts, you can dine on filet of reindeer served with cloudberries. You can even pan for gold with real-life pioneers in Lannavaara, or climb rocks and glaciers in Sarek's National Park.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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