While all travel plans have failed lately due to the avalanche of restrictions in Europe, which has rolled menacingly over each country, Sweden has remained the only alternative for a getaway in December. With a landscape rich in green forests, mountains and clean lakes that intertwine with historical sites, Sweden, which stretches for a length of 1,572 km and a width of 499 km, is a paradise for nature lovers. 63% of its surface is covered by forests, while lakes and rivers form a labyrinth spread over 9% of the territory.
If you are passionate about nature, the northern part of the country with dense forests should be on the list of preferences, and in the southern part of the country you will discover a large number of small houses scattered in the Stockholm archipelago. Among them, a rural pastoral area, full of old Viking cemeteries and fantastic cycling and hiking trails.
What can you do in the wintertime, in Sweden?
Even if it's winter, with negative temperatures during the day, you will find a lot of outdoor activities and ideas to spend some memorable days in the land of the Vikings. Most restaurants and bars are open, but with certain rules of distance, shops and museums operate after a limited schedule and national parks have no restrictions.
You can start the tour right from the capital Stockholm, get lost in the streets of the old town, Gamla Stan, visit the City Hall and then try a skating tour on the famous Kungsträdgården. Head north to Swedish Lapland, where lots of winter activities await you. Here you will experience a completely different Sweden compared to Stockholm and the southern part: the northern lights. Admire the bright curtains of green, purple and red light flowing in the night sky. You can get lost in the Abisko National Park, where you can learn more about Sami indigenous communities.
Sleep in Ice Hotel!
Jukkasjarvi is situated 17 km from Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost airport. It is a picturesque village with only 900 inhabitants, mostly Sami. Here, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, a huge ice block igloo is born every year: the Ice Hotel. Over 40 international artists translating their artistic visions into reality. You can choose to spend one or more nights in the ice rooms, where the temperature is kept constant at -5 degrees Celsius or to sleep in a classic, heated room.
To make everything simple and organized, you can fill out the form in Plan My Trip and get the guarantee of a tailor made service, carefully built by one of the Oombla travel designers. It's time to pack up and travel to Sweeden. Don't forget the hat, gloves and an extremely warm jacket!