I'VE NEVER BEEN TO... SWEDEN

In an age of internationalism, and with increasing internet access, it's fair to ask whether actually visiting a country is prerequisite to know, understand, and write about it. It's a question we had in mind when we came up with our new feature I'VE NEVER BEEN TO.... Essentially it's an occasional travelogue series, in which we ask people to write about a country they've never been to. Simple. First up, we asked Tom Mews to tell us what he loves about Sweden.

Team Sweden

Firstly, it’s important to say (probably) that I have never lived in Sweden, or in fact even been there (although I am planning to visit next summer). Arguably, this is potentially problematic since I would find it hard enough to write a “guide” about my own country: England (a country I’ve lived in for the entirety of my short existence). The very nature of condensing a country down to its “best bits”; identifying what it is that defines that country is a hard enough task alone, without the added complication of never having experienced it first hand.

However, I do have an alternative to first hand experience; some Swedish friends I made over the internet last summer. And although I’ve never met them in person (for the most part I don’t even know what they look like), it is through what I learnt from them that this short guide to Sweden is based upon. Since it was through them that I began to fall in love with all things Sweden.

Now, it doesn’t take long before a brief internet search, directs you towards the “standard” views about Sweden; its perceived reputation for awesome partying and drinking, or even before you are directed to an online discussion about how Swedish girls are the “best looking girls on the planet!!!” And for the majority of people, this is more than they would ever care to know about a seemingly insignificant Scandinavian country, which despite being the third largest country in the European Union (in terms of land mass) is home to a modest population of only 9.3million. In all truthfulness, these “typical” images of Sweden are exactly the sort of things that I first conjured up in my mind, during the rare occasions that Sweden was mentioned. However, it seems to me, (a self-confessed non-expert) that Sweden has much more to offer than just a good party or beautiful women.

Culturally, Sweden has accumulated a huge heritage over the years. Arguably it’s most well received cultural contribution to the world has been through its musical exports. Possibly Sweden’s most famous (or to some, infamous) musical export was the pop group ABBA, during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Perhaps surprisingly, Sweden is the third largest music exporter in world, surpassed only by the UK and the US. Whilst there is little doubt that the success of ABBA (who still sell millions of records a year), plays a significant factor in this, the more recent international success enjoyed by other Swedish artists, has also played its part. In addition to its pop success, Sweden apparently, has also enjoyed success from its death metal scene. As well as its musical successes, Sweden has also enjoyed worldwide success in both film and literature over the years.

When choosing a holiday destination, a country’s weather often plays an important role, this is an area where Sweden potentially has an unexpected advantage. Despite any preconceived ideas you might have about Sweden’s climate due to its northern latitude (around 15% of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle), Sweden isn’t as cold as you might expect and for the most experiences a cool temperate climate. In general, Sweden is a much warmer (and drier) place than other countries of similar latitude; this is largely a result of Sweden’s proximity to the Gulf Stream. However, temperatures in Sweden do vary significantly between the north and south of the country. Whilst Swedish summers are relatively warm throughout, (the average maximum temperature for the north and south in July is around 20°C and 17°C respectively), northern winters are much colder and more severe than those in the

country’s more southerly parts, with northern temperatures consistently several degrees below freezing during the winter months.

Another noticeable variation in the Swedish climate is the amount of daylight received. For example, in parts north of the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets for periods of summer, and likewise never rises for some parts of each winter. It must be a very interesting and surreal experience to experience ‘midnight sun’, although after a while I imagine this becomes rather annoying. In terms of climate, Sweden is a two-sided affair, whilst warm temperatures in summer make it ideal for those trying to experience something different, whilst still enjoying decent weather. Whereas on the other hand, Sweden’s more northerly climate makes its perfect as a winter destination.

Since this guide is meant to highlight the best bits of Sweden, it’s important to mention the people of Sweden. Especially since out of everything, this area is the only area I at least have some ‘first hand’ experience in. Although Swedes do appear to have a good reputation for general party awesomeness, in general, it seems (according to a Swedish friend) that unlike on the continent and the UK, where people will drink when they are social, in Sweden, they drink to get social, although in my opinion, there is little difference. However, perhaps there is some truth in this and maybe account for why Swedes also have a reputation for appearing (according to the wonderful Wikipedia) to display an “emotional, cold and stiff behaviour” and also having a reputation for “insecurity in social situations.” In truth this is probably the reason why I have been so ensnared by all thing Sweden, as I exhibit (and I think people would know me would agree) similar qualities. Although to the outsider, it may appear that Swedes are often uninteresting and have little to say, this is often not the case. This may relate back to the fact that historically, in Sweden, drawing attention and talking about your self was seen as an undesirable human trait. In spite of the apparent contradiction between their reputation for partying/drinking and their reputation for appearing uninterested and reserved, Swedes on the whole are an extremely friendly and helpful bunch of people. Certainly, from my experience with the few Swedes I know, this has always been the case and the majority of the internet seems to agree.

One of Sweden’s greatest selling points is its natural beauty. Sweden offers an experience of nature to cater for all, from extreme adventures in the untouched Swedish “wilderness” to extreme peace and quiet through Sweden’s gentle hills. Arguably the best way to experience the nature Sweden has to offer is to visit one of its many national parks, which cover the country. With over two thirds of Sweden covered by forests and wilderness of natural beauty, all protected (or not as the case might be), by Sweden’s right of public access, there are plenty of places to choose from. Sweden’s right of public access (or ‘Allemansrätt’ in Swedish) grants you the freedom to explore the entire countryside (with obvious exceptions) in peace. As well as its abundance of naturally beautiful landscapes, Sweden’s forests and wilderness are also home to large numbers of wild native animals. Unfortunately though (as I was sad to learn), the polar bear is not a wild animal found in Sweden, although there are plenty of brown bears to be found. So perhaps an (ice)bear survival course might be useful before venturing off into the countryside.

Regardless of the time of year you visit, Sweden offers a range of outdoor activities. In wintertime there are the obvious snow-based activities available; things such as skiing, dog sledding and ice climbing are all readily available. To take skiing as an example there are numerous ski resorts to choose from, including Åre, one of Northern Europe’s leading alpine sports resorts.

As well as the various snow based activities on offer, there are also a variety of other things to try.

For example there are multiple water based activities, ranging from wreck diving in the Baltic Sea to canoeing through Sweden vast, idyllic countryside. Or if you prefer keeping your feet firming on dry land, one of Sweden’s most popular all-round activities is hiking. Whether you would prefer a more leisurely lowland hike through Sweden’s traditional and agricultural heartlands, or a more rigours voyage into Sarek National Park; home to nearly 2,000 sq kilometres of remote, untouched Swedish wilderness, there is plenty on offer. Although this activity can be enjoyed all year round, for obvious reasons, in winter some areas become less accessible for hiking, especially in the northern parts of the country; which may limit what you want to do.

As well as its outdoor offerings, Sweden’s urban areas and especially its major cities also have lots to offer. These are the places where you can really get a taste of Sweden’s party culture and most likely where you can meet the stereotypical blond haired Swedish girl. Stockholm, Sweden’s official capital and also its party capital is matched by very few other European cities (or so I’m told).

From its dramatically ranging climate to its ever changing landscape, Sweden appears at deeper inspection to be a country full of extremes and contradictions, although this certainly seems to be in the country’s favour. Whether you are looking for a skiing holiday, peaceful solitude or are just looking for somewhere new to visit, Sweden has something to offer. Hopefully this ‘guide’ has persuaded you that Sweden has more to offer than what is assumed on first impressions. Although, if you haven’t yet been convinced of Sweden’s potential, you could always go back to your first impressions and then perhaps this will help sway you.

So as summer approaches, if you’re looking for somewhere different this year, then why not, in the words of ABBA “take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on [Sweden].”

Although, of course if you are planning a visit, you should probably read a proper guide first.

WORD BY TOM MEWS
PHOTOGRAPH BY DIEBMX