Sweden

The Gustaf Adolfs Torg, the centre of old Gothenburg, is situated at the end of the wetdock. At the centre... of the square stands the statue of the city founder, surrounded by stately buildings with classicist facades. This used to be the "Stortorg", the market square, until a statue of the city founder was erected in 1854 and the square was renamed Gustaf Adolfs Torg on this occasion. The bronze statue of the regent and city founder was designed by Bengt Erland Fogelberg and originally cast in Munich. It had to be transported from there to Gothenburg. However, on its way, the ship ran aground with the statue and the spoils were taken to Bremen. As the people of Gothenburg refused to pay a ransom for their Gustaf Adolf Lösegeld, a second casting had to be made. The city hall and the stock exchange, both built in classicist style, flank the square. The city hall was constructed by Nicodemus Tessin, a famous architect, in 1672 but rebuilt in 1810. The north wing and the courtyard were added in 1935-1937 according to plans by Erik Gunnar Asplund. more

How did a serf live on a farm in Småland 400 years ago? What were working and living conditions like... in a Scandinavian town in the 19th century? The first open-air museum in Europe, opened in 1891, provides interesting and vivid answers to these and other questions on Swedish history, economy and society. Covering an area of 30 ha, it includes around 150 authentic buildings from all the regions in Sweden and from different centuries. Perhaps even more impressive than the buildings themselves are the presentations of traditional production methods performed on the "Craft Days", which reflect the daily lifestyle of people in rural Sweden in the pre-industrial age. more

One of the most beautiful excursions takes you to Vaxholm, a small, picturesque village on a Schären... island to the north of Stockholm. White Schären steamers depart from Strömskajen or Strandvägen in Stockholm several times a day on the approximately one-hour trip to Vaxholm. Vaxholm has a surprisingly long history, as King Gustav Vasa had a fortress built here as long ago as the middle of the 16th century in order safeguard the sea route to Stockholm. The fortress on a small island is a real tourist attraction, especially in summer. Later, Vaxholm became an important port for shipping and the fishing industry. On their quest for recreation, the people of Stockholm discovered the idyllic little town of Vaxholm about 100 years ago. Summerhouses sprung up all over the place, most of them richly decorated with wood carvings. Many of the picturesque houses of the old town are now home to shops, boutiques and restaurants. They are geared towards tourists and so there is almost always a celebration of some kind. At the beginning of June is the "Schären Boat Day", there is a a traditional midsummer celebration on 22 June and the Schären Market is held in mid-August. more