Sweden, a Nordic country known for its stunning scenery, modern design and high standard of living, is a fascinating destination for travellers. In addition to its famous lakes and forests, Sweden is home to a number of interesting sights that are not so well known. In this article, we will take you on a journey through 10 surprising facts about Sweden that will make you appreciate the rich culture and uniqueness of this Scandinavian country even more.
1. National Cinnamon Day
4 October is “Kanelbullens Dag” or National Cinnamon Day in Sweden. On this day, Swedes celebrate their love for cinnamon buns, a delicious and popular treat throughout the country.
2. The First Ice Hotel
Sweden is home to the world’s first Ice Hotel, located in the small town of Jukkasjärvi. This hotel is built each winter with blocks of ice from the nearby Torne River and offers a unique experience for visitors wishing to sleep in rooms made entirely of ice and snow.
3. The Right of Access
As in other Nordic countries, Sweden has an “allemansrätten” law, which grants the right of public access to nature. Swedes can camp and enjoy nature freely, as long as they respect private property and the environment.
4. Scandinavia’s largest kingdom
Sweden is the largest kingdom in Scandinavia and also one of the largest countries in Europe. Its vast territory encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, from mountains and forests to coasts and archipelagos.
5. Crab Week
In August, Swedes celebrate “Kräftskiva” or Crab Week, a tradition that involves eating boiled crayfish to the accompaniment of traditional song and dance.
6. Coffee and “Fika”
Coffee is an important part of Swedish culture, and it is common to take a break for “fika”, a coffee break to enjoy a cake or snack.
7. The Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago is one of the largest in the world, with more than 30,000 islands and islets. This extensive network of islands offers opportunities to sail, swim and enjoy unspoiled nature.
8. The World’s First Sperm Bank
Sweden is the place where the world’s first sperm bank was established in 1975. The Stockholm sperm bank has been a pioneer in fertility preservation and has helped many couples to conceive.
9. The Music Capital
Sweden is famous for its thriving music industry and has produced some of the world’s most influential artists and bands, including ABBA, Roxette and Avicii.
10. The Swedish Christmas Meal
Christmas food in Sweden is a traditional feast known as “Julbord”. It includes dishes such as marinated herring, meatballs, ham and the popular dessert “risgrynsgröt”, a rice pudding with cinnamon and sugar.
Conclusion
Sweden is a country full of curiosities and wonders that make it a unique and intriguing destination to explore. From its love of cinnamon buns to the world’s first semen bank, Sweden offers an unforgettable experience for travellers. These 10 curiosities barely scratch the surface of all that this Scandinavian country has to offer. Next time you find yourself enjoying a fika or exploring the stunning Stockholm archipelago, remember these tidbits that make Sweden an exceptional and enchanting place. Embark on a journey through the magic of Sweden and discover all that this beautiful country has to offer!