Swedish Landscapes

Sweden is a charming Nordic country with rich natural landscapes, a long history and culture, and unique customs. Here's a travel guide to help you have a wonderful trip to Sweden: Visa - Visa Type: Sweden is a Schengen Area country. Chinese citizens traveling to multiple Schengen countries should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of their main destination. - Application Materials: For a tourist visa, you'll typically need your passport, visa application form, photo, ID card, Household Registration (Hukou), proof of funds, employment certificate, itinerary, and flight and hotel booking confirmations. - Application Process: After confirming your purpose of visit and itinerary, visit the official website of the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in China to browse visa information, download the application form, and checklist. After preparing the required materials, submit your application and pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate in your consular district. Wait for the review results or provide additional materials as requested. Once you receive your visa, carefully check all the information for accuracy. Best Time to Travel - Summer (June-August): Sweden enjoys warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and boating. Summer is also peak tourist season, with a wide variety of events and festivals. - Winter (November-March): While temperatures are lower in winter, you can witness the beautiful aurora borealis, snowy landscapes, and ice sculptures. Winter is also a great time for winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Transportation - Airplane: Sweden's main airports are Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT), and Malmö Sturup Airport (MMX). Air China operates direct flights between Beijing and Stockholm (CA911/CA912), arriving and departing from Arlanda Airport. - Train: Sweden has a well-developed railway system connecting cities and major attractions. SJ is the largest railway operator; you can check schedules and purchase tickets on their official website or mobile app. - Car: Swedish roads are in good condition. Swebus is the main long-distance bus operator. If you choose to drive yourself, note that vehicles in Sweden drive on the right side of the road, as in China. Winter brings heavy snowfall, so winter tires are necessary, and caution is advised. Food - Swedish Meatballs: One of Sweden's most famous dishes, typically made with a mix of beef and pork, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and cream gravy. - Crispbread: A traditional Swedish bread, usually made with rye flour, offering a crispy texture and rich flavor. - Salmon: Swedish salmon is very fresh and can be grilled, pan-fried, boiled, or eaten raw, often seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. - Cheese: Sweden offers a variety of cheeses, such as Grevé and Havarti, which can be enjoyed with bread, fruit, or wine. Attractions - Stockholm: The capital of Sweden, boasting numerous historical buildings and museums, such as the City Hall, Drottningholm Palace, and the Vasa Museum. - Gothenburg: Sweden's second-largest city and gateway to the western archipelago, home to the Botanical Garden, the Götheborg (a replica 18th-century sailing ship), and Liseberg amusement park. - Malmö: Sweden's gateway to continental Europe, connected to Copenhagen, Denmark, by the Øresund Bridge. Key attractions include the Stortorget (main square), St. Peter's Church, Malmöhus Castle, and the Øresund Bridge. - Northern Sweden: A vast region with pine forests, arctic plains, pastures, and glaciers, also home to the indigenous Sami people. Main attractions include Abisko National Park, Sarek National Park, and the Icehotel.