With a population of about 9.3 million and considered as third largest country in terms of geographical area in the European Union, the Kingdom of Sweden has low density of residents living in its territory. It is situated in the northern part of the world and is bordered by major geographical areas namely the Gulf of Bothnia and Baltic Sea in the east, the Scandinavian mountain range which is one cause of the differing climates and ecosystems that form in this country. Its wealth in terms of cultural and historical heritage is evidenced by the 25 subdivided distinct provinces of Sweden. Being one of the first nations in Europe to create conservation areas, Sweden finds great value in its natural resources and goes lengths to cultivate it. The country’s efforts have reaped a great reward as it displays a myriad of beautiful natural wonders in its land. Explore the Kingdom of Sweden and revel in the beauty this land has to offer.
Lapland
The northernmost province of Sweden, Lapland offers a winter wilderness like no other with its Arctic landscape and the elks and reindeer that live on its plains. Within its territory are several national parks offering a vast array of geographical terrain from deep canyons to cold wilderness to lush virgin forests to extensive marshlands. Along with this varying terrain are also diverse wildlife and vegetation living across the ecosystems most especially the diverse species of birds. To those who can survive the cold temperatures, exploration is in store in this vast land. One of its popular national parks is Sarek whose landscape contains a system of flowing rivers and alpine peaks that is breathtaking to behold.
Haparanda Archipelago
Located within Norbotten, a province in the north of Sweden beside Lapland, the Haparanda Archipelago is another national park. It consists of two major sandy islands, Sandskar and Seskar Furo, and several tiny islands within the Baltic Sea, an inland brackish body of water. Because of its rather unusual geography and location, it hosts a number of unusual and rare plants as well. Like most of the national parks of Northern Sweden, Haparanda Archipelago is a favorite sanctuary for migratory birds.
Lake Siljan
Heading off to Central Sweden in the province of Dalarna, one will find Lake Siljan, the sixth largest among the lakes of Sweden in terms of area. Historically, it was formed from a meteorite impact that hit the Scandinavian plains. The crater that was formed filled with water after millions of years and created Lake Siljan. A nice cruise on the unique scenery of lake will give one the perfect relaxation. One can’t help but be amazed at how such a tranquil place can have such a striking history.
Oland Island
A relatively large island with about 25,000 residents, Oland Island is visited by 500,000 tourists annually. This is the second largest among the islands in the Baltic Sea and has become a favorite destination for a full experience of yachting, sailing and swimming along its sandy coast. It is characterized by widespread plains and white sandy beaches and just like most of Sweden climate, experiences a lot of sunshine throughout the year. No wonder the place has become such a hit for those who want to take a break especially in the seasons of spring and autumn. It also contains a World Heritage Site, the Alvaret plateau, not only because of its scenery but also because of the rare orchids and other flora found in this area.
Mount Sonfjallet
An almost perfect round peak of Mount Sonfjallet in the central Swedish province of Harjedalen has made this mountain a well-known tourist destination. It is part of the Sonfjallet National Park by which was named after it. While most of the mountain area is bare, the surrounding park contains coniferous forests at which a diversity of plants and animals can be found. If you’re up to bird-watching and mountain trekking, this mountain has a lot to offer.