Sweden is a country which has come to be considered a 'utopia' by many people in other countries. People seem to think that the people are perfect, there's no problems in their society, they have a beautiful country and they speak a weird language.
Sweden is a country which I feel a very strong and deep connection to. My mother's side of the family is from there. I've decided to focus on one of the countries from which I originate.
Sweden is an extremely diverse country, from the relatively mild climate in the south in Skåne to the extreme land of the midnight sun and midday moon in Norrland.
This week I thought I'd begin with the capital city: Stockholm. Home of the monarch, one of the oldest cities in Europe being first settled after the ice age and becoming established in the eleventh century.
.With a population of only 2,226,795 it's a relatively small city in comparison to some other major cities like London or Frankfurt.
Stockholm is built upon an enormous archipelago. An archipelago being a large group of islands. The main city centre is situated on fourteen main islands. There is also may smaller islands such as 'Sandhamn'(See picture taken by me to the right). The archipelago (as with many other archipelagos) is slightly different to the mainland of Sweden. There are many more deciduous trees as well as, a much more rocky landscape across its entirety. Many of the islands are places where, many Swedes have their holiday homes - Sommar Stuga. Each island is unique in its own right. Most of the islands have full facilities(running water, internet, phone signal and electricity) however some islands don't have any.
The Archipelago has been an inspiration to many writers for example: ABBA wrote many of their songs in a small cabin somewhere in the archipelago. During the summer the archipelago is bursting with life from tourists and Swedes who move there during the summer months. It is easy to get around as there is roads to many of the larger islands(Värmdö) and otherwise very good boat connections exist. However, during the winter ice limits the accessibility of some of the islands, there is fewer people and many business close when there is fewer people. This has caused problems for the permanent inhabitants of the island, and because of this there has been drives to encourage people to permanently relocate or retire to the islands, it is very doable to commute from many of the islands to the city centre, with 45minute ferry rides from many of the islands directly into the city.
Tourism, as I have made obvious is the main driving force of the archipelagos economy. Thanks to the 'Allemansrätt' one can hike around the islands without the worry of being arrested for trespassing. This has made them particularly popular for people seeking a retreat but at the same time, not being too far from civilisation.
In conclusion, the Stockholm Archipelago is an amazing geographical landscape which is well worth visiting. Stockholm Arlanda airport has connections to most major cities in Europe and the world.
Thanks, and feel free to leave a comment !
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| Taken by me of Sandhamn |
Stockholm is built upon an enormous archipelago. An archipelago being a large group of islands. The main city centre is situated on fourteen main islands. There is also may smaller islands such as 'Sandhamn'(See picture taken by me to the right). The archipelago (as with many other archipelagos) is slightly different to the mainland of Sweden. There are many more deciduous trees as well as, a much more rocky landscape across its entirety. Many of the islands are places where, many Swedes have their holiday homes - Sommar Stuga. Each island is unique in its own right. Most of the islands have full facilities(running water, internet, phone signal and electricity) however some islands don't have any.
The Archipelago has been an inspiration to many writers for example: ABBA wrote many of their songs in a small cabin somewhere in the archipelago. During the summer the archipelago is bursting with life from tourists and Swedes who move there during the summer months. It is easy to get around as there is roads to many of the larger islands(Värmdö) and otherwise very good boat connections exist. However, during the winter ice limits the accessibility of some of the islands, there is fewer people and many business close when there is fewer people. This has caused problems for the permanent inhabitants of the island, and because of this there has been drives to encourage people to permanently relocate or retire to the islands, it is very doable to commute from many of the islands to the city centre, with 45minute ferry rides from many of the islands directly into the city.
Tourism, as I have made obvious is the main driving force of the archipelagos economy. Thanks to the 'Allemansrätt' one can hike around the islands without the worry of being arrested for trespassing. This has made them particularly popular for people seeking a retreat but at the same time, not being too far from civilisation.
In conclusion, the Stockholm Archipelago is an amazing geographical landscape which is well worth visiting. Stockholm Arlanda airport has connections to most major cities in Europe and the world.
Thanks, and feel free to leave a comment !
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