On the peninsula, which is located in the North-Western part of Europe (Scandinavian Peninsula), is the Kingdom of Sweden, where 10 million people live in an area of 447,500 km².
The article talks about the sights of Sweden (photos of which you can see in our article), paying attention to the cities that are most often visited by tourists from around the world.
History of Sweden
Before moving on to describing the sights of Sweden, photos of which you have the opportunity to see in the article, let's talk about the history of this wonderful country.
Based on archaeological excavations, it has been established that the first inhabitants who settled the territory of the future state were the Getae (representatives of the Thracian people) and the ancient Germanic tribes (Svei). This was in the 1st century AD. Their possessions were small principalities, constantly at war with each other.
In the 11th century they formed a single state, which became known as the Swedishkingdom.
Over the following centuries, Sweden waged continuous wars with many states and won victories. Thanks to this, the Kingdom has become the leading country on the entire B altic coast.
Constant military conflicts led the country to economic decline, and since 1805 Sweden has ceased to participate in all wars. The development of the economy, production, science, education began.
Now Sweden is one of the leading countries of the European continent. Tourists who have visited this amazing country come to the conclusion that Sweden is a country of contrasts. This is confirmed by some facts.
Amazing Facts
Swedish is divided into two types: simple and advanced. In colloquial communication, the Swedes do not use complex phrases and do not even know the meaning of many words.
Complicated style applies only at the state level. But on the other hand, all Swedes know English, which is unofficially considered the second language of the state.
The average life expectancy is 80 years. This is achieved thanks to living conditions and favorable ecology.
The world-famous smorgasbord originated centuries ago when all the treats were on display at once. This type of table setting is called "sandwich".
Swedes don't cook meals at home. Basically, they are arranged in pizzerias, so there are many fast food establishments in the country (translated from English as “fast food”).
It is not customary here to enter a university immediately after graduation. First, graduates work, and only after a few yearsare applying to the chosen institute, so the average age of students is 25-30 years old.
The most popular hobby is fishing. The peculiarity of this hobby is that they fish for the sake of interest: usually a Swedish amateur fisherman, having caught a fish, releases it back into the pond.
Sweden is the first country to completely abandon gasoline, replacing it with biofuels in favor of the environment.
There are no heavy industries in this country, so cities like Stockholm are considered the greenest and most livable.
History of Stockholm
In 1197, on the site of a fishing settlement, a fortified fort began to be built - the territory of the future capital of Sweden.
According to historical documents, the first mention of Stockholm dates back to 1252. It is believed that the history of the city begins from the time when the founder of the Folkung dynasty, Jarl Birger, built Stockholm Castle in order to protect the state from attacks from the B altic Sea.
The future capital of Sweden began to grow around the fortress, and by the end of the 13th century it became a fairly developed city for that time.
There are two versions of the origin of the city's name. One of them says that the name comes from the word stask, which means "bay" in translation.
Now Stockholm, with an area of more than 186 km², is considered the cultural center of the Kingdom.
Stadsholmen Island
The main city of the country is located on fourteen islands. The most popular among tourists is the territory of the island of Stadsholmen.
In the 13th century, the first defensive structure was built, from which the construction of the city began.
Now this part of the city (Old Town) is an architectural monument and is under state protection.
The main attraction of Stockholm in Sweden (photo below) is the Royal Palace - one of the largest palace buildings in the world. Now the palace is the official residence of the head of state: from 1973 to the present, King Carl Gustav XVI rules. Receptions of high-ranking officials of other states and protocol events at the state level are held here.
At certain hours, tourists can watch the changing of the royal guard. The changing of the guard ceremony was approved in 1523 and since then the theatrical tradition has not changed.
When there is no royal family in the palace, tourists can visit the royal apartments of the monarchs of Sweden, the Armory, the Throne Room, the historical museum, the Royal Chapel and much more as part of the tour.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Not far from the Royal Palace is a unique church building - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.
The peculiarity of this main church of the island, built in the period of the XIII-XV centuries, is that it hosted the coronation of Swedish kings.
Now the temple is the main functioning cathedral, where tourists can attend the liturgy and see the interior, which has been preserved since 1740 without change.
Djurgården Island
In the center of Stockholm is the island of Djurgården (translated as “animal grounds”), which attracts history buffs.
Once upon a time, the territory of this island was the hunting ground of the Swedish kings. Now there are museums and entertainment centers. The main attractions are the Rosendal Palace, built in 1823 (in four years) for the first king of the Bernadotte dynasty, and the museum ship Gustav Vasa. This type of museum is considered the only one in the world. Built in 1628, the Swedish warship, named after the dynasty of the Vasa kings, was sunk during naval battles.
After 333 years, the ship was raised from the seabed, restored and turned into a museum piece.
History of Lund
Lund, which was formed in 990, is located 600 km from Stockholm.
Until recently it was believed that the future university city was founded by King Canute the Great of Denmark in 1020 AD
Recent archaeological excavations show that the first settlements date back to 990. In those days, the settlement was formed on the territory that belonged to Denmark. About the sights of Lund (Sweden) read on.
Lund University
Lund University is the pride of the natives of this city and is considered the oldest of all educational institutions in Sweden, which was founded in 1666.
Now he is studyingover forty thousand students.
The building of the university library, built in 1578, and the former Royal Palace are considered the center of scientific research.
Interesting fact: the inkjet printer, mobile phone, artificial respiration apparatus and many other devices that are now used all over the world were invented in this center.
The university is one of the top 100 educational institutions in the world: thanks to this ranking, Lund is popularly called a university city.
Cathedral
At the beginning of the 12th century, the territory of Lund was considered the Christian center of Northern Europe. Therefore, the Cathedral was built in the city in 1103, which later became one of the main attractions of the city.
The current main bell was cast 500 years ago and its melodic ringing daily announces the beginning of worship.
In the 14th century, an astronomical clock was installed on the central tower, which works without repair until our time and at a certain time a special mechanism sets the puppets in motion, playing a puppet show on a religious theme.
In Lund you can visit the Museum of Antiquity, the Zoological Museum and other museums, the expositions of which amaze tourists.
History of Malmö
The city of Malmö in Sweden, whose sights we are about to consider, is considered the third largest (over 70 km²) and is located in the southern part of Sweden. Firstthe settlement, which was called Malmhauger and belonged to Denmark, is mentioned in documents dating back to 1170.
After 105 years, due to the fact that at that time the transport links of sea fish traders passed through Malmö, the settlement officially received the status of a city.
After the Danish-Swedish war (1675-1679), an agreement was signed in Roskilde (a city on the Danish island of Zeeland), on the basis of which the province of Sklone and the city of Malmö became part of Sweden. Now Malmo is considered a major industrial center of the state, where tourists can see historical cultural monuments related to the history of the city.
Malmehus Fortress
In the historical part of the city, the main attraction is located - the Malmehus fortification, built in 1434 at the direction of the Danish king Eric of Pomerania, acting as a defense of the Danish state from the B altic Sea.
In 1439, the Pomeranian was removed from the throne and left Denmark, and the fortress was destroyed, and on its ruins, under King Christian III, in 1537, the construction of a new castle began, which housed the barracks and living quarters for the royal nobility.
Now there is a historical museum, which tourists can visit by passing through the main gate past sentries of volunteer history buffs dressed as 15th century Danish soldiers.
St. Peter's Church
The oldest building in Malmö that has survived to our time is considered to be the current churchconstruction of St. Peter.
The beginning of the construction of the temple dates back to 1319. Documents show that it was built on the foundations of a small brick church.
Entrance to the church during worship is prohibited for tourists, but after the liturgy, history buffs can see the main church attraction - the 1611 altar. The peculiarity of the main part of the Christian church is that this wooden altar is considered the oldest in northern Europe of all altars that have survived to this day.
Tombstones and wooden sculptures of the 17th-19th centuries and a functioning organ installed in the 16th century have been preserved in the church.
Tourists in this modern and at the same time ancient city can visit the synagogue, which is considered the largest in Scandinavia, and the mosque, since Malmö is the center of the Muslim religion in this region.
The country's leadership pays great attention to guests who, in response to goodwill and hospitality, leave positive feedback about the beauty and grandeur of Sweden's sights.
