Sweden Early History

Knowledge of the origins of human life in present day Scandinavia is very limited and often disputed.

The earlest archeological evidence of human life in the region (found in Dennmark) is dated around 9500BC and there is a school of thought that then inhabitants of Dennmark migrated northwards into Sweden and Finland. See also Finland history.

Around 4200BC farming settlements were established in Southern Scandinavia and several graves dated between 3300 and 2000BC have been uncovered in southern Sweden The early settlements were probaby populated by hunting migrants from the Urals and Europe. Some historians believe that these settlers eventually became 'traders or merchants' with a comfortable social status as graves dated up to 500BC have contained various goods in them indicating status.

Documentary evidence written by the Roman historian Tacitus in 98AD refers to the Suiones (who he described as living out of the sea) who he viewed as a threat to the Roman Empire. This reference is thought to be refer to theSvear inhabitants of Eastern Sweden. In the following five centuries the southern part of Sweden was occupied by several tribes including the Svear, Geats and Beowulf. The northern area was dominated by the Sami.

From the 6th century the Svear dominated the southern part of Sweden and Finland. Western Sweden was increasingly under the influence of viking tribes from Norway and Dennmark. In the 13th centrury Finland became part of the Swedish Crown.

In 1397 Sweden with Dennmark and Norway became part of the Kalmar Union together with Norway and Denmark under the juristriction of the Danish Crown. In 1523 under King Gustav Vasa it became an independent country..

The Ice Hotel

Since 1990 the Village of Jukkasjarvi Kiruna has every December to April offered visitors accommodation in its Ice Hotel (left) which is made entirely of ice.

The hotel is rebuilt every year from ice is sourced from Tome River. Accommodation is available on a room or suite basis and the hotel also has a bar church and reception area - all offering visitors a warm welcome.

Rail Travel In Sweden

Rail travel in Sweden is dependable and comfortable at any time of the year. Inter city services as a rule of thumb run hourly. For more onformation on Swedish rail services see the links on the euromost european rail page.

For information on coach travel in Sweden see the euromost european coach page.

Travelling With Children In Sweden

If you are travelling with children who are not yours you must carry a letter from the child's parent or guardian giving you consent to have them accompany you. The letter should also have contact telephone for the person giving the consent.

Crime In Sweden

Sweden is one of Europes safest countries to live with the crime rate much lower than in other European cuntries. Petty crime in the main cities increase during the summer when pick-pockets target tourists for cash and passports.

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Sweden Travel Information Guide

Sweden Skiing & European Snowboarding Ski Resort

Official National Sweden Tourist Board

Sweden Consulate Office (UK)

Sweden Country Profile

Stockhom City Break Travel & Tourist Guide

sightseeing, attractions, restaurants and hotel and apartment accommodation, nightlife clubs,and public transport in Stockholm with a Stockholm overview

Stockholm Airport Information & Airline Guide

low cost airlines flying to and from Stockholm and offering cheap flights

Throughout Swedens roads are well ll-maintained and generally traffic levels are light. Drivers in Sweden must be 18, have a valid driving licence from their country of residence with a photograph, the current insurance covering them whilst driving in Sweden and the original registration documents for the vehicle. If the vehicle does not belong to them they should carry written consent for their use of the car from its owner along with relevant contact details.

Children under 7 are only permitted to be carried in a car if they are wearing a seatbelt adapted for young children. Seatbelts must be worn at all times.

Dipped headlights must be used at all times and drivers must be eqiuipped with a warning triangle for use In the event of a an accident or breakdown placed a minimum of 50metres behind the vehicle. Visiting drivers who are not Swedish are expected to use winter tyres from 1st December to 31st March but should note that snow in November is highy likely. Swedish residents have to adhere a rigid winter tyre criteria .

In Sweden drinking and driving is not tolerated and the limit of alcohol in the blood is .02 per cent is less than half a pint of weak beer or less than half a small of wine. Anyone found breaking this law risk imprisonment. Heavy on the spot fines are payable for breaking traffic regulations. In Sweden speed limits are generally 50KPH in built up areas, 90KPH in rural areas and 110 KPH on motorways.

In Sweden payment for petrol cannot always be made using credit cards and debit cards. Many stations operate on an automatic pre-payment basis using 20KR & 100KR notes.

At times the weather in Sweden can be very severe with heavy snow and very low temperatures - see the euromost city guide for Stockholm. Motorists travelling in Sweden during the winter are advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out.

They are also advised to carry mobile phones for use in an emergency along with emergency supplies of food and warm drinks especially when going on a long journey.