Page 34 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

32  INTRODUCING SWEDEN

SWEDEN THROUGH
THE YEAR

Thanks to Sweden’s geographical location, the outdoor life, often staying in a summer
it experiences wide variations in seasons cottage. The holiday period from late June
and climate. Winter retains its icy hold on to August is the height of the tourist season,
the north until May, when in the south with the widest range of attractions on offer.
Skåne is often already basking in sunshine. In winter, Swedes make for the mountains,
Once spring gets going in the north and the which see the first snowfall as early as
days lengthen, nature soon catches up. November. They value festivals, and events
Summers can be pleasantly warm through­ such as Christmas, New Year, Easter,
out Sweden and that is when Swedes head Midsummer’s Eve and Walpurgis are
off into the countryside to swim and enjoy celebrated with enthusiasm.

Linné’s birthday, Stenbrohult
(23 May). The father of botany
is commemorated at his
childhood home in Småland.
Elite Race (last weekend in May).
International trotting
competition at Solvalla.
Trollhättan waterfalls (Sat in
May, Jun & Sep; daily Jul & Aug).
Magnificent falls, usually
tamed by the power station,
burst into life (3pm).
Stockholm Photography Week
(late Mar/early Apr). An event for
An April start for the salmon fly-fishing season in Mörrum professionals, amateurs and
lovers of the photographic arts.
which is the high point of the Held at the Swedish Museum
Spring
winter market in Åsele, Lapland. of Photography (Fotografiska),
After the long, dark Swedish The “crane dance”, at Stadsgårdshamnen 22.
winter, spring makes a Hornborgasjön (Mar/Apr).
welcome appearance. In Several thousand cranes
Skåne the migratory birds gather on the fields around Summer
return and spring flowers this lake in Västergötland The school year finishes in
bloom in March, while in the for their spectacular annual early June and summer comes
north it’s mid-May before mating dance. Quite a sight into its own with Midsummer
winter releases its hold. to behold. celebrations and dancing
Traditionally eaten before
Lent, the semla cream bun is April
a tempting treat. Walpurgis Start of Salmon Fishing
Night, on the last day of April, Season, Mörrumsån (1 Apr),
marks a farewell to winter Sweden’s main salmon river
with folk dancing, torchlight (see p191).
processions, student choirs, Walpurgis Night (30 Apr).
bonfires and fireworks. Around the country bonfires
welcome in the new season,
March with students donning their
Vasaloppet Ski Race (early Mar). white caps and making
World famous long-distance merry. In the student town
ski race (see p249). of Uppsala, Walpurgis Night
Stockholm International also includes fine student choirs,
Boat Show (early Mar). a fun river-rafting carnival and
The spring’s major boat lots of other events.
exhibition at Stockholm
International Fairs in Älvsjö. May
Åselenappet (end of Mar). May Day (1 May). Workers’ Walpurgis Night bonfire, at Riddarholmen,
Ice-fishing competition, processions countrywide. Stockholm

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