Sweden

[tlcw]

Hello! Im think of going on a part Scandinavian holiday this summer, and want to visit the best of Sweden and Copenhagen. I want to visit Stockholm, Malmo, northen Sweden (they have springs, right?), Copenhagen and the great lakes of Sweden, but am not entirely sure of places to visit. Any tips? I dont even know what methods the best way to get from A to B once Im in the country - plane or train? I cant drive. I would also like to visit Norway but would rather squeeze out what Sweden has to offer!

[KARL]

There are definitely springs in many parts of Sweden, as in all north european countries, although many of them will be inaccessible either because they are not along the beaten track or else they are used for the water and are protected from public access, just like so many springs in Britain, many of which cannot even be seen either. But I am puzzled and curiouis why you consider this an important aspect - it would be nice to read about it.

[tlcw]

The springs? Well they just sound really cool, there arent many countries that can offer them, Im more a cold climate person. I didnt actually realise Britain had springs, but I think it would be weird visiting a country in Scandinavia without trying out the springs etc..

[mushroom25]

one of the more well known spas is at Riksgr�nsen in northern Sweden - go to their website at http://www.riksgransen.nu/ENG/startpage.html and the "how to find us" page lists a number of travel opportunities - but it's a long way north, and you'll probably have more than enough to do in the cities you've mentioned, particularly if your time is limited (you'll need at least 3 days each in Stockholm & Copenhagen).

[KARL]

Springs are an entirely natural result of the mixture of topography, geology and water - they are found pretty well all around the world, just less of them in the drier parts. If you want really interesting springs go to Iceland - there they cover the entire temperature range from cold to above boiling, plus gaseous (as in carbonated drink) ones and hot mud ones as well, some reputed to have significant curative properties. Ordinary springs are just water flowing to the surface of the ground - pretty humdrum, really, unless you come from a desert environment in which case you will be particularly appreciative.

[Buenchico]

The only part of your itinerary which I've done myself is the journey between Malmo and Copenhagen. It couldn't be easier. The trains run 24 hours a day, generally at 20 minute intervals. Both stations are fairly central. (In Copenhagen, one of the entrances to the Tivoli gardens is almost opposite the station). Many places in Copenhagen will accept Swedish currency but it would be wise to take some Danish banknotes with you.

You can download a brochure about rail travel in Sweden here:
http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=120&a=3 106&l=en&l=en#
(It's a pdf document. Use the 'zoom' feature, in Acrobat Reader, to study the map).

The home page of Swedish Railways is here:
http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=10&l=en

The official Sweden tourism website is a good place to start making your plans:
http://www.visitsweden.com/

Chris