Overview
Sweden is a country in Europe according to commit4fitness. Sweden is a country of cultural contrasts: the big cities are chic, modern and progressive, while the countryside offers a simpler life and, above all, a lot of peace and quiet. The landscape of Sweden is generally gentler than the dramatic coasts and mountains of its Norwegian neighbor. Much of the countryside is forested and there are thousands of lakes, especially between Gothenburg and the capital Stockholm. The seaside resort of Östersund in central Sweden is favored by Scandinavians. Most foreign visitors prefer the big cities and the Baltic Sea islands. The largest island, Gotland, is a special highlight with its numerous medieval church ruins. Along Stockholm’s charming harbor are dozens of museums and pretty medieval and baroque buildings that now house boutiques and cafes.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) flies direct to Stockholm from Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Munich, Zurich and Geneva, among others; from Vienna via Copenhagen. Lufthansa (LH) flies from Munich and Frankfurt/M. to Stockholm and Gothenburg; Eurowings (EW) operates the Hamburg – Stockholm route; Austrian Airlines (OS) Vienna – Stockholm; Swiss International (LX) Zurich – Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Flight times
Frankfurt – Stockholm: 2 hours; Frankfurt – Gothenburg: 1 hour 35 minutes; Hamburg – Stockholm: 1 hour 30 minutes; Hamburg – Gothenburg: 1 hour 5 minutes; Vienna – Stockholm: 2 hours 15 minutes; Zurich – Stockholm: 2 hours 20 minutes; Zurich – Gothenburg: 2 hours; Geneva – Stockholm: 2 hrs 35 mins
Arrival by car
Car: The Öresund Bridge connects Zealand in Denmark and Skåne in Sweden by motorway and rail. The Öresund connection is subject to a toll. There is a continuous motorway connection from Copenhagen in Denmark via Stockholm and Uppsala to Gävle on the Gulf of Bothnia. It is advisable to reserve a place for the car on the ferries for the desired ferry route in advance (ferry connections see above). Long-distance bus: Flixbus runs from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Sweden. Tolls: There are no road tolls; in Stockholm and Gothenburg, however, a congestion charge (see below). The Motala and Sundsvall bridges are also toll. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient. If the vehicle is not the property of the driver, he must be in possession of a power of attorney. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to carry the International Green Insurance Card with them in order to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to be able to enjoy full insurance cover. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to carry the International Green Insurance Card with them in order to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to be able to enjoy full insurance cover. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to enjoy full insurance protection. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to enjoy full insurance protection. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies.
Arrival by train
From Germany there are several times a day ICE or EC connections from Hamburg to Copenhagen and from there with the Swedish railway company (SJ) every 20 minutes or the Öresundtåg to Malmö. In Malmö there are connections to Gothenburg and Stockholm. A second connection is via Berlin, Sassnitz and Trelleborg to Malmö. The Berlin Night Express runs from Berlin to Malmö. The night train of the Austrian Federal Railways, the ÖBB-Nightjet (www.nightjet.com/) connects Innsbruck and Vienna with Hamburg and Zurich with Berlin and Hamburg; There is a Euronight train (EN) from Vienna to Berlin. Bahntouristik Express BTE car trains run from Lörrach to Hamburg.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are also valid in Sweden.
Arrival by ship
From Germany you can travel to Sweden with various ferry operators both directly and via Denmark.
Cruise ships
Dreamlines offers various cruises from Kiel, with a stay in Stockholm, including a trip on the AIDA. Stena Line operates the Kiel-Gothenburg-Kiel route on its mini cruise. TT-Line offers mini cruises from Travemünde or Rostock to southern Sweden.
Ferry provider
Finnlines operates the route Travemünde – Malmö (journey time: approx. 9 hours); Stena Line Kiel – Gothenburg (journey time: 14.5 hours), Frederikshavn (Denmark) – Gothenburg (journey time: 9 hours); TT-Line Rostock – Trelleborg, travel time: 6 hours
