Scandinavia’s largest country, Sweden is a land of the great outdoors. With half of its landmass covered in unspoilt forest and punctuated by an estimated 100,000 crystal clear lakes, holidays to Sweden feel wild and full of exploration. While many of us may know it from a few household names (ABBA, Ikea, Volvo) and imagine snowy scenes of reindeer or dancing under a midnight sun, Sweden has so much more to know, see and discover.

In the north, you’ll find the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights in the winter. In the farthest reaches, within the Arctic Circle, live the Sami people sharing space with reindeer, elk and bears in a land of rushing rivers and endless coniferous forest. The majority of Sweden’s population, however, live in its southernmost third, in charming cities and towns that are small (by European standards) and utterly liveable. From here, Swedes enjoy ‘Allemansrätten’, the right to roam. This encompasses hiking, foraging, swimming, paddling and wild camping wherever in the wilderness they like, in landscapes that range from Arctic tundra to beautiful sandy beaches. An essential part of the national psyche, such freedom has led to a people who are carefree, laidback and relaxed, a vibe that is tangible as you explore.

Sweden’s cities are vibrant and full of culture, world class museums that give context to the Viking heritage and ancient historic sites that dot the region. Places like Gothenburg, Malmö and Lund each offer an alluring blend of Scandinavian design, lively coffee culture and creativity that are hard to resist, along with their own unique feel. Capital Stockholm, spread across 14 islands on an archipelago of 24,000, has long been lauded as one of Europe’s most enchanting and characterful cities, and it’s easy to see why. Modern and dynamic with a glorious historic core, it is here that you can explore the nation’s history, get a feel for its present and get a taste of some of the country’s best food, art and architecture.