Nation of Sweden. What is the official language in Sweden? VAT and tax-free
Sweden is distinguished by low density (10 million people live here - less than in Moscow), a long sea coast, dense forests and countless lakes. This is one of the most northern countries in the world. In terms of area, it is comparable to Spain, Thailand or US state California. Sweden's borders have not changed since 1905, and the country has not participated in wars since 1814 - which makes Sweden one of the most peaceful countries on the globe.
Contrasts of day and night
Wealth of wildlife
The diversity of Sweden's landscapes is matched by the abundance of its fauna: from wolves and brown bears in the north to roe deer and wild boars in the south. Biological diversity is the result of the richness of the plant and water world.
Large by European standards, the country stretches from north to south for 1572 km. According to climate zone, coniferous forests, in particular, pine and spruce, predominate in Sweden. The further south, the more often they are adjacent to deciduous groves: birch and aspen. The very south of Sweden is gentle, picturesque fields and hills, thinned out by copses and surrounded by long sandy beaches. Thanks to the limestone-rich soil, combined with the mild climate, the islands of Gotland, Öland and parts of the Scandinavian mountains are characterized by a special flora - including various types of orchids.
Facts and figures
Capital: Stockholm
Population: 10 million
Total area: 528,447 sq. km, the third largest country in Western Europe, after France and Spain
Lifespan: Men - 81 years, women - 84 years
Population born outside the country: 19,1%
Religion: The Church of Sweden is Evangelical Lutheran. Numerous other faiths and religions are also represented in the country.
Language: Swedish
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy
Parliament: Riksdag, unicameral, 349 deputies
Education: 9 years of compulsory schooling, most pupils study for 12 years (including “gymnasium”). About a third continue their education at universities and colleges.
Working hours: Standard work week– 40 hours, minimum paid vacation – 5 weeks.
Telephone code: +46
Internet domain:.se
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: 1 crown (SEK) = 100 ore
GDP per capita (PPP): USD 56,935
GNI per capita: USD 50,840
Population largest cities(including suburbs):
Stockholm: 2,344,124
Gothenburg: 1,030,000
Malmö: 730,529
Main export products: Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and plastic products, electronics and telecommunications equipment, energy products, industrial equipment, road vehicles, minerals, food
National parks
In 1909, Sweden became the first European country to establish national parks. The beginning was laid in the mountains of Norrland, a region in the north of the country. This helped to save one of the last corners of virgin nature in Europe from destruction. Then, throughout Sweden, vast areas were declared nature reserves and protected areas of cultural heritage.
The rule of universal access to natural lands ( allemansratten) says that everyone has the right to walk through forests and meadows, pick berries and mushrooms - without a separate permit from landowners. But this right is also associated with obvious duties: to respect private property and.
Geography of Sweden
Length from north to south: 1,574 km
Length from west to east: 499 km
Urbanized and industrial territories: 3%
Farmland: 8%
The woods: 53% Swamps: 9%
Fields: 7% The mountains: 12%
Lakes and rivers: 9%
highest mountain: Kebnekaise (2.103 m)
Largest lake: Vanern (5,650 sq km)
National symbols of Sweden
The official Swedish heraldry is the yellow and blue flag, national symbol"Three Crowns", the national anthem, as well as the coat of arms in two versions: large and small. The oldest images of the blue flag with a yellow cross that have survived to this day refer to XVI century. The very symbol of the yellow cross in the Swedish army has been applied to banners and standards since time immemorial. It is based on the outlines of the ancient coat of arms of the kingdom with a blue background, divided into four parts by a golden cross. The sign of the "three crowns" has been used as the state emblem of Sweden since at least 1336, but long before that it was known to Europeans as a symbol of the "Three Wise Kings".
Since 1916, June 6 has appeared in the Swedish calendar. In 1983 it was renamed the National Day of Sweden, and in 2004 it was proclaimed public holiday and weekends. The date was chosen immediately for two reasons: on June 6, 1523, the first Swedish king, Gustav Vasa, ascended the throne, and on the same day in 1809, the country adopted a new Constitution that granted subjects.
National anthem of Sweden
The text "Du Gamla, Du Fria" ("You are ancient, you are free") was composed by ballad writer and folklorist Richard Dübeck (1811-1877), and its musical basis was a mid-19th-century folk melody from the province of Västmanland in central Sweden. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, this ballad gained such popularity that it was declared the national anthem of Sweden.
Geography of Sweden
Sweden is a northern state located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The country borders Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by the Öresund Bridge. The population of Sweden is about 9.5 million people, its density is quite low - only 21 inhabitants per sq. km. km. Most Swedes live in the southern part of the country, 85% in cities. The largest city in the country and its capital is Stockholm.
In the west of the state, there is a chain of Scandinavian mountains that separates Sweden from Norway. 65% of the country's territory is occupied by forests. The largest islands in Sweden are Gotland and Oland, the largest lakes are Vänern and Vättern. The highest point in the country is Mount Kebnekaise with a height of 2,111 m.
State structure of Sweden
Sweden is constitutional monarchy The head of state is the king. However, the monarchy in Sweden performs more of a ceremonial function. Legislative power in the country is exercised by the Rikstag (Swedish Parliament), which is headed by the Prime Minister of the country.
Weather in Sweden
Most of Sweden is located in the temperate zone. In the southern part of the country, the weather conditions are much warmer, the Norwegian mountains act as a kind of rain barrier, so there is a moderate amount of precipitation. Swedish summers are usually sunny and warm, with an average July temperature of +20°C in the south and +17°C in the north.
Language of Sweden
The official language of the country is Swedish. Along with it, Finnish, Romani and Yudish are widespread in the country. Thanks to the influence of the Anglo-American culture, Swedish is fluent in Sweden. English language(this is the main foreign language at school, and all foreign films in Sweden are not dubbed, but come out exclusively with Swedish subtitles).
Religion in Sweden
71.3% of the population of Sweden are followers of the Swedish Church (Lutherans), and only 2% of them regularly attend church.
Currency of Sweden
The monetary unit of Sweden is the crown. 1 crown = 100 ore.
Currency is exchanged in Sweden most often at Forex points, you can also use the services of banks or mail, but the commission there is usually higher. You can pay for purchases and services with international plastic cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.
Customs restrictions
The following items may be imported into the country duty-free:
- 200 pcs. cigarettes or 100 pcs. cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco*.
- 1 liter of spirits / 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine / 2 liters of table wine / 16 liters of beer**
- a reasonable amount of spirits.
- gifts worth 1,700 kroons.
*travelers must be over 18 years of age.
** travelers must be over 20 years old
Prohibited items: drugs, weapons, meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, non-EU potatoes, fireworks, alcohol over 60%.
National features of Sweden.
Tips
In most hotels in Sweden, 10-15% of the service charge is already included in the service bill. However, in restaurants and cafes, the fee is not included in the bill, so tourists can leave up to 10% of the bill as a tip for good service.
Purchases
In Sweden, as in most EU countries, you can get part of the money spent on purchases (that is, part of the value added tax). Many shops of the state work on the "taxfree" system. Therefore, if you bought a product for $ 50, take a receipt from the seller and present it when leaving the country.
Souvenirs
Popular Swedish souvenirs include figurines of moose, T-shirts with their images, as well as all kinds of items with Viking and troll drawings: glasses, glasses, mugs, plates, ashtrays, etc.
Office Hours
Banking institutions of the country work 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) from 9:30 to 15/18:00. Currency exchange offices are open every day. Shops in Sweden start working at 10 am and usually close on weekdays at 6 pm, on Saturday - at 4 pm.
Traditions
Many traditions in Sweden are associated with the change of seasons. So, for example, the meeting of spring falls on the last day of April (Walpurgis Night), when songs welcoming spring are heard everywhere. The summer solstice is celebrated with round dances around the maypole. Candles are lit in autumn in honor of All Saints' Day.
Mains voltage:
220VCode of the country:
+46First level geographic domain name:
.seEmergency Phones:
A single number for the police, fire brigade and ambulance - 900-00 or 112
24/7 Medical Hotline - 644-9200
The kingdom occupies the eastern and southern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula and the islands of Öland and Gotland in the Baltic Sea. In the west it borders on Norway, in the northeast - on Finland, in the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea, separating in the south from Denmark.
The name of the country comes from the Scandinavian svear-rige - "the state of the Svens."
Official name: Kingdom of Sweden (Konungariket Sverige).
Capital:
The area of the land: 450.5 thousand sq. km
Total population: 9.3 million people
Administrative division: Sweden is divided into 24 counties.
Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: King.
Composition of the population: 91% - Swedes, 3% - Finns, Saami, Norwegians, Danes, immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, Greeks, Turks. For many centuries the country was ethnically very homogeneous, consisting of the Swedes and the Sami themselves.
Official language: Swedish, Finnish, Meänkieli and Sami are also spoken.
Religion: 87% - the Lutheran church, there are also Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists.
Internet domain: .se
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Phone country code: +46
Country barcode: 730-739
Climate
Since the territory of Sweden has a significant extent in the submeridional direction, it is much colder in the north of the country and the growing season is shorter than in the south. Accordingly, the length of day and night also differs. However, in general, Sweden is characterized by a greater frequency of sunny and dry weather compared to many other countries in Northwest Europe, especially in winter.
Despite the fact that 15% of the country is located beyond the Arctic Circle, and all of it is located north of 55 ° N, due to the influence of winds blowing from Atlantic Ocean the climate is quite mild. Such climatic conditions are favorable for the development of forests, comfortable living for people and more productive life. Agriculture than in continental regions located at the same latitudes. Throughout Sweden, winters are long and summers are short.
In Lund in the south of Sweden, the average January temperature is 0.8 ° C, July 16.4 ° C, and the average annual temperature is 7.2 ° C. In Karesuando in the north of the country, the corresponding figures are -14.5 ° C, 13.1 ° C and -2.8 ° C. Snow falls annually throughout Sweden, but the snow cover in Skåne lasts only 47 days, while in Karesuando - 170-190 days. The ice cover on the lakes lasts on average 115 days in the south of the country, 150 days in the central regions and at least 200 days in the north. Off the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, freezing begins approximately in mid-November and lasts until the end of May. Fogs are common in the northern part of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.
The average annual rainfall ranges from 460 mm on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea and the far north of the country to 710 mm on the west coast of southern Sweden. In the northern regions it is 460–510 mm, in the central regions it is 560 mm, and in the southern regions it is slightly more than 580 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation falls at the end of summer (in some places the second maximum is expressed in October), the least - from February to April. The number of days with storm winds varies from 20 per year on the western coast to 8–2 on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Geography
Sweden is located in Northern Europe, in the eastern and southern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the west, Sweden borders on Norway, in the northeast - on Finland, and from the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. In the south, the Øresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak straits separate Sweden from Denmark. Sweden consists of two large islands in the Baltic - Gotland and Öland.
The relief of the country is elevated, the northwestern part of the country is mountainous (the highest point is Mount Kebnekaise, 2111 m) and is framed from the east by a vast plateau, in the south the relief is more even and abounds in rivers and lakes (almost 90 thousand reservoirs in the country). Most of the country is covered with forests, in the north, vast areas are occupied by the tundra zone of Swedish Lapland. The coastline is heavily indented and replete with skerries and island groups. The area of the country is 450 thousand square meters. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
According to the nature of natural vegetation in Sweden, five main areas are distinguished, confined to certain latitudinal zones:
1) an alpine region, uniting the northernmost and most elevated areas, with a predominance of colorful short grasses and dwarf forms of shrubs;
2) an area of birch crooked forests, where squat trees with strongly twisted trunks grow - mainly birch, less often aspen and mountain ash;
3) the northern region of coniferous forests (the largest in the country) - with a predominance of pine and spruce;
4) the southern region of coniferous forests (in to a large extent consolidated); in the surviving massifs, oak, ash, elm, linden, maple and other broad-leaved species are mixed with coniferous species;
5) area of beech forests (almost not preserved); in these forests, along with beech, there are oak, alder and, in some places, pine.
In addition, azonal vegetation is widespread. Lush meadow vegetation grows around the lakes, and swamps with specific flora are common in places. On the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea, halophyte communities (plants growing on saline soils) are common.
Animal world
In Sweden, there are such forest dwellers as elk, brown bear, wolverine, lynx, fox, marten, squirrel, white hare. The American mink and muskrat were introduced from North America several decades ago for breeding in fur farms, but some individuals escaped and formed quite viable populations in nature, which quickly spread throughout the country (excluding some islands and the far north) and displaced a number of local animal species from their ecological niches. Wild reindeer have been preserved in the north of Sweden.
Ducks, geese, swans, gulls, terns and other birds nest on the shores of the seas and lakes. In the rivers there are salmon, trout, perch, in the north - grayling.
Attractions
The country is abundantly endowed with natural beauties and sights - the green fields of the south of the country and the harsh tundra of Lapland, the green hills of the west and the wooded rocks of Norrbotten, the picturesque islands and skerries of the south and the calm shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, a huge lake system and many wild animals - all this attracts great number of tourists. And its rich history and beautiful cities will allow you to get acquainted with the original culture of the country.
Banks and currency
Swedish krona. 1 crown is equal to 100 era. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 kroons and coins of 10, 5, 1 kroon and 50 er.
Banks are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 15:00, and on Thursday - from 9:30 to 17:30. Exchange offices at airports, railway stations, sea berths work seven days a week.
Currency exchange is carried out in banks, exchange offices and post offices.
Useful information for tourists
Normal store hours are from 10.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 15.00 on Saturday. Many shops are open on Sunday as well. Large department stores are open daily, but on Saturday, Sunday and holidays they have a shortened working day. In July, the “industrial holidays” begin (until mid-August), when all enterprises are closed, and institutions operate in an “economical” mode.
Territory of Sweden
Sweden is located in Northern Europe, in the eastern and southern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the west, Sweden borders on Norway, in the northeast - on Finland, and from the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. In the south, the Øresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak straits separate Sweden from Denmark. Sweden consists of two large islands in the Baltic - Gotland and Öland.
The relief of the country is elevated, the northwestern part of the country is mountainous (the highest point is Mount Kebnekaise, 2111 m) and is framed from the east by a vast plateau, in the south the relief is more even and abounds in rivers and lakes (almost 90 thousand reservoirs in the country). Most of the country is covered with forests, in the north, vast areas are occupied by the tundra zone of Swedish Lapland. The coastline is heavily indented and replete with skerries and island groups. The area of the country is 450 thousand square meters. km.
Climate of Sweden
Moderate. The temperature in summer rarely rises above +22 C (up to 17 C in mountainous areas). In winter, in most of the country, the temperature does not fall below -16 C, only in the north frosts below -22 C are not uncommon. Precipitation falls from 500-700 mm. per year on the plains up to 1500-2000 mm. on the western slopes of the mountains. Humid maritime air masses from the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea often bring quite changeable weather with precipitation and winds, especially in the off-season.
Population of Sweden
About 8.9 million people, more than 90% of the population are Swedes, about 3% - Finns, 1% - Sami (Laplanders).
Sweden time
Behind Moscow for 2 hours.
Language of Sweden
The official language is Swedish, belonging to the Scandinavian branch of the Germanic languages. In the north of the country - Lapland. English is widely accepted in the tourism industry.
Religion in Sweden
The majority of the population are Lutherans, Protestants and representatives of other Christian denominations.
National features of Sweden
The Swedes are a very calm and reserved people. Friendliness local residents to the guests of the country is known to the whole world. Any question or appeal for help to the Swede will not go unanswered. However, the second national feature is also noticeable - scrupulous adherence to once and for all established rules and law-abidingness, which is amazing for a tourist from Russia. At the same time, it is not considered shameful to voluntarily notify the police of any observed violation, even if from the outside it does not concern this local resident in any way.
Swedish money
Swedish krona (Skr, SEK), equal to 100 era. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 kroons and coins of 10, 5, 1 kroon and 50 er. A characteristic feature is the widespread rounding of prices to 0.5 crowns. Currency can be exchanged at exchange offices, as well as in hotels, large supermarkets, at the post office or in banks, but usually the rate there is somewhat lower, and the commission is higher than in exchange offices. In some exchange offices, the cost of the service is expressed as a percentage of the exchange amount ("commission"), in others a fixed fee for the transaction is set regardless of the amount ("fee"). The exchange rate and the amount of the commission should always be posted in front of the exchange office. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted everywhere.
VAT on goods is 25%. You can get a partial refund of VAT (for tourists from countries outside the EU, it is 14%) using the "tax-free" system on purchases of goods over $50. To do this, when registering the goods, you must present a passport and receive a special export check. It is necessary to take out the purchase within 30 days from the date of purchase, while at a special office of the airport, upon presentation of a check and unpacked goods, a refund is issued (in some cases it is sent by bank transfer to the place of residence).
Banks are open on weekdays from 9.30 to 15.00 (sometimes until 18.00), some banks in the center of Stockholm - from 9.00 to 17.30, but on Friday they close earlier. Exchange offices are open seven days a week at airports, train stations, marinas and post offices. ATMs operate around the clock.
Swedish health care
It is recommended to take out health insurance that covers possible expenses when visiting a doctor or staying in a hospital for the entire period of stay in the country.
In emergency cases, you can contact the special service "Akutmuttagning" available at each hospital and polyclinic without an appointment - the patient is sent from there to the medical center or to the emergency department at hospitals free of charge. In other cases, for treatment, you must present a certificate from the doctor and written confirmation of payment of the hospital bill. The cost of treatment is quite high (a day of stay in a municipal hospital costs 200-250 kroons, a visit to the clinic will cost at least 100 kroons, treatment in private hospitals is much more expensive). Almost all drugs in pharmacies are sold by prescription and only in the network of the pharmacy company "Apotexbolaget".
Shopping, gifts, souvenirs in Sweden
Shops are usually open on weekdays from 10.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 10.00 to 16.00, on Sundays from 12.00 to 16.00.
Main holidays in Sweden
January 1 - New Year.
January 6 - Epiphany.
March-April - Easter.
May 1 - First of May.
May - Ascension.
May-June Trinity.
June 6 is Swedish Flag Day, a national holiday in Sweden.
June 21-22 - Midsummer Festival ("Midcommap").
November 1-2 - All Saints' Day.
December 25 - Christmas.
Swedish Cuisine
Swedish national cuisine was formed under the influence of natural conditions this country and bears a clear imprint of folk Scandinavian traditions. Since ancient times, the Swedes have used in their cooking those products that can withstand long-term winter storage, so pickles, marinades, smoked products are widely used, and fats and sugar are also abundantly used. For frying and stewing, the Swedes often use lard or bacon instead of butter. Also traditionally weak use of seasonings and spices. Another feature is a predilection for a fairly simple and monotonous, but very satisfying "home cooking".
The basis of the cuisine, as in many Scandinavian countries, is fish dishes. It is customary to start any feast with an appetizer with the obligatory salted herring, herring in mustard, in wine, with onions, "herring with a smell", herring fillet with white sauce, grilled herring or baked in the oven with lemon, herring sandwich, marinated herring "glasmestarsil" and others, followed by other fish dishes, salted and smoked fish. Extremely popular are crustaceans, caviar, salmon in various forms, boiled sea pike "lutfisk" and river fish in all sorts of combinations. Only after the fish is it customary to change plates and move on to other dishes.
Often fish dishes are accompanied by potato salads (like beetroot salad with sausage and pita and panna potatoes) and boiled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs with various sauces, hearty soups (including the famous beer soup "elebrad" or oyster soup " nasselsuppa-med-egg"), various mushrooms ("cantareller"), boiled potatoes, etc.
Among dairy dishes, cheeses, curdled milk and yogurt are very popular. Also constantly on the table are puddings, gray bread, dry bread of various varieties and shapes, and a variety of jams from local berries (some of them even go as a kind of sauce for many meat dishes).
Traditional meat dishes, mainly prepared from pork, venison and game. Of interest are the Flaskrulader pork roll, the Easterband spicy pork sausage, the renstek minced venison, the Leverpastei pate, the large Kottbullar dumplings, the Christmas ham, the Unstekt alg fried elk, cold meats and sandwiches (mainly based on white bread) with various fillings.
From drinks, the Swedes prefer coffee (rather "weak") and mineral water. The country produces many high-quality alcoholic beverages - vodka, whiskey, liqueurs and tinctures with local herbs and berries, beer, etc., but various punches and grog are still popular.
Sweden voltage
Mains voltage 220 V., 50 Hz. Sockets and plugs comply with EU standards.
Tipping Sweden
Tipping is officially customary to give only to taxi drivers for good service (the cost of services is already included in all bills), but usually no more than 10%. In many establishments, depending on the quality of service, it is still customary to simply leave change or round the amount to the nearest integer.
Visa to Sweden
A Schengen visa is required to enter the country.
Customs regulations in Sweden
Import of national and foreign currency is not limited. The export of foreign currency is not limited, national - no more than 6 thousand crowns in banknotes with a denomination of no more than 1 thousand crowns.
For citizens of countries outside the European Union, duty-free import of up to 1 liter is allowed. liqueurs or up to 2 liters. fortified wine, up to 2 liters. table wine, up to 15 liters. beer, up to 200 cigarettes or 100 small cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 gr. tobacco, up to 500 gr. coffee and 100 gr. tea, up to 50 gr. perfume, up to 250 ml. aftershave lotion and other personal items up to SEK 1,700. Champagne is equated to strong alcoholic drinks. The age limit for transporting strong drinks is 20 years, for beer - 18 years, for tobacco products - 16 years.
Food products (except tea and coffee), animals and plants without special permits, drugs and doping substances, as well as mobile phones that do not comply with the requirements of the Swedish telephone network are prohibited from being imported (importation may be allowed subject to payment of customs duty and import tax at a rate of 30% of the cost). Weapons, flammable and explosives, art objects and strategic products and materials.
Memo for a tourist when traveling to Sweden
CUSTOMS
Forbiddenfor transportation:
any weapon (including gas and cold), firearms and ammunition;
strong medicines without proper certificates, drugs, syringes, poisons, radioactive substances;
living plants;
animals(dogs and cats) can be imported if there is a certificate of a veterinarian on vaccination against rabies, produced not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before entry;
antiques and art;
automobile anti-radar.
Allowed when traveling to Sweden for personal consumption or gifts from countries outside the European Union:
400 pieces (2 blocks) of cigarettes/ 100 cigars / 550 g of tobacco;
up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content over 22 degrees;
6 liters of strong wines with an alcohol content of 15 to 22 degrees;
26 liters of wine with an alcohol content of up to 15 degrees;
32 liters of beer with an alcohol content above 3.5 degrees.
Attention! Alcohol is prohibited for persons under 20 years of age, tobacco products - for persons under 18.
The cost of transportation in excess of the duty-free allowance:
1 pack of cigarettes - 17.60 kr.
1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks - 196 cr.
1 liter of strong wines - 45 cr.
VISA REGIME
Sweden is a member of the European Union and a Schengen visa is required to enter the country.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Alcohol
Wines and spirits with a strength of more than 2.8% and beer with a strength of more than 3.5% are sold only in special state stores "System-bolaget" (System-bolaget). Attention! The minimum age for the right to purchase liquor is 20 years.
Currency exchange
It is most profitable to produce in exchange offices, since banks have a rather high fee and a lower rate. Most exchange offices are open from 7:00 to 21:00.
Banks open weekdays from 9.30 to 15.00, on Thursdays from 16.00 to 18.00.
Mail, where you can also exchange currency, is open Mon - Fri 9.00-18.00, Sat 10.00-13.00.
Taxi
It is recommended to use only those taxis that have the name of the company on the ceiling. When paying, the bill is usually rounded to the nearest ten.
Main firms in Stockholm:
Taxi Kurir (tel. 08-30 00 00);
Taxi Stockholm (tel. 08-15 00 00);
Taxi 020 (tel. 020-85 04 00);
Alltaxi (tel. 08-14 00 00).
Safety
Sweden has a low crime rate, there is no cause for concern or the adoption of any special measures to enhance personal security.
Electricity
220 volts AC. Sockets and plugs may differ from Russian ones, so it is recommended to have an adapter with you.
Telephone
A local payphone call costs 2 crowns. There are preferential phone cards in circulation, which can be purchased at Telia stores or newsstands.
The shops
Normal store hours are from 10.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. Many are also open on Sunday. Trade Houses are popular in the big cities of Sweden. Usually they are open Mon - Fri from 9.30 to 18.00, Sat 9.30 to 16.00, Sun 12.00 to 16.00. All taxes are always included in the price.
Restaurants
The price of a three-course dinner with wine in an ordinary Swedish restaurant costs about 200 kroons. From 11.00 to 14.00 many restaurants offer an afternoon lunch for about 50 NOK, which includes roast, bread, butter, drink and coffee. In fast food restaurants, a hamburger costs about 25 kr, hot dogs, kebabs and pizzas are popular. Restaurants are usually open until 23.00, nightclubs until 05.00. In a hotel and restaurant, you can tip from 5 to 10% of the amount, but this is not necessary.
Hotels
There is no official category of hotels.
Kitchen
A wide selection of fish dishes, the Swedes are great experts in cooking eel and smoked salmon. The meat is cured and smoked. Feature- many dishes are sweetened. Favorite dishes are dark bean soup with bacon, chicken baked in clay, cabbage rolls with grape leaves. The main hot drink is coffee.
Phones for operational communication:
International
telephone code
Sweden - 46.
The Russian Embassy
in Sweden - Stockholm, Gjorwellsgt 31,
phone: (46-8) 13-04-40.
Consulate
Gothenburg, St.Sigfridsgatan.l,
phone: (46 31) 40-80-84.
Firemen, police or ambulance - 112.
Currency unit
- Swedish krona (skr or SEK).
1 crown = 100 ore.
10 SEK = 40 rubles.
Import of foreign and national currency not limited.
The export of the national currency is limited (6000 SEK).
Visas and documents for traveling to Sweden
List of documents
International passport
- Valid for at least 3 months after the end of the intended trip, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
Completed questionnaire.
Original profile Embassy of Sweden with the personal signature of the tourist (in item 37 and on the last page).
2 color photos: size 35 X 45 mm ( on a white background, matte paper), without glasses, without corners and ovals, made no earlier than 3 months before the submission of documents. You cannot submit photos that were previously used to obtain a visa.
Photocopy of the 1st page of the passport.
Help from the place of work on letterhead indicating the position, address, phone number and an average monthly salary of at least 15,000 rubles. For commercial enterprises (LLC, CJSC, PBOYUL) it is necessary to provide a photocopy of the company registration certificate.
For the non-working (pensioners, students and other persons):
Certificate from the place of work of a relative, or a person paying for the trip (see point No. 7)
sponsorship letter
Senior Citizens (additional):
Photocopy of pension certificate
A copy of the passbook (at least 15,000 rubles)
Students (optional):
Photocopy of student card or original certificate from the place of study
For students (optional):
Certificate from the place of study
For travelers under 18:
International passport with a validity period of at least 3 months after the end of the intended trip, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
Completed questionnaire.
Original profile Embassy of Sweden with the personal signature of the tourist (in item 37 and on the last page).
Attention!!! For minors in the questionnaire, one of the parents gets drunk.
2 color photos (for parents entered in the passport - 3 photos): size 35 x 45 mm (on a white background, matte paper), without corners and ovals, photos must be recent.
Photocopy of birth certificate.
Attention! If the surname of the child and the parents (one of the parents) are different, then it is necessary to provide documents confirming the change of surname.
Photocopies of the 1st pages of the passport of the Russian Federation of both parents.
Consent from parents.
Attention!
If the child does not have one of the parents, then at least one of the following documents must be provided:
Certificate from the police stating that the parent's whereabouts have not been established
The book of a single mother;
Death certificate;
Court decision to deprive one of the parents of parental rights;
Documents on the adoption (adoption) of a child by another person.
Certificate from the place of study (original).
Help from the place of work a relative or a person sponsoring the trip, on letterhead indicating the position, address, phone number and an average monthly salary of at least 15,000 rubles. (For commercial enterprises (LLC, CJSC, PBOYUL) it is necessary to provide a photocopy of the company registration certificate).
sponsorship letter.
Embassy of Sweden in Moscow
119590, Moscow, Mosfilmovskaya st., 60
Phone: +7-495-937 92 00 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +7-495-937 92 00 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: +7-495-937 92 02
Email info: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Excursions in Sweden
Uppsala Cathedral
The largest cathedral in Sweden, the construction of which was started in 1260. It is the largest church in Scandinavia, about 120 meters high, with some unique architectural details and a large number of fine art objects accumulated over eight centuries. Pilgrims make trips here to the tomb of St. Eric. Here are the graves of many famous Swedes: King Gustav I (Vase), Carolus Linneus, philosopher Emmanuel Swedenborg and others. Uppsala Cathedral is the church of the Swedish national shrine, the cathedral of the Diocese of Uppsala and the parish church of Uppsala County. Near the pulpit, donated by Queen Eleanor, you can see three huge rosette windows. These are the windows of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. At the main throne there is a large crucifix made of silver and a crystal, which were made in 1976 by the famous Swedish company Orrefors. Above the altar hangs a silver chandelier, which was made in 1647. The church contains the remains of St. Eric, the patron saint of Sweden, in a remarkable golden tomb. He was killed on this spot in 1160. In the back chapel is the tomb of King Gustav and his wives. The frescoes on the wall were painted in 1830 by Johan Sandberg.
Sarek National Park
The park is located between the Stora lakes and the Lille Lule rivers, fifty kilometers east of the Norwegian border in the municipality of Jokmokk. Far in the north of Sweden, it is located in the Arctic Circle and it is by far one of the wildest and least accessible mountain areas, covering an area of almost 2000 sq. km. It is often referred to as "Europe's last great wilderness". There are more than 250 peaks, of which 87 are over 1800 meters high and 8 are over 2000 meters high. In Sarek, the most remarkable is the alpine landscape with glaciers and narrow valleys. There are no settlements in the park and only a few bridges can be found at key points. Motorized vehicles are not allowed here, but there are no prohibited places for hikers and rock climbers and camping is allowed everywhere. River crossings are numerous and sometimes dangerous, especially in warm weather or after heavy rain. All food and equipment must be carried with you - a visit to Sarek is an expedition.
Lund Cathedral
With the ancient Lund Cathedral, Romanesque architecture in Scandinavia reached its height; appearance churches on the east side - one of beautiful expressions Romanesque architecture in Northern Europe. The interior, made of sandstone, has sculptural details similar in quality and character to those found in Lombardy and other parts of Italy. There is also an underground chapel with a main altar dedicated to 1123 and ornate carved choir stalls from around 1375. According to legend, the chapel may have been the burial place of the great hero Finn mac Cumhail, who was the subject of many legends in Irish and Scottish mythology. The partially reconstructed astronomical clock from the 14th century not only shows the time and date, but also scenes of medieval tournaments ending with the clash of knights' weapons and the roar of trumpets. And that's not all: the three wise men come out to pay tribute to the Mother of God and the baby. To see all this, you need to visit the cathedral at 12.00 or 3 pm. The towers of the cathedral are 55 meters high. Their present appearance is the result of restoration work led by Helgo Zetterwahl at the end of the 19th century. The towers, with their pyramidal roofs, are landmarks on the Lund skyline, and are clearly visible from their surroundings.
Royal Warship Vasa
This 17th-century warship attracts the most attention from tourists, and for good reason. Located next to the Skansen Park in a specially created museum, the Vasa is the only ship of this age in the world that has come down to us in its original form. He sank in 1628 on his first voyage in front of a thousand spectators, almost as soon as he sailed from the shore. In 1961, the ship was raised from the bottom of the Stockholm harbor; more than 4,000 coins, carpentry tools, sailors' clothes, fish bones and other items of interest to archaeologists were found on board. The most valuable find is considered to be 700 almost completely preserved decorative sculptures. After restoration and processing with special materials, the sculptures were returned to the ship. Grotesque faces, lion masks, bodies of mermaids, and other carved wooden figures are once again adorned on the ship, some of which are still covered in paint and gilding dating back to the 17th century. Walking along the armory deck, through an exhibition of items from that era (including medical equipment, clothes and a backgammon board), you can get acquainted with everyday life on the ship. Another exhibition tells about naval warfare; the diorama shows the 1627 battle between the Swedes and the Poles. Ships made of copper are located on a large dome. Inside the dome are paintings of the horrors of naval warfare.
Leke Castle
The castle, located near the small pleasant town of Lidkoping, is located on the waters of Lake Wanern. It is often compared to a castle from a fairy tale. Between 1298 and 1681, 250 halls were built in the castle, many of which are quite large, practically only the royal palace in Stockholm is larger than Lekö Castle in Sweden. From the side it seems that the white walls, towers and turrets of the castle seem to grow out of the water. The castle was at the height of its glory when King Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, a contemporary of Queen Christina, made it the cultural center of the province of Västergotland. In 1682, Charles XI confiscated the castle in the hope of reducing the power of the nobility. By 1830, all of the castle's furniture had been auctioned off and almost completely removed, but over the years much of the original furniture was returned to the castle. A walk in the park around the castle is one of the highlights of visiting the castle. There is a restaurant in the courtyard in the old vault of the castle. Every year the castle hosts various exhibitions, from medieval tournaments to contemporary art exhibitions.
"The best places in Stockholm". (Sightseeing tour)
History and present
Stockholm,
the capital of the Kingdom of Sweden, is closely associated with the royal dynasties. We will show you the city and tell you a lot of interesting things, including the history of Sweden and Stockholm and the events taking place now.
During the tour you will visit several islands where the city is located.
Kungsholmen, King's Island is the administrative center of Stockholm. Here you will walk along the embankment of Lake Mälaren, from where you will have an unforgettable view of the knight's island and the old town and visit the courtyard of the City Hall, where the Nobel banquet takes place.
Södermalm, South Island is the largest of Stockholm's islands. From the observation deck on the Söderhuiden hill, you will admire an unforgettable panorama of the capital of Sweden.
Gamla Stan, Old city- the historical center of Stockholm. Here, in the XIII century, the defense tower "Three Crowns" was built and a city was formed. In the Old Town you will plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The Royal Palace is also located here.
Djurgården, Animal Island - Former royal hunting grounds. This is one of the favorite vacation spots of the inhabitants of Stockholm. The most popular museums in the city are also located here: Skansen, Vasa, the Scandinavian Museum, the Aquarium and the amusement park.
On the mainland of the city you will see the administrative and shopping malls cities, the political center of Sweden, the Opera House, the Drama Theatre, the Royal Garden (former cabbage garden), visit the most fashionable street in the city of Strandvegen, the Diplomatic Town, the town of radio and television, and much more.
Stockholm Original (Walking, sightseeing tour)
This is a more detailed tour exclusively of the three islands on which the original Stockholm was built, which has survived almost unchanged to this day.
During the tour you will visit and learn the history of all the sights of the Old City (Gamla Stan), among them:
Royal Palace, Old Square, Historical Museum- Viking history, National Museum, Butterfly Museum, Skansen and more.
Excursion to the Skansen Museum.
Sanxen- the world's first open-air museum, representing the whole of Sweden in miniature. Here you can walk from the Sami camp in the north to the manor typical of Skåne province in the south.
Skansen was founded in 1891 by the explorer and ethnographer Arthur Hazelius and quickly gained great popularity. The whole of Sweden is represented here, because more than 160 houses and estates have been collected on the territory of Skansen different eras from all over the country. It also presents a variety of animals, both domestic and wild representatives of the Swedish fauna. Here you can walk in a beautiful park, have a delicious meal, and in the summer you can dance, listen to a concert, see artisans at work and buy high-quality goods in numerous souvenir shops and workshops.
Skansen is open all days of the year except Christmas Eve.
Skansen is located on Djurgarden Island in the heart of Stockholm. You can get there by bus numbers 44 and 47. Skansen can also be reached by ferry from Slussen, and in summer from the Nybroplan pier.
On some weekends, a tram from Norrmalmstorg also leaves for Skansen.
Please note that in spring and summer, from 6 pm Friday to 4 pm Sunday, Djurgården is closed to private car traffic.
Fun for kids in Skansen
The Skansen Sightseeing Mini Train departs from Bollnastorget Square, inviting you to take a leisurely ride around Skansen. Near the so-called small Skansen (Lill-Skansen) there are car rides and carousels.
At the bottom of the Skansen, there is a small entertainment area called Galejan with lottery ticket stands and swings. Attractions are open mainly in the summer.
Entry to the territory of Skansen with dogs is prohibited, with the exception of guide dogs accompanying blind visitors.
Royal Palace in Stockholm.
At the Royal Palace
which is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, there are more than 600 rooms.
The palace, which houses 5 museums, is open to the public.
The main part of the palace was built in the 1700s in the Italian Baroque style on the site of the old fortified palace "Tre Kronor", which burned down in 1697.
You can visit the Museum of Ancient Sculptures of King Gustav III, the Tre Kronor Museum and the treasury of the royal jewels Skattkammaren (Skattkammaren). The Armory of Livrustkammaren is also located in the Royal Palace, with royal clothes and weapons. In addition, the carriages for the coronation of kings from the former premises of the royal stables are exhibited there. Don't miss the military band parade and the daily changing of the guard outside the palace.
Tomteland Park
Santa's world is truly amazing. It is located in the thick of forests, not far from Gesundaberget, near Mora. The small village of Santa Claus is surrounded by frozen lakes and glittering waterfalls.
Here you will definitely see the Kingdom of the Trolls, the lands of the wonderful Princess of the Forests, the gardens of the beautiful fairy, the village of elves and much more. magical places, about which until now you have read only in fairy tales.
Everything is real in Santa's World! Rest assured, the most unexpected things can happen here! Trolls hide in the trees, elves peek out from behind branches on which beautiful berries are frozen; every evening the King and Queen of Winter come to the procession, lit by torches and sparkling fireworks. And the Witch and the Godmother love to play pranks on children most of all. Don't be surprised if you suddenly end up with a real Christmas tree - Julios or Sasquatch named Dusty...
You will not be bored in the wonderful world of Santa Claus - something unpredictable, exciting is constantly happening! In addition to all the adventures on stage and in the forests surrounding Santa's World, your own discoveries are waiting for you ... If you have a chance, visit the house of funny trolls, ride a sleigh, horses, meet reindeer, bake Christmas cookies ...
So, take someone by the hand and plunge into the world of miracles, magic and fantasy!
Astrid Lindgren Museum
Have you heard of Pippi long stocking? If you and your kids love Astrid Lindgren's children's books, then Junibacken in Stockholm is for you. It is located on the beautiful green island of Djurgården, a 10-minute bus ride from the city centre. It can also be reached by water - which is even more interesting.
This is not so much a museum as the world of characters from Astrid Lindgren and other Scandinavian children's writers, you and your children can easily spend the whole day here. The children will meet Pippi Longstocking and visit her home, Villa Villekulla, as well as meet Alfie Atkins, the Moomins and many other favorite characters from the books. Don't miss the Story Train from Vimmerby Station and take you into the world of Astrid Lindgren's stories.
Also noteworthy are the children's theater, a bookstore, handicrafts, and a face-painting workshop. And a pretty good restaurant in Junibacken serving traditional Swedish food.
Tom Tits Experiment
Tom Tits Experiment is a large complex where an elevator will take you to all floors of two buildings, around which there is a park with paths and attractions. Attractions include "Joy for Toddlers" with specially made equipment and entertainment for the youngest members of the family, "Park" showcasing aquatic and plant life, and "Optical Illusions" where you can see optical phenomena and magic tricks. Don't miss the amazing Chemist's Kitchen and Family Workshop on Saturdays and Sundays.
And if all this is not enough, there is a giant slide that runs through the four floors of the complex, which will allow you to learn in detail what speed and friction are, the "water rocket" in the park, as well as activities such as rat racing, riding on a bicycle on a wall or a tightrope, a show of soap bubbles, the opportunity to lie on a bed of nails or get lost in a maze of mirrors - and that's not all. You have probably already guessed that you can spend a lot of time in this wonderful complex, so it is worth taking at least half a day to visit.
The park is open throughout the summer months and has a good restaurant serving a wide range of hearty dishes, as well as a rich shop. By the way, all languages are spoken in Tom Tits Experiment.