Insider Travel Tips

Step into Sweden's rich Viking and cultural history.

The Viking Age had a significant impact on Sweden. With strong boats that allowed ocean travel and crossings, Vikings accumulated wealth by pillaging unsuspecting monasteries in Britain and Ireland, allowing them to travel even further and gain more wealth. Historiska museet is a Viking history museum. With over ten thousand items and relics in its vaults, from time spanning ten thousand years, including weapons, runestones, gold jewelry, and gold bracteates (flat gold pendants with punchwork and intricate artistic designs), drawings, religious objects, and pottery.

Stockholm was founded in 1252 as the Swedish state and the church’s wealth and influence were growing. The Black Death plague wiped out a third of the population, and at the end of the 14th century, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were united under the Union of Kalmar until Christian II of Denmark invaded. Following a rebellion, Sweden ceded from the union in 1523.

In 1697 King Karl XII began his warfare filled reign. Following his death, the government became more powerful and the enlightenment had begun by the end of the 17th century where artists, philosophers, and scientists emerged. When industrialization arrived in the second half of the 19th century, a new middle class emerged. Many small farmers were left behind, and nearly a quarter of the population, including many peasants fled and migrated to other countries.

In 1912 Sweden declared itself neutral and remained so through WWI. In the interwar period, Sweden had a Social Democrat-Liberal Coalition that brought many important reforms including suffrage for all adults over 23. Neutral again in WWII, Sweden made a controversial move in allowing Germany to pass through its territory en route to invade Norway.

Sweden joined the EU in 1995 and is a member of the United Nations. It enjoys a high standard of living in health care, education, and equality. Swedes are generally very progressive and don’t appreciate displays of racism, misogyny, homophobia, or other bigotry – joking or otherwise. Punctuality is taken seriously, so be on time, and say thank you regularly.