Moving to Sweden from Singapore? Our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide covers absolutely everything you need to know about moving from Singapore to Sweden.
With in-depth information and valuable resources, from how to apply for a visa to how to import common household items, from what the Swedish healthcare and education systems are like, to how to decide where to live, our Moving to Sweden from Singapore Guide will help you and your family have a safe, seamless, stress-free move to Sweden.
Chock-full of important international moving tips, as well as insights into Swedish customs and culture, including everything from table manners, commonly used words, holidays and food, to the sports Swedes like to play and watch, our Moving from Singapore to Sweden Guide will also assist you and your family assimilate into day-to-day life quickly and easily on arrival.
As the largest removals company in the world, with over 1,000 service centres across 180 countries, UniGroup Worldwide International Movers will help make your move to Sweden as smooth and stress-free as possible.
With over 85 years' experience, successfully delivering 48,000 international shipments annually, our overseas removal experts can help ensure your safe, seamless stress-free move to Sweden from Singapore.
UniGroup Worldwide International Movers moving Singaporeans to Sweden safely, seamlessly and stress-free
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Nationality
Swedish
National Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January Epiphany, 6 January Good Friday, Date fluctuates Easter Monday, Date fluctuates Labour Day, 1 May Ascension Day, Date fluctuates Whit Sunday, Date fluctuates Swedish National Day, 6 June Midsummer Eve, 24 June All Saint's Day, 1 November Christmas Day, 25 December Boxing Day, 26 December
Financial Year
Calendar year
Government Type
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
International Dialling Code
46
Country Domain Code
.se
Road Traffic
Drives on the right
Electricity
230V, 50Hz. European plugs
Emergency Numbers
112: General Emergencies 114 14: Non-emergency police 1177: Non-emergency medical advice 113 13: Information during accidents and crises
Time Zone
GMT+1 (GMT+2 from the end of March to the end of October)
Sweden, a country that has not participated in any wars for two centuries, runs a successful economy. Sweden’s economic formula, a mix of industrialism and substantial welfare elements, was challenged by high unemployment in the 1990s. During 2000 and 2002 and in 2009, economic downturns also put the formula in the spotlight. Over the past few years, fiscal discipline is one of the main reasons why the country has been able to withstand economic blows. In 1995, Sweden joined the EU but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.
Population
9,880,604
Population Growth Rate
0.81%
Median Age
total: 41.2 years
male: 40.2 years
female: 42.2 years
Life Expectancy
82.1 years
Location
Sweden
Geographic Coordinates
62 00 N, 15 00 E
Area
total: 450,295km2
land: 410,335km2
water: 39,960km2
Geography
Sweden is situated along the Danish Straits that links the North and Baltic Seas.
Capital
Stockholm geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E
Major Urban Areas and Population
Stockholm 1.486 Million
Sweden boasts mild temperatures in the south and experiences cold winters and partly cloudy summers. The north experiences subarctic conditions.
Sweden’s combination of free-market capitalism and extensive welfare benefits has allowed it to achieve high living standards. The country has chosen to remain outside of the euro zone. During 2014 and 2016, the country experienced modest economic growth, with real GDP growth above 2%. Sweden continues to deal with deflationary pressures.
GDP Per Capita
$49,700 USD
Taxes and Other Revenues
48% of GDP
Languages Spoken
Swedish
Major Ethnic Groups
Swedish Finnish
National Flag
National Anthem
"Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)
National Symbol(s)
Three crowns, Lion
National Colours
Blue, yellow
Quality of Life
Ranked 4th of 80 countries
Cost of Living
Ranked 18th of 104 countries
Education System
Ranked 12th of 187 countries
Healthcare System
Ranked 23rd of 190 countries
Happiness of Residents
Ranked 10th of 155 countries
Crime Rate
Ranked 64th of 117 countries
Suitability for Green Living
Ranked 3rd of 180 countries
Calculating moving to Sweden
The cost of moving to Sweden from Singapore comprises of a number of expenses, each with their own variables. The largest components will likely be the shipping of your household belongings and the relocation of you family. Beyond that, there are additional costs for visas, storage, insurance and temporary accommodation upon arrival.
The cost of shipping your belongings can vary dramatically depending on the volume you’re shipping, what you’re shipping, how and from where and to you ship it. For example, a sparsely furnished two to three bedroom home shipped by LCL (Less than Container Load) or Groupage sea freight from Singapore to Stockholm, Malmo or Uppsala could cost between S$2,220 to S$3,300, whereas a heavily furnished four-bedroom home shipped by FCL (Full Container Load) sea freight from and to the same ports may cost twice that. Furthermore, the cost would increase if you’re shipping antiques, a piano, wine, and/or expensive or bulky items that may require custom crating or packing. And if you’re in hurry to ship your belongings to Sweden, the same size homes could easily cost you tens of thousands of dollars to ship by air freight.
Given all these variables, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a detailed quote from an experienced, reputable international removalist like UniGroup Worldwide International Movers.
For more information on the different types of sea and air freight, their respective advantages, disadvantages and how to calculate their costs, read our in-depth guide, check out our Best Way to Move Overseas? Best Air & Sea Freight Options.
The average cost of an economy class ticket from the Singapore to Stockholm is from between S$780 and S$980 per person. So, relocating a family of four from Singapore to Sweden can be between S$3,120 and S$3,920 in airfares alone.
Additionally, if you are bringing any pets, there will be costs for their flight and any health checks or vaccinations required and possible quarantine charges on arrival. Roughly, a cat or medium-sized dog would cost between S$800 to S$1,600 to join you.
In addition to the cost of shipping your household goods, there are several other expenses involved in moving to Sweden, from visa application fees and temporary accommodation through to travel for yourself and your family.
Everyone that applies for a Swedish visa must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee. This application fee must be paid regardless of whether a visa is issued or not. The application fee for most Swedish work permits is SEK2,000.
For more information, visit How to Apply for a Swedish Visa.
There are several other costs involved in moving to Sweden, including:
Applying for a Swedish visa
While Singaporean citizens do not require a visa to visit Sweden, you will need a visa (known as a work permit) to work in Sweden. The most important rule to remember when applying for a Swedish work permit is that you should apply for and have been granted a work permit before you enter Sweden. While the specific requirements that you must adhere to depend upon the type of visa for which you apply, the application process is familiarly similar for all types of work permits.
If you need to apply for a Swedish work permit, you need to follow this process:
Keep in mind that there are special requirements (such as additional documentation and the use of specific forms) for particular occupations, including performers, berry pickers, au pairs, athletes and researchers. There are also special requirements for people who intend to be self-employed.
If you are a family member of a person who has a Swedish work permit, you can apply for a residence permit for the same period. If the residence permit is for more than six months, you can also apply for a work permit.
For the purposes of a residence permit, the following are deemed to be family members: wife, husband, de-facto partner and unmarried children under the age of 21. Unmarried children over 21 can apply for a permit, provided you can demonstrate that they are financially dependent.
The easiest way to apply for residency permits is for the person who has secured employment to apply for their entire family as part of their work permit application. Alternatively, you can submit a separate application by applying online.
There is a range of supporting documentation required for Swedish residence permits:
Applying for a Swedish Personal Identity Number
A Swedish Personal Identity Number comprises a 4-digit number and your date of birth in the following format: YYMMDD-XXXX. It used for a variety of purposes in Sweden, from accessing Sweden’s social security system through to opening bank accounts and for taxation purposes.
To apply for a Swedish Personal Identity Number, you must first be listed on the Swedish Population Register. To be listed on the Swedish Population Register, you need to hold a work permit and remain in Sweden for more than a year. You will then need to notify the Swedish Tax Agency by visiting your local Tax Agency office and supplying:
Once registered on the Swedish Population Register, you, your spouse and your dependent children will receive Personal Identity Numbers, which are tied to your residential address.
Deciding where to live in Sweden
If you’re not moving from Singapore to Sweden to a specific location for work, you’ll need to decide where to live. From low crime rates to superior quality health and education systems, there are many variables to consider when choosing the perfect place for you and your family to call home. Climate and weather can also play a large part in your decision, just as unemployment rates, average salary and the cost of living are likely to influence the location of your new home.
To help you decide where in Sweden will best suit both your needs and those of your family, some of the most important factors are outlined below.
The local unemployment rate is a good indication of whether the local job market is growing, stable, or contracting; this is particularly important if you will be looking for employment opportunities on arrival. This report by Swedish publication The Local shows where it is easiest to find a job in Sweden.
The average gross salary in Sweden is approximately SEK516,500 per annum (approximately S$87,535 per annum). However, given the size of the country, a better factor to consider when choosing where to live in Sweden is the local average salary, which provides a good indication of your likely earning potential. Luckily, Sweden enjoys an even average salary across regions. The Average Salary Survey publishes data on the average salaries in Sweden, both by city and occupation.
The average cost of living in Sweden is lower than that in Singapore. For example:
However, the average cost of living varies from region-to-region and city-to-city in Sweden. Investigate the average cost of living in your preferred locations so that you can budget accordingly.
The following list provides an idea of the average prices you can expect to pay for products and services in the most expensive part of Sweden: its capital city, Stockholm (although keep in mind that these prices will vary based on both location and provider):
Obviously, you want your family to live in a safe neighbourhood. Just how safe a neighbourhood is varies from city-to-city. So, before you decide where to live in Sweden, review the Swedish Crime Survey, which provides in-depth information on the crime rate in Sweden.
If you or your family members become ill, you need peace of mind that you’ll have access to quality local health care. Luckily, Sweden enjoys one of the most comprehensive health care systems in the world, regardless of which city you live. Health care is largely tax-funded, which means that everyone has equal access to health care services. In fact, in 2005, Sweden introduced a health care guarantee. Under this guarantee all patients will:
For more information, visit What is the Health Care System Like in Sweden?
If children will be accompanying you when you move to Sweden, you need reassurance that their education will be of the highest quality. Luckily, Sweden has an extremely comprehensive education system, regardless of the city in which you live. From the age of six, every child has access to free education, which is regulated through the national Education Act to ensure a friendly, safe environment for all children.
For more information, visit What is the Education and Schooling System Like in Sweden?
Sweden performs very well in many measures of population wellbeing when compared to most other countries in the OECD Better Life Index. In fact, Sweden ranks above average in almost all dimensions: environmental quality, civic engagement, education and skills, work-life balance, health status, subjective wellbeing, jobs and earnings, housing, personal safety and social connections. Plus, the city of Malmo features in the top ten of Europe’s happiest cities.
If you or any member of your family belong to a minority group, general levels of societal tolerance and diversity are important factors. As in any country, some cities in Sweden are more accepting of cultural, racial, religious and sexual differences, both socially and legally.
When deciding on where to live in Sweden, the average commute time can be an important consideration, particularly if you plan to drive to and from work every day. The average commute time in Sweden is 41 minutes per day. Commuting takes the most amount time for people living in suburban areas, outside large cities.
Sweden’s climate can vary considerably. In southern and central Sweden, winters are short, cold, and include snow from December to April. Temperatures average from -22°C (-7°F) to -3°C (26°F). However, summers are relatively warm, with temperatures averaging from 13°C (55°F) to 25°C (77°F). At the peak of summer in southern Sweden, there are 19 hours of daylight each day.
However, if you’re considering moving to the north of Sweden, which sits above the Arctic Circle, you need to keep in mind that winters are long and there is very little daylight. Temperatures often drop below -30°C (-22°F), snow starts to fall from October and there is little daylight for around two months of the year.
Two-thirds of Sweden is covered with woodland and forest. The west is mountainous, while the portion that sits in the Arctic Circle is icy and snowy. 8% of Sweden is covered in water, thanks to the 95,000 lakes that dot the landscape. The highest point of Sweden is Kebnekaise, which sits at 2,106m (6,909 feet). Most of Sweden’s population resides in urban centres. Be sure you know what sort of geography (and therefore outdoor recreational activities) is predominant in your new home before you decide to move there.
There are three weather zones in Sweden:
For more information on the most popular Swedish cities in which to live, visit:
Deciding when to move to Sweden
Because Sweden is a large country, the best time to move there is highly location specific. In fact, two of the most important factors to consider are the weather (you don’t want to move in heavy snow or temperatures of -30°C (-22°F) and the holiday seasons (which are generally a more expensive time to move).
If possible, time your move to Sweden so that you don’t need to cope with snowdrifts and freezing temperature. If you’re moving to the southern part of Sweden that has temperate weather, you don’t need to put as much time into planning your move. However, if you’re moving to the middle or northern zones of Sweden, it’s best to avoid moving in winter when daylight is limited and snowfall could interrupt your plans.
The weather in Sweden is quite varied:
Moving during holiday seasons in any country is generally more expensive. If possible, avoid the following holiday seasons in Sweden:
Types of schools in Sweden, and how to choose one
From the age of six, every child has equal access to free education in Sweden. The Swedish school system is regulated through the Education Act, which ensures a safe and friendly environment for students and mandates nine years of school attendance for all children from the year they turn seven. In the Swedish Education System:
There are several types of schools in Sweden, meaning expats will have options at all levels. The main types of schooling available to Singaporean are public, private and international schools.
Public schools are open to all Swedish residents and students are automatically placed in a nearby public school when they turn seven. The standard of public schooling in Sweden is high and most Swedish children attend a public school.
If you’re planning to stay in Sweden long-term, sending your children to a public school is a great option; public schools generally provide expat children with additional help to learn Swedish. If you’re only in Sweden for a short time, it is better to enrol at an international school where the language of instruction is English and the curriculum will be like what your children are used to.
The high-quality public school system means that private schooling isn’t as popular in Sweden as it is in Singapore. There are, however, many private schools in Sweden. The key difference between private and public schooling in Sweden is that private school aren’t required to follow the national curriculum, which makes it a popular choice for parents who are seeking a different learning experience than what the public program offers. Private school are funded by a combination of fees, donations and state funding.
International schools are found in the major cities throughout Sweden and usually follow the American or British curriculum. English is the main language of instruction, although there are some schools that teach in Swedish. Some international schools prepare students for the International Baccalaureate examination and diploma, qualifying graduates for entry to universities outside of Sweden. Waiting lists for international schools can be long and the fees can be very expensive. Find your local International Baccalaureate school here.
In Sweden, the Riksdag (parliament) and Government have overall responsibility for tertiary and higher education and research in Sweden and make all decisions about targets, guidelines and the allocation of resources.
The structure of tertiary education in Sweden follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), designed to help recognition of a student’s studies between different institutions and countries. As such, all tertiary education in Sweden is divided into Bachelor, Master and research levels. As one progresses through these cycles, each year of full-time study corresponds to the ECTS standard of 60 credits, facilitating transfer and equal recognition throughout Europe.
Bachelor programs or an undergraduate program is the first step of tertiary education, following Gymnasium. These courses usually take three years and after the bachelor degree has been awarded, students can either choose to enter the workforce or conduct further studies, such as a masters or PhD program.
Masters programs can take one or two years to complete and builds upon the knowledge gained during the bachelor program.
A PhD or doctoral program is focused on research and the creation of a dissertation or thesis. This stage can take several years to complete, although the duration and nature of the degree varies between universities.
There are two main types of tertiary education institutions in Sweden: university (universite) and university college (högskola). There is very little difference between the two institutions, except that universities have the authority to award PhD degrees while university colleges don’t. For further information, visit:
To assist you in finding the most appropriate school for your children, visit:
Shipping household goods to Sweden
If you’re moving to Sweden, then a huge part of the process is going to involve shipping your household belongings to Sweden and associated customs requirements. To ensure that your household items arrive in Sweden safe and sound and clear customs as quickly and easily as possible, be sure to follow our advice on the documents required, customs prescriptions and other tips and suggestions below.
Keep in mind that when shipping your household belongings to Sweden, exemption is granted for goods other than spirits, liquors, wines, export beers and tobacco products if they are:
For the safe shipment and smooth customs clearance of your household goods, you’ll need to ensure that the following documentation is completed as accurately as possible and provide:
For more information about how to ship household goods to Sweden, visit Swedish Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
Importing vehicles into Sweden
You can import cars, trucks, caravans, campervans and motorbikes into Sweden so long as the relevant customs requirements are met. These requirements include safety and emission standards, proof of ownership and cleanliness standards. To help ensure that you meet customs requirements and that the clearance of your vehicle is as smooth as possible, follow our advice below.
The process for importing vehicles into Sweden is:
Before attempting to import any vehicle into Sweden, you must ensure that the vehicle meets all European Union emissions standards, including:
Expats that register cars in Sweden need to be prepared to pay taxes on the import of the vehicle, as well as the taxes that exist for all driving Swedish residents.
There are no import duties to import vehicles that have driven for less than 6,000km and have been owned for more than six months. However, Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable if either of those conditions are satisfied. For example, if you have owned the car for six months and it has only travelled 1,000km (620 miles), you will still need to VAT.
VAT is based on the value of the vehicle you are importing, plus shipping fees. Swedish Customs will add a 10% duty on the value of the car plus shipping fees and the Tax Authority will also add a 25% tax based on the value of the vehicle and shipping fees. This could add up to thousands of dollars, so if you don’t satisfy the requirements to avoid paying VAT, you may wish to consider leaving your vehicle in Singapore. Visit Transport Sweden for further information.
All vehicles registered in Sweden are subject to a vehicle tax, which is tied to the amount of CO2 emissions that your car produces. For a petrol car, the tax is calculated at a base rate of SEK320, plus SEK22 for every gram of CO2 that your car produces over 111g/km. This rate is multiplied by 2.37 for diesel cars, plus additional charges of SEK250 for diesel cars registered after 2008 and SEK500 for diesel cars registered before 2008. The vehicle tax is paid in advance for the period of a year. If the total cost of the tax is more than SEK3,600, the tax is paid in three installments.
For more information about How to Import Cars into Sweden visit Swedish Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
Importing pets into Sweden
You can take most pets to Sweden, so long as they are free from infectious diseases that are transmittable to humans and are not deemed harmful to the environment. As such, importing most cats, dogs, birds and reptiles is possible. General laws and regulations for importing pets into Sweden include:
There are also specific requirements for importing different types of pets, each of which is outlined in detail below.
You can import your pet dog, cat or ferret into Sweden, so long as it is free from infectious diseases that are transmittable to humans and is not deemed harmful to the environment. To import your dog, cat or ferret into Sweden, you must keep in mind:
To import a bird into Sweden, you must ensure the following requirements are met:
To import a horse into Sweden, you must ensure the following requirements are met:
When it comes to importing other types of animals into Sweden, please be sure to visit the Swedish Board of Agriculture for full details, in addition to the following:
For more information about how to import pets into Sweden, visit Swedish Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
Importing weapons into Sweden
Singaporeans need a permit to import all arms and dangerous articles into Sweden. Guns, ammunition, switchblades, stilettos, knuckledusters, truncheons, karate sticks, maces and ripping gloves are all considered as dangerous articles.
To apply for a permit to import weapons and dangerous article into Sweden, you need to:
Upon arrival in Sweden, you will need to apply for a weapons licence:
For more information about how to import weapons into Sweden, visit Swedish Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
Importing alcohol into Sweden
You may import wines and other alcoholic beverages into Sweden as part of your household goods shipment, so long as the alcohol is for personal use. Keep in mind the following requirements:
For more information about How to Import Alcohol into Sweden, visit Swedish Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
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The Swedish Board of Agriculture controls the import of plants into Sweden. The rules and regulations around the importation of plants into Sweden are quite strict. As such, it is worth considering whether to include plants in your shipment of household goods. If you decide to import plants into Sweden, keep in mind the following requirements:
For more information about How to Import Plants into Sweden, visit Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.
Finding employment in Sweden
If your spouse and children are accompanying you on your relocation, you’ll need to start researching employment opportunities. Follow our tips for the easiest job seek possible, from using the most popular employment websites and best recruitment agencies in Sweden through to how to establish a business in Sweden.
Some of the major employment websites in Sweden are:
Alternatively, you may wish to register with a recruitment agency. Some of the major professional recruitment agencies in Sweden include:
Some of the major executive recruitment agencies in Sweden include:
If you or your partner are considering self-employment or establishing your own business in Sweden, the following resources may be useful:
The Swedish Government provides a range of resources designed to make securing employment easier:
Working in Sweden
Understanding the workplace culture of Sweden is key to making a smooth transition into your new role. It can be difficult to make generalisations about working culture, with there being several differences from company-to-company and industry-to-industry. However, hard work is generally respected and expected, with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for one’s company, career and industry commonplace.
Most Swedes, particularly those that work in a corporate environment, are fluent in English. As such, expats will have little difficulty in communicating with their coworkers. However, learning a few Swedish phrases will be appreciated.
In business, Swedes tend to be polite and somewhat reserved. Business is conducted in a direct fashion, with honesty appreciated and obfuscation discouraged. It is rare for conflicts to take place in the workplace.
Swedish workplaces usually respect collaboration and teamwork, with decisions being made by consensus rather than by executives.
Greeting in a business setting should consist of a firm handshake while introducing yourself and maintaining eye contact. If entering a room of people, you should move around the room and introduce yourself to each person, unless you are introduced to the room by someone else.
Titles are not particularly important in Sweden. You may wish to use titles when beginning a new business relationship, but you will likely find that you are invited to use first names quickly, especially amongst younger Swedes.
Business meetings in Sweden are much the same as those in Singapore:
Communication via email should be no different than any other form of business communication—it should remain professional at all times. When first contacting a person via email, you should use some degree of formality. As your business relationship progresses, you can adopt a friendlier, more casual tone. Some tips for email communication:
Business communication via text message is becoming more common in Sweden. However, the appropriateness of texting as a business communication method varies from company-to-company and industry-to-industry and can sometimes even be influenced by regulations.
For instance, a real estate agent and their client may regularly use text messages for communication, particularly as it is an easy communication method to use whilst on the go. However, a financial advisor may be prohibited from texting clients due to security and privacy concerns.
Business hours can vary depending on the industry, location and even company. General business hours include:
Swedes are known for being fashionable dressers, but expats should avoid flashy or obviously expensive clothing as this is seen negatively as a ‘status symbol’.
Men should wear dark business suits and women should wear conservative suits or dresses. There is little difference in dress between management and staff in Sweden.
Dress code does vary throughout companies and in some businesses the dress code may be very informal. Slacks, open-neck shirts and even jeans and a t-shirt may be acceptable in some workplaces. However, you should always wear a suit for your first day and take your cue from other workers.
Office etiquette in Sweden is similar to that of Singapore. Hard work is expected and respected and high levels of manners and politeness are the norm. While Swedes are quite informal in many ways, this informality is always tempered with respect (particularly for more senior management) and political correctness.
Swedes are famously hard workers, but the strength of unions and the social democratic nature of the country’s politics mean that worker’s rights are protected and long vacations and holiday periods are enjoyed by everyone.
Swedish workers take pride in their work and Swedish companies are sought after by international businesses due to their attention to detail and commitment to fulfilling contracts.
Swedes enjoy a good work-life balance and while hard work is appreciated, you will also have plenty of freedom to engage in leisure time and cultivate your life outside of work.
Gift giving is not common in Swedish business culture. You should only give gifts if you receive gifts from your colleagues.
In some instances, it may be appropriate to give business associates small gifts (such as chocolates, wine or flowers) when invited to a colleague’s home or for a client's Christmas gift.
It is Swedish custom to at first refuse the gift. So, if you feel as though the gift is appropriate, politely insist until they accept.
To help ensure that you’re successful in the Swedish world of business and to avoid any faux pas when you first arrive:
Customs and social norms in Sweden
If you’re an Singaporean moving to Sweden, you’ll need to investigate local Swedish customs and common cultural differences in Sweden to help you and your family, assimilate more easily into Swedish culture on arrival. Luckily, you can follow our in-depth guide below that takes you through everything from the Swedes anti-social façade and egalitarianism through to table manners and commonly used words.
Singaporeans may find Swedes to be slightly unfriendly at first. While Swedes are reserved and somewhat cold, this should not be perceived as unfriendliness. Once you are used to the Swedish way of socialising, you will find that they are incredibly welcoming, friendly and generous.
Modern Sweden is based on equality at all levels. This is evident in business, in families, and in everyday life. Wanting to be the best, the richest or the most talented isn’t the object of Swedish ambition. Instead, most Swedes are more concerned with ensuring that everyone gets what they deserve. This extends to the Law of Jante, which is common throughout Nordic countries. The Law of Jante—“You are not better than anyone else”—is a desire for common and collective success, rather than individual success.
The Church of Sweden (Svenska kyrkan) is Evangelical Lutheran and is the largest religion in Sweden, accounting for 64% of the population. However, it is only since 2000 that Swedes do not automatically become a member of the Church of Sweden at birth and record numbers of Swedes have left the church in recent years. In reality, Sweden is a fairly secular society, with surveys indicating that only 8% Swedes attend any religious services regularly and levels of worship drop every year.
Swedish society is marked by tolerance, and freedom of religion is enforced at a state-level. Sweden has a sizeable immigrant community, meaning that Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as other religions are practiced throughout the country.
Much like in Singapore, good manners and politeness are important in Sweden. To ensure that you exhibit good manners when you arrive in Sweden, follow our list of tips:
Table manners are important in Sweden. So, to ensure you make a good impression at your first dinner party or your first meal out a restaurant, follow these handy tips and tricks on good table manners:
Swedish table etiquette follows the continental style in that the knife is held in the right hand and the fork is held in the left throughout meal. It is important to use a butter knife to butter your bread and after finishing your meal, the knife and fork should be placed on your plate next to each other.
It is also considered impolite to leave food on your plate.
There are some behaviours that should be avoided when eating in Sweden, including:
Swedes are very reserved during conversation. While at first this may seem cold or brusque to some people, they rarely mean to be offensive. To help ensure you’re neither offended nor offend others when you first arrive in Sweden, follow these rules:
English is widely spoken in Sweden, thanks to the emphasis placed on learning English at school. It is rare to meet a Swede who can’t speak English; usually only older generations or immigrants (for whom their second language is Swedish) cannot speak English. However, it is important that you try to learn some Swedish, particularly as understanding people around you will help you feel more at home.
Try substituting the following Swedish words for their English counterparts:
The Swedish language has nine vowels: a, e, i, o, u, y, å, ä and ö. These differ in terms of the type of sound and length of sound that they make:
The Swedish constants also have a difference pronunciation when compared to English:
For more information on Swedish pronunciation, visit Learning Swedish.
Maintaining a good credit rating is important in Sweden, as it influences loan and credit card applications. There are three major credit bureaus in Sweden (UC, Soliditet and Creditsafe), which collect credit rating information. Several factors affect your credit score, some of which include:
Most popular sports to play and watch in Sweden
Swedes enjoy engaging in physical activity, particularly in the form of outdoor sports, such as skiing, hiking, ice-skating and climbing. Soccer is also hugely popular, both to play and watch. Professional-level sports in Sweden include soccer, handball, ice hockey and basketball. Games attract huge crowds at high school, college and professional levels.
Soccer or football is the most popular sport in Sweden. The national team is successful and features star players, including Zlatan Ibrahimović. The national league, the Allsvenskan, is also strong and has been running since 1931. The league features 14 teams and runs from April to October.
Handball is popular throughout the Nordic countries. The Handbollsligan is the top national competition, featuring 14 teams and a history of over 80 years. The champion of each season progresses to the EHF Champions League. The national team has won four Olympic silver medals.
The Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is the second-most watched professional sporting league in Sweden. It commenced in 1975, features 14 teams, and the season runs from late-September to April. The national team has won the world championships nine times and won gold medals at the 1994 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
The Basketligan is the top national basketball competition, with nine teams competing for the annual championship. BC Lulea is the most successful team with nine league titles. Sweden also fields a national team in the Olympics.
There is significant interest in sports such as tennis, bandy, golf and rugby. Winter sports, such as skiing and ice-skating, are also incredibly popular throughout Sweden.
It won't be difficult to join a local sporting team. The best place to start is at a local YMCA or local private club. If you're interested in soccer you may find that recreational groups have informal games at local parks. Most towns will also have club for anyone wishing to play competitive soccer, handball, ice hockey or basketball.
Fitness is an essential part of Swedish daily life and culture. Most Swedes will engage in some form of exercise daily and some companies even subsidise gym memberships for employees. Most cities and towns have local fitness facilities. YMCAs are a great option for exercising on a budget, while private gyms and clubs offer an incredible range of facilities at a higher price. Some of the larger private gyms include:
If you want to exercise for free, take advantage of jogging and bike paths. You can also use the sporting facilities of some local schools on weekends.
Celebrating holidays and traditions in Sweden
There are many different types of holidays and traditions celebrated in Sweden, from religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter through to cultural celebrations such as Midsummer and the National Day of Sweden, as well as more general school holidays. Read our guide below so that you understand the meaning behind each tradition, as well as how and when they are celebrated.
The Swedish academic year begins in mid-August and runs until the beginning of June in the following year. The school year is divided into two semesters, known as the Autumn and Spring Terms, with the following holiday periods observed:
Sweden observes several federal public holidays, each of which is outlined below. If a federal public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is moved to the first available weekday.
New Year’s Day celebrates the beginning of the new calendar year. Generally, people attend large parties on the night of 31 December, ringing in the New Year at midnight.
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. Practicing Christians attend religious ceremonies, but most Swedes use the day to relax and spend time with friends and family.
A Christian holiday, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion three days prior. Swedes often take advantage of the long weekend to go on a short holiday.
A day dedicated to the rights of workers and an important holiday in the Swedish calendar. Marches are held throughout major cities and towns so that workers may voice their grievances and enact change.
A Christian feast day that celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ’s earthly body into heaven. However, with declining numbers of Swedes practicing Christianity, it is becoming more and more secularised.
This day celebrates King Gustav Vasa’s ascension to the throne in 1523, a moment which marked the creation of modern Sweden. People celebrate by attending ceremonies, carrying flags and donning the Swedish colours of yellow and blue.
The holiday is centred around the summer solstice. Huge celebrations and parties take place across the country to celebrate the longest day of the year and summer. Traditional celebrations include the erection of a maypole for revelers to dance around and the decoration of houses in green plants, as this is thought to bring good luck and health.
A day dedicated to all Christian saints and an acknowledgment of the connection that exists between heaven and earth. People traditionally place candles and lanterns on the graves of loved ones. This day also signals the beginning of winter in the north of Sweden and the commencement of the alpine snow season.
The chief celebrations for Christmas take place on Christmas Eve in Sweden. Celebrations are similar to Singaporean customs, with families coming together to feast, swap presents and celebrate the moment. Some Swedes use the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but it has become secularised throughout much of Sweden.
Most people decorate their homes with Christmas lights and Christmas trees and children believe that Santa Claus will visit their home and bring them gifts, so long as they have been well behaved.
Families use this day to relax and clean up after the Christmas festivities, while many Swedes will also head to the mountains for the ski season. A key tradition of Boxing Day in Sweden is the kick-off of the bandy season. Bandy is a team winter sport played on ice, similar to ice hockey. On Boxing Day, several elite teams play off against each other, drawing huge crowds.
In addition to federal public holidays, there are various other holidays, festivals and celebrations observed by the Swedish population, each of which is outlined below.
Much the same as Valentine’s Day in Singapore, this festival is celebrated in memory of St Valentine. The key part of day for Swedes is to show their love and appreciation for each other.
Like most of the world, Sweden turns green on the 17th of March to celebrate Irish culture. There are a number of celebrations throughout Sweden, including the march through Stockholm by the Swedish Irish Society.
Warpurgis Night celebrates the coming of Spring, with customary celebrations consisting of gathering around a bonfire and eating gravlax (fresh salmon cured in sugar, salt and dill).
Passover is a Jewish tradition, which lasts for eight days and celebrates the survivals of the Jews in Egypt. The tradition is marked with ritual dinners called Seder. While Passover is not a federal public holiday, most Jewish companies close during this period.
Just like Mother’s Day in Singapore, children of all ages use this day to show their appreciation for their mother, often buying presents and gifts.
Once again, just like Father’s Day in Singapore, children of all ages use this day to show their appreciation for their father, often buying presents and gifts.
Halloween began in European cultures, which believe that on this day magic is at its most potent, with ghosts and spirits able to contact the physical world. Halloween was first celebrated to keep the evil spirits at bay. However, the customs in Sweden have largely been adopted from America. Young children dress up and go door to door to “trick or treat’ their neighbors, and people decorate their homes with ‘Jack-O-Lanterns’, which are hollowed-out pumpkins with a candle inside.
St Lucia Day is observed in the lead up to Christmas. It is a celebration of light and a way of warding off the long, dark days of winter. The chief celebration involves young girls or women dressing in white and wearing a crown of candles. Pictures of St Lucia are also placed around Sweden.
The eating and drinking culture of Sweden
A key way to experience the culture of a new country is through their food and beverages, and Sweden is no different. Not only does Sweden have its own unique foods and drinks, it also offers a range of culturally diverse options due to its rich cultural heritage. You’ll also need to be aware of some cultural norms when it comes to food and drink in Sweden, such as expectations around tipping and the legal drinking age.
The homogeneous culture that Sweden has had for so many years means that there are lots of Swedish foods. While the influx of migration has brought new types of foods and cuisines into the country, the following are undeniably Swedish:
Swedish beverages include glogg (mulled wine), filmjok (cultured milk), punch, and Swedish cider, including popular brands such as Kopparberg and Rekordelig.
Swedes love dining out and Singaporeans will notice that the dining culture is quite similar to that of Singapore. International cuisines are available, especially in larger cities. Gothenburg is recognised as having the finest restaurant culture, while Stockholm is noted for the diversity of cuisine.
Swedish restaurants are known for smorgasbord, which consists of sharing from large dishes of food. Sweden is also famous for fine seafood dining, with salmon being a specialty. You can also be treated to old-fashioned home cooking at a husmanskost restaurant.
Standard dining etiquette is observed in Sweden; don't speak too loudly, don't place your elbows on the table, don't burp and don't speak with your mouth full. Also keep in mind that at lunchtime, restaurants will happily split the cheque, but at dinner one cheque is given and it is customary for diners to split the bill.
There is no standard restaurant rating system in Sweden, although newspapers and magazines regularly print reviews. The easiest way to find restaurants and view their ratings is by visiting review websites:
Service charges are usually included in the bill at bars, restaurants and hotels. However, Swedes will often add an extra tip for good service. A tip of 10% is an appropriate amount. When ordering drinks at a bar, it is customary to leave the change (within reason) as a tip.
To buy alcohol from a store (or a systembolaget, as they are known in Sweden), you must be at least 20 years old. However, the legal age for drinking in a bar is 18.
The quality of food in Sweden is very high. Food is fresh or snap frozen at the source and shipped by air. As such, food is very safe, with no need to disinfect surfaces–rinsing fruit and vegetables in tap water is sufficient.
The most common means of shopping for food is in large chain supermarkets. These are self-serve, with people pushing a shopping cart up and down the aisles. Some of the larger supermarket chains include:
A rising trend in Sweden is home delivered meal-kit options, including Linas Matkasse, which is considered to be the first home delivered meal-kit provider in the world.
Housing in Sweden
If you’re not moving to Sweden from Singapore for work or your employer hasn’t secured housing for you, you’ll need investigate potential properties to buy or rent in Sweden.
A good place to start your real estate search is some of the most popular real estate search websites. These will give you an idea of the type of housing available, as well as the average cost. Try:
If you’re planning on renting property in Sweden, keep in mind:
If you’re planning on buying property in Sweden, keep in mind:
Housing types, styles, and even availability vary from region-to-region in Sweden. However, some general facts you can expect about housing in Sweden include:
There are two types of houses in Sweden:
Apartments in Sweden may be:
Getting around in Sweden
Getting around Sweden is easy for expats, thanks to the clean, efficient and punctual public transport system and the excellently maintained roads. You can easily move between cities and regions and even reach the remote far north with relative ease, meaning Singaporeans can make the most of everything that Sweden has to offer.
If you plan to drive once you arrive in Sweden, there are several different road rules of which you should make yourself aware:
Singaporean drivers’ licences can be used in Sweden for up to one year. After that, you will need to convert your licence into a Swedish licence. To convert your licence, Singaporeans need to:
Sweden has a clean, efficient and extensive public transport system, meaning expats can easily move around without a car.
Statens Jarnvagar (SJ) runs the national railways, providing Stockholm, Helsingborg, Gothenburg and Malmo with hourly trains. There are first and second-class carriages available for regional travel and some trains even have entertainment facilities for children. Train lines are extensive and are by far the fastest way to travel throughout Sweden. They are also run on renewable energy sources, making train travel an extremely environmentally friendly form of travel throughout Sweden.
The Swedish bus network is made up of national long-distance routes and county bus networks. The largest bus network is Swebus Express, which features buses with toilet facilities, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, at convenience stores and on-board. Online purchase offers the cheapest prices. The same ticket can be used for travel on trains and county buses.
The only subway system in Sweden operates in Stockholm. It consists of seven lines and 200 stations, making it an effective way to travel around the city. The cities of Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Jonkoping, Linkoping, Lund, Malmo, Stockholm and Uppsala also have tram systems.
Taxis (or ‘cabs’) are available throughout Sweden. Taxis can be hailed from the side of the street with the wave of a hand or a whistle, at taxi ranks or booked over the phone. While taxis are convenient for travelling short distances, they can be expensive. The system has been deregulated, which means prices can vary. Reputable companies include Taxi Kurir, Top Cab, Taxi 020, Taxi Transfer and Taxi Stockholm.
A relatively new company, Uber is an app-based ride share cab company. Using Uber, you can hire a driver to pick you up in their private car and take you to your desired destination. The nearest driver can be at your pickup location within minutes.
Stockholm-Arlanda is the busiest airport in Sweden and the base of many domestic airlines. Domestic flights are very expensive and with such extensive public transportation available, flying may not be the best option for travelling around Sweden. Air Sweden is the national airline. Smaller regional carriers also provide services on specialised routes.
While air travel is fast, passengers should allow ample time to clear immigration, customs and security, particularly for international flights.
Prohibited items when shipping goods to Sweden
Many dangerous or prohibited goods cannot be shipped to Sweden. People attempting to import prohibited items into Sweden may be subject to a penalty, and the items may be seized by customs officials. To help ensure that your goods are not seized and that your entire shipment is not delayed, follow our guide on prohibited items.
General items prohibited from entry into the Sweden include:
Any products made from endangered or threatened wildlife, as defined by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora are prohibited from entry into Sweden.
Restricted items when shipping goods to Sweden
When shipping items to Sweden, some items are subject to restrictions and will require additional precautions. People attempting to import restricted items into Sweden may be subject to a penalty and the items may be seized by customs officials. To help ensure that your goods are not seized and that your entire shipment is not delayed, follow our guide on restricted items.
Money totalling more than SEK95,000 must be declared to customs officials upon entering Sweden.
Expats are prohibited from bringing any foodstuffs into Sweden, unless they have a permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
The healthcare system in Sweden
The Swedish health care system is universally regarded as being one of the finest in the world. Its efficacy comes down to the fact that the public health care system gives everyone free access to quality health care. Plus, Sweden also enjoys one of the highest doctor-patient ratios in the world.
Health care is largely tax-funded, with one tenth of the Swedish Government’s GDP invested into the health care system. This means that everyone has equal access to health care services. In fact, in 2005, Sweden introduced a health care guarantee. Under this guarantee, all patients will:
The only reason that expats would choose to invest in private health care insurance is to avoid wait times of up to 90 days. Plus, dental care is not completely free, although it is subsidised.
The public health care system is so good that private health insurance is a relative rarity. The only benefit of private health care is that waiting times are avoided. Apart from this, you will be treated by the same doctors and in the same facilities as public health care patients. Having all your dental bills covered is also a benefit of private health insurance.
If you’d like to take out private health insurance to be safe, you should talk to your employer about including it in your salary package, as Swedish companies often provide this to attract talent.
Private health insurance is so rare in Sweden that there aren’t many companies offering this type of insurance. The main provider of private health insurance in Sweden is Skandia.
Emergency medical services in Sweden are available to all residents. If you have a medical emergency, dial ‘112’ on your phone to request an ambulance (as well as the police and the fire brigade). The operator will dispatch the ambulance as quickly as possible. Paramedics are highly trained to provide excellent care.
If the situation is not an emergency, but is serious enough to require a visit to a hospital, you should go to the nearest Akutmottagningen or emergency room.
You should learn the following Swedish phrases in case of emergency:
While it is useful to know these phrases, most emergency personnel will have an excellent command of English, so speaking Swedish isn’t integral to getting the help you need.
Pharmacies are known as Apotek in Sweden. All pharmacies are state-owned and only sell medications. They are typically open from 9am to 6pm. In Stockholm, there are also several 24-hour pharmacies.
There are strict regulations in place for the prescription of medicine and you may need prescriptions to access drugs that are sold as over-the-counter medications in Singapore.
Attendants will generally speak English and it is possible to have medical information printed in English.
International prescriptions will not be filled by Swedish pharmacies. You will need to take a copy of your Singaporean prescription to a Swedish doctor and have them write you a local prescription.
Electricity, water and gas utilities in Sweden
When moving to Sweden, you’ll need to understand how electricity, water and gas utilities work, from the biggest utility companies in the market to connecting your services, as well as whether your Singaporean appliances and electronics will work in Sweden.
Once you’ve found a property to rent or buy, you’ll need to Organise the connection of your electricity, water and gas utilities. Some things to keep in mind:
Your Singaporean appliances and other household electronics may not work in Sweden due to three potential compatibility issues: the plug, the voltage and the frequency.
The different power plug is easy to overcome with a plug adapter. However, the difference in electricity voltage and frequency can be more challenging. In Singapore, electricity is 230 volts, at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Generally, many electronic items nowadays (like computers and peripherals) can run on both voltages and frequencies. You just need to check their power labels or manuals for ‘110-240v 50/60Hz’ before plugging them in for the first time in Sweden. And if they can’t run on both voltages, there is still a chance they’ll work by purchasing ‘step-down’ voltage transformers. However, these transformers can be costly, bulky, unsightly and inconvenient.
You should therefore thoroughly check the manuals of all your appliances and electronics to ensure they are compatible with Swedish voltages and frequencies before incurring the cost of shipping over items that might be useless upon arrival. Buying new or secondhand appliances and electronics once you arrive may not only be more cost-effective, but your only solution.
Mobile phones and the internet in Sweden
There is any number of mobile phone and internet providers in Sweden, all of which offer differing services at various price points. If you do your research and compare companies, you can save a lot of money.
Sweden is considered to have one of the most technically advanced internet systems in the world, with half of the municipalities having access to fibre-optical networks. DSL is the most popular method of connection.
The main mobile phone providers are:
The main internet providers are:
Keeping in touch with family and friends from Sweden
Moving to Sweden to work is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons by experiencing a new culture. However, it’s also a confronting experience that involves moving away from the friends and family you love. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for you to stay connected after your relocation, from mobile phones and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) apps, like Skype and WhatsApp, through to the Swedish Postal Service.
To make an international call from Sweden, you'll need to dial:
The area code:
Different carriers will have different international call rates, so make sure you confirm these rates early on.
One of the cheapest way to make an international call from your mobile is to take advantage of a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) app, such as:
If you use any of these apps while you're connected to Wi-Fi, you'll save a lot of money. You also won't have to worry about international country codes—just click on the contact and press call. You also have the option of making videos call over Skype, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime, helping you feel more connected to your friends and family.
Sweden enjoys some of the fastest internet connectivity in the world, making it easy to keep in touch with friends and family. The Internet offers you round-the-clock access to the people you miss back home. Email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all allow you to stay connected and you can also use your computer and/or smartphone to make international calls via Facebook and Skype.
Most cities throughout Sweden will offer free public Wi-Fi access points, so keep an eye out for the Wi-Fi symbol to increase your connectivity.
PostNord AB runs Sweden’s postal service and it is efficient and reliable. International airmail is typically delivered in five to seven days, while ground mail will arrive in four to five weeks.
Paying tax in Sweden
Taxes are central to Sweden’s social democratic style of politics. While working in Sweden, you will be required to pay taxes. These include income tax, sales tax and capital gains tax. So that you understand personal taxation obligations, be sure to read through the in-depth resources below.
If you are an employee, income tax is taken directly from your paycheck, so you won’t need to set aside money each month. If you are self-employed or have your own company, you will be responsible for paying your own income tax.
Whether you’re an employee or self-employed, each year you will need to complete a tax return, which declares how much money you’ve earnt, how much tax you’ve paid and, therefore, whether you’re owed a refund (or if you owe more tax).
Income tax rates are as follows:
For more information on filing a tax return and paying taxes, visit the Swedish Tax Agency.
The sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) is taxed at a flat rate of 25%. There are some exceptions, including food, sales related to cultural events (such as tickets and publications) and services such as renting a hotel room.
All capital gains are taxed at a flat rate of 30%.
Things to see and do in Sweden
Sweden is a country of incredibly natural beauty, an enviable lifestyle, and a long and storied culture. It is the land of Vikings, snow, ice, untouched forest, ABBA, IKEA and endless days in Summer. It is also incredibly accessible, meaning expats will have ample opportunities to take in all the wonders that make Sweden such an international destination. It would be almost impossible to list every sight to see, so the list below should be viewed as a starting point. Make your own discoveries about the natural and cultural wonders that Sweden has to offer.
Astrid Lindgren is the creator of such iconic characters as Pippi Longstocking, Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter and Karlsson-on-the-Roof. At Astrid Lindgren’s Varld, in Vimmerby, Smaland, you can be part of her universe. You can stay for a night in the houses at The Tiny Town and take in the 50 different theatre performances that take place in the park during summer.
While Sweden and beaches don’t automatically seem like a good fit, the country is blessed with miles of stunning beaches. As soon as the weather warms up, Swedes flock to the coast for sunbathing and windsurfing.
The Bohuslan province was the centre of ancient Swedish culture, from the Bronze Age to the Vikings. The entire province is littered with museums and displays of archeological finds.
Gothenburg is a stunning city, full of history, incredible dining experiences and the home of Sweden’s most famous export, Volvo Cars. The Nortstaden Kronhuset is the city’s most picturesque area and the City Museum offers an incredible look at what made Gothenburg the city it is today. This slick stylish city effortlessly combines the new and the old. You also can’t miss the opportunity to cruise up the 19th century Gota Canal.
Sweden has 97,500 lakes and the highlights are found in Lakeland. The area goes from Gothenburg to Uppsala and the Baltic Coast. Hire a car and travel through endless stunning scenery, spy out medieval castles and relax in picturesque villages. This area is also home to Santaworld, a theme park that will transport adults back to the magic of childhood Christmases.
The scenic town of Lund was founded by King Sven Tveskagg over 1,000 years ago. The 12th century cathedral and 14th century astronomical clock sit amongst hordes of students that attend the finest university in Sweden: Lund University. The highlight of the town is the preserved medieval streets in the open-air museum Kulturen. Another example of Sweden’s ability to strike the perfect balance between modernity and honouring the past.
Malmo may be Sweden’s third city, but it makes a strong case to be its first. It is far warmer and sunnier than the rest of Sweden and that may be why it regularly ranks in the top 10 of Sweden’s happiest cities. The key sights include St Petri Church, Malmohus Castle and the Konsthallen. The Turning Torso skyscraper is a testament to neo-futurist architecture.
This stretch of coast derives its name from the fact that the sun almost never goes down during the summer. It stretches up to the Finnish border and is the perfect place for the keen angler, with plenty of opportunities for river and ocean fishing.
Sweden features an almost uncountable number of islands. The nation’s biggest are Oland and Gotland, in the southeast part of the country. Gotland has much to offer visitors with the spectacular Lummelanda Caves and the preserved medieval town at Kattlundsgard.
The Sami are the indigenous people of Sweden. You can come face-to-face with them at Jokkmokk. You’ll see the beautiful art of the local people and wander amongst a replica village, featuring more than 70 cone-shaped Lapp huts. You can also sleep on an ‘ice bed’ at the small northern village of Jukkasjarvi. The Ice Hotel is entirely fashioned out of ice and has to be rebuilt every year.
The Swedish are obsessed with glass, which is why some of the finest glassworks in the world are produced there. German immigrants brought the craft to Sweden in the 16th century and The Smaland Museum takes visitors through the story of glassmaking in Sweden.
Sweden’s capital city Stockholm bustles with energy and shows just how efficiently a modern city can be run. It is clean and runs like clockwork. The Old Town features beautifully preserved historic buildings and The National Museum of Fine Arts contains the country’s finest collection of art.
Ever since the age of the Vikings, the Swedes have been noted for their naval skills. At Vasa Museum, you can learn more about Sweden’s naval history and even take in a 360-year old warship that was recovered from the Stockholm harbor in 1961. You can also learn about the folk history of Sweden as the Skansen open-air folk museum.
Sweden is full of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural environment. You can find buzzards, reindeer, beavers and lynxes in Southern Lapland. Elk and moose wander around the streets in forested areas and the Harjedalen Valley features endless birdwatching opportunities, while also being home to the country’s only population of musk oxen.
For further information on what to see and do in Sweden visit:
We have been furnished with the above information, however, UniGroup Worldwide Moving gives no guarantees or undertakings concerning the accuracy, completeness, or up-to-date nature of the information provided. It is essential that users verify all information contained here before taking any action or relying upon it. UniGroup Worldwide Moving cannot be held liable for any actions taken based on the information contained within this Guide.
