Archive | Sweden

How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Jönköping How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Situated on Lake Vattern, between Sweden’s three largest cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo), the Jonkoping area attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. Home to the country’s main express bus terminal (and appointed the best coach tourist city in 2011 by Bus and Coach Federation), Jonkoping is easy to access.

Vatterstranden

Jönköping Vätterstranden How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Sunny day at Vätterstranden.

Centrally located not far from the railway station and several kilometers long, Vatterstranden is a popular place to go sunbathing or swimming in summer.

Jonkoping Harbor

Jönköping harbor How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Linking the western and eastern parts of the town center, the harbor pier is a natural meeting place throughout summer with seven restaurants and clear views over the lake.

The Beach Walk

Jönköping boat How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

The 15 km long Beach Walk by Lake Vattern begins at the harbor pier and is a beautiful way to discover the surrounding area.

Activities on the Lake

Jönköping lake How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Divided into two parts by Munksjon lake and a shorter canal, Jonkoping offers many water-based activities and the option to see the city from a different side.

Jonkoping County Museum

Jönköping County Museum How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Closed for renovation until spring 2013, Jonkoping County Museum is worth waiting for with its art and cultural history exhibitions.

Jonkoping City Park

Jönköping City Park How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Situated on a plateau above downtown Jonkoping, the over 100-year-old City Park covers 37 hectare and is home to several historical memories.

Shopping

Jönköping shopping How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

From east to west, Oster City to Vaster City, there is a varied and exciting range of around 200 shops in Jonkoping. Outside the central area, the A6 Center is one of Sweden’s largest shopping malls covering 90,000 sqm.

The Culture House Spira

Jönköping Spiran How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Inaugurated in November 2011, the culture house Spira covers 15,000 sqm with four stages and houses a music and theatre center that produces over 800 concerts and performances a year.

Rosenlunds Bankar

Rosenlunds bankar How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

A 35 meter high and 2 km long steep erosion, and a well-known glacial deposit in Sweden, the nature reserve Rosenlund is a distinctive part of the landscape between Jonkoping and neighboring Huskvarna.

Photos above courtesy of Smålandsbilder.se

Where to Stay

Familjen Ericsson’s CITY HOTEL

Familjen Erikssons CITY HOTEL How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Standard double room.

Friendly service, a central location (three minutes from the railway station and one minute to restaurants), and spacious facilities aside, what family-owned Familjen Ericsson’s CITY HOTEL does even better is rooms. After a recent renovation, the hotel has 79 hotel rooms, including 31 single rooms, 28 double rooms, 8 double superior rooms, 7 business rooms, 2 three-bed rooms, 1 family room and 2 suites. Every room has wooden floors, comfortable bed, writing desk, cable TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and bathroom with shower. I loved my airy and stylishly decorated double room on the first floor, not what you’d expect from an unassuming family hotel.

A little tour around the hotel confirms that the hotel pays as much attention to each room with practical furniture, matching colors, tasteful interior, and large pictures of life on the lake in many of the rooms. For guests who want extra space, there are large double rooms available, as well as single rooms and rooms with private balcony.

Familjen Erikssons CITY HOTEL 2 How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Familjen Erikssons CITY HOTEL 3 How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

Familjen Erikssons CITY HOTEL 4 How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

The highlight at the CITY HOTEL is the 140 sqm relax area with one shared sauna, one steam sauna, one infra room/sauna and one bubble pool, as well as separate saunas for ladies and gentlemen.

Familjen Erikssons CITY HOTEL 5 How to Spend Summer in Jonkoping

On the ground floor, there’s a large lobby with lobby bar and bistro in the breakfast dining room, which is open during reception hours.

Above all, Familjen Ericsson’s CITY HOTEL proves that quality and low prices doesn’t need to exclude each other.

Lulea – An Underestimated Town in Sweden

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Photo: Lena Nilsson

Once called the most underestimated town in Sweden, Lulea is situated on a peninsula where Lule Bay meets the Gulf of Bothnia in the northern part of the country. As one of Sweden’s three sunniest summer cities with 654 hours of sunshine along with 120 km of cycle paths, and its archipelago of 1312 islands, Lulea is ideal to visit between the warmest months June and August.

Visitors with an interest in culture should also stop by the County Museum of Norrbotten, with three floors of interesting exhibitions and about 30 art and cultural history exhibitions a year, and Kulturens Hus, a cultural house with the city library, art hall, tourist bureau, concert hall, restaurant with Lulea’s best view and a culture café.

Home to the region’s leading domestic airport (Lulea-Arlanda is Sweden’s largest national flight), getting to Lulea is quick and easy.

Where to Stay

Best Western Arctic Hotel

Best Western Arctic Hotel room Lulea An Underestimated Town in Sweden

For a central and comfortable stay, Best Western Arctic Hotel is situated in a quiet quarter a stone’s throw from the railway station, close to shops, restaurants and nightlife.

The hotel has 94 rooms with 160 beds. My single room on the second floor had, like all rooms, bathroom with shower, telephone, TV, free Wi-Fi via the Cloud, wooden floors, and fresh, modern interior with a homely feeling in focus. The lack of wardrobe didn’t matter as there were hangers by the door. Although small at first glance, the space felt well thought-out and cozy.

Those wanting something more spacious have several large double rooms to choose from. Many rooms were renovated in 2006/2007. The red-themed room below is a clear favorite.

Best Western Arctic Hotel room 2 Lulea An Underestimated Town in Sweden

Best Western Arctic Hotel room 3 Lulea An Underestimated Town in Sweden

After a day outside in the sun, the sixth-floor and gym sauna is very appreciated. As is the groundfloor a la carte restaurant Köpmannens Kök, where guests can grill their own food on a 450°C lava stone plate.

Best Western Arctic Hotel restaurant Lulea An Underestimated Town in Sweden

The focus lies on seasonal produce and well-prepared, carefully composed food with the ambition of satisfying the sight as well as the taste buds. The menu is renewed every month and at least one dish is vegetarian. In summer, dinners are well spent in the restaurant’s courtyard.

Umea: The European Capital of Culture 2014

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Photo: Umea Tourist Office – Emma Eriksson, Christoffer Vikström.

Located on the northern east coast of Sweden, Umea is the most densely populated municipality in Norrland and one of the country’s largest university towns home to tens of thousands students every year. Getting to Umea (by car, bus, water, rail or air – Stockholm is only an hour away) is as easy as finding interesting things to do.

Culture

As the European Capital of Culture 2014, Umea has a vibrant culture life. There’s a well-visited City Library, Umea’s week-long international film festival, an annual Kulturnatta (Culture Night) with dance, theater and music on the streets, Umea International Literature Festival, Sweden’s most northerly center for performing arts Norrlands Operan and its yearly dramatic art festival MADE, as well as a variety of exhibitions and trade fairs throughout the year.

Music

Known as a music town, Umea’s musical scenes cover everything from intimate jazz evenings and gigs by local bands to large concerts with international artists. The internationally recognized jazz festival takes place in October, Umea Open, which lasts several days in April, is Sweden’s largest indoor festival for pop, rock and club music, and the Umefolk folk music festival gathers another type of crowd, as does the House of Metal festival.

Art

After 30 years at Gammlia, Bildmuseet closed their premises in November last year and re-launched in the new seventh-floor museum of the Umea Arts Campus on the shores of the river in May 2012. Enjoy international, contemporary art, design and architecture exhibitions.

Along the Ume Trail by the river 5 km outside town, award-winning Umedalen Sculpture Park features a permanent all-year round collection with 35 sculptures. Sweden’s largest gallery is also on the site.

Nightlife

Some favorite spots among locals include Scharinska, a heritage-listed building with live music at least twice a week, Droskan for rock and blues bands, Umea’s Folkets Hus for jazz, the Cover Club for rock, Rex Bar & Grill with three floors, dance on two, and three bars, Socialize for an intimate club scene, and Corona, the city’s largest nightclub.

Shopping

With pedestrian Kungsgatan and several shopping malls with everything from specialist shops to large chain stores, as well as Umea Fashion Week, which takes place 15-21 October this year, Umea has its share for shoppers.

Eating

The food scene in Umea includes award-winning restaurants, bistros, bars, pubs, and cozy cafes which often feature regional delicacies such as berries, almond potatoes and mushrooms. For something exclusive, opt for Viktoria, French Bistro le Garage Angelini with Italian-American inspired food or Invito Italian, where Italy meet Norrland.

Schmäck is a 1950s inspired mix of café, gallery and fashion shop, Costas is the place to go for Greek food and real coffee, Allstar is a perfect example of a great sportsbar, Ängen is masters on gourmet pizza, Taj Mahal offers genuine Indian cuisine, and Tapas serves everything Spanish-influenced.

Where to Stay

Hotel Gamla Fängelset

A state prison between 1861 and 1981, the well-preserved building in central Umea now houses one-star hotel and youth hostel Hotel Gamla Fängelset. Managed by the National Property Board and thoroughly restored in recent years, the main building has two floors plus a basement and attic.

Hotel Gamla Fängelset museum Umea: The European Capital of Culture 2014

In the small prison museum, guests can learn more about the history of the building.

Hotel Gamla Fängelset corridor Umea: The European Capital of Culture 2014

Among the two floors, there are 23 single rooms, one double room and two family rooms. Every floor has several toilets and separate showers for ladies and gentlemen.

Hotel Gamla Fängelset room Umea: The European Capital of Culture 2014

My single room on the first floor had, like every other room, all amenities I would need for one night. Comfortable bed, small desk with chair and reading lamp, free Wi-Fi (although a bit slow) and towel.

Hotel Gamla Fängelset kitchen Umea: The European Capital of Culture 2014

All guests have access to a well-equipped kitchen on the second floor. There’s a TV in the conference room on the same floor, and one outside the prison cells on floor one. (But with so many fun things to do in Umea, in front of a TV isn’t exactly where you want to spend the evening.)

For those who don’t bring their own food, Café Göteborg in one of the connecting buildings serves breakfast (for an extra fee of SEK 50), and super tasty lunch, coffee and dinner.

Ornskoldsvik – The Town by the Sea

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Valley View. CC Image by NikoKunze (Flickr).

“In Ornskoldvsik one can live in a vineyard and ski to work.” – Ove Johansson, City Gardener in Ornskoldsvik between 1980-2007

Ornskoldsvik is situated by the Gulf of Bothnia near the High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage area, along the Swedish east coast. Stretching over several valleys, Ornskoldsvik and the nearby surroundings can offer 59 recreational areas, 31 nature reserves, 22 electric light trails, 9 hiking paths, 7 canoe routes and 5 skiing slopes. No other Swedish town can offer outdoor activities to this extent and proximity.

The many opportunities to experience nature combined with an attractive town center, which was voted “The City Center of the Year” twice, along with one of Sweden’s leading guest harbors, make Ornskoldsvik a unique destination to visit in Sweden.

And thanks to the 190 km long coast railway Botniabanan, visitors can easily reach neigboring Umea and Sundsvall.

Where to Stay

Park Hotell

Park Hotell facade Ornskoldsvik The Town by the Sea

Regardless if you visit for outdoor activities in the surrounding area or Ornskoldsvik itself, Park Hotell is a good choice because the staff knows what really can matter for a hotel stay. Namely, a central yet protected location, nice and light rooms, good bed comfort, free wireless Internet, shower and cable TV in the room, not too high rates and friendly service.

Park Hotell Ornskoldsvik The Town by the Sea

Every evening, they serve tea, coffee and home-baked cakes and cookies in the cozy breakfast room, which is usually very appreciated among regulars and first-time guests. For those who have brought something of their own to the evening or next day, guests are more than welcome to use the refrigerator in the breakfast room.

Park Hotell room Ornskoldsvik The Town by the Sea

A hotel since the 1930s, Park Hotell has had guests from all around the world. They offer rooms of different sizes and styles; single rooms with or without shower in the room, larger single rooms, double rooms, and family rooms. Free breakfast is included.

There’s only a three-minute walk to shops and restaurants but thanks to a location away from a main street, guests can expect peace and quiet at night.

A sign in the hotel says: ”Don’t hesitate to ask if you need suggestions on restaurants, hairdressers, shops, or anything. No question is too stupid! All questions are welcome.”

More than anything else, Park Hotell truly cares about their guests.

Happy Hudik

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Försommarkväll. CC Image by Olmen (Flickr).

Known as “Glada Hudik” (“Happy Hudik”), a term originating in 19th century because of the town’s open and friendly people, Hudiksvall is located inside a bay on the east coast of Sweden, along the 200 km long Jungrukusten – The Maiden Coast.

Hudiksvall’s archipelago, whose life have been dominated by agriculture and fishing for centuries, makes for an ideal outing in summer with scenic coastal villages and water-based activities. The Tourist Bureau can advice on boat communications and possibilities.

Other popular things to see in Hudiksvall itself include Fiskarstan in the harbor, characterized by wooden houses where fishermen lived throughout winter, the regional museum Hälsinglands Museum, Lillfjarden bay, and Galgberget mountain for hiking.

Where to Stay

First Hotel Statt

First Hotel Statt Happy Hudik

An historical building situated right on the main square, close to the harbour and only 300 meter from the railway station, First Hotel Statt Hudiksvall has been a meeting place for people in town since 1878. Of recent times the hotel has been carefully restored to preserve its class and tradition whilst providing more modern facilities.

All non-smoking rooms, whether Moderate, Standard or Suite, offer comfort, bathroom with showers, trouser press, cable TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi.

First Hotel Statt spa Happy Hudik

The newly built spa has a large indoor pool, sauna and fitness studio.

Breakfast is served in the hotel’s recently renovated restaurant Gossip Tapas, which is adjacent to Gossip Lounge and Gossip Nightclub.

A Day in Gavle

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Boulognerskogen. CC Image by Anette K (Flickr).

Most known as the hometown of Brynas, a classic Swedish hockey team who’ve won twelve Swedish Championships, and as producer of Sweden’s most popular coffee Gevalia, Gavle is located on the bay where the Gavlean river meet the Bothnian Sea in the region of Gastrikland. During my day in town I found such a variety of things to see and do that I could easily see myself living there. At least for a month or two.

From the central station I made a quick detour to Gavle Theater, one of the most beautiful 19th century theaters in Sweden, modelled after the Paris Opera. I then made my way across downtown Gavle, home to more than 200 shops including two shopping malls and 70 cafés and restaurants, via the pedestrian Drottninggatan, Stortorget Square and Nygatan, to the river.

Along the river I strolled through the Boulogner Forest, one of the biggest urban parks in Sweden, modelled after Bois de Boulogne in Paris and sometimes called Gavle’s Central Park. On the other side of the river, closer to the town center, is Gavle Concert House, home to Gavle Symphony Orchestra. The concert house is covered by the same type of tile as the Sydney Opera House, although deep blue, which makes the building reflect lights in a wide spectrum both day and night. The Concert Hall hosts local, national and international stars. The best part: the onsite music library with 22,000 CDs, books, magazines and films.

Further along the same road, Gavle Art Centre has exhibitions with Swedish and international contemporary art as well as lectures, music and workshops. (Other places to view art include Galleri K 4, Galleri Majoo, Galleri Ran, and IDKA/Kulturkiosen, plus public art and sculptures are present throughout much of Gavle.)

Following the waterside back, I passed by The Prison Museum of Sweden (on Hamiltong 1), which tells Swedish prison history from the early 1700s), adjacent Gavle Castle, and the area Söder (Södra Kungsgatan stretches through the whole district). Across Södra Kungsgatan is Gamla Gefle, the Old Town, with cobblestoned streets, timber buildings dating back to the 17th century, cafés, artist studios, a youth hostel, and a museum dedicated to musician Joe Hill.

Near the river, along Södra Strandgatan, is The County Museum of Gavleborg, with a major collection of Swedish art from the 1600s throughout eleven rooms, the Rettig Art Gallery, named after the museum’s donors, temporary exhibitions, and Café Rettig.

Had I stayed longer or at different times of the year, I wouldn’t have mind to downhill ski in Kungsberget, stroll along Gavle Strand, relax on beaches by the sea, listen to music at Getaway Rock Festival, or see the burning of the famous 13 meter high Christmas Gavle Goat, which was included in America Online’s list of the world’s top ten and most original ways to celebrate New Year.

Where to Stay

Gavle Bed & Breakfast

Gävle Bed Breakfast A Day in Gavle

Four blocks from the main square Stora Torget, Gavle Bed & Breakfast has budget lodging with individually furnished rooms for one to four persons.

Gävle Bed Breakfast common room A Day in Gavle

A simple breakfast is included and there’s a large breakfast room/common room with TV by the kitchen, one smaller common room with TV and books downstairs, sauna and laundry room.

Gävle Bed Breakfast room A Day in Gavle

I loved my low-key room on the second floor. Fortunately, towels and bedlinen is included in the price and Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. At SEK 460 per night for a single room it’s a pretty good deal as a more private alternative to hostels and a more budget-friendly option than hotels.

Falun – Design in Dalarna

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

By the river in central Falun. CC Image by Visit Falun Borlänge / Damian Glowachi.

Located in the tourist region of Dalarna and divided by Faluan river, Falun is a residential town and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old copper mine and the deep red paint Falu red, which is used on Swedish wooden cottages. Also recognized as a sports town, Falun has the symbol of a ski jump from Lugnet ski stadium. The sport complex at Lugnet has capacity for 58 sports and will host the Ski World Championships in 2015.

The town and surrounding area offer a variety of sights and activities. Choose between guided tours in Falun Mine, Sweden’s largest workplace in the 17th century, Carl Larsson-gården, former home of celebrated Swedish artist Carl Larsson, impressive renaissance work of the Kristine Church at the main square, nearby Lake Runn with 365 islands (ideal for bathing, kayaking and long-distance skating), Siljan lake area 30 minutes drive away, outdoor arena Dalhalla in Rattvik, and not least, a rich culture life.

Dalarnas Museum Falun Design in Dalarna

I spent part of my visit in the County Museum of Dalarna to see the Art Gallery, the Print Arts Hall, and a permanent exhibition of Dalarna art, as well as exhibitions of Dalarna Horses, folk painting, and Nobel prize-winner Selma Lagerlöf’s study and library. With its unique history and tradition, the museum reflects Dalarna’s collective cultural heritage. On the premises, Kopparhatten Café and Restaurant serves an outstanding, mostly vegetarian lunch buffet and a selection of home-baked cakes and chocolate pralines.

I continued in the same theme with a walk along Slaggatan, known as Dalarna’s Design street because of its shops with fashion, interior, design and handicraft. The street strecthes straight ahead right through town and parallell with the river.

On number 20, Blå Snigel Handicraft has unique art handicrafts by local artists.

Blå Snigel Konsthantverk Falun Design in Dalarna

Neighboring Galleri Se, run by the association SE KONST (translated “SEE ART”) covers 40 sqm exhibition space with visual art.

Galleri Se Falun Design in Dalarna

Consider stopping for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants along Slaggatan.

Where to Stay

Falu Prison Youth Hostel

Falu Prison Youth Hostel Falun Design in Dalarna

A prison between 1849 and 1995, the property was bought in 2000 with the idea of developing a centrally located youth hostel. After six years of restorations and renovations, Falu Prison Youth Hostel was born.

On the ground floor, there’s a small reception, cozy common area with old-fashioned furniture, and a breakfast room. Floor one and floor two offer 86 beds in total; single rooms, double rooms, and four-bed rooms. Sofas, armchairs, tables, benches, magazines, a bookcase filled with old paperbacks and a guest computer make the first-floor hostel corridor more homely. There’s also a clean and well-equipped guest kitchen. Every floor has two shared toilets and showers, one for ladies and one for gentlemen. For those who want to learn more about the history of the building, there’s a prison museum with free entrance open daily.

Falu Prison Youth Hostel corridor Falun Design in Dalarna

Rules around cleaning, silence after 11pm, lost keys (which will be charged SEK 500 per key), and prohibition of smoking (a fire alarm will start at the slightest smoke and false alarm will be charged with SEK 7,000), assures that the place runs as smoothly as possible.

With high seasons during spring and autumn, the hostel has mixed guests (students from the university, workers, school classes and tourists) mainly from Scandinavia but also Italy, Germany and foreign students from all around the world.

Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren

Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren Falun Design in Dalarna

For a hotel stay, Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren has a central location a few minutes walk (only 300 meter) from the railway station.

Clarion Collection lives up to its saying “A bit as coming home when you are away. A welcoming feeling for people who travel much”. They make guests feel at home partly by making sure they never need to go hungry, no matter the time of the day, without charging extra. After check-in, you can serve yourself some coffee or tea, or fresh fruit in the lobby. Between 3-5pm, there’s afternoon coffee with newly baked waffles or home-baked goods, and after 6pm a generous dinner buffet with salads, cold and warm dishes, dessert and fresh bread. They even go further than this by offering late-arriving guests a lighter evening sandwich, sparkling water and a fresh fruit. Besides this, there’s a cozy pub/lounge with cold beers, champagne, wine and espresso, and ice water is available 24/7.

In the morning, an organic breakfast buffet, including the hotel’s own Bermästaremüsli and a selection of nuts, seeds and dried fruits for a healthy meal, proves that guests can count on Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren.

Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren single Falun Design in Dalarna

All rooms and suites, 85 in total, are classically furnished with convenient amenities, and has selected magazines and classic books on the bed shelves.

Considering everything that includes a stay at Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren (there’s also a relaxation area with Jacuzzi, sauna and sunbeds), it’s no surprise to hear that the hotel has served as a temporary home for around a half million travelers.

Peace & Love in Borlange

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Photo: Ryan Garrison

A town since 1898, Borlange is located by Dalalven river in the region of Dalarna and has a strong industrial background with its iron and paper mills. Home to the province’s magnificent Tuna Church, Jussi Björling Museum with works from the legendary Swedish tenor, Romme Alpin for downhill skiing, Sweden’s supposedly coolest water park Aqua Nova, Kupolen – the largest shopping center in Dalarna, 80 or so shops in the town center, and a variety of international cuisines represented, Borlange has its share of attractions.

In the last decade Borlange has also drawn visitors thanks to its music festival Peace & Love, which was first organized in a smaller scale in 1999. Ten years later, more than 40,000 tickets were sold making it Sweden’s largest festival ever with both national and international artists. This year’s festival themed “A New World” took place throughout five days at the end of July with the leading acts Rihanna and Mumford & Sons.

Photo: Malin Sydne

With workshops, seminars, debates, dance and new circus, Peace & Love is more than a music festival and the message of Solidarity, Diversity and Understanding, along with peace and love for a better world, is spread long after each festival has ended and a new one begins. In other words, all the time – through Peace & Love Foundation, Peace & Love Artists (agency, recording company, publisher and management), Peace & Lovestrings’ classic music performances, Peace & Love Havana, a two-year-old festival on Cuba, Peace & Love Film Festival, and, not least, Café Peace & Love.

Photo: Malin Sydne

Since the summer of 2009, Café Peace & Love is Borlänge’s coziest and coolest café with organic fair-trade food and home-baked sweets, poetry nights, important seminars, and interesting music evenings.

Where to Stay

Quality Hotel Galaxen

Quality Hotel Galaxen Peace & Love in Borlange

For those who prefer quality and aren’t visiting Borlange just for the festival, Quality Hotel Galaxen has 128 rooms in a central location within walking distance from the bus and railway station, only 500 meter from Kupolen shopping center. As a large conference and entertainment center, the hotel has a mix of conference guests and other guests. In the same building is also Framtidsmuseet, The Musuem of the Future, a place for popular science experiments.

My standard room on a higher floor had a soothing interior in natural colors, bathroom with shower, desk, armchair, TV and free Wi-Fi. All the comforts one needs.

Sportsbar Galaxen on the ground floor has dinner from 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Vegetarian choices included Forest mushroom soup with bread, Nachos with salsa and crème fraiche, and Herb-fried quorn filet with Parmesan sauce, marinated red onion and roasted potato. Guests can watch sports on nine high-resolution plasma screens, and there are regular Soul Nights and other activities.

Quality Hotel Galaxen spa Peace & Love in Borlange

The highlight at Quality Hotel Galaxen is the 8th-floor relax area with bubble pool, sauna, and work-out equipment.

Each morning, a hearty breakfast is served in the dining room of Mathörnan on the ground floor.

With a goal of proving quality moments, Quality Hotel Galaxen succeeds at every point.

Vasteras – the City by Lake Malaren

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Vasteras is Sweden’s fifth largest municipality, located on the shore of Lake Malaren, with Scandinavia’s largest inland harbor, only 100 km or 53 minutes by train from Stockholm.

First-time visitors can enjoy any of the following things to see and do.

Shopping

Vasteras aspires for a vote as Sweden’s “City Center of the Year” in 2013 and has a lot speaking for it. The city has several pedestrian walkways and a total of seven indoor shopping malls, including top-modern Kvarteret IGOR with 11,000 sqm of boutiques. And H&M, with 1700 branches worldwide, opened its first shop in Västerås in 1947.

Public Art

Västerås Stora Torget Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Vasteras Art Museum, which is situated in the house Karlsgatan 2 (after its street address), has co-created a map of public art in Vasteras. The ASEA Stream by BG Broström (1947-2004) is located on the main square Stora Torget and shows several men with their Unicabox lunch boxes on their way to work.

For more art, visit the 4200 sqm cultural house CuLTUREN in Kopparlunden outside downtown Vasteras.

Vasteras Cathedral

Västerås Cathedral Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

With the explanation “worth making a detour for”, Vasteras Cathedral received three stars by Guide Michelin. Dating back to the 11th century, it has one of Sweden’s largest 17th century organs, neo-Gothic 17th century template painting, and a 92 meter high spire. There are guided tours in summer and organ concerts at lunchtime every Saturday.

The Botanical Garden

Västerås Botanical Garden Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Located next to the City Library, near the cathedral, the Botanical Garden has small, pretty gardens and the oldest horticultural school in Sweden.

Vasaparken

Vasaparken is the place to go for tranquil walks and reflection. The park is situated opposite the railway station and partly bordered by the river.

Vasteras Castle

Västerås Castle Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Across the river, opposite Vasaparken, is Vasteras Castle, which dates back to the 13th century when King Gustav Vasa rebuilt it into a royal residence.

Church Hill

Västerås Kyrkbacken Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Church Hill was a poverty-characterized area in the 17th century and is now a charming part of Vasteras with winding lanes and well-preserved buildings. Ideal for historical walks.

Life on the Lake

Västerås Boat Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

As a city with the largest lake side port in the Nordic countries, Vasteras is the gateway to over 100 islands in the archipelago. If you’re a group traveling together, why not rent a rib boat to discover the area from the water.

Where to Stay

First Hotel Plaza

First Hotel Plaza Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Centrally located on the square Aseatorget only a few minutes walk from the central station, First Hotel Plaza is one of the most easily accessible hotels in Vasteras. The hotel is situated inside the high-rise building of Skrapan (The Scraper), which also houses apartments and a shopping mall with shops, cafés and restaurants.

The hotel has 203 rooms and suites. At 18-20 sqm with more than enough space, comfortable bed, bathroom with bathtub, large desk, two telephones (whereof one in the bathroom), free Wi-Fi, and view over the square below and the lake, my Standard room had no faults. Those looking for something more spacious can book one of the Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms or Suites.

In the evening, bistro restaurant “Karlsson på Taket” serves an à la carté menu accompanied by views over Lake Malaren. In 2010, chef Tomas Rehman was awarded the best chef in Vasteras, so you’re in good hands. On the 24th floor above, Sky Bar is one of Sweden’s highest cocktail and piano bars.

Another great benefit with staying at First Hotel Plaza is the Spa and relax facility on the 25th floor. Not least, the glass-walled elevator with equally beautiful views that preceeds any sauna session or spa treatment.

First Hotel Plaza relax Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

Elite Stadshotellet

Elite Stadshotellet1 Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

For classic luxury combined with modern comfort, consider Elite Stadshotellet. The hotel is situated in one of Sweden’s most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, which was designed by architect Erik Hahr and completed in 1907. The building truly stands out at the main square Stora Torget and has become a central meeting point for guest and locals, partly thanks to the onsite gastro pub Bishop’s Arms. The British-inspired pub is well-visited for its wide range of whisky and beer. One would probably need to spend weeks there to try out every sort.

Inside the elegant hotel lobby, guests receive warm welcomes and courteous service. With 137 rooms, categorized as Standard, Superior, Deluxe or Suite, and suitable for both rest or work, Elite Stadshotellet can provide for a range of wants and budgets. All rooms have shower or bath, hairdryer, cable TV, telephone, and wireless Internet via the Cloud. Not least, a much appreciated Pillow menu. Depending on needs and preferences in terms of comfort, every guest can choose a pillow or two from the menu, and then borrow it from the reception. There are fluffy and luxurious down pillows, fibre pillows, formable pillows, ergonomic pillows, and extra soft pillows.

Elite Stadshotellet room1 Vasteras the City by Lake Malaren

My double room on the second floor had wooden floors, white walls, minimalist interior, orange details, and a second-floor view of the cathedral. The hotel writes: “…with our beautiful rooms, high quality service and exquisite food, we hope to be able to exceed your expectations.” They did.

A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Sweden

Södertälje City Park A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje I had heard and read a bit about Sadertalje prior to my visit, much of it far from positive, and traveled with hope but no expectations determined to give the city at least one chance. An industrial city about 30 km south of Stockholm, Sodertalje already has the location speaking for it.

A five to ten-minute bus ride from the town’s nearest railway stop Sydertalje Syd takes visitors to the center of Sodertalje. Once there, I strolled along Järnagatan which continues to the pedestrian Storgatan, lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and shopping malls. However, my hope for Sodertalje decreased early when I saw the large building of a certain fast-food chain on M polluting the otherwise beautiful waterside area by pedestrian Strandgatan and Slussgatan.

Fortunately, a visit to Luna Kulturhus, a cultural house with an art hall, a 100-year-old city library, large lobby with daily newspapers and magazines, and Nova for creative workshops and music nights aimed to young people between 13 and 25, increased my attraction. Sodertalje art hall features exhibitions of Swedish, Nordic and international art in an airy, rectangular space on the upper floor of the house.

Even though downtown Sodertalje isn’t unattractive and the surrounding area, including the city park, can appear stunning when the weather cooperates with clear and sunny skies, I decided to spend my visit mainly at my hotel for the night, Scandic Skogshöjd, much because the hotel is a destination in itself.

Scandic Skogshöjd is located in the center of the city, just 30 minutes by car from the Swedish capital. The hotel’s inviting lobby sets the standard high and provides a stylish space for guests to unwind or socialise, depending on the time of day.

Scandic Skogshöjd Lobby A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje

The cocktail bar is equally stylish.

Scandic Skogshöjd Cocktailbar

The modern rooms, 225 in total, range from Nordic-style Standard rooms and larger Family Standards to more comfortable Junior Suites and Superior Extra rooms. Standard rooms cover up to 21 sqm and have wooden floors, private bathroom with bathtub and/or shower, TV with movie channels, desk and armchair, and wireless internet access.

Scandic Skogshöjd Twin A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje

The hotel’s highlight is first rate Scandic Skogshöjd SPA with relaxation area, large pool, Jacuzzi, and optional selection of treatments for body, mind and soul.

Scandic Skogshöjd Spa A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje

A swim in the luxurious hotel pool or some time in the whirl pools as part of a stay at Scandic Skogshöjd is well worth the extra SEK 50. Visitors who don’t stay at the hotel can use the spa facility at a higher cost.

Scandic Skogshöjd Spa pool A Spa Hotel Stay in Sodertalje