photo by QT Luong/terragalleria.com all rights reserved
Sweden consists of vast forests, crystal-clear lakes and mountainous wilderness; a fairy-tale landscape of immense beauty. Its little wooden cottages are often painted falu red, the traditional Swedish colour that originated from copper mines in Falun. The busy cities Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö are of strong historical and cultural interest, and there are many smaller towns to explore that also have a lot to offer, as well as the stunning countryside.
The Swedish capital Stockholm has a population of 760.000. Its beautiful historical buildings, some areas going back to medieval times, are scattered across fourteen islands, and water is hence a main feature of the city landscape. Numerous bridges connect the different parts of the city and make it a fascinating place to walk around. Stockholm's wide open space also includes a large amount of parkland, making for an easy escape into nature when needed. Its royal palace and government buildings as well as countless museums offer plenty of things to do and explore within the city. And only a short ferry-ride away are the first of the countless islands that form the Stockholm archipelago. Whilst some are busier, others are smaller and more secluded and good for walking, cycling and swimming.
Uppsala is a famous old university town not far from Stockholm, and next to beautiful university buildings also boasts Scandinavia's largest cathedral. Famous graduates from Uppsala University, the oldest in Scandinavia, include Anders Celsius, the inventor of the temperature scale, and Carl von Linné, or Latin Linnaeus, the famous botanist. Sweden's oldest botanical garden in Uppsala is named after him and also houses a museum about his life and work.
Although Göteborg has the largest seaport in Scandinavia, it is still one of the prettiest towns in Sweden. Formerly the centre of the Swedish East India Trading Company, it attracted British, Dutch and German traders who left a rich architectural and cultural inheritance which contributes to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The old auction house where imported goods were sold is now part of a museum dedicated to trade and economy. Göteborg's surrounding countryside is attractive and easily accessible, and you can even go on an elk safari.
Malmö used to be under Danish rule and in spite of being cut off from Denmark by the sea, is now only a short drive or train ride away from Copenhagen - thanks to the famous Öresunds bridge, a masterpiece of engineering that was completed in 1999. Malmö is an attractive historical town with a beautiful long sandy beach and a vibrant student life. Not far from the city are some important Viking monuments such as Ales Stenar, the Swedish Stonehenge.
You don't need to speak Swedish in order to do a term abroad at the University of Uppsala, Malmö, Stockholm or Göteborg as many courses are taught in English. Most students are also eligible for an Erasmus grant to help with extra costs.
If you are interested please contact James Gordon at epo.post@sussex.ac.uk with any questions! or come and see us in Mantell Buildling.