After the end of the last ice age, the first tribes from Central Europe immigrated to the far north Europe defined by countryaah. In principle, these can be regarded as the ancestors of today’s Swedes. The first traces of settlement in Sweden can still be seen today in the form of dolmens and barrows. Find out more about the exciting history of Sweden.
SWEDEN IN THE VIKING AGE
The country of Sweden as we know it today has existed around the year 1000. This marked the end of the Viking Age (year 750-1000), when chiefs carried out trade and war expeditions to the surrounding countries. At the same time, the first streams of Christianization appeared in Sweden.
THE TIME OF THE HANSEATIC LEAGUE
Due to the trade contacts established by the Hanseatic League in Sweden in the early Middle Ages, some cities developed into important trading centers on the Baltic Sea. For example, the city of Visby was accepted into the Hanseatic League. At the end of the 12th century, Denmark invaded the south of the country, which led to long-term disputes and constant shifts along the border between the two countries.
14TH – 16TH CENTURIES – THE KALMAR UNION
The Kalmar Union united Sweden, Denmark and Norway into one kingdom. The alliance lasted from 1397 to 1523. Finland was part of Sweden during this time. Gustav Wasa managed the solution from the Kalmar Union and was made king. At the same time he introduced Protestantism as the state religion. In the following decades, Protestantism, influenced by Luther’s doctrine of the Reformation, spread further and further in the country.
17TH – 18TH CENTURIES – THE RISE OF SWEDEN
In the centuries that followed, under the rule of the House of Wasa, Sweden grew in prosperity. This was mainly due to the progress in mining and the refinement of the conveyed material in smelters. Sweden rose to become a great power between 1611 and 1718. During this time the Thirty Years’ War fell, where King Gustav II Adolf (1611-1632) was able to penetrate as far as Bavaria.
18TH – 19TH CENTURIES – TURBULENT TIMES
After the war-shaped years, there was a period of peace between 1718 and 1772, during which Sweden was able to recover from the hardships of the past decades. For example, the world-famous botanist Carl von Linnè worked at this time. In 1809 Sweden lost its Finnish territories to Russia in the course of the Napoleonic Wars. However, after the Peace of Kiel in 1814, a union with Norway was established. In the same century, a great wave of emigration of the Swedish population to America started, in which over a million people emigrated.
SWEDEN IN THE 20TH CENTURY
The 20th century in Sweden is characterized by industrialization. In the course of this, Sweden developed from an agricultural state to a welfare state. Universal suffrage was introduced in Sweden in 1920. During the First and Second World Wars, Sweden positioned itself as neutral and stayed out of all conflicts as far as possible. From the second half of the 20th century, large industrial areas emerged, particularly in western Sweden and in the area around Lake Mälaren near Stockholm.
SWEDEN LANDMARKS
When you think of Sweden, you quickly see the picturesque landscape full of rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes and colorful wooden houses. But the most densely populated country in Scandinavia has idyllic natural landscapes and a number of other attractions to offer. Find out more what not to miss on your trip to Sweden.
STOCKHOLM
Stockholm archipelago
From Arholma to Landsort, the landscape of small islands stretches around 150 kilometers from the gates of Stockholm. One-day boat tours take guests to the most beautiful bathing islands, cultural trails and experience nature, such as B. Bird watching possible. Trips on a historic steamship are recommended.
Skansen Open Air Museum
Short for SW by abbreviationfinder, Sweden shows itself to be authentic in the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm. In around 150 buildings you can stroll through reconstructed craft districts, farms and town houses and experience life in a historical way through a variety of activities. A visit in June is particularly worthwhile due to the numerous additional events around the midsummer tree.
Stockholm Royal Castle
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is one of the largest palaces in Europe and has more than 600 rooms. Guests can peek inside the regal regalia, the armory and treasury, and visit the royal apartments. A highlight is the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at lunchtime in the summer months (Wednesdays and Saturdays in winter).
ALL OF SWEDEN
Visby
Visby on Gotland was once one of the most important trading centers along the Baltic Sea and attracts numerous visitors with its well-preserved medieval center. The best way to do this is to stroll through the Almedalen Park along the old city wall or learn about the history of the Vikings in the historical museum.
Lund Cathedral
In the southern Swedish town of Lund, the opulent Romanesque building protrudes over the rooftops. The 2,700 square meter bishop’s church was built as early as the 12th century. It attracts over 700,000 visitors every year. Don’t miss the astronomical clock from 1425, which shows the phases of the moon and zodiac signs over Lund.
Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel
Jukkasjärvi in Lapland is the scene of an architectural peculiarity in the winter months. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi offers 140 “well-cooled” beds as well as a restaurant, bar and art gallery. Theatrical performances and wedding ceremonies are now also offered in the Eiskirche.
More sights will soon be compiled for you here.