Motorcycle trip

Sweden

Sweden’s geography

When you set off for a motorcycle tour in Sweden, you’ll discover the third largest country in the European Union. An immense, wild country with Norway to the west and Finland to the east, it extends some 1000 miles from Denmark in the south to the borders of Lapland in the north. Thousands of islands are dotted along the east coast from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Baltic Sea further south. The kingdom’s capital, Stockholm, stands on a cluster of some 30,000 islands! Gotland and Oland are the largest islands in Sweden. Bohuslän archipelago, in the west of the country, must not be missed. The landscapes between the north and south are very diverse and contrasting. Along the Norwegian border, the Scandinavian Mountains range between 1,500 m and 2,000 m. On the approaches to the Norwegian border, away from the vast plains, hills and fields, the terrain becomes gradually more mountainous. Sweden’s highest peak is Kebnekaise (2,111 m) in the north-west of the country. A land of forests, lakes and rivers, the country is home to almost 30 national parks. Admire the numerous lakes nestled in the heart of Nordic forests surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Lakes Vänern and Vättern are the largest in Sweden.

Sweden's history and culture

During a motorcycle tour in Sweden, you will get the chance to discover the country’s rich, unique history and culture. Rock art shows evidence of prehistoric life. The Vikings disembarked on the Swedish coast in the 10th century. The Swedish state emerged with the first king, Olof Skötkonung, who also introduced Christianity to the kingdom. Sweden later joined the Kalmar Union, along with Denmark and Norway. In 1523, Gustaf I, King of Sweden, founded a powerful nation state. During the Danish wars of the 18th century, Sweden gradually took control of the Baltic region. At the end of the 19th century, the first social democratic party was founded and universal suffrage came into being. In the 20th century, Sweden set an example with its famous “Swedish model”. Since then, the Scandinavian country is often cited as exemplary in terms of democracy and social and environmental progress. It should also be highlighted that Sweden is a member of the European Union but it opted out of adopting the common currency. Don't forget to change some Swedish Krona before your motorcycle tour in Sweden!