Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [258]
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CLIMATE CHARTS
Sweden has a mostly cool temperate climate, but the southern quarter of the country is warmer than the rest. Norway’s mountain ranges act as a rain break, so yearly rainfall is moderate.
Swedish summers are generally fairly sunny with only occasional rainfall, but August can be wet. The average maximum temperature for July is 18°C in the south and around 14°C in the north. Long hot periods in summer aren’t unusual, with temperatures soaring to over 30°C.
The harsh Lappland winter starts in October and ends in April, and temperatures can plummet as low as −50°C. Snow can accumulate to depths of several metres in the north, making for superb skiing, but snow depths in the south average only 20cm to 40cm. It usually rains in winter in the far south (Skåne).
The west coast is warmer than the east, thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream. For more information on when to go, Click here.
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CUSTOMS
Duty-free goods can only be brought into Sweden from non-EU countries and Åland. Tobacco products and alcoholic drinks can only be brought into Sweden duty-free by those over 18 and 20, respectively.
Duty-free alcohol allowances for travellers from outside the EU are 1L of spirits, 2L of fortified wine, 2L of wine and a quantity of beer that must be included within the Skr1700 limit. The tobacco allowance is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco.
The limits on goods brought into Sweden with ‘tax paid for personal use’ from within the EU are more generous: 10L of spirits, 20L of fortified wine, 90L of wine (but no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. The tobacco allowance is 800 cigarettes, 400 cheroots, 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
Going through customs rarely involves any hassles, but rules on illegal drugs are strictly enforced; you may be searched on arrival, especially if you’re travelling from Denmark. Live plants and animal products (meat, dairy etc) from outside the EU, and all animals, syringes and weapons must be declared to customs on arrival. For the latest regulations, contact Swedish Customs (0771-23 23 23; www.tullverket.se).
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Opening Hours & Queuing
Dangers are few, but certain quirks of Swedish society can register as annoyances. It’s difficult for foreigners to understand why some tourist offices aren’t open at weekends, for example, or why museums open at 11am and close by 4pm (even in July), and hostels (and some hotels) only have reception for two or three hours in the afternoon. Don’t even think of going to a liquor store in the evening or for most of the weekend – it will be closed.
Queuing by number is a national pastime in Sweden: hunt down the ticket machine as soon as you enter shops, post offices, liquor stores, offices, police stations etc. Don’t miss your turn, or you’ll have to go back to the end of the queue.
Road Hazards
Motorists should be awake to the risks posed by elk and reindeer; Click here.
Theft
Sweden is fairly safe, but petty crime may be of concern. In Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö and Linköping, ask locally for advice on areas to avoid before wandering around at night. Beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchersin crowded public places.
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DISCOUNT CARDS
City Summer Cards
Göteborg, Malmö, Stockholm and Uppsala have worthwhile tourist cards that get you into their major attractions and offer parking, travel on public transport and discounts at participating hotels, restaurants and shops; see the individual city in the destination chapters for details.
Hostel & Student Cards
A Hostelling International (HI) card means cheaper beds in STF hostels, mountain stations and cabins. You can join the STF at hostels and many tourist offices while in Sweden (membership costs Skr295 for adults, Skr125 for those aged between 16 and 25, Skr25 for six- to 15-year-olds and Skr430 for families). The most useful student card is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers