Sweden’s national dish is meatballs (Köttbullar) – made famous around the world by the restaurants in IKEA stores – but the nation is home to many more tasty traditional dishes. Pickled herring is a Swedish classic which is usually served with gräddfil (sour cream), chopped chives and boiled potatoes.

The falukorv sausage, which is made with beef or pork, and served with creamy macaroni is a big favourite with children. Ärtsoppa and Pannkakor (Pea Soup and pancakes) is another popular dish which is traditionally only served on Thursday. Kalops is a hearty meat stew which is seasoned with Swedish spices and bay leaves, while blood pork is a love-it or hate-it dish made with pork blood, rye flour, lard, beer, syrup, onions and spices.

 Smulpaj is a scrumptious dessert made with fresh fruit or berries and topped with a delicious crumble, while semla is a much-loved cardamom-flavoured wheat bun which is filled with whipped cream and almond paste. Filmjölk is a popular tangy cultured yogurt drink in Sweden, Aquavit is a neutral spirit distilled from grain or potato and snaps is spice-infused vodka which is often drunk at festivals and parties.

Sweden has four distinct seasons with conditions ranging from icy cold to pleasantly warm, depending on the time of year. A great time to visit Sweden is during spring and summer when the warm weather is ideal for exploring the countryside and touring around the main cities and attending the country's food, arts and music festivals.
June and July is the time to experience the midnight sun and the ultra-long days mean you'll see people dining, drinking and socialising in public parks beyond 10pm. Summer temperatures average 20°C in the south and 17°C in the north. November to March is the ideal time to visit Sweden if you crave some winter sports action, with plenty of ice and snow. Days are short at this time of year and the land is usually covered in thick blankets of snow, with temperatures likely to fall to -10°C or lower. Late September for early April is the best time to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Average annual rainfall in Sweden is 24 inches.      

Families, couples and groups of friends will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting things to see and do in sensational Sweden. You’ll be wowed by breathtaking coastal scenery, countless offshore islands, massive verdant forests and spellbinding fjords during your Swedish cruise .
 Major natural attractions include Tyresta, Abisko and Soderasens national parks, the Rich Wetlands of Kristianstad, Tylösand Strand, Martorpsfallet Waterfall and Lake Hornborga. The Swedes love festivals and the chance to party – key events include the Valborg Festival, Summerburst Festival, Peace and Love Festival and Stockholm Culture Party. Popular winter pursuits in this magical Scandinavian nation include dog sledding, skiing, ice-skating and snowboarding. The Christmas markets in this Nordic getaway are also truly spectacular, with plenty of festive cheer in Gothenburg, aptly nicknamed Christmas city, where you’ll gaze in awe at millions of fairy lights, reindeer pulling sleighs and a myriad of seasonal stalls. During a summer cruise the choices for outdoor entertainment include kayaking, fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing, sailing and timber rafting. Popular family attractions in Sweden which deliver a feast of fun include Gröna Lund theme park, the Museum of Technology, Astrid Lindgren's World, The ABBA Museum and Liseberg Amusement Park.