Winter dog-sledding in Sweden

A natural beauty, Sweden is loaded to its long blonde lashes with historic towns, vibrant cities, lake-dotted forests, Viking-era landmarks, snow-smothered mountains and Arctic wilderness.

Clean, pristine and disarmingly ordered, this prosperous Scandinavian nation is bordered by Norway and Finland and connected to Denmark via the 7,845-metre-long Oresund Bridge.

While Sweden is not as rugged as other Scandinavian countries, it does boast vast forested areas and abundant lakes. Although Sweden is often thought of as a frigid country (which it is in the winter), it has much to offer travellers year-round. Summer is an excellent time to go cycling, hiking, fishing or climbing, while popular outdoor winter pursuits include skating, skiing, dog-sledding and ice fishing.

Sweden's clean-cut capital, Stockholm, actually consists of more than 40 islands scattered across Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea. This bustling modern city is home to some 70 museums and galleries as well as plentiful bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. A very special stop while in Stockholm is Drottningholm Palace, the spectacular residence of the Swedish Royal Family.

Gothenberg is Sweden's second-most visited city thanks to its charming harbour and the Liseberg amusement park. The home of automaker Volvo, Gothenberg has a lengthy history as a major seafaring port and a wonderful Maritime Museum where visitors can learn about this heritage.

Swedish crystal and glassmaking is world-renown and visitors to the southern province of Smaland can tour glassworks.

For a trip back into Sweden's medieval history, venture down to the province of Skane, where the historic town of Lund is dominated by a 12th century cathedral and 14th century astronomical clock. From Lund, it is just a short distance to Oresund Bridge, the world's longest single bridge. It connects Malmo in Sweden with Copenhagen in Denmark.

Accommodation in Sweden ranges from luxurious spas and hotels where visitors can be pampered with a famous Swedish massage to cozy Scandinavian-style holiday chalets and cottages.