Boats in Sweden

Sweden comprises the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, in the north of Europe. It has borders with Norway and Finland to the north, with Finland and the Gulf of Botnia to the east, with the Baltic Sea to the south, and to the west with Norway and the North Sea. Sweden is the third largest country in Western Europe. Its elongated form and its northerly setting combine to give it very varied natural scenery.

The Swedish coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres from Haparanda in the north, bordering with Finland, to Norway, by the North Sea. The Swedish countryside consists of innumerable lakes and rivers, lined by enormous forests of fir trees in the north, and spacious deciduous woods in the south. Here one finds everything from mountains and magnificent glaciers to open meadows, charming villages and exciting cities. The southern part of Sweden is marked by tremendous contrasts: the forests of Smaaland and the plains of Scaania; the greenery of Blekinge, and the sandy countryside of Öland and Gotland; while the pulse of the cities breaks the silence of Dalsland. In the south of Sweden no day is like the day before. Central Sweden is the cultural and historical heart of the nation. There we find the magnificent capital, Stockholm, and other distinguished cities of historical interest such as Uppsala and Sigtuna. Many of the people who visit the north of Sweden for the first time are surprised to discover such a vast and majestic country, with great tracts of unspoiled virgin territory and tremendous views.

The climate is relatively moderate, considering Sweden’s northern latitude. The Gulf Stream and the prevailing, rather temperate, westerly winds penetrating from the Atlantic Ocean tend to temper what would otherwise be a colder climate. In the winter these are neutralised by the cold air masses from the east. North Sweden has a much harsher climate than the South, due mainly to its altitude and the effect of the mountains, which reduce the influence of the maritime currents. The average temperature in February, the coldest month is below zero in the whole of Sweden, with temperatures that swing from the -3,2 ºC in Stockholm, the -1,1 ºC in Gothenburg, and the -11,7 ºC of Haparanda in the far north.. In July, the warmest month, the average temperatures are 16,7 ºC in Gothenburg, 18,4 ºC in Stockholm, and 15 ºC in Haparanda.