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SWEDEN
VISBY
Visby is still very much a medieval town even in the 21st century.
The 3.5 km long town wall surrounds the merchants' old stone houses and churches. Because of its unique cultural value, Hansestaden has been adopted by UNESCO as part of its World Heritage.
 Visby harbour
Copyright © Swedish Travel and Tourism Council
It is also a town that is very much alive with businesses, cafes and entertainment events. At St. Nikolai church ruins you can enjoy concerts and drama.
During the medieval week, at the beginning of August each year, the town's streets are filled once again by merchants, jesters and musicians from the Hanseatic period.
It is more than simply a show, immerse yourself in a whole new world.
* Information is courtesy of Cecilia Theisen, Gotlands Turistförening
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Festivals & Events
Hultsfred Rock Festival, June
Sweden's largest rock festival for young and old.
Sideshows incl. acrobats, comedians, tightrope walkers, jugglers, mimics, musicians and dancers.
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Midsummer celebrations all over the country, June
Perhaps the most characteristically Swedish tradition of all is the Midsummer celebration. The Midsummer holiday is celebrated on the weekend closest to 24 June, with Midsummer Eve on Friday followed by Midsummer Day on Saturday. Midsummer marks the longest day of the year, and the skies never really grow dark.
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Music on Lake Siljan, June
The Peer Gynt Festival is a ten day long cultural festival with an open air performance of Henrik Ibsens Peer Gynt, with music by Edvard Grieg, open air consert "Ved Rondane", art exhibition, and much more.
Around Gotland Sailing race, June - July
The worlds largest offshore sailing race.
ksss@ksss.se
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
The Hälsinge Hambo, July
A huge festive and colorful, long line dance. Dance groups from Sweden and abroad dance and play while the World Champion of Hambo is selected from the thousands of dancing couples.
info@halsingehambon.x.se
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Victoria Day, July
The island of Öland's National Day, celebrating Crown Princess Victoria's birthday with the Royal family. The ”Victoria Mini Marathon” is held during the day, and an extended marathon in the evening. The prestigious ”Victoria scholarship” is presented to a sports achiever.
Information: Öland Tourist Office, tel: +46-485-390 20; Fax: 46-485-390 10
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Stockholm Jazz Festival, July
International jazz festival with international and Swedish world-acclaimed artists from the genres of jazz, blues, soul, funk and latin. In the center of Stockholm people gather to eat and enjoy the view as they listen to artists from all over the world. Sit and enjoy or dance to swing bands on the smaller stages.
info@stockholmjazz.com
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Medieval Festival Week, August
For one week the old town of Visby on the island of Gotland goes back in time to the Middle Ages. Locals dress up in historic costumes, knights demonstrate their strength in jousting tournaments and a maiden is locked in a tower. Carnival atmosphere and festivities; a mixture of sobriety and merriment, education and carnival extravagance in a genuine medieval town.
info@medeltidsveckan.se
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
The Gothenburg party, August
Swedens second largest and, some say, friendlest city throws a week long festival with an abundance of activities in the city center
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Lidingö Cross-Country Race, October
The worlds largest cross-country race for runners in beautiful Lindingö outside of Stockholm
info@lidingoloppet.se
Stockholm Open, October
The world famous tennis tournament.
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Stockholm International Film Festival,
November
International film festival premiering over 100 films from all over the world.
info@filmfestivalen.se
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
Nobel Prize Day, December
The Nobel Prize Awards are presented by H.M. the King at a formal ceremony in the Stockholm Concert Hall. By special invitation only. Banquet follows at the Stockholm City Hall.
info@nobel.se
Photo: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council
ST. Lucia Day, December
The coronation of Saint Lucia, the bearer of light. Celebrated all over Sweden on the darkest night of the year, December 13, when a young woman is chosen to lead the annual procession of light at Skansen open air museum.
Images from Sweden
Courtesy of the
Swedish Tourist Board
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