TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
Since the beginning of March 2016, Sweden has had an increased terror warning level. Travelers in Stockholm are asked to move around the city and on public transport carefully, avoid large crowds and in any case follow the instructions of the Swedish security forces. Particular attention and vigilance is required, especially during religious holidays and at major events such as concerts or festivals.
Due to the current refugee situation, Sweden has temporarily reintroduced border controls. A valid travel document must be presented before boarding ferries to Sweden as well as buses, trains and ferries from Denmark to Sweden (see also section “Entry requirements”). Travelers should expect short-term obstacles in travel and the associated waiting times.
The Federal Foreign Office strongly advises against taking unknown persons with you who may not have a valid ID or entry visa. This could be prosecuted as smuggling. For more information, see General Travel Information.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are countless restaurants, cafes, discos, restaurants, cinemas and theaters in Stockholm. In the country, the offer is limited and the evenings are quieter. Open-air concerts and theater events in open-air arenas take place in many cities in Sweden during the summer.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Offer a high standard. Most hotels have restaurants and / or cafeterias and TV rooms. There are good top or middle class hotels in every Swedish city. Most of the hotels are family-run, but hotel chains are also represented. There are many special offers on weekends and in summer. In Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg there are inexpensive package deals available all year round. Hotel classification: Hotels are divided into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.
Camping
There are a number of well-equipped campsites. Most places are on the lakeshore or by the sea, so you can swim or go boating. There are over 750 designated campsites that have been classified by the Swedish Tourist Board. Many have boat and bicycle rentals, mini golf and tennis courts, and saunas.
50 campsites are located in the mountains, 12 of which are beyond the Arctic Circle, where the sun does not set in summer. There are facilities for the handicapped in around 180 places. The main season is between June 1st and August 15th and all facilities are available to visitors. Many places open in April or May, but often some of the facilities (e.g. the post office) are still closed. Around 200 places are also open in winter, especially in the winter sports areas of northern and central Sweden, and have electricity connections for caravans.
The price for an overnight stay in provided tents or caravans is low compared to other European countries. In some places you have to pay extra for the use of showers and laundromats. A camper card (Camping card) is required on most sites; if you don’t have one yet, buy it at the first campsite, it is then valid for the entire season. You can also order them directly from the Swedish Camping Association (SCR) (address below). International camping cards are also valid. The Swedish campsites are among the best in Europe. The designated campsites, which are checked once a year by the Swedish Tourism Association, are divided into three categories:
3 stars: All facilities as above, plus 24-hour security, postal service, car wash, cafeteria, cooking facilities, games and leisure activities as well as a common room.
2 stars:All facilities as mentioned above, also day security, the area is fenced and illuminated at night, telephone, drainage pipes and power connection for caravans, sockets for razors, kiosk and grocery store.
1 star: Daily inspection, barrier at the entrance, waste bin, drinking water, toilets, washing facilities, hot water for washing up, washing and showering.
Camping checksare valid on around 500 campsites, they can be bought in advance, but only together with the return ticket for the car ferry. Each check is valid for a family night including a car and tent or caravan. Caravans and mobile homes can also be rented. Wild camping is also temporarily permitted except on arable land and pasture land. Please note that motor vehicles are only allowed to drive on paved roads.
More information from Sveriges Campingvärdars Riksförbund (headquarters of the SCR campsites), Box 255, S-45117 Uddevalla. (Internet: www.camping.se) Camping gas is difficult to find, it is best to take a supply with you. The gas from the Swedish companies Primus andSievert can usually be bought at petrol stations to be refilled.
Other accommodation options
As a country located in Europe according to topb2bwebsites, the Swedish youth hostels (Vandrarhem) are often functional buildings, but some are also housed in mansions. There is no age limit. 2- and 4-bed rooms, family rooms and cooking facilities are always available. The youth hostels are run by the STF (Svenska Turistföreningen), members of foreign youth hostel organizations can also receive a discount on presentation of their membership card. All youth hostels are open in summer, some all year round. They are closed during the day, but newcomers can reserve a bed at reception between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Advance booking is recommended in summer. A maximum of five nights is allowed per youth hostel. A directory of addresses for youth hostels is available from the STF (see addresses). The hostels are also listed in the International Youth Hostel Guide, which is available from the Youth Hostel Association.
There are over 400 farms throughout Sweden. Bed and breakfast accommodation is usually offered; Cooking facilities for the other meals are available. Some farms also offer full board. Booking through the local tourist offices. A directory of farm holidays from LRF Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund (Internet: www.bopalantgard.org).
