Högskolan i Halmstad
Halmstad University - For the Development of Organisations, Products and Quality of Life

Geography and nature

Geography


Sweden is situated between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea and is the fifth largest country in Europe. Half of the land surface is covered with forest and less than 10% is farmland, most of which is situated in the southern regions. The distance from north to south is 1600 kilometres, thus incorporating a fairly wide spectrum of climate zones. The long coastline, stretching 7300 km, with its thousands of islands also contributes to the character of the country.

Cities


The three largest cities in Sweden are Stockholm, the capital, Gothenburg, the port city on the west coast, and Malmö in the south.

Nature


The area of Swedish wildlife is one of the largest in Europe. Sweden offers a diverse and very varied nature. The northwest is dominated by mountains with the highest mountain, Kebnekaise, which reaches 2111 meters, 6926 ft. Sweden's archipelagos are world famous; the west coast is unique with its naked cliffs and islands. The soil was washed away during the Ice Age, thousands of years ago, and left smooth, bare islands.

Allemansrätten - the Right of Public Access


In Sweden everyone is allowed to roam freely through the countryside. This means you can walk and camp, with certain restrictions, or pick berries and mushrooms, swim and boat on private land or water. Exceptions to this law should be carefully observed. These are for example picking rare and endangered species of flowers or berries, destroying live trees or any parts of them, taking birds' nests and eggs etc. Always check what you are allowed to do if you are not sure.

Finally, a crucial responsibility that comes with this right is "don't disturb - don't destroy" as well as cleaning up after you. See related links "Swedish Environmental Protection Agency". A pamphlet called "Right and Wrong in the Countryside" is available at libraries and tourist information centre.

Map of Sweden with the capital Stockholm, the second largest city Gothenburg (Göteborg) and Halmstad on the west coast

Page editor: Laurel Williams
Page last updated 2011-12-28
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