Other Information

Public holidays 2003

Jan 1 - New Year's Day. Jan 6 – Epiphany. Apr 18 - Good Friday. Apr 20 - Easter Sunday. Apr 21 - Easter Monday. May 1 - May-Day. May 29 - Ascension Day. Jun 6 - Sweden's National Day (not a holiday!). Jun 8 - Whit Sunday. Jun 9 - Whit Monday. Jun 20 - Midsummer Eve (not a holiday!). Jun 21 - Midsummer Day. Nov 1 - All Saints Day. Dec 24 - Christmas Eve. Dec 25 - Christmas Day. Dec 26 - Boxing Day.

Food/dining out

In Sweden it is common to eat "dagens rätt" (special) at restaurants or cafeterias. The special is generally value for money and often includes beverage, salad and coffee. A special might cost from SEK 50 up to SEK 150-200 depending on the course and the type of restaurant.

 Right of Public Access

Everybody has the right to enjoy Swedish nature. The Swedish Right of Public Access means freedom for everyone. However, this right must not be abused. You must not cause damage or injury to the environment or to wildlife, and you must show consideration towards landowners and your fellow man out in the countryside. You may walk, cycle, horse ride, ski, and stay temporarily in country areas providing you do not damage crops, afforestation areas or other sensitive areas of land. You must respect the privacy of the home by not passing through or staying on private plots of land. Don't disturb and don't destroy, is the main principle of the Swedish Right of Public Access.

You are allowed to camp for one night on land not used for agriculture that is located away from the dwelling-house. Ask the landowner for permission if you want to camp as a group. You may light a fire providing it is safe to do so, however, never on bare rocks as this might cause permanent damage due to cracking. When the lighting of fires is prohibited, this applies to all open fires, and is often the case in National parks and conservation areas. You may pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside, but certain plants, such as all orchids, are protected species and special regulations prescribed by law may apply to what you are allowed to pick in the countryside. Be sure not to leave any litter. In the interests of protecting wildlife, all dogs must be on a leash during the period March 1 - August 20. You may only ride a snow scooter through the countryside if there is no risk of damage to forestry or areas of land covered by snow.

Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

SE-106 48 Stockholm, Sweden

Tel: +46-8-698 10 00

Fax: +46-8-698 16 62, 698 15 15

Shopping

Regular opening hours for stores are from Mon - Fri 9.30 am - 6 pm, Sat until 2 pm or 4 pm. In the big cities, opening hours can be longer -until 8pm on weekdays and between 10 am and 4 pm on Sundays. Many supermarkets are open from early in the morning until the evening.

Special offers can be had where you see the signs "Rea" (Sale), "Extrapris" (Special offer) or "Fynd" (Bargain). (You will find buying glassware, sports equipment and clothes much cheaper in Sweden than in Germany.) Tax-free only applies for non-EU residents!

Tipping

Tips are always included in the price but feel to round off upwards when taking a taxi, or at the restaurant etc. Naturally you can leave a little extra tip if you are very satisfied with the service.

Fishing

Sweden is a fantastic fishing country offering a diversification that few other countries can match. In characteristic and attractive surroundings, families, angling clubs and fishing enthusiasts can fish for many of the most attractive game fish in the western world such as pike, pikeperch, perch, whiting, salmon, salmon trout, sea trout, rainbow trout, char, grayling, and many of the most attractive salt-water fish. Try spinning, fly-fishing, sea fishing, angling and trolling in the lakes, rivers, streams, along the coast or at sea. Always contact the local tourist office or fishing camp for information on fishing permits and fishing regulations.

Fishing trips to some of the best fishing areas in Sweden are organised by Top 10 Fishing Sweden. Information (Top 10 Fishing Magazine) can be obtained at the address below in Swedish, English, German, Danish, Dutch, Czech and Polish. Top 10 has agents in 10 countries in Europe. Please check under brochure orders to see if we have the brochure in stock and we will send you a copy.

Fishing using hand tackle is free along the Swedish coast and in the five largest lakes Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren and Storsjön. It is also free to fish using hand tackle in the middle of Stockholm city, where even salmon can be caught. A fishing permit is required for fresh water fishing in all other areas in Sweden. The price of fishing permits varies from area to area, but the starting price is SEK 45 per day. A permit for fish such as salmon, salmon trout and char costs SEK 200 per day. Information is available from the local tourist office and county administrative board as well as game tenants who are often affiliated through the Fishery Conservation Areas (FVO). Local fishing restrictions/regulations apply (such as for trolling fishing), and anyone fishing has the responsibility of being aware which regulations apply.

Bathing

It is easy to find a bathing site in Sweden, whether it is a beach along the coast or in one of the 95,000 lakes. You can even bathe in central Stockholm. The quality of the bathing water is usually excellent. If the weather should be unkind, swimming pools with saunas are available in most municipalities. Entrance for adults is SEK 20 - 50. There are also a number of adventure pools with everything your kids could wish for.