Lars Own

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and southwestern Gothenburg and Malmö, are all coastal. Stockholm is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges, as well as the medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums such as open-air Skansen.

Sweden’s proximity to the North Atlantic and prevailing south-westerly to westerly winds result in a climate that is mild in the winter months, but the northernmost part of the country has a sub-Arctic climate with long, cold and snowy winters.

Due to Sweden’s large north-to-south expanse, there are regional differences between the cuisine of North and South Sweden. Historically, in the far north, meats, such as reindeer and other game dishes, were eaten while fresh vegetables have played a larger role in the South. Many traditional dishes employ simple, contrasting flavors such as the traditional dish of meatballs and brown cream sauce with tart, pungent lingonberry jam.