Mini Travel Guides

We write a lot about the amazing places you can travel to in Europe.  But what about when you get there?  When you’re off the plane and ready to see everything you came to see?  What then?  You’re in a foreign country, with a potentially foreign language, with potentially foreign currency.  It can be a bit of a shock.  Especially the language.

I’m a big proponent of learning new languages.  Especially if you find yourself spending an extended period of time in a certain country.  I blame my parents for this completely and having grown up speaking Swedish and English.

But what about when you’re just traveling abroad for a couple of weeks, or even just a couple of days?  To expect someone to learn the language for just a small trip isn’t realistic.  Being able to master a few phrases though, is doable and can be very helpful.  Please, thank you, hello, good bye, maybe a few numbers when paying, they all get used on a regular basis when touristing around.  Even the use of key phrases in your host country can lead to misunderstandings.  There are of course the pronunciation issues.  The words “kissa” and “kyssa” in Swedish mean to pee and to kiss.  Mispronouncing the two can lead to some awkward moments.  But along with the linguistic misunderstandings come the cultural misunderstandings.

Again, in Sweden, often times the Swedes think it rude to not speak English with someone who clearly hasn’t mastered Swedish.  At the first hint of an accent they switch to English.  From an English language perspective, this in and of itself can be seen as rude, suddenly, while trying to make an effort to speak the host language, the host switches to English.  It is as if they are acknowledging that their Swedish is better than your English.  Which it may very well be.  But in the short cultural exchange, misunderstandings arise.

My first trip to Italy was a cultural misunderstanding.  My friend spoke Italian.  I did not.  I decided to venture off on my own and asked for a few key phrases before I left.  My attempts at mastering Italian in just a couple of minutes fell woefully short and the man at the counter immediately switched to a broken English.  A much less broken form than my broken Italian.  I thought I had nailed the phrase.  I had not.  But it was a learning experience, because in the end, he acknowledged my attempt and showed appreciation that I would even try.  Even if I did butcher his beautiful language.

I’ve always found that regardless of the perceived situation, attempting to speak the host language is appreciated.  Even if you butcher it.  Even if they switch to English.  Even if they don’t understand exactly what it is you’re saying.  Those short moments of acknowledging the cultural differences are what make travel abroad so interesting.

So how do you handle the different languages of all of your European destinations?  Do you include language or phrase books in your European travel planning?

Photo by jasejc. More photos by jasejc here.

Using English While Abroad

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Written by Marilyn McFarlane for EuropeUpClose.com

I’m back in the US for Halloween this year for the first time in several years.  It’s a strange phenomenon, what with the candy and costumes.  It’s especially strange because of the lack of celebration in Sweden.

Turns out I’ve grown accustomed to a much more subdued celebration, and one that is a bit different – All Saint’s Day.

All Saint’s Day in Sweden is a national holiday that always falls on a Saturday between the 31^st of October and the 6^th of November.  This year, it will be celebrated on the 6^th of November.  It will not be celebrated with small children running around knocking on doors in hopes of collecting enough candy to last a month, or at least the weekend.  Instead it will be celebrated with candles.  Lots and lots of candles.

There is no better place for this Swedish Holiday, Alla helgons dag, than Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm – The Woodland Cemetery that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Each year, the entire cemetery is lit up by candles.  An already impressive natural landscape is given an otherworldly glow.  Whether you’re going for that hint of creepiness (and it’s there because after all it is a cemetery lit up by candles in the dark of night), to a sense of peace, Skogskyrkogården is a great destination for All Saint’s Day.

We’ve written about Skogskyrkogården before on Europe a la Carte, but with the holiday coming up, it really is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

Picture by: Michael Cavén

Skogskyrkogården – All Saint’s Day in Stockholm

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Just about everyone has heard about Cannes.  Berlin. Venice.  Even film festivals in Toronto and Sundance make the news from a continent away.  However the Stockholm International Film Festival is pretty low profile, even within Europe.  Last year nearly 200 films were screened at this annual Stockholm event. The line-up for this year’s festival, which runs from November 17^th to November 28^th in venues throughout the city, is now being announced on the Stockholm International Film Festival website.

To view any of the films, you need to buy a membership. There are a few different options, one being the standard membership card.  This will cost you 220 SEK and is good for several other events over the course of one year (starting in August).  If you’re a student or under 21, the same card will only cost you 160 SEK. Of course, if you have some money to spend and want to support the festival get the Bronze Card.  The Bronze Card costs 1400 SEK and gives you plenty of extra perks for the price.

The membership cards are required to view any of the films.  Of course, a ticket is also required.  Tickets to each individual film will cost you 70 SEK.  Having spent a large part of my life as a poor student, this bothers me.  If you are also a poor student, the student discount comes in handy, and if you’re a poor student interested in film, it doesn’t take too many screenings before the average costs drops.  Considering your standard movie at your standard movie theater in Stockholm will usually run you over 100 SEK, it isn’t completely outrageous. All that being said, the membership card plus the individual ticket cost adds up.

I love Stockholm. I think it is one of the best places to visit in Europe.  But November in Stockholm is cold.  It’s dark, it’s winter.  So really it’s an ideal time for an indoor event.

If you’re planning a visit to the Swedish captial to coincide with the Stockholm International Film Festival, you can find the best deals on hotels in Stockholm on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Picture by: plindberg

Stockholm International Film Festival

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

I walk a lot when I travel. I pick out church spires on the skyline and I walk to them. Instead of waiting at a bus stop I walk along the bus line.  I don’t believe there is a better way to see a city than to walk it.  Even living in Stockholm, I walked almost everywhere.  There were parts of the subway line I never explored, simply because I could walk it.

All that walking made me hungry though, and finding a quick bite to eat that was also portable in Stockholm isn’t always easy.  Often times it feels like the only options are the same old fast food joints or a kebab.  And while I love kebabs (and the occasional fast food joint for that matter), it’s nice to have a change.

That’s what makes Hötorgshallen so great. This centrally located Stockholm food market offers all kinds of delicious, and portable, food options.  There’s even a dry fruit stand that offers samples. Something I was always willing to take them up on.

Along with the dried fruit, you’ll be inundated with cheese, chocolate, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables.  You can find food from various corners of the world.  Turkey. Japan. Mexico.  Sweden.  It’s almost overwhelming.  And it’s definitely worth it.

Unfortunately, Hötorgshallen has limited hours on the weekend.  The market is actually closed on Sundays and only open from 10-16 on Saturdays (for a full listing of opening hours click here).  Despite the limited hours, try to plan a stop at this Stockholm food market next time you’re in the Swedish capital.

Picture 1 by: johanloman

Picture 2 by: Nenyaki

Great Eats in Stockholm – Hötorgshallen Market

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Sweden is a monarchy.  After this past summer’s big wedding, most of the world knows that.  Of course, the Swedish monarchy has no power.  Power resides in the parliament.  The Swedish Riksdag.  This is especially important right now because Sweden is holding an election this Sunday, the 19^th.

Voters throughout Sweden will be casting their ballot for the party which they believe is best fit to govern the country.  Even Swedish voters abroad have the opportunity to make their voices heard.  And many have and will continue to do so until the ballots close.

But for those of you who are not Swedish citizens, you can still get a little piece of the Swedish political action.  By visiting the Riksdag of course.  It’s a great free Stockholm attraction and rather underrated

The Swedish House of Parliament is located in Stockholm, Sweden.  Just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Castle, the Riksdag sits on an island.  Stockholmers and visitors alike walk by it every day on one of Stockholm’s busiest pedestrian walkways.

Few seem to go in.  Which is unfortunate because the Riksdag offers free public tours.  In English even.  While the parliament is in session, tours are offered on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at 13:30.  During the summer months (end of June to the end of July), tours are offered every weekday at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00.  The tour lasts an hour and is a great way to learn more about Sweden’s political system and the Riksdag itself.

Visit the Swedish House of Parliament – A free Stockholm attraction

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

I appreciate the occasional strange tourist site.  I’ve seen porcupine racing on the 4^th of July in Council, Idaho, USA.  I’ve visited the world’s largest Dala Horse in the middle of Sweden.  I’ve even seen a two-headed tortoise in Geneva, Switzerland.  They entertain me in their obscurity.  And all three are things I highly recommend, even if one of them might be hard to while travelling in Europe.

It is because of the obscurity though that I am always looking for ridiculous things to visit.  That’s why I was so intrigued by a book claiming to list Sweden’s 100 most obscure (but worthwhile) tourist sites.  But I have limits.  And those limits come when the number one strange but worthwhile attraction is an old industrial site from a WWII project extracting oil.

Number four on the list is a large bargain warehouse called Ullared.  A place that actually managed to get its own reality TV show in Sweden.

Number seven is a hotel.  Usually, hotels are just a place to stay while touring around, not the site itself.  Having driven passed this hotel more times than I care to count on my way to southern Sweden, I’m not sure why this one is any different.  It sits on the side of one of Sweden’s largest highways.  A strong arm could throw a baseball from the road and break a window.  The attraction? Sheep and supposed ghosts.

Of course, then I remember that I like seeing giant red horses made of concrete, two-headed tortoises, and porcupine races and realize that no matter what kind of trip you’re planning, and no matter what European country you are going to, there is something out there worth seeing.  Even if it is an old industrial site in Sweden.

So go explore. Have fun. Find something that interests you. Me? I like two-headed tortoises.

Strange (but worthwhile) attractions in Sweden?

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Eating at restaurants in Sweden can be expensive.  Very expensive.  Too many times I have looked at the bill only to start converting in my head to find I paid two or three times what I would have in the US.  It’s a horrible habit and one that I have to break.  At the same time, it helps me to find meals that are worth eating without feeling like I’ve thrown away money as I convert from kronors to dollars.

Swedish pea soup by VirtualEm

That’s what makes dagens lunch (the day’s lunch) so great as a Swedish budget travel tip.  Every day, restaurants throughout Sweden offer a set menu for a very reasonable price.  It’s one of the few opportunities for cheap meals in Sweden.  It usually includes a salad, bread, a drink, the main course, as well as coffee.  But it’s Thursdays that stand out.  Because nearly every Thursday you’ll find pea soup and pancakes on the menu.

It sounds like a horrible combination. And let’s be honest, pea soup is not the most visually appealing thing you can eat.  Despite the initial reaction of many, pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays is amazing.  The split pea soup is filled with ham and most people add a dollop of mustard for a little extra kick.  It is a national staple in Sweden that has been dominating Thursday menus in Sweden for generations.

The pancakes end up being a very filling dessert to follow the already filling pea soup.  Covered in whipped cream, either fresh berries or a berry jelly, and maybe a little sugar if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s a filling, and delicious, lunch.

Swedish pancakes stuffed with blueberries by norwichnuts

It’s not just restaurants that serve pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays.  The Swedish military eats it every Thursday.  Schools serve it.  Even your average Swedish household will make pea soup and pancakes on Thursday.  I, due to my complete inability to make a Swedish pancake that is not too thick or too burned, do not eat pea soup and pancakes at home on Thursdays.

Next time you’re looking for a reasonably priced meal on a Thursday in Sweden (and who amongst us doesn’t do that on a regular basis?) be sure to find the nearest dagens lunch deal and order the pea soup with pancakes.  You won’t be disappointed.  You won’t be hungry for the rest of the day either.

If you haven’t made it to Sweden yet, make your own pea soup and pancakes this Thursday.  Enjoy!

Picture by VirtualErn

Pea Soup and Pancakes – A Budget Swedish Culinary Delight

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

About a month ago, my inbox was suddenly filled with links to a new hotel in Sweden.  Usually, I could care less.  When I travel, I travel cheap. I have few requirements in a hotel room other than a bed.  And no bats or cockroaches.  After a fateful trip in Australia in which both were involved in two separate hotels, I have become a bit pickier.

Tree Hotel under construcction by Sixten Brandt

But this was no ordinary hotel.  And each e-mail had the exact same link.  And now I have a new place to visit, the Tree Hotel, just south of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden (click on the link for some amazing pictures. You’ll have to trust me on this one).  Three years of living in Sweden, and I never made farther north than a winter day in Östersund and a summer day in Järvsö (strangely, both involved Midsummer Poles).  But never to the Arctic Circle.  I will. Someday.

Östersund Midsummer maypole in Winter

And when I do, I will have plenty of accommodation options from which to choose. There is, of course, the Right of Public Access in Sweden and so a tent is always a good idea.  But northern Sweden has become known for unique hotel solutions.  There is the Icehotel near Kiruna.  Constructed out of ice.  And now, the Treehotel.  Constructed in the trees.

Suite at Ice Hotel near Kiruna, Sweden by bjaglin

Their philosophy starts with a question: “Why not create a comfortable, well designed hotel which allows visitors to live in harmony with nature amongst the trees?” and ends with rooms shaped like a bird’s nest and a mirrored cube allowing nature to be reflected right off the room itself.  It also ends with you forking over at least 3500 SEK for two people to stay in one of the rooms.

Is it worth it? I don’t know. Is it one of the best places to visit in Europe? I have no idea.  But I know when I do my travel planning, it will be high on the list.

Unique Hotels in Northern Sweden: The Tree Hotel & the Ice Hotel

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Some people head to Gotland during the summer to party.  Visby, the largest city on the island, is home to a week long party every summer known as Stockholm Week.  Essentially, the city is overtaken by people looking to enjoy the beaches and sun that Visby has to offer.

But Visby to me is not a party destination; it’s a chance to see one of the best preserved medieval cities in Sweden. In fact, the entire city of Visby has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  With good reason.  Church ruins dot the cityscape, medieval houses can be found throughout the town center, and an intact wall circling the city dominates the view as you enter Visby.

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, try to visit this European city in the beginning of June.  Tourist season is slowly getting started and the town seems to have just the right mix of tourists and locals.  Of course, if you’re looking to experience medieval Visby, August is the time to visit.

Every August since 1984, Visby has celebrated a Medieval Week.  The churches and wall around the city suddenly become an integral part of the celebrations with music, dance, markets and tournaments.  There are even some lectures for those more inclined towards the academic side of things.

Visby, during the summer months, is one of the best places to visit in Europe. With its mix of history and culture with sun and beaches (and even some partying), the city comes alive and is a great summertime destination.