Sweden - Prepare

In the winter bring hats, gloves, a thick jacket, and a chilled-out attitude. Pack your party hat if you visit in the summer.

In June, watch international live bands at Sweden's biggest rock event, the Hultsfred Festival, or try dancing around the Maypole after too many glasses of the local firewater, snaps, on Midsummer's Eve. In July, head to the capital for the Stockholm Jazz Festival, and in August join knights and harlequins taking Visby by siege for Medieval Week. Don't miss the candle-lit traditional Lucia concerts on 13 December.

New Year's Day, Epiphany (6 Jan), Good Friday (Apr), Easter Sunday, Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), May Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May), Pentecost Sunday (May/Jun) Swedish National Day (6 Jun), Midsummer's Eve (23 Jun), Midsummer's Day (24 Jun), All Saints' Day (Oct/Nov), Christmas Eve (24 Dec) Christmas Day (25 Dec) Boxing Day (26 Dec).

Although famously cold and dark from December to March, when temperatures dip to –20°C (-30 °C in the north), Sweden isn't a bad place to visit at this time. The Swedes put on their long-distance skates and venture out on ice-covered lakes or go cross-country or downhill skiing. Sweden in the summer, with its endless days and hot temperatures (16–30°C), is a drastically different experience. If you are out for a good party, this is the time to come.

230V AC 50Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+46 (national).

Swedish krona or kronor in the plural (SEK) is the currency.

GMT +1 (+2 in Swedish summertime)

Visit Sweden website

Think practical. Although the big city crowds are trend-conscious and stylish, you won't find any over-the-top glamour. The standard city look is based on designer jeans and clean-cut shirts or tops and it gets even simpler as you venture out into the small towns of the countryside.