Crisp and clean, the tranquil Scandinavian country of Sweden offers a variety of experiences within its elegant and sophisticated cities, its picturesque medieval villages, coastal island archipelagos, peaceful lakes and forests and the icy tundra of northern Lapland.

The capital city, Stockholm, encompasses 14 islands on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It is a high-tech city with a small-town feel, filled with top class restaurants, pulsating nightclubs, cosy pubs and a full array of performing arts. Best of all, nearly everyone you meet is fluent in English. Few visitors to Stockholm can resist an excursion to discover the offshore islands: the Stockholm archipelago offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe, and can be enjoyed from the city on a day cruise.

The west coast and its fishing villages is the place for gourmets, especially seafood lovers, while those digging for history will be fascinated with Uppsala, the ancient Viking city where the newest buildings date from the 18th century. A really novel excursion is a visit up north to the Ice Hotel, sculpted from ice every winter in Lapland where the Sami people enjoy showing visitors their way of life, centred on their reindeer herds. Meanwhile, way down south Smaland has been christened 'the Crystal Kingdom' in honour of the famous glassworks that exist there in places like Orrefors and Kosta.

Sweden is an enchanting country, not as cold as one might imagine situated as it is in the high latitudes, and is well worth exploring whether along the meticulously maintained roads or on the extensive high-speed train system.

Royal Djurgården

Address: A 10-minute walk from the city centre across the Djurgarden bridge Stockholm

Stockholm's main attractions are conveniently packaged close to the heart of the city on the island of Djurgården, crammed with entertainment options, museums, restaurants and wooded green space. Once upon a time the island was a royal hunting ground. Now visitors can hunt for souvenirs at the Handarbetets Vanner (handicraft centre); browse the art galleries; enjoy thrills and spills at Gröna Lund, Sweden's oldest amusement park; explore Sweden's past at the Skansen open-air museum; meet Nordic wildlife at the zoo; and watch folk dancing. Also on the island, accessed with a pleasant stroll along the waterfront, is the Junibacken fairy-tale fun centre, the National Museum of Cultural History and the fascinating Vasa Museum featuring a fully rigged restored 17th-century galleon raised from Stockholm harbour. Top off the day with a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Royal Palace and Gamla Stan

Address: Slottsbacken 1, Gamla Stan Stockholm

Admission: 130kr (combined ticket for the whole palace), or 90kr for selected parts of the palace; concessions available Royal apartments: closed 8-31 January and subject to closure according to the King's official duties, but open daily 10am to 5pm (June to August), 10am to 4pm (15–31 May and 1–14 September). Opening hours are shortened the rest of the year, and closed on Mondays

Telephone: (0)8 402 6000

The official Swedish Royal residence is one of the largest and most glorious palaces in Europe, dating from 1754 (although it was built on the remains of an earlier medieval castle). The Baroque edifice is in the heart of Gamla Stan, the old city, and many of its 608 staterooms are open to the public all year round. Visitors can admire the Hall of State, the Royal Treasury, Apartment of the Orders of Chivalry, Gustav III Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Chapel. In front of the palace the changing of the guard ceremony takes place (Wednesday and Saturday 12.15pm, Sunday 1.15pm) with splendid pomp and ceremony that rivals the similar tradition played out at Britain's Buckingham Palace. Gamla Stan itself is a treasure-trove of Swedish architecture from the 17th century. Today tourists throng the alleyways, once notorious for brothels, but now lined with shops and restaurants, and admire the 13th-century Cathedral, the Storkyrkan.

City Hall

Address: Hantverkargatan 1 Stockholm

Admission: 60kr (adults), 30kr (children 12-18). Tower: 20kr (adults). Children under 12 free of charge Tours depart daily at 10am and 12pm with an additional one at 2pm in September and October. The tower is open daily in summer from 10am to 4.15pm

Telephone: (0)8 5082 9058

Stockholm's main landmark, the distinctive red brick City Hall (Stadshuset) building, has stood on Kungsholmen (King's Island) since 1923 and become world-renowned as the venue for the annual Nobel Prize Banquet. The rather practical and austere façade, dominated by three golden crowns atop a tower, hides an extraordinary art nouveau interior. The plush council chamber itself has a vaulted ceiling resembling an inverted Viking longboat, echoing the Viking tradition of using overturned vessels as shelter in winter. Most impressive, though, is the magnificent Golden Hall, its walls covered with handmade mosaics. The view of Stockholm from the tower is unsurpassed.

Museum of National Antiquities

Address: Narvavagen 13–17 Stockholm

Admission: 60kr (adults), children are free Daily 10am to 5pm (May to September), Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm with late closing at 8pm on Thursdays (October to April)

Telephone: (0)8 5195 5600

Sweden's history from prehistoric times to the present day is fascinatingly laid out in the Museum of National Antiquities, which contains a hoard of archaeological artefacts and treasures, including an impressive collection of gold objects recovered from the tombs and treasure caches of the Vikings. The museum's most prized possession dates from the Middle Ages. This is the splendid gold reliquary, set with precious stones, which contained the skull of Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia.

The Archipelago

Address: Archipelago tour information is available from the Tourist Centre, Sweden House, Hamnagatan 27 Stockholm

Telephone: (0)8 789 2415

The city of Stockholm stretches across 14 islands, but the archipelago, of which they form but a tiny part, consists of more than 24,000 islets, famed for their natural beauty, wildlife, fjords and spectacular channels and straits. A highlight of any visit to Stockholm is exploring this unique natural wonderland, and summer time is the time to do it, whether individually or on one of the many organised boat tours on offer. The standard tour is the 'Thousand Island Cruise', lasting 11 hours, which takes you to the outer islands and allows passengers to spend time ashore on some of the larger islands, like Nämdö, renowned for its handicrafts. Those with less time to spend can opt for a shorter cruise from between two to six hours, or travel on the high speed 'Cinderella' waterjet boats that service many of the islands. Do-it-yourself travellers can make use of the regular Waxholmsbolaget ferries that service the inhabited islands. Bed and breakfast accommodation is available for those seeking a longer getaway and perhaps wanting to stay a few days to experience island life.

Göteborg Botanical Garden

Address: Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22A Gothenburg

Admission: Voluntary admission to the garden is 20kr. A fee of 20kr is charged for entry to the greenhouse Daily 9am to sunset

Telephone: (0)31 741 1100

The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg is one of the largest in Europe and the most beautiful in Sweden boasting about 13,000 different species of plant. The area covers 175 hectares (432 acres), most of which is a nature reserve including an arboretum. Pride of the garden is the Rock Garden, but other worthwhile areas to visit include the Japanese Glade, the Rhododendron Valley and the greenhouses.

Liseberg Amusement Park

Address: Gothenburg

Admission: 195kr (free for children under 7). Ride coupons are 15kr each. A variety of discount passes are also available Open between April and October, as well as for the festive season in November and December; hours vary

Telephone: (0)31 400 100

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden, Liseberg Amusement Park has been welcoming millions of visitors a year for almost 80 years. Besides popular rides like the wooden roller coaster Balder and tamer rides for the children, there are over 30 different attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues where concerts and shows attract huge crowds. Besides the summer season, Liseberg is also open over the festive season for the biggest Christmas market in Scandinavia, as well as food specialities of the season, an ice bar and Christmas entertainment.

Elfsborg Fortress

Address: Byggnad 29 Gothenburg

Admission: Boat tours: 100kr (adults), 50kr (children 6-12)

Telephone: (0)31 158 151

The well preserved, 17th century fortress is located on a small island at the entrance of the harbour, at the mouth of the Göta River. With a fascinating history of battles against the Danes, the fortress was once the mightiest citadel in Sweden for coastal defence and is highly popular with visitors. A dramatised tour is included in the admission fee.

Göta Canal

Address: Gothenburg

Telephone: (0)141 215 550

One of the most well known attractions in Sweden, the Göta Canal was an important transport route for passengers and goods between Gothenburg and Stockholm throughout the 19th century until the building of railways and roads. It was also one of the biggest civil engineering projects to ever take place in the country. The canal stretches 118 miles (190km) from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to the Baltic Sea at Mem and has 58 locks. Gothenburg is linked to the canal at Lake Vänern by the Göta River. The picturesque tree-lined channels are popular for cruises, which pass through the beautiful lakes of Vättern and Vänern, usually lasting about five to six days.

Gothenburg archipelago

Address: Gothenburg

Boat trips to the southern and northern archipelago of Gothenburg are popular trips for both visitors and residents alike. The southern archipelago includes eight car-free, inhabited islands that boast sandy beaches, good swimming, beautiful nature, walking paths and a charm of their own. The northern archipelago is more populated and has numerous hotels, restaurants and sea-based activities.

Skansen

Address: Djurgarden Stockholm

Admission: June to August: 110kr (adults), 50kr (children 6-15); admission is reduced the rest of the year, but varies according to season Daily 10am to 10pm (20 June to August), 10am to 8pm (May to 19 June and September), 10am to 4pm (March, April and October); the rest of the year 10am to 3pm (until 4pm on weekends). Market days 11am to 5pm on weekends

Telephone: (0)8 442 8000

Visitors can explore Sweden's past at the Skansen open-air museum, the oldest in the world, where historical buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries have been relocated from around the country. The exhibits include a full replica of a 19th-century town complete with craftsmen in period dress who demonstrate the art of tanning, shoemaking, baking and glass-blowing. Skansen is also home to an aquarium and the World of Monkeys within the Skansen Zoo, which focuses on Scandinavian animals such as reindeer, wolverines, elk, lynx and brown bears. Every December the central square hosts a Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors every weekend.

Babybio

Address: 41 Birger Jarlsgatan, Östermalm Stockholm

Admission: 70kr; babies free Every second Friday from 11am; closed July and August

An innovative attraction in Stockholm for parents with young children is the Babybio. At this unique cinema, the latest movie releases are shown in their original language, and the lighting and sound are lowered so as not to get the kids too excited. There are changing tables, free nappies and a microwave available for mothers to use, and individual cinema seats for each child.

Gröna Lund

Address: Allmänna Gränd, Djurgården Stockholm

Admission: 60kr (adults), 40kr (children 4-12); free under-4s. One-day bracelet (all rides) 260kr

Gröna Lund is Sweden's oldest amusement park and an amazing attraction for kids. Built in 1883, the park features a number of rides including bumper cars, carousels and Ferris wheels. The fun house and Kvasten (Broomstick) rollercoaster are also favourites, and there is an on-site baby care centre for parents to use.

Junibacken

Address: Galärvarvsvägen, Djurgården Stockholm

Admission: 110kr (adults) and 95kr (children 3-15); free for under 3s June and August 10am to 5pm, daily; July 9am to 6pm, daily; September to May 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Junibacken theme park is inspired by Pippi Longstocking and other children's books by local authors. The storybook landscape can be traversed on a fun train ride, and kids can also explore and play in Pippi's house, Villa Villekulla. Storytelling and a lovely bookstore are other highlights at Junibacken.

Sturehof

Address: Stureplan 2 Stockholm

Food Type: Local

This multi-purpose, relaxed establishment has earned the sobriquet: 'Stockholm's living room'. In the heart of the Stureplan entertainment hub, with its four bars, sidewalk cafe and dining room, it has become a popular meeting place from early morning until late at night. The classic restaurant, styled as a modern brasserie, is renowned for its fish and shellfish, but also serves up some delicious Swedish home cooking, all extravagantly prepared and presented. The menu features a vast array, from light snacks to tempting main courses such as lobster, fish and oysters, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Operakällaren

Address: Karl den XII's Torg Stockholm

A jacket is most definitely required at this grand special occasion restaurant, which has high prices to match its high reputation for outstanding food and service. Besides the stunningly presented international dishes and huge wine list the Operakallaren has also been rated as Sweden's most beautiful dining room, set in the Gamla Stan with a fantastic view of the Royal Palace. The main dining room is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

Kaffegillet

Address: Trångsund 4, Gamla Stan Stockholm

Food Type: Local

A warm and friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices and hearty local traditional specialities make Kaffegillet, one of the oldest restaurants in Stockholm, a perennial favourite with locals and visitors alike. In the centre of the Gamla Stan, this restaurant hides in a 14th-century cellar, the décor matching the setting with brick walls, suits of armour and assorted medieval weaponry lit by candles burning in wine jugs.

Erik's Gondolen

Address: Stadsgården 6 Stockholm

Food Type: French

This well-known waterfront restaurant is an institution in Stockholm, where celebrity chef Erik Lallerstedt serves up neo-Swedish cuisine and French specialities in a dining room that hangs beneath a 100ft (30m) high walkway, much like the gondola of an airship. The unusual setting allows for dining with a spectacular view over the old town, Lake Mälaren and the Baltic. Erik's opens for lunch on Saturdays and lunch and dinner during the week. Examples from the menu are shellfish soup, fillet of venison and Kaluha cheesecake.

Collage

Address: Smålandsgatan 2 Stockholm

Dining out in Stockholm is usually a pricey affair, but the centrally situated restaurant-cum-nightclub, Collage, provides a tasty alternative for young budget travellers. On the ground floor is a traditional reasonably priced à la carte restaurant, while above is a clubby bar where you can fill up on an early evening (between 7pm and 9pm) 'all-you-can-eat' buffet, usually on a theme like Tex-Mex, Asian or Italian. Later the bar starts jumping when the dance floor lights up.

Ulla Winbladh

Address: Rosendalsvägen 8 Stockholm

Food Type: Local

There is no restaurant in Stockholm more traditional than this inn in the city's favourite fun zone, the island of Djurgården. The restored building dates back to the 1800s and offers outdoor dining in summer. Speciality of the house is Swedish meatballs, and of course Baltic herring also holds pride of place on the menu. Open daily from 11.30am (12pm on weekends).

Kungshallen

Address: Kungsgatan 44 Stockholm

If you are tired of Swedish dishes and want to have the world at your feet, in a culinary sense, head down to the popular Kungshallen restaurant hall where you can choose from 14 different restaurants serving up taste treats from as many different countries. Prices are reasonable and the quality is excellent, the variety ranging from pizza and kebabs to curry, cannelloni, enchiladas and sushi. Dine at one of the 800 seats in the hall, or take it away with you. Open until 11pm every night.