🗺Sweden's geography

The country, its provinces, cities, climate and nature — as well as the right of public access (allemansrätten).

The most important things to know

• Stockholm is Sweden's capital. Gothenburg and Malmö are the second- and third-largest cities.
• Sweden borders Norway and Finland and has a bridge-and-tunnel link to Denmark across the Öresund.
• Sweden is traditionally divided into the regions Norrland, Svealand and Götaland.
• Vänern is Sweden's largest lake. Kebnekaise is Sweden's highest mountain.
• North of the Arctic Circle, the sun stays up around the clock for a period in summer — the midnight sun — and stays below the horizon for a period in winter.
• The right of public access (allemansrätten) gives you the right to be in nature, but it also comes with responsibility: don't disturb, don't destroy.

Key terms

Right of public access (allemansrätten)

The right to be in nature, along with a duty to show consideration.

Arctic Circle

The latitude north of which the midnight sun and polar night occur.

Province (landskap)

A traditional geographic division of Sweden, for example Skåne and Dalarna.

Public transport

Buses, trains and trams, for which the region is responsible.