Nobel Prize 2013: Top Swedish Destinations You Must Visit
Destination & Tourism Ryan Rudnansky December 10, 2013

The Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature and economic sciences will be handed out to the Laureates today in Stockholm, Sweden.
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901 in Stockholm and Oslo, Norway (Oslo is where the Nobel Peace Prize is received). Unlike today, the world didn't know who had received the prizes until the day of the ceremony back then, according to Folke Henschen.
On the 112th anniversary of the historic ceremony in Stockholm, here are the top Swedish destinations travelers must visit.
Stockholm
We'll start with the obvious.
As the most populated city in Sweden (over 870,000 people), Stockholm makes the list.
But this isn't just any city. There are plenty of incredible landmarks here, as well as plenty to keep you busy.
Skansen became the world's first open-air museum when it was established in 1897. It's basically a miniature Sweden, featuring traditional houses, nature, Nordic and exotic animals at Stockholm's only zoo, and much more.
Buildings in Skansen are meant to give a glimpse into Sweden's many trade areas. Staff members will dress up in period costume, making handicrafts, playing music or churning butter while answering questions.
Vasamuseet, or the Vasa Museum, features the Vasa warship that sank in 1628 and was lifted out of the water and reconstructed. Various exhibits in the museum teach visitors about the ship and its history.
Don't forget to check out the Royal Place and City Hall, as well.
Abisko
What better time to visit Abisko than this December, when the best Northern Lights show in a decade is expected?
Abisko has always been a prime location to view the Northern Lights, due to the surrounding mountains and favorable winds that protect it from cloudy skies. It's also centered in the auroral zone, where the top Northern Lights shows in the world take place every year.
The popular Aurora Sky Station offers a chair-lift ride up to the premises before you are treated to a four-course dinner influenced by Nordic cuisine. On the way up to Aurora Sky Station, you get to gaze at the stars above, as well as Abisko National Park below. The package includes a guided tour about Aurora Borealis and how to find it. Of course, warm aurora watcher overalls are provided. Obviously.
Jukkasjarvi
In addition to featuring some stunning Northern Lights shows in the famous Swedish Lapland, Jukkasjarvi is also the home to the historic ICEHOTEL.
Yes, the ICEHOTEL is really made of ice. The 5,500-square-meter work of art features 30,000 tons of "snice," or a mixture of snow and ice. Its "cold accommodations" are meticulously and artistically designed, featuring ice-block beds adorned with fur for sleeping.
The ICEBAR is made entirely of ice, from the bar itself to the tables to the cocktail glasses.
Fantastic, original artwork that includes the surrounding elements is also on exhibit throughout the ICEHOTEL.
The surrounding area is a nature lover's dream, whether you prefer to look up into the night sky, go dogsledding, or take a ride on a snowmobile. Heck, you can even go reindeer sledding.
The West Coast Archipelago
If you love traveling or love eating or love journaling or love islands or love the coast…well, you get the idea.
There is so much to love about the West Coast archipelago, from some of the world's finest dining (check out the Michelin-starred Kock and Vin in Gothenburg), to virtually-untouched historic sites, to activities such as fishing, kayaking and relaxing in a sauna.
From the popular, bustling, young city of Gothenburg to the regular celebrity hangout that is Marstrand, there is something for everyone down this coast. Check out Kosterhavet—Sweden's first national marine park—or head on over to the quaint and quirky fishing villages of Grebbestad and Fjallbacka.
Varmland
This beautiful province is not only a favorite of winter travelers, it has also become a home for summer adventurers.
In Western Varmland you have the Scandinavian mountain range and in Eastern Varmland you have the hilly mining district of Bergslagen. River rafting has become virtually synonymous with Varmland as travelers glide down the Klaralven River.
A great many celebrities have come from this province, including famous poets, authors, singers, actors, athletes and—yes— Nobel Prize winners (Selma Lagerlof, Nobel Prize in literature, 1909).
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