Tuesday 29 April 2014

Removals to Sweden: A Guide to Great Museums

If you require removals to Sweden one of the things you might want to do in your leisure time once you have settled in, is to visit a museum near you to find out more about your newly adopted country. Sweden has some fantastic regional and national museums, some dedicated to art and others to photography, the military and there’s even one dedicated to Sweden’s biggest musical export, the pop band “ABBA”.

At the Moving Partnership Limited we understand that your time is precious. Using our services for your removals to Scandinavia will not only save you time, it will also save you money. We compare the quotes from hundreds of different removals companies and we spend the time researching the best and cheapest company for the job, so you don’t have to.

Whatever your interests, you are bound to find a museum to suit you. We have chosen to highlight ten of the best museums in Sweden here but there are plenty more to visit. You can find out more by visiting your local Tourist Information Centre. Having completed your removals to Sweden, should you discover a more interesting or unusual museum in your area, please feel free to bring it to our attention in the comments section below so that we may cover it in a later article.

Removals to Scandinavia – click here to find out more about our removals to Sweden service or contact us today for a free online moving quote.

The Abba Museum

Whether its “Money Money Money”, “Waterloo” or “Mama Mia”, whatever your favourite Abba tune, Sweden says “Thank You For The Music” with the ultimate tribute, a museum dedicated to the musical stylings of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid. If you’re an ABBA fan, this attraction is a must see. You are invited to sing and dance along to the music and pose on stage, as the fifth member of the band.

Stockholm City Museum

One for the fans of Stieg Larsson’s "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", Stockholm's City Museum has an installation devoted to the works of the author. The three books in the series have been read by over 73 million people and The Millennium Phenomenon, as it has become known, continues to enthral readers and film goers worldwide.

The Nobel Museum

In the worlds of physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature and peace, the Nobel Prize is the ultimate accolade and here at the Nobel Museum, you can learn about some of the world’s most important ideas and discoveries. The museum is also actively involved in research and often stages seminars, lectures and debates. There is also a rather lovely little bistro in which each of the chairs is marked with the name of a past Nobel Prize winner. Check under your seat to see who you’re dining with.

Museum of Medieval Stockholm

If history is your thing, look out for this little gem. You'll find the museum of medieval Stockholm beneath the Parliament building and across the street from the King's Palace. The displays very accurately describe life in medieval Stockholm. A walking tour of the old town, which takes about an hour and a half, is an interesting way to get to know your new city.

Vasa Museum


The Vasa is Sweden's Cutty Sark. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in August 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. Reconstruction began almost immediately and she stands today, restored to her former glory. There are a number of very interesting exhibitions on board with information about the original build, the sinking and the restoration process as well as one detailing what life must have been like for those on board.

Skansen

Founded in 1891, Skansen is the world’s oldest open air museum. Exhibiting furnished houses and farmsteads exactly as they would have been hundreds of years ago, it focuses its attention on bygone farming activities and rural life. From the Sami tribes in the north to the cultivated gardens of the south, it reflects the changes in lifestyle from the 16th century through to the present day.

Volvo Museum

A must see for any petrolhead, The Volvo Museum features vintage, rally and concept cars as well as examples of their trucks and busses. From the very first ÖV4 produced in 1927, through to the latest 2014 C and XC ranges, they're all here and there are some interesting exhibitions detailing Volvo's advancements in design, technology and safety.

Swedish Museum of National Antiquities

If you're keen to find out about Swedish history then this is the place for you. One of Sweden’s largest museums, it currently holds over 10 million pieces dating back to the middle of the Stone Age. Here you can meet the Vikings and witness re-enactments in full Viking dress. You can wander around a Viking farm and children are invited to play Viking games.

The Royal Armoury Museum

This is the oldest museum in Sweden. Located in the cellars of the Royal Palace in Stockholm, you’ll see arms and clothing dating back to 1496. You’ll get a look at Sweden’s ancient weapons and uniforms and see them change throughout the years. You’ll also see robes from royal weddings and coronations as well as several exquisite state coaches.

About Moving Partnership

At Moving Partnership we are all about saving you time and money when it comes to arranging your removals to Sweden. We take the time to look around the market place and find you the best deal. Using our extensive list of European removals company contacts, we match your requirements to the services offered by removals companies based here in the UK and in Sweden and deliver you a bespoke removals solution.

Saturday 26 April 2014

Removals to Sweden: Fishing in Sweden

If fishing is your favourite hobby, then your removals to Sweden should have you reeling with excitement. Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the UK, with 4 million keen anglers spending £3 billion on equipment and travel to fishing destinations, and this passion is not lost on the Swedes. With over 3,200 kilometres of coastline, some vast lakes and mile upon mile of waterway and canal, Swedes while away many an afternoon either waist deep in water or hanging over the side of a boat.

In this moving to Sweden article, we’ll be taking a look at all things fishy. From organised activities on the Baltic, to lake or river fishing with friends or family. If your house move is going to see you living close to the coast, or to any of the great Swedish lakes, we hope you enjoy our guide to angling in Sweden.

Removals to Scandinavia – click here for full information on our European removals service or contact us now to discuss your move.

Where Can I Fish in Sweden?

From a fisherman’s perspective, one of the truly great things about Sweden is that you are never to far from water. From Jokkmok and Kiruna in the north to Jönköpping and Växjö in the south, rivers and streams connecting the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic with the waterways of Norway, crisscross the country.

Throughout the country, fish stocks are high, so there is little or no restriction to fishing as long as you have the required permit. The exception to this is a warning over eel stocks in the Baltic. Lake fishing, river fishing, and coastal fishing are all allowed and encouraged in Sweden. Lake Vänern in the south west of the country is as good a place as anywhere to start. At 5600 sq km, it is the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest in the whole of Europe. The other great lakes of Sweden are Vättern in south central Sweden, Mälaren and Hjälmaren in Stockholm, Storsjön in Jämtland, Torneträsk in Kiruna, Siljan in central Sweden and Hornavan,  Akkajaure and Uddjaure in the north.

The fishing season varies south to north in Sweden with the changing climate. Usually year round in the warmer south, central Sweden is best fished April to November and the north from May to October.

What Can I Expect to Catch?

That really depends on where you are moving to in Sweden. Throughout the country, there are more than 35 different species of fish. Chief among them though are pike, zander, perch, salmon, trout and grayling. Believe it or not, even if you are moving to central Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, there is still some great fishing to be had. In Stockholm, if you find yourself anywhere near the Parliament buildings and you happen to have your rod about you, cast into the Rosenbad and see if you can catch something tasty for tea.

Around Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden you can expect to pick up catfish, cod, hake and mackerel and, inland, you can fly-fish for brown trout. If you are moving to Malmö, you might look to putting char, trout or perch on the menu. In Jokkmokk there’s fly-fishing for arctic char through to specimen hunts for giant roach whilst in Växjö you can expect to find pike and rainbow trout.

Are there Organised Tours?

The simple answer to this question is yes, and they’re not that hard to find either. At the last count we came up with 34 different courses, tours and fishing trips, and we’re fairly sure there’s a lot more than that. Fishing charters are widely available throughout Bohuslän, Halland, Skåne, Södermanland, Uppland, Västergötland and Värmland. They make regular tours of the Baltic and the larger Swedish lakes. Skilful skippers who know the area's fishing grounds can virtually guarantee a good day's catch. Many of the boats are fully equipped with food and drinks on board.

Do I need a License for Fishing in Sweden?

You need a permit to fish on most Swedish waters except for the main lakes at Vänern, Vättern, Hjälmaren, Mälaren and Storsjön. You are also free to fish along the entire Swedish coastline but there are regulations in place governing the fishing of Baltic pike. Outside of these areas, you’ll need to check with the local authority to find out what local fishing rules are in place. These rules will govern such things as minimum size, catch limits and the use of private waters. There may also be areas that are out of bounds, like the mouths of some rivers.

Is there such a thing as Extreme Fishing?

Yes and it’s alive and well in northern Sweden. Huge pike have been caught, pictured and returned to the waters here and competition is fierce among anglers to be the next record holder. From the beginning of October to mid November is the best time to fish for trophy pike. Ice fishing is also very popular, particularly in Värmland; here you’re likely to find perch, pike, rainbow and brown trout and arctic char. Ice fishing can be dangerous though, hence its inclusion under this heading. Anyone looking to fish through a hole in the ice is strongly advised never to go alone and to equip themselves properly with a pair of good winter-boots and warm clothing, as well as an ice-drill and ice-scoops (to prevent the holes freezing over), a pair of ice-picks and a rescue rope.

About Moving Partnership Limited

The Moving Partnership has been arranging removals to Sweden, Scandinavia and Europe for over 20 years now. In that time we have established strong connections with removals companies, both here in the UK and in Sweden. Where possible, we partner only with those companies who are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and those that are FAIM registered. This is to ensure that you receive the highest standards of service and customer care. Contact us today for your free removals quote.

Moving to Sweden - click here for full information on our removals to Sweden service or contact us now for a free moving quote.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Removals to Sweden – Swedish National Holidays

When looking for removals to Sweden to take up a new job, it’s good to know about the Swedish national holidays so that you know when you can take time off work to relax and have fun with the family.

Moving Partnership Ltd have gathered this information together for you so that you can prepare for your holidays in advance of your family's removals to Sweden.  After all, it's always good to know ahead of time what you are letting yourself and your family in for.

When you have completed your removals to Sweden and are comfortably installed in your new Swedish home, you will find that the Swede's value their holidays. They value family life and see bank holidays as much as a time to be spent with the family as a time for celebration.

At Moving Partnership Ltd, we specialise in low cost, high quality removals. We compare hundreds of removals quotes so you don’t have to and we assist in every aspect of your move, even down to helping you with the paperwork.

Removals to Sweden - click here for full information on our removals to Sweden service or contact us now for a free online moving quote.

National Holidays in Sweden

The 5 day week is commonplace in Sweden and hours worked are roughly 38 for men and 32 for women. This has remained largely unchanged since a survey that was carried out in 2006 though there is evidence to suggest that this has risen slightly in recent times.

There are no less than 17 recognised public holidays in Sweden which are actually set out in law and  these are taken in addition to the Swedish annual holiday. Most people take three or four weeks off, normally in the summer months of July and August.

The majority of shops and offices in Sweden are closed on Midsummer’s Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This also applies to banks, museums and some restaurants. The decision as to whether to open on these particular days is left entirely at the owners discretion. For the rest of the year though, Sunday hours apply to the public holidays. A few restaurants will choose to close on Sundays and public holidays which tend to be the busiest days for museums and galleries.

New Year´s Day, Jan 1

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in many places around the world and Sweden is no exception. Schools, post offices and government offices are closed, as are most businesses.

Epiphany Eve, Jan 5 and Epiphany Day, Jan 6

Epiphany is a traditional annual holiday celebrated widely in churches in Scandinavia. You should not be surprised to find most businesses closed.

Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday

Again, as it is in most Christian countries of the world, the Easter break is celebrated with time off from work.

May Day, May 1

May Day has been a public holiday in Sweden since 1939.

Ascension Day, May 9

Government offices, schools, banks and many businesses are usually closed in countries where Ascension Day is a public holiday.

Whit Sunday, May 19

Whit Sunday is traditionally a day for picnicking in Sweden.  Swedes also decorate their homes with flowers and leafy branches to mark the occasion.

Sweden's National Day, June 6

Sweden has celebrated its National Day on 6 June since 1983. The idea of Sweden having a “National Day” was conceived by Artur Hazelius, founder of the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm. The day is marked with a lot of pomp and ceremony and flag waving, like our own St Georges Day, only more so.

Midsummer´s Eve, June 20, and Midsummer's Day, June 21

This is not a time to be driving as most everybody will be on the roads on their way out to the countryside. Midsummer is family outing and picnic time. Get on the road early to avoid the queues.

All Saints´ Day, Nov 1

Although All Saints day is officially November 1st, it is celebrated on the Saturday of the closest weekend. The following Sunday marks All Souls Day, a day usually reserved for visiting the graves of lost loved ones. You'll see many candles burning in lanterns at grave sites as people remember those who have passed on and, in the churches, the priest will read out the names of all those who have died the previous year and lead the congregation into prayer as the church warden lights a candle for each of them. Families will gather together for a meal in remembrance of their loved ones and this is usually a quiet, sombre affair.

Christmas Eve, Dec 24, Christmas Day, Dec 25, Boxing Day, Dec 26

In Sweden, Christmas really starts on December 24th but, as in England, most people begin their preparations much earlier. It is a time for family and for feasting, for the giving and receiving of presents and for Christmas decorations.

As well as the obligatory tree, the advent candle stick is a popular Christmas decoration. It marks the countdown to Christmas. Consisting of 4 candles, one for each of the preceding 4 weeks, the first candle is lit on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. On the 3rd Sunday, the first and second candles are lit and so on until, come Christmas Day, the candlestick arrangement resembles a flight of illuminated steps.

New Year´s Eve, Dec 31


In common with countries around the world, New Year’s Eve is marked with huge festivities and big firework displays. The Christmas period was for family, the New Year is for close friends. Dinner parties and drinks parties are lavish affairs and discussions centre around the events of the past year and plans for the next.

New Year’s resolutions are made and then promptly broken and, as the clock strikes midnight, people gather around the TV to watch a huge firework display and a live broadcast from the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm.

About MPL Removals

When planning your removals to Sweden give MPL a call. We will search for the very best removals quotes and assist you in all aspects of your removal. There is always someone on hand to help with any queries you may have and we will even help you fill out the paperwork.  Call us today for your free, no obligation quotation.

Removals to Sweden - click here for full information on our removals to Sweden service or contact us now for a free online moving quote.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Removals to Sweden: Activities on the Baltic Sea

At Moving Partnership Ltd, we want your removals to Sweden to run as smoothly as possible. Through our network of European removals company connections, we can put together a removals package tailor made to match your specific requirements. Wherever possible, we partner with British Association of Removers (BAR) registered or FAIM accredited companies assuring you of peace of mind throughout the removals process. Contact us today for a free removals quote.

In this article, we shall be having a look at all things watery. We’ll put the spotlight on cruises, diving, dolphin watching, fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking, kite surfing, sailing, skim boarding, stand up and paddle, wake-boarding, water-skiing, whale watching and wind surfing. Join us as we head out onto the water.

Moving Partnership Removals to Sweden – click here for full information on our range of professional services or contact us now for a free online moving quote

The Baltic Sea

This is a huge expanse of icy water in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as well as parts of Germany and Denmark. Its average depth is nearly 180 ft but at its deepest it measures 1,506 ft, deep enough to submerge a one hundred storey building.

Neither salt water nor fresh, it is a combination of the two and a haven to wildlife such as ringed seals and harbour porpoises, cod, herring and salmon as well as tens of millions of migratory birds; among them, the Arctic tern, divers and long-tailed duck.

It is also home to something just a tad more sinister; “The Baltic Sea anomaly”, a 60 metre circular rock-like formation which is an unusual phenomenon. Discovered in May 2011, some say it’s a UFO while some say it’s the remains of a World War II German anti-submarine device, and still others believe it is a plug to the underworld. Whatever it is and wherever it came from, it continues to baffle scientists to this day.

Cruises


Type the words ‘Baltic Sea Cruises’ into any internet browser and you are instantly faced with a plethora of choice. Not surprising when you consider what’s on offer from the water. You can take in the imperialism of the Baltic’s capital cities, marvel at the architecture of St Petersburg, enjoy the panorama of Stockholm’s archipelago, and see the sights of Kristiansand’s beaches.

Diving


Diving talk in the Baltic has lately been of the “UFO” mentioned above; but that aside for a moment, the seabed has become the resting place for thousands of ships and aircraft, many of which are well preserved due to the composition of the water. The northern Baltic waters cannot support shipworm, the wood-eating clam that destroys submerged timber, so many of these vessels are still largely intact.

Fishing

The brackish nature of The Baltic Sea sees it supporting many species of fish, from those that thrive in the saltier water to the south, to those that prefer the less saline conditions in the north. Among those species regularly and commercially fished here are cod, Baltic herring, sprat, flounder, plaice, salmon, sea trout, European eel and sturgeon. It is likely though that the fishing of eel will be severely regulated, if not stopped altogether, due to diminishing numbers.

Kayaking

Visit the St. Anna Archipelago, around 150km south west of Stockholm, for this watery treat. Here the islands, rocks and skerries provide a playground for everyone, from beginner to sea dog. A beautiful nature reserve displaying everything from uninhabited, barren rock formations to islands covered in pine and birch, it is hoped that the area will be granted National Park status before long.

Kite Surfing

The world of kite surfing has a new record to beat and it was set over the Baltic. Jan Lisewski sailed around 200 kilometres, from Swinoujscie in his native Poland to Ystad in Sweden. It took him around 11 hours to complete the voyage and put kite surfing high on the Baltic’s thrillseekers must-do list. For some great kite surfing spots around the Baltic, visit Visby in Gotland and Dalarö in Stockholm.

Sailing

Despite or perhaps even because of its many shipwrecks, sailing is as popular in the Baltic as it is anywhere else on our blue planet. It’s not for the faint hearted though as there are no pleasure boat sunshine cruises here; it’s all about the challenge. Strong winds, rain and difficult navigation can lead to some hair-raising situations. The strongest currents are mostly found at the harbour gateways.

Stand up and Paddle (SUP)

SUP is very popular in Sweden. Not only is it a relaxing way to cruise the waterways, it’s also an excellent core muscle workout guaranteed to get and keep you fit. Originating in Hawaii, it has taken the world by storm and captured Swedish sporting imagination. You can begin in the calmer waters of Stockholm, improving your core strength and balance, and very soon be looking to push yourselves for a full CV workout.

Wake-boarding


Natural wake boarding with really good waves and winds can be found in the Baltic off the coasts of Latvia and Lithuania but you can wakeboard in Stockholm. At lake Halmsjön, a 623 metre long cable has been strung up over floating jetties around the course. There are 9 different obstacles; a Funbox, a 19 metre slider, 3 kickers, an A-frame, a large Grindbox, a 16 metre piperail and a streetrail providing all the inland wake boarding fun you could wish for.

Water-skiing

There are around 70 water skiing clubs in Sweden, which are run and operated by the members. Clubs rarely own the waters they ski on but rather rent the space from the local authority. One such club, which operates on Lake Mälaren, has been allocated a section of the lake in which to play and they welcome new members. The Cable Park at lake Halmsjön mentioned above also provides water skiing facilities.

Wind surfing

Wind surfing is one of the most popular water sports in Sweden, particularly in the south and along the west coast. There are lots of well sheltered bays with flat, calm water which is ideal if you're new to the sport. On windy, stormy days, however, the waves can rise up as much as 4 metres, presenting a challenge to even the most experienced wind surfer.

Shipping to Sweden - click here for full information on our European removals service or contact us now for a free online moving quote.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Removals to Sweden – An Animal Lovers Guide to some of Sweden’s Native Mammals

Removals to Sweden, as with removals to any other country, are likely to bring you into contact with many differences to your previously accepted norm. Some wild animals that are a usual sight in the UK may not be so common in Sweden, whereas some of those that the Swede's are used to seeing may come as quite a shock to you.

Your removals to Sweden could bring you into contact with a number of rare and exciting creatures. Like many countries, Sweden has its fair share of zoos and animal parks in which they can be seen. Trips to these reserves can make for an ideal alternative weekend break or day out, the perfect opportunity to relax once you have moved house and settled in to your new Swedish home.

However, what of Sweden's indigenous wildlife? Among the more unusual animals you might see here are; the Arctic Fox, Red Deer, Lynx, Reindeer, Elk, Brown Bear, Grey Wolf, Seal, Wolverine and Wild Boar but it must be stressed that these are wild animals and must be respected as such. If you are lucky enough to see them in their own, natural environment, you are strongly advised to keep your distance. The following article contains more information about these animals with some ideas on where to find them.

Here at The Moving Partnership Ltd, we take the hassle out of arranging your removals to Sweden. With an extensive list of National and European removals company contacts built up over many years in the business, we will source the cheapest removals service taking care to match their services to your needs.

Removals to Sweden – Get a free online quote using the form to your right, or click here to talk to our European removals team.

Spotlight on Some of the Animals Native to Sweden


Arctic Fox
Able to survive in temperatures reaching as low as -50 degrees, the Artic Fox is well suited to its northern homeland. Its white winter fur coat provides the perfect camouflage enabling it to blend in to its snowy surroundings. The summer months see its coat change from white to a greyish brown. This means that, as the snows disappear, they are still able to hide and hunt effectively. Some important work is being carried out in Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve to help protect this officially endangered species.

Roe Deer

With up to a million of these in Sweden, they are really quite common and can be seen in many a national park or large woodland area, grazing of grasses and low growing or hanging foliage. They are mainly found in southern and central parts of Sweden, preferring to keep away from the colder, less hospitable north. Less common are Red and Fallow Deer though they are still around in south and central Sweden in good numbers. Head for the Ottenby Nature Reserve where there is an impressive herd, reputed to descend from the herds of King Charles X (1654). He had a wall built to contain his herd, much of which still stands today.

Lynx

The Lynx, or Tiger of the North as it has been dubbed, is a beautiful but sadly endangered wild cat. It is numbered at around 2000 throughout Scandinavia with 1500 choosing to live in Sweden and, though this may sound like a lot, it really isn’t. The Lynx is an elusive, shy creature and, as a result, very few people in Sweden can claim to have seen one in the wild. They are there though, especially in the northern and central regions and preservation initiatives are seeing them expand their territories southwards.

Reindeer

The Sami tribe often use reindeer to pull sleighs, but reindeer husbandry is big business in Sweden with around 34% of the country given over to it. Husbandry occurs predominantly in the Sami territories of Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Jämtland and it is designed to regulate their numbers as well as their spread. Each year, different areas of the region are given over to pasture and the pasturelands are worked in strict rotation so as not to denude the countryside, which is doubtless what these large animals with their voracious appetites would do, if not kept in check.

Elk/Moose

Elk, or Moose as they are also known, are widespread throughout Sweden. They can be seen from Swedish Lapland in the north right down through into the south but arguably the best place to see them is in the forests of Bergslagen, north of Lake Mälaren in northern Svealand where there are more Elks than people. Värmland, to the west of Sweden and bordering Norway, has another high density Elk population. Despite their numbers, Elk are naturally quite shy and wary animals so you’ll need to be quiet and patient to catch a glimpse of one and, beware, if you happen to see one staggering around in an orchard in autumn, he’ll likely be drunk, having gorged himself on fermenting apples.

Brown Bear

There are bears in the woods in Sweden, huge brown ones, but your chances of seeing one are slim. As big as these beasts are, they are incredibly shy and, as a result, estimates of their numbers vary widely. The latest research puts the figure at somewhere between 2500 and 2800. For your best chance of seeing one in the wild, visit the northern part of the country in autumn. During this time, the bears will be busying themselves eating, in preparation for their winter hibernation. They will be fattening themselves up, feasting on anything from leaves and berries to voles and even elk. Having stuffed themselves silly, they will then concentrate on collecting materials to make their hibernation den.

Grey Wolf

Wolves were driven to extinction in Sweden in the early 70’s but, since their re-introduction in 1977, they have been making a steady come back. Now numbered at in excess of 150, the best chance to see one or at the very least hear one is in central Sweden. The sound of a howling wolf is awesome if not a little scary. Many myths and legends have been created around them, none of which, it must be said, have much basis in fact but, even so, they persist and are perpetuated through folklore and film. Wolves are extremely territorial and will defend their boundaries ferociously, sometimes fighting to the death to claim or reclaim their space. For the most part though, they are quiet creatures who spend their time nurturing a close family bond, alpha parents looking after their first cubs until they are either old enough to fend for themselves or take over a babysitting role for the younger ones.

Grey Seal

Västervik on the eastern coast of Sweden is the best place to go seal watching. Here, you can see the Grey Seal in its element, swimming, fishing and frolicking in the water and basking in the sun on the rocks. If you’ve not seen a Grey Seal up close before, you might be quite surprised to learn that they can grow up to 10ft in length and weigh upwards of 600lbs. April and May is the best time to see them sporting their sleek fur coats before they moult in May and June. Another place to head for is the coastal town of Lysekil. Boat trips are available from here for the sole purpose of seal spotting.

Wolverine

Thanks to Hollywood, when most people hear the word Wolverine, they instantly think of the film of that same name or of The X-Men. They perhaps don’t even realise that there is a real life creature called a wolverine. And, if they have heard of it but not actually seen one, they might be forgiven for thinking that it is a relative of the wolf. In fact, the wolverine is more like a badger or an otter. One of its favourite winter foods is reindeer, which makes it particularly unpopular among the Swedish Sami tribe but it is also partial to a bit of elk and, since they never eat the whole thing, they are viewed by most as gluttonous and wasteful creatures. Though they are a protected species, they are to the Sami and other reindeer herders what a fox is to a farmer in the UK.

Wild Boar

Having been absent from the Swedish countryside for thousands of years, wild boars are returning with a vengeance. An omnivore, its foraging often causes damage to farmers’ crops and so opinion is divided as to whether their return is a welcome one or not. The story goes that they were accidentally released from hunting parks in the late 20th century and their numbers have been steadily increasing ever since. Recent research puts their population at easily in excess of 100,000. You will most likely come across them in central and southern Sweden, as they prefer its warmer climate.

About MPL

At Moving Partnership Ltd, we aim to find you the cheapest household and/or corporate removals quotations whilst ensuring that the service provided is tailored to your specific requirements. We do this through our many contacts with National and European removals companies, enabling us to select exactly the right removals firms for the job. We have a team of dedicated removals experts who are on hand throughout the year to help with any query you may have regarding your removals to Sweden. Call us today for the most competitive removals quote.

Removals to Sweden – Get a free online quote using the form to your right, or click here to talk to our European removals team.

Thursday 17 April 2014

Removals to Sweden – The Moving Partnership’s guide to adventure sports in Sweden.

Whether you require removals to Sweden because you are relocating with work, moving to Sweden to be closer to friends or relatives or simply emigrating for a change of scenery and to enjoy more of the great outdoor lifestyle that Sweden has to offer, Moving Partnership can help.

We make removals to Sweden easy by sourcing the best removals companies for the job. With our extensive list of removals contacts, both here in the UK and across Europe, we are able to partner up with right companies, to provide you with exactly the service you require, at the right price.

We understand though that it’s not all about cost, it’s about peace of mind too. For this reason, you'll find that most of the removal firms we partner with are either members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) or FAIM accredited, assuring you of a high quality, reliable removals service.

Once we've completed your removals to Sweden, the adrenaline junkies among you will doubtless want to try some of the different sports on offer here. You'll probably already have an idea of what to expect courtesy of the international sports coverage on T.V. but there can be no substitute for getting out there and doing it yourself.

In Sweden, there is, of course, plenty of opportunity to get some fresh air; you can go walking, hiking, boating or cycling. But you can do all that in the UK – what about the more adrenalin fuelled sports? In Sweden, you are spoiled for choice. Here’s our guide to some of the adventure activities to try.

Removals to Sweden – Get a free online quote using the form to your right, or click here to talk to our European removals team.

A Pick of Ten Adventure Sports to Try in Sweden


Dog Sledding/Reindeer Sledging

If you fancy the idea of being dragged around the countryside at pace by a pack of dogs, or even a reindeer or two, head for the north of Sweden: Swedish Lapland. This is Sami country. Sweden's indigenous Sami people have been getting about by dog and deer for

centuries, so it comes as second nature to them and, for a price, they will share the experience and revel in its novelty with you. Go prepared though, you could be away for a few days and will be travelling deep into the Arctic Circle. If you make the trip any time between September and April and manage to catch a cloudless night, you'll be treated to that most amazing of natural phenomena: the Aurora Borealis.

Helicopter Flying


Not many of us ever get the chance to ride in a helicopter and even those that do rarely get the opportunity to witness such magnificent scenery. From the air you can literally get a birds-eye view of your surroundings. Whether it’s Stockholm's archipelago, the wilderness of Kiruna or the Caledonian style Swedish mountain range which includes Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak, the sights are truly breathtaking. Mt Kebnekaise, incidentally, is the setting for The Kebnekaise Classic, a 2 day cross country skiing competition held in April. It is one of Northern Europe's most challenging and demanding ski routes consisting of no less than four mountain peaks.

Glacier Hiking

We mentioned hiking at home and, yes, of course you can do that. Here in Sweden, though, you get to hike on glaciers too. The Kungsleden is the feather you need for your Swedish hiking hat. This “King of Trails”, as it translates, covers all sorts of terrain, taking you on a 275-mile jaunt through birch forests, over glaciers, rivers, and some of the highest mountains in Sweden. Thankfully though, you don’t have to do it all in one go, that would take a month or so and you'd have to be super fit and very well equipped. The trail is split into bite-size sections and you can camp en-route so you get to choose how much or how little hiking you do on any given day.

Ice Yachting

Yachting on water is fun enough but, modify the boat a bit – put a set of blades under the hull, and stabilizers to each side, even up the ballast for a smoother ride and put the whole thing on a frozen lake – and now you're talking! Central Sweden is the place to be for this wind-powered funfest. Here, it’s generally cold enough to freeze the lakes with little or no precipitation; this means all the thrills of high speed wind propulsion with none of the misery of getting cold and wet in the process. If you are moving to Stockholm, head for Lake Mälaren, where you'll see ice yachters aplenty, some a little more practised than others but, hey, we've all got to start somewhere.

Paragliding

Paragliding came to Sweden in the mid-to-late 80's and quickly overtook hang-gliding in popularity. The Swedish Paragliding Association was set up to monitor and control the sport and they produced a common sense rulebook to keep paragliders out of trouble. It’s not riveting stuff but it could save your life so it’s a recommended read. Most of southern Sweden is flat, consisting of open farmland with some wooded areas. This means a lot of towing but the hills and coastal areas make for some great ridge soaring. Cross country flying is very popular here but beware: before long you can find yourself in the middle of nowhere; great if you know what you're doing, not so good, if you don’t.

Quad Biking

The fantastic views and wonderful landscape of Sweden can just as easily be experienced at speed on terra firma as in the air. Why not hop on a quad bike and go tearing around the countryside for the day. Northern Sweden is your best bet for this type of activity. The landscape is more varied and more challenging. Here, you'll come across wide-open valleys populated by herds of moose and reindeer. Your course may take you through streams and across fast flowing, though not particularly deep, rivers and, remember, if you don’t want to sleep, you don’t have to; this is the land of 24 hour daylight after all.

Diving


If wreck diving is your thing then make for the waters surrounding the island of Öland. It is estimated that there are some 40,000 wrecks in the Baltic, so you are bound to come across one that takes your fancy and, who knows, might even discover something new. Other underwater activities on offer around Sweden’s coast include ice diving, nature dives and cave diving. There’s some great nature diving to be found along Sweden’s west coast and the pictures produced under ice will amaze those of you into underwater photography.

Snowmobiling

There are many groups, clubs, organisations and companies that offer trips into the wild on these motorised sledges. A few hints and tips to remember are as follows: when riding at night reduce your speed, wear hi viz. clothing and avoid frozen lakes, rivers and ponds (we know you won’t but at least we’ve told you). If you are traversing frozen water, wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and take an ice pick with you. Wherever possible, ride on new, hard and clear ice and avoid slushy, weak ice or ice that is near moving water or has thawed and refrozen. And layer up; the best protection from the wind and cold is layering with thermals.

Survival Courses

On courses like the one run by the Wilderness Experience International Survival School in Riksviken, you’ll learn such things as how to make a pair of emergency snow shoes, navigation, emergency signalling and ice fishing. You’ll learn how to make a snow survival shelter and how to light fires in extreme weather conditions. You’ll learn about clothing and the importance of an emergency pack. You’ll be taught survival skills in sub-zero temperatures and learn about which plants are good to eat and, more importantly, which ones are not. You’ll learn about first aid and ice safety and rescue techniques and be taught casualty evacuation skills.

Rafting

Whether you are in to Blue or White water rafting, from beginner to world-class rafter, there’s something here for everyone. Beginners can learn the basics of white water kayaking, paddling in a fun and safe environment as well as swimming in the rapids, practising their Eskimo roll and other safety exercises. Head for the Åre Mountains, where there are a number of streams and rivers offering exceptional paddling. These mountains also offer wilder waters and waterfalls for those of you who are a little more experienced. Other key areas include the Vålån river, the Jämtland mountains, Ånnsjön lake, and the Tångböle Dash.

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