Sweden is the largest country of Scandinavia. At times in history politically united with its neighbours of Denmark and Norway, often in a role of submission, but for long centuries also the dominating power over Finland, Sweden has through the centuries acquired a strong national identity which transpires until today. A lot of this identity rests on the shoulders of the ancient Vikings, medieval rulers playing an important role in the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War which upset the entire European continent, but also on the refreshingly progressive mindset of Swedish society in the 20th century. In this, Stockholm has delivered a dynamic and buoyant contribution. But Stockholm also presents a lot to its ephemeral visitors: a plentiful immersion in Swedish history, culture and nature. The urban architecture on the islands which shape central Stockholm, the archipelago and nearby cities like Uppsala are treasures easily to be explored. And the Baltic island of Gotland probably offers the best window of insight into Scandinavian medieval life, as for centuries in actively participed in the Hanseatic network of trade. Sweden is undoubtedly more than the Stockholm surroundings and Gotland, but, hey, this is what I have so far been around to. While editing the present page, I have marked the rest of this fascinating country as yet another target on my ever growing 'dream sheet' of 'travel plans'.