Cabin / Stuga for sale in Padjerim

Hi,

Now its time to sell our fine log cabin built in the 1900s. There is no water or waste service to the house which means low running costs and you do not have to worry that the pipes will freeze. We will include in the sale a a water cooler that holds up to 25 liters. The house is in excellent condition, new windows and new patio, upstairs is not finished, but it is easy to renovate.

From Murjek train station, you can take the bus directly to Pajerim (distance from the house to the bus stop is about 200 meters).

The property also includes a guest cabin in top condition with electricity and a fridge. Dry outside toilet, woodshed and a large storage barn is also included. Electricity is connected to every building. We also leave our lovely barbecue area with benches all around. It's ok heat and cook using the stove in the kitchen. 

The price we ask is 190 000 SEK (£19,000 or €21,000. including furniture that you can see in the pictures (P.S. Some personal items shown not included). If you like fishing and picking berries, this is a paradise with plenty of salmon in the river and berries in the forest, both within a few minutes walk.

Best regards.

Siv.

More information here.

Step in Job - For new entrants to Sweden.

Welcome to Sweden and a step-in job

An opportunity for new arrivals in Sweden who are seeking work.
At the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), we know how important it is to have a job. Many companies and organisations need workers. In order to make them aware of the skills and competence which you and other newly arrived immigrants have to offer, the Swedish Government has decided to give an employment grant to the employer who employs you.

You can get a step-in job
If you have been granted a residence permit during the past 36 months, you can get a step-in job (“instegsjobb"). Step-in-jobs can not be granted to citizens from EU/EES or Switzerland. This means that whoever employs you will receive a government grant towards your pay, as much as 80% but not more than SEK 800 per day. To get a step-in job, we require you to be taking a course in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) at the same time. And you must have talked to us at the Public Employment Service first. The job can be part-time, full-time, until further notice, employment on trial, or for a given period.

The rules for getting an introductory job

Residence permit
You must have been granted a residence permit during the past 36 months. If you have been unable to work because you have been at home looking after your own children under 2 years of age, that period will be added to the 36 months. 

Registered with the Public Employment Service

You must be without a job and be registered with the Public Employment Service as a jobseeker. 

Swedish for Immigrants

You must be taking a course in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), or have been given an undertaking that you can take a course. 

How long your step-in job may last

You can have a step-in job for 6 months at a time, for a maximum of 24 months. To get a new step-in job referral, you must have taken an SFI course and no longer than Course D in a previous step-in job.

Proof of pay and other conditions

The person who gives you the job, your employer, must affirm that your pay and other employment conditions comply with collective agreements or that they are equivalent to collectively agreed benefits within the industry. 

Note, however, that the Employment Protection Act (LAS) does not apply to persons who are receiving a special employment subsidy in the form of an introductory job.

Interested?

If you are interested in a step-in job, you are very welcome to contact us at the Public Employment Service. We are responsible for all the details, including the amount of financial support and how long the introductory job may last. Employers who are interested in the scheme also contact us.

Contact local public employment offices direct. You will find their addresses on the website www.arbetsformedlingen.se. pdf file on Step-in Jobs.

EURES - European Job Mobility

Europe’s largest emigration-focused event draws crowds in the Netherlands

The Emigration Expo 2012 was held on 11 and 12 February in Houten, the Netherlands and was targeted at, “everyone planning to move abroad, temporarily or permanently.”

 

Houten, a small town near to Utrecht in the Netherlands, recently played host to Europe’s largest event focused on emigration. On 11 and 12 February, people from all over Europe and beyond converged on the venue and found a wealth of information, opportunities, and advice at their fingertips.

 

The 16^th Emigration Expo, organised with the support of EURES, boasted more than 150 separate stands representing more than 250 communities, regions, or employers. Exhibitors ranged from companies such as the Volvo Car Corporation, engineering company ABB, or leading passenger and freight ferry company Stena Line, to EURES Advisers from all over Europe. Many European regions and communities also sent teams of employment specialists to give practical advice about the job opportunities on offer and inform those visitors tempted by the idea of living and working abroad.

 

Those attending the event were also able to sit in on and participate in free presentations and discussions held by EURES Advisers and other employment professionals. Some of the topics on offer included, “Your future is in Sweden – go for IT!”, and “Living the easy way in Ostrobothnia, Finland”. In addition, EURES Advisers were on hand both days to provide jobseekers with specialist consultations and support.

 

This year the Emigration Expo focused in particular on Scandinavia, with more than 30 % of the exhibitors recruiting for this region. Volvo, for example, had 900 engineering vacancies to fill, and there were more than 5 000 vacancies in IT available. The minerals and mining sectors as well as healthcare also had much to offer those with the right qualifications and experience. EURES in Sweden put together an exceptionally large stand with five separate sections representing the labour market areas where employees were most in demand.

 

The event resulted in approximately 200-250 CVs being submitted for jobs in IT, and the EURES Advisers dealing with vacancies in healthcare were particularly pleased to have received around 55 CVs from highly-qualified candidates in this field. Volvo was also pleasantly surprised to encounter many high-quality applicants for non-engineering positions, in addition to candidates for the engineering vacancies advertised.

 

All in all, there were more than 10 000 visitors to Emigration Expo, confirming its position as Europe’s leading emigration-focused event. 

 

Read more:

 

For more information and for details of next year’s event, visit the website of the Emigration Expo 2012

 

Look for a Job Day in the EURES Events Calendar

 

Find a EURES Adviser

 

Find out more about the working and living conditions in different European countries on the EURES Job Mobility Portal

 

Search for a job in the EURES Job Database

 

Search for skilled employees in the EURES CV Database

 

Find out what EURES can do for employers

Eric Gadd to Visit Jokkmokk

The renowned soul-music artist Eric Gadd will appear guest of honour solo-artist at the traditional Market Concert, this year with Norrbotten Big Band. Norrbotten Big Band on tour performs together with with young and promising artists from BD-Pop. Two of these upcoming artists are Magnus Ekelund and Erik Zetterwall, both from Jokkmokk. Two concerts are announced on Friday 3rd of February, both at the Folkets Hus venue.

In addition to the above, the regional musicians Jonatan Lundberg, Martina Lundberg and Linnea Bäcklund will also appear. It's going to be great fun blending these young artists together with an experienced and established soul artist. We are very proud to the fact that the Jokkmokk contribution amongst the young and upcoming artists continue to tour with Norrbotten Big Band after the market. It will be a grand opening night, says Anna-Karin Aira, Cultural Affairs officer at Jokkmokk Municipality.

Eric Gadd, who debuted 1987 with the full length album Hello and amongst others has been rewarded as Swedish Artist of the Year 1997 will thus provide us with sweet ear candy - do not miss this one out! 

From: Jokkmokks Winter Market website.

Sweden - An Outdoor Paradise

Sweden, an outdoor paradise

If you love the outdoors, it is hard to find a country better suited to indulge your passion than Sweden. Sweden is an ideal location for outdoor and adventure holidays, whatever your age, interest or level of experience.

Sweden is a country which constantly challenges your preconceptions, and many first time visitors are amazed by the beauty and variety of its landscape, the overwhelming sense of quiet to be found in its truly wild places (Sweden contains some of the largest and last remaining areas of wilderness in Europe), and the wealth of possibilities the country offers as an outdoor holiday destination.

Within Sweden’s borders you can discover the peace of its huge expanses of forest, the barren beauty of the limitless mountain plains, mile upon mile of quiet beaches and the wonderful, accessible world of the archipelagos, remote yet just a short distance from the cultural attractions of the major cities.

From canoeing in the clear light of early dawn, to trip skating on the frozen sea, to snowshoeing expeditions under endless Arctic skies – Sweden has a great deal more to offer the outdoor enthusiast than you might imagine!

The North of Sweden

Swedish Lapland or Laponia as some areas are called, is the place to start. Perhaps the image that springs to mind when many think of Sweden is the majestic mountain world of Lapland, in the north of Sweden. Lapland is certainly well-known as a fairytale winter destination, but far fewer consider the excellent opportunities offered by the area for a summer adventure holiday. With (almost literally) unending daylight during the summer season, Lapland is a wonderful destination for a summer holiday. The well-marked trails and freedom to camp wild make it a paradise for hikers, from novices to seasoned trekkers. And if you would rather explore the wilderness on four legs, Lapland also makes a wonderful destination for a mountain horse riding holiday!

Northern Sweden accounts for more than half the total area of the country, but just over 10% of its population live in this vast region. It is a world of extremes: extreme beauty, extreme nature, extreme seasons of light and darkness, but despite its remoteness, northern Sweden is easily accessible from mainland Europe – the wilderness is closer than you think!

Nature and the Swedes

Nature is very important to the Swedish people – it is part of their heart and soul. Indeed, many common Swedish names are taken from the natural world. For example, “Bergman” (as in Ingmar Bergman) means “man of the mountains; “Björn” (as in Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA) means “bear”. Swedes have a very intimate relationship with the flora and fauna of their country, and most Swedes have a keen interest in the outdoors.

One product of this deep-rooted love of the natural world and the enjoyment of the outdoors is “Allmansrätten”, or the “Every Man’s Right”, system of public access. These laws allow the visitor a unique freedom to explore Sweden’s natural areas, including the freedom to camp wild. Of course, such freedom comes with the responsibility to protect and conserve, and Swedish children learn the principles of the Right of Public Access at a very early age.

Sweden has shown an admirable commitment to the principles of sustainable tourism and is leading the way in many areas, encouraging the development of small-scale, locally-owned companies who know and respect the flora and fauna of the regions in which they operate. Sweden is a wonderful destination for wildlife, outdoor and activity holidays, and by committing strongly to the principles of sustainable tourism, the natural beauty of Sweden can be conserved and enjoyed for generations to come!

Travel by Bob Carter.

Ten soul-satisfying Swedish comfort foods

The trees are bare and the darkness of winter is here. It’s time to fire up the stove, cozy up to the hearth, and partake of some soul-satisfying comfort foods.

Every person and country has comfort foods, the dishes that transport you to your childhood and evoke warm memories. What makes a comfort food varies from person to person, depending on their background and experience.

My favourites include my dad’s stuffing at Thanksgiving and my mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings. A classic comfort dish for someone with connections to the UK may be shepherd’s pie, or udon soup for those with a connection to Japan. When it comes to comfort food, the options are endless.

Bruna bönor or brown beans is a classic side dish that works well meatballs or fried pork and have a sweet and sour taste from being cooked with vinegar and sugar. Swedish brown beans are the key ingredient and have been continuously grown on the island of Öland since 1883. They are popular for their nutty flavor as well as holding their shape under long cooking periods. 

The soil and climate of Öland is particularly suited to growing the beans which have received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the EU meaning it’s only a true Swedish brown bean if it comes from Öland.

Ärtsoppa or yellow pea soup has been a Thursday tradition in Sweden since the Middle Ages when Sweden was largely Catholic and Friday was a day of fasting. Filling up on the hearty pork-filled soup was intended to get you through the next day’s fast. 

Today the tradition is still going strong as evidenced by the profusion of plastic-cased tubes of pea soup in supermarkets year-round. If you really want to warm up you can chase it with a little warm punsch which became a popular addition to the pea soup tradition during the 1800s. 

Pytt i Panna is essentially “bits in a pan.” Commonly known as a way to clean out your refrigerator and make a meal, it can be assembled from essentially anything as long as the key components of chopped onion and cubed leftover potatoes and meat play a starring role. Whether it’s purchased from the freezer section or made at home the essential finishing touches are a fried egg and pickled beets. It’s a homey comfort food pile of little cubes. 

Äggakaka (egg cake) is popular in Skåne in southern Sweden where the fluffy, golden skillet meal can be prepared on the stovetop or baked in the oven. Historically it was a staple meal for the workers at harvest time and was an easy on-the-go food that could be tucked into a lunch pack. 

Whether chopped cured pork is folded into the batter or cooked in strips and laid on the top it’s considered an easy and filling lunch or dinner (although this immigrant wouldn’t hesitate to have äggakaka for breakfast). In classic Swedish style lingonberry preserves are the complement. 

Falukorv is perhaps the most-loved Swedish sausage. Its history dates back to the 17th-century and it has received Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) status from the EU. 

This versatile sausage is well-loved by Swedes whether it is thickly sliced and fried, baked with onions and apples, or chopped and served in korv stroganoff.

Kroppkakor just doesn’t translate well since it literally means “body cakes.” Not exactly an appetizing invitation for the tasty dumplings. Before the arrival of the potato in Sweden during the 1800s they were mainly made with flour but today’s versions typically include potatoes.

Depending on the region, they can be made of raw potatoes, cooked potatoes, or a combination of the two. The filling also varies from region to region and can include eel, herring, pork, or goose.

The island of Öland is known for its unique kroppkakor made from a blend of cooked and raw potatoes. Filled with fried cured pork and onion, laced with allspice, boiled and covered with melted butter, they are a serious contender for my “new favourites” list.

Gryta, or stew, isn’t exclusive to Sweden, but it’s popular winter fare. What makes it regionally special is the kind of meat and ingredients used.

Elk, reindeer, and wild boar are commonly available in Swedish supermarkets and all make excellent stews. Combined with chanterelle mushrooms and parsley root a gryta takes on a wild, earthy tone that highlights some of the gems of Swedish cuisine that can be foraged and hunted in our own forests.

What do all of these comfort foods have in common? They are economical (if you foraged your own chanterelles and shot your own moose for the gryta) filling, and draw on tradition and simple ingredients. Perfect for warming you up during a cold and dark Swedish winter.

Did you find your favourite Swedish comfort food on the list? If not, one of the beauties and mysteries of comfort foods is that they are entirely subjective. So let’s hear your favourites from Sweden and around the world.

Give it some thought, enjoy some warm memories, and perhaps dig out an old family recipe tonight.

Maia Brindley Nilsson is a designer and food enthusiast based in Malmö, Sweden. Her food blog semiswede is "sort of about Sweden, and sort of not."

10 reasons to spend winter in Sweden

While Sweden seems to be at its most captivating during the warm summer months of June to August, here’s an insider tip — the country is just as beautiful during the height of winter. Here are 10 reasons to visit Sweden during winter. When silky white snow coats Sweden’s vast landscapes — from its mountains and wilderness in the north to its southern region dotted with lakes — you get to experience a whole new rugged side of the country. 

Traditionally, traveling to Scandinavia during winter usually brings less crowds, deeper hotel discounts, and cheaper airfare except during Christmas, New Year’s, and sportlov — when school kids get a one-week sports break in February.

Photo: - Patricia Cowern of Arctic Colors.

So this makes winter a particularly good season to explore Sweden. In addition to avoiding larger crowds and enjoying more affordable deals on lodging and transportation between November and April, you also get to enjoy unique outdoor activities that are native to the subarctic and Arctic regions of Scandinavia such as dog sledding, moose and reindeer safaris, searching for the Northern Lights, and learning about indigenous Sámi history.

While winter provides opportunities to try a slew of adventure activities, for the less outdoorsy travelers, there are also many events — from Christmas markets and winter festivals to relaxing saunas — to enjoy all over the country.

Here are 10 reasons to consider spending your winter in Sweden, with links to additional resources to help you start planning your trip.

1. Ski in one of 200 resorts
Did you know that there are about 200 ski resorts in Sweden? From resorts around the popular ski village of Åre in central Sweden to ski facilities in Dalarna, Jämtland, Härjedalen as well as Swedish Lapland, there are hundreds of places where you can hit the slopes.

The most popular downhill skiing slopes can be found around Åre, which is 1.5 hours by plane from Stockholm (660 km). Åre hosted the Alpine World Championships in 2007, and provides a myriad of courses from off-piste slopes to easier downhill slopes and family-oriented bunny runs.

2. Track wild reindeer and moose on safari
Safaris aren’t limited to tracking the “Big Five” in Africa. During winter, you can enjoy several safaris that take you through Lapland’s wilderness, forests, and tundra regions to find Sweden’s own “Big Six” — moose, wolverines, wolves, brown bears, lynxes, and musk oxen.

Companies such as Kiruna i Norr offer safaris around Laukkuluspa, close to Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city. On tour, you get to travel along the frozen Kalix River, keeping your eyes open for hoof prints and animal droppings while in search of various Arctic wildlife. 

3. Sleep in hotels and igloos made of ice
For a long weekend, you can head up to Jukkasjärvi, close to Kiruna, to bed down in the world’s first ice hotel. Opened in 1990, the ICEHOTEL is rebuilt every year based on designs from various artists, using ice blocks made from water collected from the Torne River.

Sip chilled vodka (or fruit juice if you prefer) from frozen ice glasses served in the Absolut Ice Bar, take in elaborate sculptures carved from ice, or even get married in the Ice Chapel. The hotel also offers winter activities you can enjoy in the surrounding area.

If you want to sleep closer to nature, try the natural igloo carved by the frozen waters of Sweden’s strongest waterfall, Tännforsen. When the waterfall freezes, it forms a natural labyrinth of caves and ice formations, and the igloo is built from this. Located along the edge of Lake Skabram just outside of Jokkmokk, you could also learn to build as well as sleep in your own igloo at the Arctic Igloo Village (Illua).

4. See the Northern Lights
For those willing to brave the cold on clear crisp winter nights, you may be rewarded with one of nature’s most spectacular displays — the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights). These light curtains of green, red, and purple often dance across the sky during from October to March and, depending on weather conditions, can be viewed from anywhere in northern Sweden.

But the best location for viewing the Northern Lights is Abisko National Park north of Kiruna. This is due to the presence of a famous "blue hole", which is a patch of sky over a lake in Abisko that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas.

5. Experience Sámi culture
With roughly 20,000 indigenous Sámi living in Sweden, enjoy one-on-one cultural experiences by learning about one of the oldest cultures (at least 10,000 years) on Earth.

Spend a few days in the village of Jokkmokk during early February when the 400+ year old Jokkmokk Sami market is in full swing; from reindeer races and traditional fashion shows to sampling reindeer, moose, and other dishes as well as watching the reindeer caravan procession led by Sámi elder Per Kuhmunen.

In addition to the market, you’ll find the Ájtte Sámi museum, Sámi Duodji, which is a cooperation of local artists and exhibition of various Sámi artisan works, the Sami Education Center, and Restaurang Samernas where you can sample and learn to cook traditional recipes like dried reindeer soup. 

6. Drive your own dog sled
Dog sledding is one of the high energy and exciting winter activities around Swedish Lapland and the Arctic Circle as well as the spectacular mountain regions of Padjelanta and Sarek National Parks in Laponia.

Many companies run several dog sledding tours from daytrips to multi-day expeditions with Siberian Huskies. Dog sledding through the wilderness gets you closer to Sweden’s natural beauty and you may just spot wildlife as well as the elusive Northern Lights while on an expedition.

7. Try backcountry snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is like hiking, except you have to wear special shoes for trudging through several feet of compact snow. You can go snowshoeing along the Kebnekaise mountain range and foothills of Mount Kebne in Swedish Lapland, or along Kungsleden ("King’s Trail") located 200 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle. There are several mountain cabins to stay between treks which can be as long as 10-20 kilometers from cabin to cabin.

For the more adventurous travelers, you can go hiking in Sarek National Park where trails are more demanding and you’ll need to put your igloo-building and winter camping skills to the test.

8. Catch fish from frozen lakes
If you’ve never gone fishing before, now might be the time to drill a hole through a frozen lake to catch fish such as Arctic char, trout, salmon, pike, perch, grayling, and whitefish.

There are thousands of lakes as well as rivers all over the country — from Skåne and Gothenburg to Dalarna, Västerbotten, and Lapland — where you can try your hand at ice-fishing.

Traditionally, once you drill a hole in the ice large enough for your bait, you then lie on reindeer skin placed on the ice and look through the hole at often crystal clear waters to see your bait and unsuspecting fish swimming by.

Tour operators such as Nordic Footprints run winter fishing trips to lakes around Northern Dalarna.  

9. Go snowmobiling across frozen rivers
Get off the well-worn road and try an invigorating ride across the frozen Kalix River, Lule River, or Torneträsk in Swedish Lapland.

Snowmobiles are quite easy to navigate and don’t require the level of endurance that skiing or backcountry snowshoeing demand, making them ideal for families who want to explore the wilderness and tundra of Lapland. You can fly into Luleå and spend a few days on a snowmobile expedition that takes you through forests, across frozen lakes and rivers, and up mountains.

10. Shop at traditional markets
If you’d rather stick to bustling city life, be sure to check out some of Sweden’s classic Christmas markets in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) comes alive during winter with the sweet smell of warm glögg (mulled wine) and pepperkakor (gingerbread cookies) wafting through the air, and rows of stalls filled with handicrafts, toys, Christmas decorations, and seasonal food items like smoked meats, jams, and candy. You can also try your hand at traditional candle making as well as peruse the market at Skansen — the world’s oldest open air museum.

In Gothenburg, you can enjoy the largest Christmas party lit up by 5,000,000 (yes, five million!) lights at Liseberg Amusement Park.

And in the far south of Sweden, starting the last Sunday in November, over 800 shops in Malmö put out window displays in what is known as "Shop Window Sunday". It's a visually impressive mix of sparkling lights, decorations, vibrant bursts of color, and everything else that creates that special Christmas holiday feeling.

Ref- Lola Akinmade-Åkerström writing for www.sweden.se

A rural life is better - Living in a concrete jungle is stressful and makes you vulnerable to depression

Scientists have confirmed what every urbanite has long suspected – life in the city is more stressful. Researchers have shown that the parts of the brain dealing with stress and emotion are affected by living among the crowds. The findings help shed light on why those who are born and raised in urban areas are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and schizophrenia than those brought up in the countryside.

Country life: Past findings have shown that exposure to green space boosts health and reduces stress. The team of international scientists behind the finding are unsure why city life is so bad for the nerves. However, past studies have shown that exposure to green space reduces stress, boosts health and makes us less vulnerable to depression.

The findings come from the brain scans of 32 healthy volunteers from urban and rural areas.More... Humans really DO have a sixth sense... that lets us detect magnetic fields (and we're not aware we have it). Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes...why lack of sleep is much worse for women Dr Jens Pruessner of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Quebec, who helped carry out the study, said: ‘Previous findings have shown that the risk for anxiety disorders is 21 per cent higher for people from the city, who also have a 39 per cent increase for mood disorders.

‘In addition, the incidence of schizophrenia is almost doubled for individuals born and brought up in cities. These  values are a cause for concern.’ Dr Pruessner and colleagues from the Univerity of Heidleberg in Germany monitored the brain activity of adult volunteers while they carried out mental arithmetic puzzles under time pressure. The functional magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed that the brains of those living in cities reacted differently to stress, the researchers report in the journal Nature. 

Rat race: City life affects the region of the brain which controls stress, according to research. The region of the brain called the amygdala – involved in mood and emotion – was more active among the volunteers raised in cities, they found. And those with an urban upbringing had a more active cingulate cortex – a region involved in regulating stress – while carrying out the task. 

A larger study would be needed to confirm the findings. The researchers are unsure why city life affects the regions of the brain that handle stress. Pollution, toxins, crowding or noise could all contribute, they say. 

However, past studies have shown that access to green space soothes frayed nerves and improves well-being. In 2009 Essex University scientists showed that as little as five minutes in a green space cut stress. Other studies have shown that those with access to countryside are less likely to have heart disease or strokes. 

Psychologists have argued that millions of years of evolution means the human brain has not developed to cope with life surrounded by thousands of strangers.

Ref - The Daily Mail UK Newspaper 2011 June 2011

Autumn in Sweden - quiet forest walks in a blaze of red and gold

Autumn is truly a beautiful season in Sweden. As the leaves begin to turn, Sweden’s vast expanses of forest take on a new life, as the trees, perhaps feeling a little dry and tired after the long summer days, explode with new vitality. Although winter may be just around the corner, September and early October in Sweden often bring clear, bright weather, and temperatures can still be surprisingly warm. One of the Nature Travels team was on a sea kayaking trip in the Stockholm archipelago during late September last year, and temperatures were still in the 20s with the archipelago waters perfect for a refreshing, if bracing, swim!

Many Swedes will tell you that autumn is their favourite season. While the nights are beginning to draw in, there is still plenty of daylight left for evening walks and foraging expeditions in the woods. At this time of year it is a common sight to see a Swedish family disappearing into the evening forest light carrying baskets or bags on the hunt for mushrooms and berries.

The Swedish forests are rich with bounty at this time of year. Mushroom picking is extremely popular, and Sweden is home to a wide variety of forest mushrooms including the elusive and prized Chanterelle – and there’s good news: 2007 looks set to be an excellent mushroom year! The Swedes are enthusiastic and creative cooks, and many people are very knowledgeable about edible mushrooms, which are taken back to kitchens throughout the country reulting in mouthwatering pies, quiches and sauces.

Also extremely popular is berry picking, especially lingonberries, blueberries and the exotic cloudberries. These are made into pies, jams and delicious cordials. Particularly popular are blueberry soup (“blåbärssopa”) and lingonberry jam (“lingonsylt”).

Of course, it is not only the two-legged visitors to the forest who love berries – brown bears and badgers especially thrive during good berry years! Berries provide an important dietary supplement for many animals keen to fatten up before the winter freeze.

If you are an elk or a deer, autumn is a time for caution, as it is also the traditional hunting season. Hunting in Sweden is tightly regulated with strict quotas allocated in particular areas, and at this time of year local restaurants will often feature wild game as part of their menu.

Autumn is an excellent time for fishing in Sweden. The lower temperatures in the lakes make this a good season for pike fishing, as the larger pikes are searching voraciously for food to prepare themselves for winter. It is also a good time of year to catch pike-perch and perch.

Visitors to Sweden should not overlook the wonderful opportunities offered for outdoor activities during the autumn season – while the endless summer evenings and the magic of a snowy winter are hard to beat, the peace and gentle beauty of autumn is a unique experience and not to be missed.

Whatever your interests, an Autumn holiday in Sweden will have something to offer…..a perfect opportunity to squeeze in another break before that winter holiday you were planning! 

Ref - Bob Carter of Nature Travels

Fantastic pictures of Modern Sami Life in Lapland

The CJ Utsi Photo website provides a look at the true modern Sami life as it is this century. Follow the link below to view the website and watch the slideshow film below.  

Link - CJ Utsi Photography

BoazoNieida from Carl-Johan Utsi on Vimeo.

Swedish Summer Houses - a place in the country for everyone

The word “sommarstuga” in Sweden is not easy to translate: “summer cabin”, “summer house”, “summer cottage”, or “holiday cottage” all come close, but none quite sum up the spirit of the Swedish sommarstuga.

In the UK, it is considered a mark of comparative affluence to have a “holiday home”, a rural retreat, a weekend bolthole from the stress and overcrowding of urban life. In Sweden, there are around 680,000 summer cabins in the country as a whole. There are around 700,000 families in Sweden with an average of 2 children per family. Given that most summer cabins in Sweden are owned collectively by extended families and handed down from generation to generation, this means that the great majority of the Swedish population has access to a summer cabin and the opportunity to spend their weekends and holidays at their own private “holiday home” in the country.

But whereas a holiday cottage in the UK may, in other hands, serve equally well as a full-time dwelling, the vast majority of Swedish summer houses used by Swedish families (rather than available for hire to visitors) are an altogether simpler affair. Most will have modern conveniences such as electricity and cooking facilities, and perhaps running water in the kitchen area, but indoor toilet facilities are uncommon and showers and baths would be considered a real extravagance!

Instead, Swedish summer cabins generally have a dry outdoor toilet, or “utedass”, located in a small separate wooden building some distance from the house. Waste is collected in buckets and covered over with dry earth to prevent odours and aid rapid composting. When the buckets are full, they can be emptied into a composting area secluded in the forest and later used for compost. The Swedes had been doing eco-friendly composting toilets for generations before such ideas became fashionable in the UK!

Many first-time visitors to Sweden are often surprised to find that Swedish summers are, on average (and of course depending on how far north you travel) warmer and drier than in the UK. By the middle of summer, the lakes and archipelago waters are usually a fresh but very pleasant temperature for bathing and swimming. Most Swedish summer cabins will be located next to water, and it is a familiar morning sight to see a towel-clad Swedish family making their way from their summer cabin down to the water for their morning bathe.

These days, Swedish summer houses are often just that, private holiday retreats used during the warmer periods of the year. Most sommarstugor do not have the insulation required for modern standards during winter time, and so come autumn most families will close up their summer cabin for the winter. In earlier times, the cabins would have been lived in year-round, usually by ancestors involved in farming or forestry.

It sometimes seems as if all Swedes are born with an instinctive aptitude for carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Certainly the vast majority of summer cabin owners in Sweden will do all necessary repairs and renovation themselves. This means that owning a summer house is a real commitment in terms of time and energy. Most Swedish families will pack up the car and drive out to their summer house (often referred to as going “ute på landet” or “out in the country”) almost every available weekend during the season, and will also spend at least a week or two of their annual holiday out at the summer cabin. It is much more common for Swedish families to take their summer holidays within Sweden than to travel abroad.

The Swedish summer cabin occupies a central place in Swedish cultural life – it is a focus of family leisure time, a demonstration of Sweden’s egalitarian principles where a private holiday home is not just the preserve of the wealthy, and an icon of the Swedish rural idyll with its beautiful landscape of deep forests and clear, sparkling lakes.

Rich or poor, old or young, most Swedes will be spending their summer weekends this year “ute på landet” at their summer cabins, painting the wood-clad houses red and white, picking flowers from the meadows to decorate the table at mealtimes and beginning each day with a refreshing dip in the lake. Summer at the family cabin is a Swedish tradition which harks back to a simpler, more innocent past, but which looks set to continue long into the future.

Ref - Bob Carter Nature Travels

Unhappy British children trapped by consumerism

LONDON — British children are trapped in a cycle of compulsive consumption as parents shower them with gifts to make up for their long working hours, a UNICEF report concluded Wednesday.

The study, commissioned after British children were ranked by the United Nations as the unhappiest in the industrialised world, blamed the results on a culture of "brand bullying" and a lack of family interaction.

"Parents in the UK almost seemed to be locked into a system of consumption which they knew was pointless but they found hard to resist," said Agnes Nairn, the report's author.

"While children would prefer time with their parents to heaps of consumer goods, parents seem to find themselves under tremendous pressure to purchase a surfeit of material goods for their children," she added. The report's researchers quizzed hundreds of children in Britain, Spain and Sweden to discover what made them happy. "This compulsive consumption was almost completely absent in both Spain and Sweden," Nairn noted.

Children told researchers that their happiness relied upon spending time with family and friends and having "plenty to do outdoors". The report blamed British parents for using television "as a babysitter" and for allowing children to play computer games for long periods, depriving them of fresh air.

Children's Minister Sarah Teather said: "We share UNICEF's concerns about the rise of consumerism among children, and it's worrying to see that in some cases parents are under the same pressures. "We are clear this needs to be tackled and are currently working with businesses and regulators to implement the recommendations from (Chief Executive of the Mothers' Union) Reg Bailey's review on commercialisation and sexualisation of children," she added.

Ref - AFP Report on the UNICEF Study - Shown on Google News

10 practical tips when you've moved to Sweden

So, you've told your embassy that you've moved to Sweden. Now all you have to do is... 

 

1. Stay legal through Migrationsverket

It’s safe to assume that you already secured the necessary resident permit required to legally reside and work in Sweden before arriving — either through a job, family, or for study purposes. Migrationsverket (www.migrationsverket.se) is Sweden’s Migration Board and it handles issues relating to immigration, asylum, visas, permits, and citizenship.

All residence permits have expiration dates so you may want to locate your nearest Migrationsverket field or head office in case you need to renew permits or have other visa related issues. While citizens of some countries can start the process after arriving in Sweden, it is advisable to start the migration process at your local Swedish consulate or embassy before arrival.

2. Register with Skatteverket and obtain a "personnummer"

The most important requirement as a new resident is to get registered with the Swedish Tax Agency called Skatteverket. This registration process (folkbokföring) ensures you’re added into the system for tax collection, personal identification, marital status monitoring, mailing address information, and insurance purposes.

By registering with Skatteverket, you will be assigned a unique personal identification number called personnummer (similar to a US social security number). Your legal identity in Sweden hinges on this key number and it is used for everyday official tasks such as opening up bank accounts, renting apartments, and getting paid by your employer.

You can learn more about getting registered with Skatteverket here.

3. Get insured

Once you’ve obtained your personnummer, your next step should be to register with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). Every resident is entitled to certain benefits such as basic healthcare, parental benefits, child allowances, disability coverage, and other insurance payments, so getting set up with Försäkringskassan will ensure that you are covered should unforeseen circumstances occur while you’re still settling in.

4. Get a resident ID card

Once you’ve got your personnummer and you're registered with Försäkringskassan, obtaining a Swedish resident identification card(identitetskort) is a logical next step. A Swedish ID card is your primary form of identification around the country. It is used for opening bank accounts, using credit cards, picking up packages from the post office, and verifying your age before entering certain clubs or purchasing alcohol.

It is important to note that obtaining the Swedish ID card for the first time can be an inconvenient process because you need someone else who is already registered and has their own Swedish ID card to accompany you to Skatteverket in person to verify your identity.  For those relocating to Sweden without family, this means taking your work boss, a colleague, or a friend with you.

5. Open a bank account

While credit cards and cash are accepted at most businesses and stores, setting up your own bank account here in Sweden is recommended. Most bills and salaries are automatically paid online, and Sweden has an extensive network when it comes to internet banking. There are four main banks in the country (in addition to some smaller banks), and they are Swedbank, SEB, Nordea, and Handelsbanken. Whichever bank you choose will help you obtain the necessary credit/debit cards and banking services you need.

6. Find a job or start your own company

If your resident permit (stamped in your passport) also allows you to work in Sweden, then you should consider registering with the Swedish Public Employment Agency called Arbetsförmedlingen. The agency can help you find jobs that match your existing skill sets, education level, and work experience, and can also provide a free job coach to help guide you through the application and interview process.

If you’re interested in starting your own company (eget företag), you will need to register your company name through the Swedish Companies Registration Agency (Bolagsverket) and obtain an F-skatt status through Skatteverket for tax purposes. Bolagsverket provides a step-by-step guide to help navigate setting up your own company.

Verksamt.se is another useful website if you want to start a business in Sweden.

7. Find an apartment

You possibly arranged temporary lodging or rented a room before arriving in Sweden and may want to move as temporary arrangements come to an end. Looking for your own place to stay can be a challenging task in larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, where available housing remains relatively scarce.

You can rent 'first-hand' or 'second-hand' in Sweden. First-hand (förstahand) means you sign an agreement with the owner of the building, while second-hand (andrahand) means you sign an agreement with someone who owns the apartment or has the first-hand contract on the apartment.

To get a first-hand contract, you need to register to be put on the municipal waiting list (bostadskö) and it can take anywhere from a few days in some municipalities to up to 10 years for central locations in cities like Stockholm for a first-hand contract to become available.

As a new resident, you’ll probably be renting an apartment from someone who owns the lease to the apartment in a second-hand arrangement. It is extremely important to make sure that the tenant cooperation board of the building has signed off on second-hand leasing.  

You can use the websites below to find apartments in various cities around the country:
• Bostad Direkt
• AndraHand.se 
• Blocket

Related links:
• Sweden.se — Rental accomodation
• SKL — Swedish municipalities (contact details)
• Hyresgästföreningen — Swedish Union of Tenants

 8. Learn Swedish

Learning Swedish will not only make your integration into society a lot quicker, but can also open doors to other insider aspects of the culture that speaking Swedish affords you.

While many employers pay for Swedish classes for their foreign employees, there are also state-subsidized courses that can be taken for free or at minimal costs (usually for teaching materials). The most notable program is called SFI — Swedish for Immigrants (Svenska för Invandrare).

SFI courses are offered through each local municipality’s adult continuing education program (kommunal vuxenutbildning, or komvux) so you will need to contact your local municipality (SKL). There are four SFI levels — A,B, C, and D — and each course usually spans 1.5-3 hours per day several days a week for a period of 3-4 months — so it is a major time commitment, especially if you are employed full-time.

Related links:
• National Centre for Swedish as a Second Language (Stockholm University)
• Swedish Institute — Learning Swedish
• Sweden.se — Learning Swedish

9. Pay taxes in Sweden

Sweden has a complex and relatively high rate tax system, and the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) is responsible for collecting taxes. As much as 45 percent can be deducted from your income and revenue depending on various classifications — from direct and indirect taxes, taxes for goods and services (VAT, and excise duties), taxes earned on interest and profits, other forms of income tax and much more.

The tax system is a lot more straightforward if you’re employed by a company, with taxes automatically deducted from your salary every month. However, if you are self-employed, the tax structure is a lot more complicated.

Your best bet would be to find a good tax accountant to guide you through the process of identifying which taxes you’re responsible for, ensuring your taxes are paid, and making sure your annual tax declarations (tax returns) are filed properly.

Related links:
• Sweden.se — Taxation 
• Association of Swedish Accounting consultants
• Taxes in Sweden 2010. A summary of the Tax Statistical Yearbook of Sweden

10. Get a driver’s license

Sweden has a reliable transportation network of trains, buses, trams, ferries, and airlines, so you can live in Sweden without the need to get a driver’s license (körkort). However, if your job requires one or if you’d like the freedom of occasionally renting a car, you may be able to drive on your foreign driver’s license for up to one year.

After one year as a resident and if you plan on purchasing your own vehicle in the future, you are required to obtain a Swedish driver’s license.

The process of getting a Swedish license requires submitting an application (körkortstillstånd), paying all necessary fees, studying for and passing a series of theoretical and practical exams including an ice-driving/slippery surface driving test (halkbana), and finally scheduling your driving test through the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket).

Note that EU and EEA driving licenses are valid in Sweden and you do not need to trade them for a Swedish license.

Switzerland and Japan are special cases as licenses from these countries can be exchanged for a Swedish one without taking a driving test — but you must do so within a year of being registered in Sweden. In addition, you must meet the personal and medical requirements that apply for drivers' licenses in Sweden — this includes an eye examination certificate, health declaration, and for some categories of license, a doctor's certificate. 

Check with the transport administration below to see what rules and regulations apply to your existing driver’s license such as how long you can drive on it before getting a Swedish license and which exams you’re required to take or exempted from.

Related links:
• Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration) 
• Körkortsportalen (information about formal demands for different driving licenses)   
• Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency)

Ref - Lola Akinmade-Åkerström Sweden.se

Swedish Kaviar - Love it or hate it

Bob Carter of Nature Travels UK writes about Kaviar.

Inspired by Morag's recent story on Julmust (a "love it or hate it" experience for foreigners, as she described it), I'd also like to ask for thoughts on Swedish squeezy caviar.

I see it as occupying the same kind of cultural space as Marmite does for the English (not British, I've never met a Scot who likes the stuff!). For many of us, Marmite played a central role in our formative years, little square sandwiches hiding deep in our school bags to be munched furtively in the playground at breaktime or spread on toast soldiers at the breakfast table. For some, like myself, Marmite continues to be a reminder of our inner child, something you get a periodic craving for, and it's a great food to take on long hiking trips in the mountains.

I always keep a jar in the cupboard just in case of emergencies...The polarisation of feeling towards Marmite is so strong that the manufacturers of Marmite themselves played on it for an advertising campaign here in the UK. To their original slogan "My Mate Marmite", they added an optional "I Hate Marmite", and people could send in for the appropriate stickers to display their feelings to the world! And never mind trying to discuss the Marmite vs Vegemite debate with an Australian...

Many years ago when I worked in language teaching, we had an English food tasting afternoon where we invited our unsuspecting students to sample various English culinary delights, everything from jam tarts to a local, rather “mature”, cheese called Stinking Bishop. After one taste of this, one of my Korean students went a very odd shade of green, clapped his hand over his mouth and ran from the room, crying “Dung! Dung! I have eaten excrement!” The reaction to the Marmite wasn’t much better, being universally acclaimed as “disgusting”. I guess it’s an acquired taste...

Anyway, Swedish caviar is something I took an immediate liking to, and these days whenever I’m over in Sweden I can’t get enough of it. Even a visit to IKEA here in the UK is not complete without raiding the Swedish food shop for a couple of tubes.

Starting with basic Kalles Kaviar (a claim to fame – my wife was taught to sail by the original Kalle!), I quickly became more adventurous, having it with boiled eggs (delicious), comparing it against Svennes (not bad) and trying out a few inferior imitations. Then they launched Kalles Randiga with the cheesy stripes, and, quite frankly, I’ve never looked back. A few centimetres of Randiga on a piece of tunnbröd and you’ll really think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

So, that’s one Englishman’s take on the institution of squeezy caviar. I’d love to hear how successfully other newcomers have been initiated into the tradition...

Ref - Bob Carter Nature Travels UK

Natulife - Cecilia Lundin

A young, yet experienced company, embracing all the principles of ecotourism, and offering a broad range of products. The enterprise has its own igloo village at the edge of Jokkmokk in the north of Sweden, and combines this with skiing trips, wildlife observations and collaboration with other players. The proprietor is an ambitious female entrepreneur who loves the ancient forest of Lapland and who enjoys its riches as a nature lover and through hunting and fishing.

In the mid-1990s, Cecilia Lundin, with her roots in Bergslagen, visited Jokkmokk, just north of the Arctic Circle. She fell in love with the snow, the ancient forests, the mountains, and encounters with nature just outside the front door... and decided to stay. Just over ten years later, by then a qualified outdoor guide and mountain leader, and with several years of experience as a guide in the forests, mountains and untamed rapids of Lapland, she decided to start her own company in 2008.

The range of products is primarily directed towards various winter activities based on the company’s own igloo village at the edge of Jokkmokk. The common thread is simple outdoor adventures contrasting light and dark, cold and heat, and relaxation and energetic activities. One example is the week-long tour through the Muddus National Park, preferably in ice-cold moonlight, on skis made by Jokkmokk’s only ski manufacturer and inspired by the region’s ancient ski traditions.

Collaboration with others is also a pillar of Cecilia’s business. Dog sled tours with the guides of Jokkmokkguiderna is one example, arranging activities together with the popular Tree Hotel in Harads is another, and igloo weekends together with Saltoluokta Mountain Station is a third.  

Cecilia Lundin is particularly concerned about protecting the final remnants of the region’s ancient forest, and is an active supporter of the "Naturarvet" natural heritage foundation. She is also developing new products including wildlife observations and a hiking tour to the heart of the Muddus National Park. Like so many other inhabitants of inland Norrland she also spends her leisure time utilising the riches of the forest, mountains and rivers with either a hunting rifle or fly-fishing equipment.

Labelling Committee´s motivation (16 June 2011) 
Natulife could perhaps become one of Lapland’s distinctive companies in the future, with good chances of becoming an internationally-known icon like the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi and the Tree Hotel in Harads. Behind Jokkmokk’s igloo village is a strong female entrepreneur, who is not afraid of breaking into traditionally male territories such as whitewater rafting, fly-fishing and bird hunting.

Ref - Natures Best and Natulife.

How to start a new business and emigrate to Jokkmokk in 2012.

If you’re looking into moving to Northern Sweden or are about to do so, you may well be considering starting your own business. Many people take the opportunity of a new life overseas to begin their own business or start up company. Starting a new company abroad can be a totally different experience when compared to starting a company in your home country. There are a number of essential pieces of information that business owners should know about starting a business in their new country and researching these can make the experience a much more enjoyable and profitable one.

When considering northern Sweden as your new home and the place to run your new business, emigration is much easier in a practical sense than a non EU country. When you’re sure you want to start a company in northern Sweden, it’s time to develop a business plan that will represent your aims and targets for your new business. In Jokkmokk, the business support organization Strukturum would be your first port of call. Strukturum is an organization based in Jokkmokk that provides support for new and fledgling businesses that are located in the Jokkmokk area.

Strukturum will help you form a business plan which will be the key to obtaining financing and maybe even project money to begin your new business. Support is available for accountancy hours, consultancy hours for your business plan, local contacts and introductions and advice on who would be the best organization to turn to for financing and practical issues such as banking, insurance and local commercial property for example.

The local knowledge found in Strukturum can be a gold mine and the support provided by staff there is excellent. This is important as there is no doubt that this local knowledge can be the key to a new businesses success or failure. Strukturum can also provide support with Swedish for your new venture. All staff speak English and will help you with application forms and business related documents and applications. This help is invaluable for the initial period of your new business when you are learning a new language. Free lessons to help you learn Swedish are available in Jokkmokk itself and the hours are flexible.

Strukturum will also help you educate yourself on a broad range of subjects including some courses related to your industry and not just to starting a new business. Research and education on local laws, including employment laws and even through to bankruptcy laws is important to a new business starting in a new country. It is important to be aware of any local and national laws that will affect the progress of your new venture and how long governmental applications, both local and national, will affect the start up of your company. Employment law is also an important consideration for those looking to employ people. If you would like to obtain some initial advice or information, simply email Strukturum via their website. Their services are free and funded by the local government, banks and the EU. 

Jokkmokkguiderna Husky Dog Tours - Quality marked by Natures Best since 2003

Labeling committee´s motivation (29 January 2003) 

Jokkmokkguiderna is one of Norrbotten’s most capable and most enthusiastic dogsled tour operators, who always puts the focus on the dogs. A skilled and serious operator, Matti Holmgren is determined to inspire other entrepreneurs in Jokkmokk tourism to develop their activities. He is also a genuine enthusiast with a deep commitment to the World Heritage of Lapland – the primeval forest in the vicinity of the mountains and its natural predators. 

• Nature’s Best is the first national quality label for ecotourism in the northern hemisphere. It was launched during the UN International Year of Ecotourism in 2002.
• Nature’s Best certifies and promotes the best Swedish tour operators and their finest products.
• Nature’s Best is a reliable guide to the best ecotourism tours, and helps you choose quality products. This will lead to more fun for all involved.
• Nature’s Best quite simply offers the best nature tours in Sweden.
• Nature’s Best was developed by travel associations, land owners, nature conservation associations, non profit organizations, public authorities, tourist companies and institutions. More than 30 companies and 20 national associations took part in the process of creating criteria for Nature’s Best.
• Nature’s Best gives all Swedish ecotourism operators the opportunity to quality label tours and to build a network for effective marketing.
• The Nature’s Best quality label states that approved tours satisfy the quality criteria established.
• Nature’s Best is designed to offer the traveler an unforgettable nature experience. It combines responsible nature conservation with more environmentally friendly ways of travelling that care for cultural heritage, local community and the environment.
• Many tour operators offer “green” tourism, but not all offer high quality tours or extraordinary experiences. Too few care sufficiently about nature preservation, adaptation to the environment or the involvement of local communities.
• Nature’s Best is your guide to the best nature tours in Sweden. Lists the operators who go the extra mile for their landscape, local people, the environment and most importantly for you as a customer.

Click here to find out more about Nature´s Best and Swedish Ecotourism!

Ref - Jokkmokkguiderna.

A quick guide of Swedish geography, climate, flora and fauna…

How big is Sweden?

Covering an area of nearly half a million square kilometres, Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe and the largest of the Northern European countries, over one thousand miles from end to end. With a population of just over 9 million, Sweden has an average population density of just 20 people per square kilometre, compared to the UK with a density of 246 people per km – more than 20 times as much! This means that if you’re looking for the great wide open, Sweden is the place to be!

So, if there aren’t that many people, what is there in Sweden?

About three fifths of the country is made up of the region of Norrland, with its expansive mountains and vast areas of forest, and about 15% of the total area of Sweden lies within the Arctic Circle. Further south Svealand is an area of undulating hills formed by glaciers and is home to the majority of Sweden’s lakes. Sweden has no shortage of water, and the country as a whole contains over 90,000 lakes, including the two largest Vänern and Vättern. Finally, the southern part of the country is a mix of rocky highlands, forest and rich, fertile plains. Off the east and west coasts lie archipelagos consisting of tens of thousands of islands, rocks and skerries.

I’ve heard it’s cold and dark all the time. Is that true?

No. Sweden has a generally temperate climate in spite of its northerly latitude thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. While it is certainly true that in the far north temperatures drop well below zero in the winter, in the Stockholm area average temperatures vary from around -3.5 degrees C in the depths of winter to around 21 degrees C in the height of summer. Daylight hours are very variable, and though you need to go north of the Arctic Circle to experience the Midnight Sun, even in Stockholm the days around midsummer seem almost endless and the sun barely sets before starting its ascent once more for a new day.

What kind of flora and fauna are found in Sweden?

More than half of the country is forested, varying from the deciduous forests in the south to coniferous pine and spruce forests in the north. In the far north, the landscape is dominated by the hardy birch.

Wildlife in Sweden is rich and varied. The country has 26 national parks and a large number of nature reserves and other protected areas, and is home to some of Europe’s most exciting large mammals, including the brown bear, the lynx, the wolverine and the wolf. These magnificent, if elusive, creatures, along with the majestic Golden Eagle, make up Sweden’s Big Five.

As well as the Golden Eagle, Sweden is home to many other exciting birds of prey including the white-tailed sea eagle and the osprey, and is an excellent place to spot owls. One of the most instantly recognisable and iconic species must of course be the elk, of which there are about 350,000 during peak season in Sweden.

It sounds wonderful? When can I go?

Anytime! Sweden is an ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast year-round, and the “Every Man’s Right” system of public access allows travellers intimate experiences with its vast wilderness. So, like the old Martini advert, "anytime, anyplace, anywhere" - that's Sweden!

Ref - Bob Carter of Nature Travels.

Why coming to work in Sweden has never been easier

Whether you’re an architect, a cook or a nurse, there could well be a job in Sweden for you. If you want to come and work in Sweden, here is a guide to what to do.

• Sweden’s jobless face prospect of bright future (26 Apr 11)
• Navigating the employment - unemployment roundabout (4 Apr 11)
• Go your own way – setting up a business in Sweden (31 Mar 11)

Since Sweden eased the rules for labour migration two years ago, thousands of foreign professionals have been able to move to the country. With falling unemployment in Sweden and with a large number of people born in the forties and fifties soon due to retire, many sectors are crying out for suitably qualified and experienced workers.

An official list of sectors experiencing labour shortages is now published twice a year, giving jobseekers from abroad a good idea of the kind of skills Sweden needs. Drawn up by the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) and the Swedish National Institute of Economic Research (Konjunkturinstitutet), the list covers dozens of sectors.

“There are a lot of professions on the list, and given how the employment market is developing, it is only likely to get longer,” says Håkan Gustavsson, analyst at the Employment Service. To move to Sweden for work from a country outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or Liechtenstein, all you should need is a written offer of employment from a Swedish employer.

Your terms and conditions also need to be approved by a relevant trade union. “If an employer wants a certain person for a certain job, that is now considered to be proof that this person is needed in Sweden,” says Gustavsson. Prior to the new law, Swedish officials would make a judgment about whether a job could be filled by a local worker.

“It has become objectively easier to move here to work,” says Fredrik Martinsson at the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket), which is responsible for issuing work permits. There are still a few conditions that must be fulfilled for a work permit to be issued. Most importantly, the job must have been advertised widely.

It is usually considered necessary for an advertisement to have been published on the EU’s job database EURES http://bit.ly/Sweden-Eures before the job is offered to an applicant from outside the EEA or Switzerland. If the job has been advertised and the conditions have been approved by a union, you can apply for a work permit online at the Swedish Migration Board from outside Sweden, and your path is clear to move to Sweden.

However, if your job is on the labour shortage list, you can in certain circumstances get your on-line application processed from within Sweden - without the need to return to your home country first. The kinds of jobs on the labour shortage list are hugely varied. In 2010, the largest number of work permits was issued for computer specialists. Other jobs in the top ten were restaurant staff, civil engineers and architects, professional athletes, entertainers and accountants.

Medical staff are another category highly sought after in Sweden, with doctors, psychologists and various kinds of nurse (paediatric, operating room, psychiatric, public heath, geriatric, emergency care) all needed. Of course, for these kinds of professions there are often regulatory requirements to adhere to, and professionals with qualifications from their homelands may need to partially or completely requalify to meet Swedish requirements. 

The best way to find out is to contact the profession’s regulatory body in Sweden.

Things to think about when applying for a job in Sweden:

Check out your potential employer’s credentials. Are they a serious employer who will offer you real work at market rates? If they’re not, its unlikely that your work permit will be approved. 

Speaking to a trade union, an employers’ organization, or the Swedish Employment Service can help you work this out. Do you have the necessary qualifications to take the job? Will your qualifications from your home country be recognized in Sweden? Do your research before you apply.

Make sure your CV meets the expectations of Swedish employers. Here are two guides to writing the perfect CV for a Swedish employer, one from Sweden.se and another from The Local. Advice can differ, and it will sometimes depend on the kind of job you are applying for, but the key is to make sure you adapt your message for your audience.

Make sure you prepare for the job interview. 

Employers will be keen to know why you want to move to Sweden and why this particular job interests you. They will want to make sure you are willing and able to stay for several years. Finding out a bit more about Sweden before you move will help you convince them that you are serious.

Consider whether the job you are applying for requires you to speak Swedish, or whether you would be able to do the job in English.

Would your potential employer be willing to take you on and let you learn Swedish while you work? Should you try and get some Swedish tuition in your home country while you wait?

Ref - The Local

Emigrate to Sweden - Facts, emblems and map

Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe, with great diversity in its nature and climate. Its distinctive yellow and blue flag is one of the national emblems that reflect centuries of history between Sweden and its Nordic neighbors.

The Swedish flag with a yellow cross on a blue background, dates back at least to the 16th century.
Photo: Magnus Mårding/LinkImage 

Sweden is a sparsely populated country, characterized by its long coastline, extensive forests and numerous lakes. It is one of the world’s northernmost countries. In terms of surface area it is comparable to Spain, Thailand or the American state of California. Sweden’s borders have been unchanged since 1905 and the country has not been at war since 1814.

Extreme contrasts

Sweden experiences extreme contrasts between its long summer days and equally long winter nights. In the summer, the sun stays in the sky around the clock in the parts of Sweden north of the Arctic Circle, but even as far south as Stockholm (59°N) the June nights have only a few hours of semi-darkness.

The Gulf Stream

Considering its geographic location, Sweden enjoys a favorable climate. This is mainly because of the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that flows off Norway’s west coast. Scandinavia has been completely covered by ice during several periods of history. The most recent Ice Age ended only about 10,000 years ago, and the weight and movement of the ice sheet had a profound effect on the landscape. The hard outcrops of underlying rock were polished into the rounded shapes characteristic of Sweden’s archipelagoes, and hollows were deepened into valleys and lakes.

Varied scenery with a rich wildlife

With its variety of landscapes, Sweden has everything from bears and wolves in the north to roe deer and wild boar in the south. The country also has a wealth of flora and aquatic life, which contribute to its biological diversity. Much of the Swedish landscape is dominated by coniferous forests such as pine and spruce, with large forests of deciduous trees such as birch and aspen in the south. Because of their limestone-rich bedrock and favorable climate, the islands of Gotland and Öland and parts of the Scandinavian mountain range have an interesting flora that includes numerous varieties of orchid.

Numbers increasing

Along with its beautiful scenery, Sweden has a rich and varied wildlife. The wolf for example is expanding its habitat across northern and central Sweden. Bear, lynx and wild-boar populations are also increasing. Throughout the country there are large numbers of moose (elk), roe deer, foxes and hares. The moose is a great prize for hunters but is also a traffic hazard. Hunting is closely regulated, and many species of animal are completely protected. Winter bird life in Sweden is dominated by a few species, but summer brings large numbers of migratory birds from the south.

There are between 300,000 and 400,000 moose in Sweden.
Photo: Kent Storm/Johnér

With its long coasts and many lakes, Sweden also has a rich variety of aquatic life. Fish species vary from the cod and mackerel of the salty Atlantic to the salmon and pike found in the far less saline Gulf of Bothnia and in lakes and rivers. Herring and the smaller Baltic herring used to be an important staple food, but today are seen more as delicacies.

National parks

In 1910, Sweden became the first European country to establish national parks, mainly in the mountainous districts of Norrland. This helped save part of Europe’s last wilderness from exploitation. Numerous nature reserves and cultural heritage areas have also been established across the country. Under the Right of Public Access, anyone is entitled to hike through forests and fields and pick berries and mushrooms, without asking the landowner’s permission, but this right also carries with it an obligation to respect the natural environment and private property.

National emblems of Sweden

Among the Swedish national emblems are the blue and yellow flag, two coats of arms, Three Crowns and the national anthem. The oldest recorded images of a blue flag with a yellow cross date from the 16th century. The yellow cross was always borne on Swedish battle standards and banners, because the Swedish coat of arms was blue divided by a cross of gold. The triple crown device has been used as the emblem of Sweden at least since 1336, when it had long been a familiar symbol of the “Three Wise Kings”.

 The Lesser Coat of Arms. Reproduction: Swedish National Archives

Since 1916, June 6 has been celebrated as Swedish Flag Day. This finally also became Sweden’s National Day in 1983 and a public holiday from 2005. The date was chosen for two reasons: the election of Gustav Vasa as Sweden’s king on June 6, 1523, laid the foundation of Sweden as an independent state; and on the same date in 1809, Sweden adopted a new constitution that included the establishment of civil rights and liberties.

The Swedish national anthem

The lyrics of Du Gamla, Du Fria were written by folklorist and ballad writer Richard Dybeck (1811–77) and set to a folk melody from the province of Västmanland in the mid-19th century. Around 1900, people began to sing it more frequently, and over time it came to be regarded as the Swedish national anthem.

Translation of the Swedish national anthem

Thou ancient, thou freeborn, thou mountainous North, In beauty and peace our hearts beguiling, I greet thee, thou loveliest land on the earth, Thy sun, thy skies, thy verdant meadows smiling.Thy sun, thy skies, thy verdant meadows smiling.

Thy throne rests on mem’ries from great days of yore, When worldwide renown was valor’s guerdon. I know to thy name thou art true as before. In thee I’ ll live, in thee I’ ll die, thou North Land, In thee I’ ll live, in thee I’ ll die, thou North Land.

Listen to the music here!

Map of Sweden - Norstedts Kartor

Ref - Sweden.se