The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
Sweden:
Northern Sweden
Most Swedes consider everything from Dalarna north to be Northern Sweden. This just underscores the fact that most Swedes have never been to this region, for if they had, they would realize that the difference between Dalarna and Norrland (the true north) is extreme. Dalarna, the country's most stereotypically Swedish area, is home to plenty of red and white houses, that little wooden flower-painted horse you see plastered on every Swedish brochure, and some of the most picturesque villages you'll find, complete with maypoles, quiet churchyards, and tourist shops lining the streets.
Head north and Dalarna's homey sweetness dissolves into a fierce landscape. Here the winter, during which the sun never rises for a month, gives way to a summer full of long (sometimes 24-hour) days disturbed only by billions of bloodthirsty mosquitoes and blackflies. Despite this drawback, the lakes and forests of the north are some of Sweden's greatest assets and well worth seeing if you have the time to spare. For hikers and other outdoorsy types, this is the Sweden you'll fall in love with.
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