Dalarna represents all that is Swedish par excellence, from the brightly coloured costumes to the spirited dancing and music, always with the backdrop of a magnificent rural landscape. Nowadays, Dalarna's folk traditions draw in many visitors.

The Kukkolaforsen, dominated by dilapidated wooden jetties, watermills and the inevitable fishermen's huts form a most familiar scene. Since the Middle Ages, people have traditionally fished from the jetties

The third largest lake in Sweden (1 140km2), Mälaren stretches from west to east over 150km as far as Stockholm, where it flows into the Baltic. It is made up of a multitude of meandering arms separated by islands and peninsulas.

Kullaberg: The headland, whose sheer cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea, separates Skälderviken Bay in the north from the Öresund Strait. Paths run along the edge of the cliffs and lead to the Kullen Lighthouse, which looms 88m above sea level

Starting at the city itself and strewn over a distance of almost 70km off the Baltic coast, the incredibly beautiful Stockholm Archipelago reaches from north to south over almost 140km. It encompasses 24 000 islands and reefs

A crafts centre (Handens Hus) and a restaurant (NordanågårdensVärdshus) are brought together in Nordanå Park, which also has pools and a playground

The island of Stadsholmenl is the original site of Stockholm, and the two "main roads" Osterlanggatan and Västerlanggatan join up at the south point in the little Järntorget square

Kalmar Castle: At the time when southern Sweden was in the hands of the Danes this castle was nicknamed "the key to Sweden" due to its strategic position. The initial keep (12C) belonged to a defensive line reaching from Öland island to the coast

10/10/2017