Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 5 May 2015 | Page 61

ESCAPE TO

SWEDEN
Sustainable winnings

The Ericsson Globe

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, the country has
just topped the Most Sustainable County
in the Word list following an in-depth study
by sustainability investment company
Robecosam. A strong focus on renewable
energy and dedication to cutting carbon
dioxide emissions (Sweden aims to have a
fossil free transport network by 2030) ensured
the Scandinavian nation proudly ticked all the
boxes. Read more about the study here

Slottet, where the changing of the guards,
military band and horse parade during the
summer months make for a great showing.
Spend some time traversing through the
eclectic mix of upscale boutiques and quirky
shops of Södermalm and get lost in the city’s
fascinating history before stopping for a fika,
or coffee break, at one of many pretty coffee
shops that dot the streets.
As the national indoor arena of Sweden,
the Ericsson Globe or Globen, located in the
Johanneshov district of Stockholm, is currently
the largest hemispherical building in the world.
Taking two and a half years to build and shaped
like a large white ball representing the sun in
the solar system, it is a phenomenal structure
to take in,
especially in the evening, when it is lit up in
myriad colours.

A Sight for Stockholm Eyes
Eco-friendly exploration

Gamla Stan

As the capital city, Stockholm spreads out over
14 beautiful islands on the Lake Mälaren and
has a 3000-strong community. A melting point
of cafés, restaurants, tourist shops, studios,
galleries and museums, the city looks out
proudly to the Baltic Sea in the east and centres
around the original city centre, known as Old
Town or the Gamla Stan.
The main square, Stortorget, houses the
stunning Royal Chapel, or Storkyrkan, as well
as the magnificent Royal Palace, or Kungliga

Both Swedish and foreign-registered vehicles
pay congestion taxes and bridge tolls in
Stockholm and other cities, so it is best to
invest and a Stockholm Card. Not only will you
be able to use it on all busses, trains and the
metro, but it will also give you free admissions
to a number of museums and attractions in
the city. The charges are intended to help limit
carbon emissions and improve traffic flow in
the inner city of Stockholm, are active from

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ESCAPE TO

Sweden is not just famous for IKEA and ABBA.
A pure and refreshing air and water, brilliantly
efficient public transport network, wideranging and appetising cuisine and invariably
warm and welcoming locals makes Sweden
a great place to visit - a true traveller’s paradise.