Local culture

What are the most common religions? About 85% of the population belong to the Church of Sweden. Sweden is, however, a multicultural land where most religions are represented.

Are there any special Swedish traditions? There are many of course. The most well known are the bonfires of Walpurgis night, Midsummer with 24 hour daylight and St. Lucy's day, the festival of gentle candle light. The solemn celebration of scientific and literary excellence, Nobel day, is of course also very important.

Examples of Swedish food traditions? The Swedish smorgasbord is world famous, as are the smoked salmon and pickled herring. More unusual are "surströmming" (fermented fish) and crayfish.

What about international food? Sweden is a multicultural country and the Swedish kitchen has become more and more international. In East Sweden, the food culture is inspired by various other cultures, for example the Italian, Greek, French, American, Chinese and Malaysian kitchens.

Examples of culture life in East Sweden? There is a wide and varied range of cultural activities throughout the region. You will find many historical monuments, such as churches, monasteries and convents, palaces and country manors.

Vadstena is a historical town from the Middle Ages and is, situated beside the lake Vättern. Söderköping is another picturesque, medieval town but beside the Göta Canal, with the sea and the St. Anna archipelago close by.

Both Norrköping and Linköping have theatres with permanent ensembles as well as a symphony orchestra whose renown extends beyond Sweden's borders.

The region also contains a number of interesting museums. The Museum of Art contains one of the country's largest collections of Swedish paintings.