Lakritsfabriken, Helsingborg
Liquorice! Love it or loathe it – in Sweden they love it and you can’t escape it! Salt or sweet and like all things you can get the real mccoy or the poor imitators so here is the best. Beautifully packaged and made in Helsingborg.
Kullabygdens Keramik, Mölle
Very beautiful ceramic work specialising in wonderful mist blue hues and much practical kitchenware. He also has the traditional earthy tones of classic Skåne platters in rich terracotta tones with fine decorative artwork.
Kitchen House, Helsingborg
Treasure trove of kitchenalia for professional and amateur chefs. Eye candy for food lovers with floor to ceiling equipment, utensils, creative cutters and colourful bowls, not to mention every chef and cheese knife imaginable. On the corner by the Maria Church in the heart of the old town.
Gyllene Uttern (Golden Otter), Gränna, Småland, Sweden
Gyllene Uttern (Golden Otter) is a simply beautiful place where you will receive a warm welcome and exceptional local cuisine. It was built in the 1930’s and developed from a petrol stop and coffee shop into Sweden’s first motor hotel. Overlooking Lake Vättern this region is steeped in history, the first kings ruled from Visingsö Island in the lake long before Stockholm held court. It is a series of intriguing buildings cleverly designed to reflect the old castles of the region, and very attractive. A great place to stop on the way north. The restaurant is relaxed and beautifully designed with a remarkably successful balance of castle and breathtaking views over the lake. The food is equally spectacular.
The Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Norrland, Sweden
For a special birthday my husband treated us both to a trip to The Ice Hotel! A truly unique and memorable experience. A holiday 200km beyond the Arctic Circle with sub zero temperatures may not immediately light your fire but it is truly amazing.
Located in Jukkasjärvi, a small town 12km out of Kiruna, the Swedish Ice Hotel is the original and came about in the 1990’s when, during an exhibition of ice sculptures a bunch of visitors who couldn’t find accommodation, asked to sleep overnight amidst the ice creations and the hotel concept was born.
Arctic sleeping bags are provided and reindeer skins give added warmth. It is all remarkably snug. An unmissable part of the Ice Hotel adventure is the night trail by snowmobile or dog sleigh. The local food is delicious and be sure to take along some pocket money for Sami crafts – they are incredible pieces of art.