1936 On the Continent

dotted with magnificent castles and manor-houses dating back to the Middle Ages, or to the Thirty Years War, when Sweden was one of the greatest nations in Europe. It might also interest you to know that Sweden is actually the oldest existing kingdom in Europe and that her civilisation and standard of living are on a very high level.
    You know, of course, that the rate of exchange is especially favourable to English travellers these days. When, in addition, I tell you that the cost of living is cheaper than in England, that Swedish hotels and boarding-houses are very clean and well managed, that Sweden is famous for its food—and there is no stinting, either—you will have no hesitation in paying us a visit. It only takes thirty-five hours to get there, or—if you go by air—six hours.
    If you want to learn still more about Sweden, I advise you to get in touch with the Swedish Travel Bureau, 21, Coventry Street (corner of Piccadilly Circus), London, W.1, or any other travel bureau, which will be pleased to give you detailed information, and send you brochures and other useful literature on the subject. They will alsowork out for you plans for holiday parties, quoting special reductions, and give you information about the
    Different Holiday Tours (varying in time from 6 to 22 days) arranged for this season. These tours start from London or Newcastle, and are run by boat, train and/or train ferry, and/or air.
Some Useful Hints
    May-October are the best months for a summer visit to Sweden; June 15th to September 1st marks the Swedish seaside season. Midsummer to September 1st is the best time to see Lapland.
    December-April are the winter sports months. In January and February you can be almost certain of getting good conditions for all kinds of winter sports in and around Stockholm and also in the more southern parts of Sweden. You can depend upon it, however, in the sports centres in the North. I can especially recommend the spring season in those parts. In one place, Riksgränsens tourist station, you can even go ski-ing in bathing dress—as late as midsummer.
Climate
    Sweden is famous for its climate—dry and exhilarating on the whole, especially in the North. The length of Sweden from the most northern tourist centre to Malmö on the Sound is the same as the distance from Edinburgh to Marseilles, and this accounts for the difference in climatic conditions in different parts. In the South we find practically the same climate as in England all the year round. In Central Sweden the summer is very similar to an English summer, while the winters, though colder, are nice and dry and generally very sunny. In the North the summers are quite warm, while the winters are cold, sometimes intensely so. My own experience, however, is that you feel the cold far more in England than you do in Sweden. Besides, there is central heating everywhere, even in hotels right up in the wilds of Lapland. The early autumn climate in the west coast of Sweden, and also on the large islands of Gotland and Öland in the Baltic, famous tourist centres, is delightful, with warm nights and crystal clear, bracing days.
Outfit
    Summer visitors are advised to take the same outfit as for England. In winter you will need a fur coat or a warm ulster. Exceedingly smart and practical ski-ing outfits can be had at very moderate prices in Sweden.
    Full evening dress is only needed on very special occasions. You can go in ordinary clothes to any restaurant in Stockholm (except the Grand, Royal, Cecil, Operakällaren and Strand on dance nights), and also to any theatre, even the Royal Opera. Yet Swedish people dress very well, as you will see if you go to any smart private or official function. Even at the best seaside hotels a gentleman can dine in an ordinary lounge suit, while ladies generally wear semi-evening dress.
Etiquette
    In the street a gentleman takes off his hat to a lady and she acknowledges the greeting. He always walks on the lady’s left. In the matter of visits it is the newcomer who pays the first call. Ladies leave their coats in the hall. Gentlemen leave their coats in the hall only when paying business calls. At the theatre people always leave their coats with the attendant.
    At luncheon or dinner the male guest of honour is placed on the left of the hostess. Towards the end of the meal he is expected to say a few words of thanks on his own behalf, as well as on behalf of his fellow guests. “Skåla” is another Swedish custom.