Event profile
The province of Smaland in the south of Sweden is not only the native country of Astrid Lindgreen, its is also a country of great beauty with 5000 lakes flanked by untouched forests, large numbers of elks, timber churches and crystal handicrafts. Towards the end of June, the Swedes celebrate mid-summer, when the sun never sets -and perhaps neither will you- if you join this festival in the city of Växjö!

The city of Växjö is in the middle of the Smaland region, conveniently situated between Copenhagen/Malmö and Stockholm. Just the trip by coach over the 16 km long Øresund-Bridge, followed by the 4 km long tunnel which connects Denmark and Sweden, is an experience in itself.

On the way to Smaland, there is a visit of Malmö, the capital of Southern Sweden. Besides the visit to the oldest glassworks of Sweden you will see the elk park in Grönasen, home of the king of the Swedish forest. Approx. 250,000 elks, up to 2 m tall and 500 kg in weight, live in Sweden. On Monday you can choose between half or full day excursions to discover more of the beauties of Smaland. A guided tour can also be arranged in Copenhagen -- if you extend your stay by one night.

The programme entails a friendship concert of several foreign choirs with a Swedish choir in Växjö or surroundings; a concert on the famous steam ship Thor on the lake Helga; a workshop in the Kronoberg fortress (ruins of); a concert in one of the oldest cristal works in Pukeberg followed by a typical "hyttsyl" dinner complete the programme Cantate Smaland 2006.

Some optionals:

The "Cristal Kingdom" and a visit to the elk park.

Many of the glassworks in Småland , were once ironworks. Kosta is the oldest glassworks in Sweden still turning out glass handicrafts. The forefathers, Koskull and Stal, established the works back in 1742. The initials of their names formed the name Kosta.

The trip continues to the elk park in Grönåsen!

The elk has practically become a symbol of Swedish nature and this is why it has a special importance. The biggest red deer in the world is to be found all over Sweden. Although nearly 100,000 elks are hunted every year, there is still a stable population of about 250.000 of them in the forests.

The castle ruins of Kronobergs is one of the best kept renaissance buildings in Sweden. In the mid 16 century, Nils Dacke led the farmer uprising from the Castle of Kronobergs
on the shore of lake Helga. Today you can visit the stage where
many and the bloody battles between the Swedes and Danes took place. Continue by boat across lake Helga with the historical steamer Thor, built in 1887 and still busy today.

The Swedish Emigrants-Institut (approx. 2 hrs)

The Swedish Emigrants-Institut was founded in 1965 and since 1968 is situated in the home of emigrants in Växjö. The purpose of the institute is to study emigration and enable contacts between Sweden, her emigrants and descendants. The service contains archives, a library and the study room with a registry and catalogues. The main exhibit, "The American Dream" describes the background and development of Swedish emigration. Over 30.000 people visit the institute every year, many of which are Swedish Americans.

Full day to Kalmar (approx. 6,5 hrs)

Guided tour to the medieval town of Kalmar with a visit to its old castle. Travel over the 6 km long Öland bridge to the second largest island in Sweden. Visit the city of Borgholm and Solliden, the sommer residence of the royals. The Swedish king has his own coffe house here...

Tour Options:

The concert tour can be extended, for example, by spending extra time in Copenhaguen or visit other cities.

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