The Långe Jan lighthouse — 'Tall John' — first cast its light over the Baltic waves on November 1, 1785. Rising from the craftsmanship of, perhaps, Russian prisoners of war, it stands as a beacon of history and maritime safety on Öland's southernmost point. Initially measuring a soaring 36 meters and requiring a 197-step ascent, it now proudly stretches to 41.6 meters, claiming the title of Sweden's loftiest lighthouse. Once cradling an open flame against the Nordic sky, Långe Jan has seen transformations from bare stone, borrowed from a bygone chapel, to a whitewashed pillar with a distinguishing black band. Surrounded by the thriving Ottenby bird station, Långe Jan's legacy is as enduring as the coastal winds, welcoming visitors each summer to scale its heights and embrace a panoramic sweep of sea and sky.

The tomb of Mughal emperor Jahangir is a majestic work of architecture, commissioned by his son Shah Jahan in memory of his late father. The complex is known especially for its intricate detail which includes ornate frescoes, carved marble, and mosaics of semi-precious stone known as "pietra dura" style.

A night in the desert reveals a landscape transformed. The intense silence and profound darkness that follow sunset give way to a celestial display, with the Milky Way arching vividly across the sky. This experience often begins with the thrill of dune bashing at dusk, followed by the tranquillity of a traditional camp. Here, the evening is spent around a fire, enjoying aromatic coffee and sweet dates, perhaps accompanied by the gentle bubbling of a shisha pipe. It is a stark, beautiful contrast to the daytime heat and a chance to comprehend the vast, empty spaces that have shaped Bedouin culture for millennia.

Luleå’s close proximity to water means that water sports have a natural place in their everyday lives. Training opportunities for elite canoers are good but options for leisure paddlers who wish to experience Luleå’s natural environment are even better. In Luleå, you can choose between canoeing on the open sea, along the rivers or on lakes. You are never far away from calm kayaking waters.