Scandinavia’s largest cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 1270s before being consecrated in 1435. The cathedral is home to the tombs of several Kings and famous scientists including Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus. The treasury houses Gustav Vasa’s sword, the relics of Eric IX of Sweden, as well as the golden chalice of Christina, Queen of Sweden. It is also possible to listen to concerts, look at exhibits, have coffee and cake in the cosy Katedralcafé, or browse the gift shop.

A popular choice for kids and grown-ups alike, Dolphin Discovery offers a range of programs for up-close encounters with marine animals. Dolphin activities are made unforgettable with belly rides, handshakes and hugs. Visitors can also swim with (and learn about) manatees and sea lions.

Upplands Museum is a cultural and historic county museum that provides knowledge, experiences and inspiration about Uppland. Situated on an islet of Fyrisån River near the centre of Uppsala, the museum is housed in the old Academy Mill from the 1760s. The museum began its collections in 1909. Come and visit the different exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, spanning four floors.

A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.