On September 8, 2024, Sweden celebrates Cultural Heritage Day. Under the theme of “The Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections”, locals and international visitors are invited to explore the intricate pathways and meeting points that have shaped Sweden's rich cultural landscape as the country opens its most treasured cultural sites.

Cultural Heritage Day is part of the European Heritage Days initiative, a collaborative program by the Council of Europe and the European Commission that attracts millions of visitors to over 100,000 local events annually across Europe. Since its inception in 1984 in France, the event has expanded to include 48 countries, making it the most celebrated common cultural event shared by European citizens.

Discover Sweden's diverse cultural legacy
Sweden's national cultural heritage speaks volumes about the interconnectedness of communities and cultures through various encounters. This theme offers a chance to delve into the movement and interactions of people throughout history. It highlights significant locations and experiences that have influenced our personal and shared histories. Discover how these have played a role in establishing meeting points and networks that unite people in the past and present.

Between 6 and 8 September 2024, Sweden will open its most treasured cultural sites, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the country's historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can expect a range of activities, including guided tours, special exhibitions, and interactive events that bring history to life.

Seven highlights during Cultural Heritage Day in Sweden 2024:
1. Attend the steampunk festival SilwerSteam in Eskilstuna – September 7
Dive into the eclectic world of steampunk at the SilwerSteam Festival, blending history with futuristic imagination. And why not make a visit to the world's first recycling shopping mall – ReTuna in Eskilstuna, where all products are environmentally friendly, recycled or upcycled? 

2. Visit the Hat Museum in Trelleborg – September 7
   Experience the unique history of hats at the Borgquistska Hat Museum, a workshop preserved in its original setting. Located on Sweden's southernmost coast, Trelleborg also offers locally grown culinary experiences, adding rich flavours to your exploration of cultural heritage.
3. Join castle tours and talks: Glimmingehus' 100 years in state ownership – 6-8 September
   Discover Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval castle, once home to Danish knight Jens Holgersen Ulfstand and his wife Margareta Arvidsdotter, now a vibrant historical site.
4. Experience 'Tågdagarna ' (Train Days) at Landeryds railway museum – September 7-8
   Relive the golden age of railways at the Train Days event in Landeryd, located in Småland. The event features historical locomotives and railway exhibits.
5. Minesweeper Sprängaren at the National Maritime Museum in Stockholm – September 7-8
   Explore the world's only operational naval ship from WWI, the minesweeper Sprängaren, now fully renovated and offering sea tours. The museum's library is considered to house the largest collections of nautical books in the Nordic countries.
6. Explore 500 years of Swedish iron production at 'Åkers Hembygdsförening' – September 7-8 Showcasing raw iron production and telling the history of cannon foundry and gunpowder production from the 16th century to today's society.
7. Uncover UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Hälsingland Farmhouses – September 8
   Visit the seven decorated farmhouses of Hälsingland, which are mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. These traditional rural buildings are testimony to the prosperity and craftsmanship of the farmers of the time.

Cultural Heritage Day offers many opportunities to reflect on how we can identify and protect Europe's tangible, intangible, and biological heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

More information: https://www.europeanheritagedays.com/ and https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/