The official slogan for Smaland in southern Sweden is ‘Sweden for real’. It's a dazzling area of dense old-growth forests, sparkling lakes and quaint red cottages, rich in culture and steeped in proud culinary traditions. It’s also the Sweden that brought the world IKEA, Bjorn from ABBA and the author Astrid Lindgren.

Click through this gallery to learn more about Smaland, and discover the best things to see and do in this authentic Swedish region...