Few would expect the world's oldest preserved oil refinery to be found in Sweden.

This mysterious runestone embedded in a church wall is linked to the medieval cult of Saint Erik.

Sweden's southernmost prehistoric rock art is hidden just outside Gothenburg.

A catapult rock from Gotland’s 13th-century civil war is still lodged in Scandinavia's best-preserved medieval city wall.

A 12th-century church with a medieval fresco and an intriguing “Greek runestone.”

Ancient stone graves shaped like ships provided a Viking-like burial to carry the dead to the afterlife.

Archaeologists are still unraveling the secrets of the brutal massacre that wiped out this ancient fort.

An 11th-century runestone decorates the halls of Terminal 2 of this Scandinavian travel hub.

A king's bloodstained shirt is among the gruesome collection of artifacts displayed below Stockholm's Royal Palace.

The single richest source of elemental discoveries in the world.

A forest of immensely tall and unusually straight oak trees planted nearly 200 years ago to build naval ships that never came to be.

This micronation's flag honors its favorite drink, Kaffegöken, or "cuckoo-coffee."

This castle ruin in the middle of nowhere is a gem for wildlife enthusiasts.

In the town of Åtvidaberg, the midday sun sets off a loud cannon boom.

A plaque marks the house in Stockholm where the French philosopher René Descartes lived up until his death.

For a couple of months each year this Swedish city turns into a festive neon phantasmagoria.

When this 18th-century observatory's meridian was moved, it set Sweden's time back by 0.04 seconds.

It was meant to help transport wounded soldiers to a secret underground hospital.

An otherworldly, fossil-rich cobble beach holds Viking graves, cairns, and other remains.

The scars of a remarkably organized public protest to save 13 elm trees are still visible in this Stockholm park.

This giant crucifix is like U2's Joshua Tree for Swedish death metal fans.

Every Tuesday, students let off steam by screaming into the night air.

Ancient burial grounds of the wealthy.

Stone carvings record the Norse myth of Sigurd, providing a glimpse into Scandinavia's transition from paganism to Christianity.