Sweden

Scandinavia is normally known for its Vikings, but long before, in the Bronze Age (about three thousands years ago), the region was home to hunting communities that carved their spiritual world and daily life into flat rocks. To this day, these mystical figures, farmers, animals, boats and patterns are still easily seen in Tanum, one of the prime areas for these Nordic rock carvings, and consitute a peek into an ancient world. Their numbers are remarkably high here and they are still half hidden in the pine forest as they probably have been for millenniums.

As European Old Towns go, Stockholm's historical centre does not get the attention it deserves. Dating back some 700 years, the collection of cobble-stones alleyways and archaic architecture have had their ups and downs. Housing some of the city's most important landmarks and buildings (parliament, cathedral, museums) there was a time when the islet was considered a slum. However, years of effort and a bunch of cash have seen the old centre restored to its former beauty. Nowadays, the past and the present are inter-tangled with old shops, cafes and hotels attracting countless visitors every year. While the main thoroughfares can get a little congested with tourist hordes, with a seemingly endless supply of tiny little back alleys, solitude is never too far away.