Fishing: Sweden offers some of the world's best fishing -- its pristine lakes and streams are crystal clear, and many of them are extremely well stocked. Many varieties of fresh- and saltwater fish are available in Sweden's waters.

Golfing: Many Swedes are obsessed with golf. Most courses, from the periphery of Stockholm to Björkliden (above the Arctic Circle), are open to the public, and enthusiasts can play under the midnight sun. Halland, south of Gothenburg, is called the Swedish Riviera, and it's the golf capital of the country. Båstad is the most fashionable resort in Halland, and you can play a game of golf here at two prestigious courses: the Båstad Golf Club at Boarp (tel. 0431/731-36) and the Bjåre Golf Club at Solomonhög (tel. 0431/36-10-53), both located right outside the center of Båstad.

White-Water Rafting: Sweden has some of Europe's best white-water rafting. Trips run the gamut from short and comfortable rides through peaceful landscapes to heart-stopping races on fast-running rivers. In Dalarna, the best white-water rafting is on the Västerdalälven River rapids, which are rated moderately difficult. In northern Värmland, 5km (3 miles) south of Höljes, you can take easy white-water trips in paddle boats.

Hiking: The Kungsleden (Royal Trail) may provide the hike of a lifetime, as it takes you through the mountains of Lapland, including Kebnekaise, which, at 2,090m (6,855 ft.), is the highest mountain in Sweden. This 500km (310-mile) trail cuts through the mountains of Abisko National Park to Riksgränsen on the Norwegian frontier.

Skiing: In Lapland, you can enjoy both downhill and cross-country skiing year-round. In Kiruna, serious skiers head for the Kebnekaise mountain station, where skiing can be combined with dog-sledding and other winter sports. South of the city of Gällivare, you arrive at Dundret, or "Thunder Mountain," for some of the finest skiing in the north. The hotel to stay at here also is called Dundret (tel. 0970/145-60), and its staff possesses all the expertise needed to link you up with both cross-country skiing and skiing on the downhill slopes. Inaugurated in 1955, its chairlift to the top of the slopes was the first of its kind in Sweden.