Norrtälje, Sweden

Capital City

With only around 23,600 residents, Norrtälje is a sleepy outpost far from the cosmopolitan delights of Stockholm. The town's early roots trace back to the Iron Age, but its modern history is marked by a devastating Russian attack in 1719 that reduced much of the city center to ashes. Today, Norrtälje remains a cold, isolated place, with winters more severe than Sweden's capital due to its inland location. And while the town boasts an industrial heritage museum, the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache for newcomers. Overall, Norrtälje is best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial lifestyle removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.