Trollhattan, Sweden

Capital City

With a population of just 6,000, Trollhättan is hardly the bustling metropolis many Americans envision when moving abroad. The former industrial hub has seen better days, with much of its heavy manufacturing moving overseas. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the long, dark winters can be a shock to the system. However, the city does offer access to Sweden's impressive hydropower and canal systems, as well as a budding film industry. For those seeking a quieter, more authentic Swedish experience, Trollhättan may be worth a look. But it's no Gothenburg.