The Stockholm Tbana system has elevators at most stations, and there are specially converted minivans and taxis for hire. There's more information on Swedish holidays for the disabled from Holiday Scandinavia Ltd, 28 Hillcrest Road, Оф1пд1оп, Kent BR6 9AW (w0689 824958); and in the Holiday Guide for the Disabled, available from Swedish tourist offices. Or contact the Swedish Federation of Disabled Persons IDHRi, Katrinebergsvagen 6, S117 43 Stockholm («0818 91 00). OAY SCANDINAVIA AND DISABLED T R A V E L L E R S1 Despite lagging behind the other Nordic nations, Finland is by no means hostile territory for the disabled traveller. The Finnish Tourist Board issues a free leaflet, Tourist Services for the Disabled, giving a brief overview of facilities, and further information can be obtained from Mr Jens Gellin, Rullaten ry, Vartiokylantie 9, 00950 Helsinki («90322069). THE COUNTRYSIDE: SOME 6R0UND RULES к you're going to do any hiking in the Scandinavian countryside you sliould be aware of some specific ground rules. The landscape is there for everyone's use camping rough, for example, is legal much of the time but the Scandinavians are concerned to protect the environment both from the damage caused by excessive tourism and the potential disasters that can result from ignorance or thoughtlessness. RULES AND ADVICE • Don't light fires anywhere other than at designated spots and even these shouldn't be used in times of drought. Tents may only be placed on marked sites or, on some hikes, in other designated areas. When camping, do not break free branches or leave rubbish; and try not to disturb nesting birds, especially in the spring In the northern reaches of Scandinavia, be wary of frightening reindeer herds, since if they scatter it can mean several extra days work for the herder; also, avoid tramping over moss covered stretches of moorland the reindeer's staple diet Picking flowers, berries and mushrooms is also usually prohibited in the north (though it's fine elsewhere). If you are going to pick and eat anything, however, it's a wise idea, postChernobyl, to check on the latest advice from the authorities tourist offices should know the score. As you might expect, any kind of hunting is forbidden without a permit, and fishing usually requires a special licence, available from local tourist offices. National Parks have special regulations on all these issues, posted on huts and at entrances, which are worth reading and remembering. ШШШШштуик ScandHavia is by no means the summer wildvf""' "«chures Гь..„ ® fof a start it's Winter months; city breaks, particularly. 22 I в A S I с S can be very good value at this time (see "Packages" in the "Getting There' section, above). The subzero temperatures and snow cause surprisingly little inconvenience: the transport system remains as highly efficient and reliable as ever, most hotels and lots of youth hostels stay open: buildings (public and private) are well insulated and heated to ovenlike temperatures.