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55 Unique Things To Do in Sweden

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: June 12, 2020

Categories Sweden

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Are you traveling to Sweden, and wonder what there is to do in Sweden? No worries, as you might already know I’m Swedish, and in this article, I will share 55 Unique things to do in Sweden as a tourist.

And what better way is there than to follow the tips of a local Swede?

10 Fun Things to do in Sweden

Celebrate midsummer.

Perhaps our most famous celebration, and one of our most unique traditions. If you visit Sweden in June, you might be able to attend a midsummer party. To explain it a little more in-depth I suggest you to look at the video below.

Ghost walk in Stockholm

Do you believe in ghosts? After a ghost walk in Stockholm, you might. There are many rumors about ghosts and spirits in the Old town of Stockholm. One part of the legend claims that the Old Town is haunted by the horrible happenings during the Stockholm Bloodbath.

A huge amusement park in Gothenburg, and one of the most popular things to do in Sweden, at least for children. At Liseberg, you can enjoy rides for both small and adults, and in general.

You’ll have a great day for the whole family.

Crayfish Party

Another famous festivity. This time we put on silly hats, sing silly songs, and eat a lot of crayfish and drink a lot of schnapps. We also decorate our homes with various pieces.

Photo: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se

Go to a music festival

Sweden is a famous nation when it comes to music. With international artists such as ABBA, Zara Larsson, Swedish House Mafia, Robyn, Avicii and many others! As you might guess, we love music, and therefore we also have lots of music festivals during summer!

Some of the most notable ones are Summerburst, Swedish Rock, Bråvalla, and Way out West.

Gröna Lund

Much like Liseberg, Gröna Lund is an amusement park, but it’s located in the Capital. Here you can also see performances and concerts during summer. It’s a bit smaller than Liseberg, but it’s one of the most popular things to do in Stockholm with children.

Hike the Höga Kusten trail

Enjoy hiking? Then you should take a closer look at the Höga Kusten trail, where you can experience some real scenic views!

Celebrate Valborg

Another traditional festivity in Sweden, which is celebrated on the last day of April each year. Basically, we are lighting up a huge bonfire and dance around it and socialize.

Attend the medieval week

Every year there is a medieval week on the island of Gotland. It’s a real mecca for people who love the medieval heritage and history, and you get the chance to live out your fantasies, with “real” battles and tournaments as well as old markets and such.

Definitely one of the fun things to do in Sweden if you have an interest in the medieval era.

See the best hotels in Sweden

Try some Swedish food

Sill, köttbullar, kalops, smörgåsbord, renskav, toast Skagen, and raggmunk are some of the unique Swedish food dishes, but there are much more, and some dishes are seasonal as well.

However, one shouldn’t miss out on trying the Swedish cuisine as it will likely be something that you haven’t experienced before.

Swedish restaurants are of a very high standard in general as well.

Photo: Shutterstock

10 Things to do in Sweden during summer

Want to know what to do in Sweden during Summer? Here are 10 of my favorite activities! 

Enjoy the beaches

Whenever the sun comes out during summer, Swedes will hurry to the beach to soak up the sun. If you want a good spot on the popular beaches, you need to go early. But, you should, because the Swedish beaches are absolutely lovely, especially in the South with the finest sand!

But do be prepared, the water will most likely be “cold,” at least if you’re a “badkruka” like me (meaning that I don’t like to bathe whenever it’s not warm.”

Photo: Conny Fridh/imagebank.sweden.se

Bicycle around the island Ven

One of the most popular things to do in Southern Sweden is to bicycle around the small island of Hven. It’s a fun activity, no matter if you travel as a couple or family.

Spoil yourself at Ystad Saltsjöbad

In the small picturesque city of Ystad, you can enjoy one of the finest spa hotels in Sweden, namely “Ystad’s Saltsjöbad.” Besides having a really gorgeous sea-view, the treatments are absolutely amazing as well.

Catch the midnight sun

The midnight sun is a true spectacle that everyone should experience! If you’re not familiar with it or know what it is, it’s literally the sun during midnight. In the northern part of Sweden, the sun never sets during summer, meaning you can enjoy 24 hours of light.

To catch the midnight sun is one of the coolest things to do in Sweden during summer!

Photo: Tomas Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

Visit Astrid Lindgren’s fairytale world

Traveling to Sweden with children? Then you should definitely write down Astrid Lindgren’s World on your list of things to do in Sweden. Remember Pippi Longstocking, Ronia the robber’s daughter, Mio min Mio, Karlsson on the roof and the Brothers Lionheart?

Here you can meet the characters and let your kids play in the imaginary world that has been built here with scenes from the movies.

Go for a hike

Swedish nature is beautiful, and there are many hiking trails around the country. Just pick one close to you, and you’ll get a nice hiking experience with scenic views. Bring some snacks on your day trip and have a picnic with your family.

Visit the castles of Sweden

Do you like castles and history? There’s an abundance of old castles in Sweden, especially in the Southern part of the country. Some of the most notable castles are Drottningholm, Gripsholms Castle, Kalmar Castle and Läckö Castle.

Pick blueberries and strawberries

Have you ever plucked wild blueberries or strawberries? Well, probably not, but in Sweden, you can do it! During summer there are almost endless amounts of blueberries and strawberries to pick, either in the forests or large strawberry plantations in Skåne.

Definitely one of the fun things to do in Sweden!

Rent a boat and relax

A popular thing to do in Sweden among locals is to go out by their boat and just relax. As a tourist, you might not be able to bring your own boat, but if you want to spend a nice summer day at sea, it’s possible to rent your own boat!

Stay in a red cottage

The red cottages of Sweden are a part of our identity and culture. It’s a symbol for the peaceful Sweden and its beautiful nature. Whenever I see a red cottage in the woods, I feel like I’m home, and it brings a lot of childhood memories.

And if you’re visiting Sweden during summer, especially with children or your loved one, it’s perfect to stay in a red cottage. It might not be luxurious, but it would be memorable, romantic and fun! Besides, you’ll also have the beautiful Mother Earth right next to you!

10 Things to do in Sweden during winter

Want to know what to do in Sweden during winter? Here are 10 of my favorite activities! 

Catch the northern lights in Abisko

If you’re looking for a magical experience that you will never forget, this is it. Abisko is a small town in Northern Sweden, that is famous for its Northern Lights. While there’s never a 100% chance to see the magical lights, there’s a good chance of doing it in Abisko.

Photo: Hjalmar Andersson/imagebank.sweden.se

Attend an Ice-hockey game

Ice-hockey is regarded as the national sport of Sweden along with Football. And in winter time there is no football, but plenty of ice-hockey games. Almost every larger city in Sweden has their own Ice-hockey team, but the most famous ones are perhaps Leksand, Frölunda, AIK, HV-71, Färjestad and Malmö Redhawks.

It might not be the NHL but Sweden’s Hockey League is highly regarded, and many of the most successful hockey players are from Sweden originally.

Some of the most famous ones include Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidström, Mats Sundin, Tommi Salo, Sedin Brothers and of course the one and only Henrik Lundqvist, the famous Rangers goalie.

Ice skating in Kungsträdgården

During spring the beautiful King’s Garden in central Stockholm is turned into a pink heaven with cherry blossom. But during winter it’s turned into a romantic and lovely place to go for ice skating.

Each winter a rink is set up with plenty of space for ice skaters. Don’t worry about bringing your skates to Sweden; you can rent some for as little as 4 Euro.

Snowmobile ride

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Northern Sweden, where there is more snow and for a longer period. The snowmobile is a great way of transportation, but it’s also a lot of fun and definitely one of the unique things to do in Sweden as a tourist!

Photo: Mikko Nikkinen/imagebank.sweden.se

Hit the ski slopes

While we might not have the Alps or the Rocky Mountains, we do have some great ski slopes in Sweden. The most popular place to go skiing is Åre, where you can also enjoy some great after ski parties.

Join a “Julbord”

As said earlier, to try the Swedish cuisine is one of the top things to do in Sweden, but even better is perhaps to join our famous “Julbord” translated into English it would be Christmas table, but what it really means is that you gather family or friends or co-workers and feast on Christmas food and liquor.

Every winter you attend many “julbord” if you’re a Swede, so to experience some real Swedish culture, you shouldn’t miss out on this if you visit Sweden during winter.

Make a snow angel

Have you ever made a snow angel? If you come from a country where there is snow, you might have, but otherwise, you totally should go and make a snow angel while visiting Sweden during winter!

Enjoy a sauna

Ever heard of a Sauna? It’s a wooden room that gets heated up. According to tradition, you’re supposed to skinny dip in the snow or do as the Finns, and take a bath in ice cold water before you enter the sauna.

Whatever you prefer, a real Swedish/Finnish sauna is a lovely experience, that’s also really healthy for your body.

Drink Glögg and eat gingerbread

Try our winter beverage “Glögg”, it’s a bit similar to Glüwhein, and we drink it mostly around Christmas time, but you can buy it during the winter period. It’s well accompanied with gingerbread, especially the ones from the brand “Anna’s Pepparkakor”

10 Famous Swedish tourist attractions

Vasa museum.

At the Vasa Museum, you can find one of the most well-preserved ships from the 1600’s. The Vasa ship is remarkable and shouldn’t be missed if you’re going to Stockholm.

Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Drottningholm

This castle is located outside Stockholm in Ekerö, and it’s currently the residence of the Swedish King and Queen along with the Royal family. A popular tourist attraction in Sweden!

It is said that Sigtuna is the first city in Sweden, founded in 980 A.D, and it’s well-preserved and a famous tourist attraction where you can see some traditional Swedish architecture.

You can also see some rune stones and ruins. If you have some days in Stockholm, you should consider going on a day trip here as it’s only about 45 minutes away!

Göta Canal

Go for a boat ride at the Göta Canal, and experience what is called the greatest feat of engineering in Sweden. The Canal goes all the way from Gothenburg to Stockholm and is one of the most famous tourist attractions.

Interested in the Swedish Viking heritage? Then you should head to Birka, which was the biggest commercial area in the Viking area. You can easily get here by boat, and if you fancy a more traditional ride, you can opt for a replica of the old Viking boats.

In Birka they also display what the daily life looked like during the Viking era.

Turning Torso

The twisted skyscraper has become one of the most famous tourist attractions and buildings in Sweden. With its unique architecture, it’s definitely a masterpiece that shouldn’t be missed if you visit Malmö.

Old Town in Stockholm

A classic tourist attraction in Sweden and one of the top things to do in Stockholm is to stroll around the Old Town.

With its rich history from the Stockholm Bloodbath and small alleys filled with art galleries, cafés, and some beautiful houses, the Old Town in Stockholm is something you should write down on your list of things to do in Sweden!

Lund’s Dome Church

One of Sweden’s most beautiful churches and a must visit if you like churches and see yourself being in the Southern part of Sweden. Lund is a “small” picturesque student town that lies between Helsingborg and Malmö.

Feskekörka

A market hall in Gothenburg, where you can enjoy the fresh delicacies from the sea.

City Wall of Visby

Fancy some medieval history? The city wall of Visby is still standing and is one of Sweden’s most famous tourist attractions. It stretches all around Visby, which is a beautiful summer destination filled with life and movement.

Photo by: Tuukka Ervasti/imagebank.sweden.se

15 Places to Visit in Sweden

Below are some of my favorite places to visit in Sweden.

The last free wilderness of Europe. A precious natural area filled with forests and wildlife, and not so many humans. Perfect for hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling and of course the most delicious fresh water source (yes you can drink it straight from the fjords).

The Stockholm Archipelago

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Sweden is to visit the Stockholm archipelago. Islands and islets in abundance right outside the capital Stockholm. In summer many Swedes go here to enjoy bathing and relaxing in their summerhouses.

A boat ride through the archipelago is definitely one of the top things to do in Sweden as a tourist!

The Gothenburg Archipelago

If you’ve already been to the Stockholm Archipelago, I urge you to explore the Gothenburg Archipelago, which is at least as beautiful as the archipelago in Stockholm. Hundreds of small islands and islets are waiting to be explored!

Skåne

My beautiful home-region in Sweden filled with endless fields of canola and vegetation. Hills and lonely trees, beautiful houses and beaches and of course our unique accent of the Swedish language.

Some would even claim that Skåne is the most charming region to visit in Sweden, especially during summer when everything is brought back to life after the winter.

Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Have you ever stayed at an Ice Hotel? Well, in Jukkasjärvi you can. The whole hotel is made up of Ice, and this is really one of the coolest places to visit in Sweden ! But book your stay well ahead, because it is indeed popular among tourists.

The medieval Mecca and summer destination Gotland offers beautiful nature, heritage, and history as well as great parties during summer. Gotland is a great place to enjoy the Swedish summer.

One of the most underrated places in Sweden. Kullaberg is a beautiful area outside the city of Helsingborg. Pristine beaches, hiking trails and scenic views and a relaxing environment makes it a great destination for relaxing and just enjoying the beauty of Swedish summer.

Visit a Sami village

Did you know that the Sami people have been living in Sweden for centuries? and they still up to this date have their own language and culture. The best region for visiting a Sami village is in Lapland.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se

Harasjömåla

If you want to experience the beauty and serenity of Southern Swedish nature, Harasjömåla is a great place to visit. Here you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, even though the salmon fishing is the most popular thing to do here.

The jumping rainbow-salmons are in abundance here at the lakes around Harasjömåla in the region of Blekinge.

Kosterhavet

There are no vehicles allowed on the Koster islands, which is also the first marine national park in Sweden. Here you can go kayaking, bicycling and seal safari, just to mention a few activities.

Each summer Marstrand is being visited by celebrities and royals, and once you’ve been there it shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s a lovely place to visit where you can enjoy colorful wooden houses, sailing boats, guest harbor, gourmet food and much more.

Österlen

Considered by many as the best vacation spot in Sweden, and even though I personally think there are better ways to spend your holidays in Sweden, I can’t really argue that Österlen is truly beautiful. Österlen is the area that makes up the eastern part of Region Skåne.

The landscapes are gorgeous and the quaint little towns are equally wonderful to stay in. During summer many locals from Stockholm travel here where they have summer houses. It’s also a popular spot for campers and campervans.

Conny Fridh/imagebank.sweden.se

Regarded as the cultural capital of Sweden, Uppsala is a great place to visit in Sweden, especially during summer. Nowadays it’s a lively student town, but you can still experience some old cafés and buildings in the old town.

Along the northern coast of the Baltic Sea, you can visit the UNESCO-world heritage site Gammelstad . It’s a historic church town, and even though there are other towns that are similar this is one of the most well-preserved ones. Here stand around 420 wooden cottages that surround the 15th century stone church.

Perhaps best known for its beautiful castle, but it’s actually a lovely city with some amazing architecture. The Castle is, however, magnificent and shouldn’t be missed if you like to visit castles!

Book Flights and Hotel

• Here are the cheapest flight tickets
• Here are the best deals on hotels and accommodation

There are actually a lot more than 55 things to do in Sweden, even though we are a relatively small country, however, these are some of the most popular and nice activities. If you’re from Sweden or have traveled around, and have some more tips on things to do in Sweden, please share your tips in the comment section!

If you want to have some more tips on a specific region or other things to do in Sweden, don’t hesitate, leave a comment below and I will give you some nice insider tips! 

Friday 21st of June 2019

Hey Alexander, Thanks for a great article. My GF and I will be coming to Sweden for the first time at the beginning of September for about 3 to 4 days. We are open to everything and have already purchased a "Stockholm pass". Do you have any other suggestions that might be a little bit more local to do around that time? Would you recommend just staying in Stockholm or maybe even venturing out to another neighboring region or city? Thank you!

Alexander Waltner

Hey Daniel,

Thanks for your comment. How exciting that you will be coming to Sweden! September is a great time to visit as well. For 3-4 days, I would probably just stay around in Stockholm. There's a lot to see, and I also suggest that you plan 1 day to see the Stockholm Archipelago, or even 2 days if you want to explore several islands.

You can also manage a day trip to Sigtuna or Uppsala, but there really is enough things to do in Stockholm for 3-4 days. Do you have any special interests? It would be easier to suggest things then.

Paul Cubillos

Thursday 30th of May 2019

Alex, My wife and I are traveling to Sweden for vacation. We will arrive on June 16 and leave on the 27th. With all the items that you have on this fantastic list, I would like to see your opinion on what I should prioritize. My wife and I like Items based on history, culture, food tasting, and beautiful scenic landscapes. I look forward to your suggestions. Thank you

Friday 14th of June 2019

Hello Paul, sorry for the late reply. Haven't seen your comment. Will you be traveling around Sweden or stay in any specific area? I think the north is the best for scenic landscapes, but it takes quite some time to travel around there, so better to just fly out to Kiruna and stay 2-3 nights and rent a car. Unless you want to prioritize nature experiences of course.

Culture and history wise you're best to visit Stockholm area, Gothenburg area and Southern Sweden. If you have the time I highly recommend traveling around Österlen in Southern Sweden. There are many charming cities such as Ystad, and the landscapes are beautiful this time of the year.

Foodwise, there are several restaurants in Stockholm that serve up traditional Swedish food, but there is so much to say about Swedish food, so perhaps better to read my article about Swedish food.

Feel free to write me an email or leave a comment here with more specifics on where you're planning to travel, because Sweden is a very long country.

Tuesday 28th of May 2019

Alex, This is a great list of things to do. My wife and I are traveling to Sweden from the 16th through the 27th of June and will be our first time here. I will be in Malmo to start for two days for business then it will be a vacation. With all these places to see I would like to narrow a list of the most popular places. We arrive in Copenhagen and I was planning on renting a car. We are typically interested in history, definitely castles, snow scapes, food, tours, and culture. Could you suggest some of the must see places for our short time there. Thank you!!!

Oh, I see now that you mention that you will be in Malmö and arrive in Copenhagen. That's great, then you will be traveling around my home grounds of Southern Sweden. There will be no snow in Sweden this time of year, or maybe at the highest mountain Kebnekaise in the north, but that would be the only place.

Renting a car is a great idea, and you can do this cheaply. If you haven't already rented a car, I want to give you a local tips to rent via the gas stations. They usually have better deals than car rental companies in Sweden. From 30-50 USD per day.

Some castles in "Skåne" that you could visit (slott means castle in Swedish) - Marsvinsholms slott, Kronovalls slott, Trolleholm Slott, Trollenäs slott, the citadel in Landskrona. If you have time I recommend getting the boat to Ven from Landskrona, it's a beautiful island where you can bike around for a day and later come back.

Traveling north you should start either on the left or right side of the country. Perhaps the right is better, because you have some impressive castles there such as Kalmar slott and Örebro slott. On your way to Stockholm you also have Gripsholm Slott, Drottningholm slott, and many more.

A local food tip would be to stop along the way in some smaller towns and eat at a "gästgiveri" which is the old restaurants in mansions that travelers used to stop for a meal back in the old days before modern transport. They usually serve typical Swedish food with reasonable prices as well.

Monday 28th of January 2019

Hi, I was born in Pitea and spent a lot of my life in Lovikka, Kiruna but I am bringing my daughter, husband and son 11 yrs old who are active but also want to see the country! Jukkasarvi has a ice hotel and they and me too want to see that..there is so much I want to show them, but I have so many cousins in the north who want to see us too..just don't want to spend the time just with family..how about the train to Narvik to see the Norway coast.. just wish we had more than 2 weeks to see it all..we will either train it or rent a car in the south ..any suggestions ? Love your blog with so many suggestions..coming in July-August so nice weather for Pitea Havsbad, etc!!..

Hello Anita, July and August will be amazing! in regards to the Icehotel, it would probably be wise to reach out to them already now and check availability. I haven't been there during summer, so their Ice suites may have a lower capacity, but I'm not sure. I think you should definitely go with the train to Narvik, but if you're comfortable renting a car, it will be smoother to get around. Public transport is not the best up in the north outside the cities, so the rental car will give you a better experience I think. Especially since you're on limited time in Sweden, and have some other family stuff already planned.

Jared Glazier

Friday 11th of January 2019

I am bringing my family to Sweden in late March.

I am interested in the IceHotel. Have you been there? Is it worth going?

Thanks, Jared

Sunday 27th of January 2019

Hello Jared, yes totally worth it :) But also depends on what you want to do. There will still be chances of seeing the Northern lights.

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Sweden Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

From lush boreal forests to cobblestone streets, this 5 to 7 days in Sweden itinerary will take you off the beaten path and give you a look into what makes this country what it is as well as such a happy place to visit.

Being the largest Nordic and Scandinavian country as well as one of the largest countries in Europe, it can become a daunting task to plan a trip across Sweden. Tourists typically tend to flock directly to the capital city of Stockholm , but in reality, the country has so much more to offer.

With this itinerary, you’ll have a remarkable trip full of delicious food, nature, sleek and classic Swedish cities, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sweden?

While 2 days are probably enough if you’re just hoping to visit a major city such as Stockholm or Gothenburg, you’re just dipping your toes into the country.

For those searching to get a good feel of Sweden and experience nature as well as city life, 5 days in Sweden should suffice at a minimum.

If you’re hoping to take a bit of a slower pace and be in less of a rush, I suggest spending 7 days exploring Sweden.

Any time beyond that will only enrich your experience, as it’s such a vast country and to see most of the regions, it’ll take more time if you want to spend multiple days in various areas.

For example, Swedish Lapland is more popular in the winter months when visitors can view the Northern Lights and due to the distance from Stockholm or other major cities, you’ll want to plan for at least 4 days in Lapland beyond 1-2 days in Stockholm.

In the warmer months, southern Sweden is quite popular and worth visiting and most things are quite close, so it’s more feasible to do a shorter trip. 

Getting To & Around Sweden

This itinerary starts in Stockholm, so the easiest airport to fly into is Stockholm’s Arlanda International Airport, located in Arlanda, a town about an hour away from the Stockholm archipelago.

Another option when looking to plan a Sweden itinerary is to fly into Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport which is conveniently located just a short train ride from the city of Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city. 

As for getting around while spending time in Sweden, the best ways are either by hire car or by Swedish train transportation. Both modes of transport are great and efficient, but the one you’ll ultimately decide to go with depends on your needs during your trip.

As this trip goes to quite a few destinations within Sweden, the cost will likely come out around the same whether you decide to hire a car or strictly travel by train.

If you decide on a Sweden road trip with a hire car, you’ll have more independence and freedom to decide when you’ll travel and exactly where you’ll go but in comparison to train transport, if you’re not super keen on driving throughout a trip, train transport will give you more relaxed journeys.

The time of year will also make a big difference regarding your method of transport. Swedish winters can be quite brutal, snowy, and icy, so if you’re visiting in the winter and are hoping to make it to Lapland, train transport is the best option if you’re not an incredibly experienced driver with the appropriate hire car. 

Whether you decide to travel by car or train, it’s good to keep in mind that the longer you wait to book a car or a train ticket, the higher prices will be — especially if you’re hoping to travel to Sweden during the summer high season. 

For those who think a road trip in Sweden is their best bet, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across several companies. Alternatively, you can book train tickets in advance here.

5 to 7-Day Sweden Itinerary

As a country with such varying landscapes and history, Sweden is truly a joy to visit. One moment you’re surrounded by dense nature; whether it be solemn seas or deep forests, and another moment you’ll find yourself in the high-tech, stylish Scandinavian big brother that it is. 

Day 1 – Stockholm

Day 1 begins in the vibrant capital city of Stockholm. Spending one or two days in the capital city is a great way to acquaint yourself with Sweden in general and you won’t be at a loss for ways to spend your time while in Stockholm.

Stockholm is quite a large city and you could easily spend a number of days wandering around the center and the deeper corners of the city. However, if you’re short on time, one or two days is enough to experience most of the important parts and to explore the capital of Sweden

Make sure to wander around the medieval, cobblestoned, and colourful Gamla Stan (Old Town) neighborhood, check out one of the city’s many fantastic museums (the Vasa Museum is the most loved and appreciated museum in all of Scandinavia), and wander around the Royal Palace of Sweden while also witnessing the changing of the guard.

To maximise what you see during your time in Stockholm, consider taking a walking tour , bike tour or short archipelago cruise. You should also consider a Stockholm Go City Pass if you plan to visit many paid attractions.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Scandic No 53 – This 3-star hotel located close to the top attractions in Stockholm makes for a great base in the Swedish capital. Perfect for mid-range travelers, they have a number of comfortable rooms available and there’s even an on-site bar.

Downtown Camper by Scandic – Luxury visitors to Stockholm will love this plush, 4-star hotel in the centre of the Swedish capital. Perfectly located to see all the city has to offer, they have a number of elegant rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Gamla Stan Apartments – For those who like to have their own flat while traveling, these apartments are an excellent choice. Centrally located for exploring all that Stockholm has to offer, they have a range of flats on offer and they’re all fully furnished with everything you may need.

Castanea Old Town Hostel – This hostel is an excellent choice for those visiting Stockholm solo or on a budget. They have a range of dorms and some private rooms available, great common areas and a location perfect for exploring the Swedish capital.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stockholm hotels!

Day 2 – Sigtuna

One of the great things about Sweden is the proximity of special small towns to major cities. On day 2 of this itinerary, you’ll head about an hour away from Stockholm to Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna.

Sigtuna dates back to 970 CE and as Sweden’s first city, it just shows how far back and rich the history of the country is. Sigtuna is quite a small and quaint city and that makes it the perfect day trip and is one of the best places to visit in the country.

Begin your day on the idyllic Stora Gatan (Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street) meandering through shops, enjoying a Fika with coffee and a Swedish treat and taking in the traditional architecture and homes.

It’s also worth checking out the Runestones of Sigtuna, the oldest known texts in Swedish dating back to the 4th century CE. There’s a large amount of them in the city, so head to the city hall (worth a visit in itself) to obtain a map to direct you to their locations.

Afterwards, head back to Stockholm for your last night in the city.

If you prefer to do this day trip on an organised tour, this full-day tour goes to Sigtuna and Uppsala , focusing on Viking history. Alternatively, this half-day tour focuses primarily on Sigtuna.

Alternatively, if Sigtuna doesn’t suit, consider heading out to visit the grand Drottningholm Palace.

Day 3 – Orebro 

After spending two nights in Stockholm, day 3 will bring you about 2 hours away from Stockholm to the 13th-century town of Orebro located in the central part of Sweden.

While much of this trip to Sweden route, visiting Orebro is a great opportunity to experience a town in central Sweden.

Like most other cities and towns in Sweden, Orebro has a stunning city center, and many will even say that it’s one of the nicest in the country.

During your visit make sure to visit the Orebro Castle, located on a picturesque islet in the city, wander around the city center, and head to the Svamp Water Tower to get incredible Panoramic views of the city.

I suggest staying in Orebro on the third night of this itinerary as it’s a really lovely city to have a break from large-city Swedish life and enjoy a slower pace. 

Where to Stay in Orebro

Livin Station Hotel – This small, 3-star hotel in Orebro is a great accommodation choice for those visiting Sweden on a mid-range budget . They have a range of modern and comfortable rooms on offer and a great location in order to explore all this lovely town has to offer.

Clarion Collection Hotel Borgen – If you’re looking for luxury in Orebro, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of plush rooms available, a fantastic location for exploring the city and a great restaurant on site (along with many other amenities).

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Orebro hotels!

Day 4 – Gothenburg

On the southwest coast of Sweden, you’ll find Gothenburg , Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm.

After enjoying a day in the city of Orebro, you’ll head about three hours away to Gothenburg on day 4. If you’re driving, consider making a detour to visit the charming town of Kalmar on the Baltic Sea and explore the historic center.

While Stockholm is easily the tourist center of Sweden, Gothenburg offers the best of Sweden without tourist crowds as well as tourist prices.

The city itself is full of Dutch-style canals (Gothenburg was mainly built by the Dutch), pure Scandinavian style, classic green boulevards, and a tremendously impressive food scene.

When in Gothenburg, I recommend checking out the 17th-century Domkyrkan (Gothenburg’s Cathedral), the hip and characteristic Haga neighborhood for lunch, and Slottsskogen, the city’s main park.

Gothenburg is full of a mix of sustainable and classically elegant architecture, and even just wandering around the city is a marvel in itself. If you’re looking to try a wide array of foods, head to the Saluhallen Food Hall to enjoy a tasty bite while marvelling at the architecture of the 1800s building. 

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Hotel Royal – This hotel in the centre of Gothenburg is a great option for mid-range travelers. They have a number of great rooms on offer, a fantastic, central location and they also offer a wonderful breakfast each morning.

Hotel Pigalle – If you’re looking for a luxury escape in Gothenburg then you are sure to love this elegant hotel. There are a range of wonderful rooms to choose from, an excellent location for exploring the city and amenities like room service and more available for guests.

Slottskogens Hostel – Those visiting Gothenburg on a budget (or simply looking for a lively social atmosphere) will love this centrally-located hostel. They offer both dorms and private rooms and also have good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gothenburg hotels!

Day 5 – Southern Gothenburg Archipelago

The city of Gothenburg is in a unique location with 20 islands spanning Sweden’s western coast making up the Gothenburg Archipelago. The Gothenburg Archipelago consists of two parts; the northern archipelago, and the southern archipelago.

While both parts are worth the visit, the southern archipelago is better connected to the city and easier to access on a day trip.

Gothenburg’s Archipelago islands are one of the prime spots for Swedish local’s summer getaways and visiting one or two of the archipelago islands is the perfect way to experience what local life is like for Swedes spent by the sea, on the beach and under the sun.

The southern archipelago can easily be reached by Gothenburg’s public transport system in around 30 minutes and due to all of the archipelago islands being car-free, cars aren’t allowed on ferries so keep this in mind if you’re hiring a car during your trip.

Styrso Island is the main hub of the southern islands and is a great spot to head to during your day trip, you’ll find numerous places to swim as well as airy and pleasant cafes/restaurants throughout the island.

If you’re spending 5 days, today will conclude your Sweden travel itinerary. The best options are to continue onward by train if you’d like to see other destinations or make your way to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport or Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport for your return flight.

From Gothenburg, there are numerous direct train services to each city, and directly to Copenhagen Airport.

Day 6 – Malmo

For those continuing to enjoy Sweden in 7 days, days 6 and 7 of this itinerary will bring you to the city of Malmo. The city of Malmo dates back to the 13th century and is the third largest city in Sweden located about a 3-hour drive or train ride away from Gothenburg.

Malmo is located in a unique location, on the southern tip of Sweden and just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark across the Oresund Strait. The city of Malmo is a unique mix of urban industrial architecture, classic medieval architecture, and sustainable futuristic architecture all creating the center of the city.

Make a point to spend time at the 15th-century Malmo castle (the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in Sweden), stroll down the Sodergatan and maybe even visit the most unique museum you’ll come across, the Disgusting Food Museum . 

Where to Stay in Malmo

Mayfair Hotel Tunneln – This small hotel is located within a stone’s throw from Malmo’s train station and is the perfect base for exploring the city. They have many comfortable rooms to choose from and other amenities including an on-site bar and restaurant for guests to enjoy.

The More Hotel Mazetti – If you’d like to have your own flat in Malmo, then this aparthotel is an excellent option. Centrally located, this combines the convenience of having your own apartment with all of the amenities of a hotel. There are a number of fully-furnished and stylish flats to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Malmo hotels!

Day 7 – Lund

While Malmo is an engaging city to visit in its own right, the city itself is quite small, so this leaves you with the perfect day trip opportunity to the university city of Lund.

Lund is a charming, cobblestoned medieval town known for having one of the best universities in the world and is just a short 15-minute train ride from Malmo Central Station. The city center is quite small but large enough to make a day/half-day trip out of by stepping back in time through the city’s quaint and studious old town.

Lund has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and this itself makes one of Sweden’s oldest cities a great getaway from city life in Malmo. The spectacular Romanesque Cathedral of Lund is one of the most sought-after attractions in all the Nordics , and religious or not, the cathedral is a truly peaceful splendor to walk through.

If you’re looking for a unique experience on your Lund day trip and last day in Sweden, I highly suggest heading to Kulturen, an outdoor open-air museum/experience with replicas from medieval times through the 20th century. 

If you’re trying to sort out the most convenient option for a return flight from Sweden, Malmo is located on train lines with direct connections to Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport in just under half an hour. If it’s not feasible to return from Copenhagen, you’ll also find convenient routes to Stockholm Airport as well as Gothenburg Airport. 

Have More Time?

Perhaps you find yourself with more time beyond the 7 days of this Sweden travel itinerary. In that case, you’re in luck. Sweden is such a large country with plenty more interesting places and things to do, with varying unique options depending on the time of year.

If you’re a winter adventurer and are visiting Sweden in the winter, one of the best ways to enjoy Swedish winter is to head to the northern region of Swedish Lapland.

Witness the dancing, colorful aurora borealis in the arctic after a day of snowy activities and enjoy local Sami culture amongst locals and friendly animals. You can fly into the northern town of Kiruna and also opt to visit the incredible Abisko National Park.

If you’re visiting Sweden in the summer and would like to extend your trip with a unique location, the island of Gotland is a UNESCO Heritage Site located off the east coast of the Swedish mainland and the home of Pippi Longstocking.

Spend time in the city of Visby while wandering through its enchanting streets and corners of this fairytale Swedish island, a magical place without a hoard of tourists. 

You could also opt to spend a few more days in Stockholm and experience the sites and places close to the city.

There are plenty of reasons that Sweden is such a joyful destination that visitors long for and experience when they visit. The country itself is massive, offering a variety of adventures and experiences, the people are generous and kind, it’s one of the most forward-sustainable countries today and the towns bring you back to your childhood fairytale dreams.

After spending one week in Sweden, you’ll likely find yourself looking to come back soon to explore even deeper corners of this especially peaceful haven of a country.

Are you planning a trip to Sweden? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Gothenburg Itinerary

Copenhagen or Stockholm: Which City to Visit?

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Greatly helpful article for us who are planning a week long self-driving trip to Sweden in Sep. we will pretty much follow your itineraries, and try to see as many places as possible. We’ve been in Stockholm for a couple times but have not seen anywhere else in Sweden, so we’re excited about the trip!

I’m so happy you’ve found this helpful! Hope you have a great time in Sweden 🙂

Love your passion for travel and detailed itineraries.

Thanks so much for this itinerary. We love all of it and will avoid Gothenburg as we will see it as part of our biking trip on the west coast a week later. Is the island of Oland worth visiting as well as Gotland.

Appreciate your input. Have you also done an itinerary for Denmark?

I’m happy that you found this helpful! You can find our Denmark itinerary here 🙂

Yes am planning a trip to Sweden sometime in December and will likely spend my Christmas over there. That will be my first time in Sweden so I would really want to have a swell time while am there.

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27 Top Tourist Attractions in Sweden

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Modern innovation and timeless tradition merge effortlessly in Sweden. The Scandinavian country is home to contemporary cities that showcase the best of Sweden’s progressive mantra. Yet woven into the national tapestry is a strong link to its heritage.

In Stockholm, the Old Town takes you back to medieval times where classic half-timbered homes dot the cobbled streets. The same can be said for countryside villages and port towns, the latter blossoming under Hanseatic rule.

These towns are gems to explore while providing passage to enjoy a cuisine that’s hard to find anywhere else. As you continue to explore the best things to do in Sweden, you’ll see these regional centers choose to blend in with nature rather than be overbearing.

But Sweden’s attractions are not just found in its cities and town. With several amazing national parks , you’ll find easy access to the vast wilderness where the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle.

27. Hike (part of) the Kungsleden

Translating to the King’s Trail, the Kungsleden is a famously long trail spanning 440 kilometers through Swedish Lapland from Hemavan to Abisko. In the style of the Appalachian Trail or PCT, Kungsleden is a challenging but utterly rewarding way to experience one of the world’s great landscapes.

Yes, I can hear you say, “we don’t have time for this”. Well, the good news is that there are some amazing overnight hikes that you can do. These make use of the trail’s hut amenities while allowing an alluring glimpse into the Lapland wilderness.

One of our favorite sections includes Kebnekaise to Abisko. This features a climb to Sweden’s highest peak and a look into Abisko National Park. Another is Singi to Sälka, which guides you into high alpine terrain and a hut with stunning panoramas.

26. ABBA The Museum

In Stockholm , ABBA The Museum represents one of the best ways to connect, learn about and celebrate one of the world’s best music groups. Starting out in the 1970s, ABBA quickly rose to fame on the back of their Eurovision victory and by the end of the decade, they reached global stardom.

You can retrace their meteoric rise with a little help from the museum’s wide array of interactive exhibits. Hands-on activities are set between multimedia installations that send you right back to the glory days.

Alongside these historic exhibits, such as memorabilia and costumes, visitors can enjoy virtual concerts and even a recording studio experience.

In southern Sweden, Ystad is yet another fabulous example of the country’s preserved medieval history. The picturesque port town rose to prominence as a member of the Hanseatic League, with its ancient cobblestone streets welcoming merchants and traders from across Europe.

This historic eye-catching architecture and culinary heritage continues to be a part of the visitor experience. One of Ystad’s most renowned landmarks is St. Mary’s Church. Dating back to the 1200s, the church features a head-turning Gothic design and great views from the bell tower.

Other highlights include the 13th century Ystad Abbey and the town’s celebrated art museum. This is set in a former monastery and harbors one of Sweden’s best contemporary art collections.

24. Øresund Bridge

One of Scandinavia’s most iconic structures, the Øresund Bridge, is a feat of engineering magnificence. Spanning over the Øresund Straight, the bridge begins as a tunnel before soaring above the water. It’s this change, when seen from above, that makes the bridge unforgettable.

Whether you’re flying into Malmo or Copenhagen, which are the bridge’s bookends, you’ll enjoy this magnificent view. But for an up-close experience, you can drive or cycle across it on an 8 kilometer journey. There are viewpoints along the way so you won’t have to back up traffic to admire the surroundings.

For the best vistas, combine your trip along the Øresund Bridge to coincide with sunrise or sunset.

23. Dog sledding in Lapland

The history of dog sledding in Lapland can be traced back to the 10th century when the indigenous Sámi first took the reigns. It evolved into a crucial part of their lifestyle surrounded by the bitter Arctic conditions.

Dog sledding has become a major part of the modern Lapland experience. It allows you not only to see the captivating landscapes but also connect to a traditional form of transport.

There is an abundance of dog sledding tours to choose from and it’s important to understand your goals before choosing one. Tours span from several hours (great for first-timers) to multi-day expeditions in a tough environment. Whichever direction you go, it promises to be an immersive experience in a winter wonderland.

22. Eat a smörgåsbord

Swedish cuisine may not have spread around the world like Italian or Greek. But it promises to become one of the more memorable aspects of your Scandinavian adventure. At the center of this is the classic Swedish smörgåsbord.

This is a buffet of local eats piled onto several plates and served up for your relishing tongue. The combo of dishes are both hot and cold, and while they can be expensive, it offers crazy overall value.

So with all this food in front of you, where should you start? Well, we recommend starting with the akvavit, a distilled liquor that cleanses the palate. From there, simply dive picking on the assortment of ages, cheeses, herring and salmon. All before finishing with a coffee, yep you heard that right!

21. Little Square, Malmo

In southern Sweden and a stone’s throw from Denmark, Malmo evokes a historic aura and effortless charm. Old-time architecture and cobblestone streets guide you throughout, yet no matter how you plan your time here, the road always leads to Little Square.

Also known as Lilla Torg, this convivial hub for socialization is Little Square’s modern iteration. It dates back to 1592 and has long been a market square encased in picturesque timbered homes. The aesthetically pleasing architecture remains on display today, combined with an array of cafe patios and restaurants serving up smörgåsbord.

There is something cozy about Little Square. It’s a warm, tight hug and provides that sense of community, even for travelers simply passing through. Stick around for a drink, as the lights dim in the square’s bars and the locals descend on the square for a Norrlands Guld.

20. Gammelstad Church Town

On the outskirts of Luleå, in Northern Sweden, Gammelstad Church Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The town is a living reminder of a traditional and rural Scandinavian village.

At its heart is the Nederluleå Church which was first constructed in the late 1400s. The church remains in use today, standing as beautiful as it did 500+ years ago.

Surrounding the church are over 400 traditional wooden homes that allow you to see life as it was in the Middle Ages. The church town concept isn’t rare in Scandinavia and it represents the spiritual hub of the surrounding countryside, bringing folks together for religious events and markets.

19. Ride the Inlandsbanan

Coursing through the inland areas of Sweden from south to north, the Inlandsbanan is one of the most fun things to do in Sweden. Originally built to transport timber and minerals, it has switched to providing passengers with a scenic route through remarkable countryside, stopping at memorable villages along the way.

On the shores of Lake Vänern, the train first departs from Kristinehamn. On its journey north to Swedish Lapland, the train ventures through diverse landscapes at a slow pace, allowing plenty of time to take in the vistas.

Alongside some notable towns like Jokkmokk, the journey takes you to hidden gems like Vilhelmina and Arvidsjaur. The year-round train also allows you to see Sweden in all four seasons.

18. Volvo Museum, Gothenburg

We all remember growing up and seeing the Volvo as a symbol of safety over elegance. While I’ll admit, they look a whole lot cooler these days, the car manufacturer’s history has always been an interesting one.

In Gothenburg , the Volvo Museum explores the history of the brand, just across from the headquarters. The museum opened in 1995, almost 70 years after the first car was developed and allows you to retrace its evolution.

Within you’ll find a memorable collection of vehicles from each era. It’s fun to see how things have changed, with each step representing Volvo’s preeminent vision of safety, including their creation of the three-point seatbelt.

17. Cross the Arctic Circle

A symbolic experience crossing the Arctic Circle gives you chills. Although you cannot see the border, you can certainly sense that things are about to change. It’s just like being at the top of a rollercoaster.

At 0.26 degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Jokkmokk is the gateway town. At the border itself, you’ll find a marker, but you’ll see the travelers snapping pictures with it first. From there, you’ll cross into the Arctic Circle and the official entrance into a world of extreme winter conditions.

Southern Sweden experiences around 18 hours of daylight in the summer. But up here, the sun never descends below the horizon, simply playing a stunning game as it threatens to dip out of view but never does.

16. See the Northern Lights

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, Sweden is one of the best destinations to see the Northern Lights. This is especially true as you head north and into the Arctic Circle.

There are a handful of notable locations to see this ethereal, colorful dance take place. Many of them are featured in this guide. One of our favorites is the Abisko National Park. With its own microclimate, a sky station and minimal light pollution, it’s a prime spot for Northern Lights.

Other options include Kiruna and Jokkmokk. The former is one of the northernmost towns in Sweden and home to the Ice Hotel. Jokkomokk, renowned for its winter market, also puts on a spectacular light display.

But wherever you go, the best time to see the Northern Lights is at the height of winter. Be sure to also check the forecast for clear skies.

15. Sarek National Park

In Swedish Lapland, Sarek National Park is an untamed wilderness home to jagged peaks and deep valleys carved by surging rivers. Raw and captivating, this pristine nature is an authentic look at life within the Arctic Circle.

Visitors should get an arm workout as they pick up their jaw off the floor for the 20th time. You’ll be awe-struck by the towering peaks shaped by ancient glaciers. These flow to crystal-clear lakes home to glacial till that creates spectacular colors.

Hiking trails snake throughout, with many being advanced treks through rugged terrains and to challenging summits. Along the way, you may spot reindeer, arctic foxes, bears and migratory birds.

14. Uppsala Domkyrka

Entwined in the religious and cultural history of Sweden, Uppsala Domkyrka dominates the skyline in Uppsala . Across from the Fyris River, the cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and the largest of its kind in the country.

The cathedral’s first stone was placed in 1270, but improvements continued over the following centuries. This has given Uppsala Domkyrka a delectable blend of medieval craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

After stepping through the ancient wooden doors, time starts to stand still as you begin to explore living history. Stained glass stands among the vaulted ceilings awash with celestial motifs.

As you continue to experience the spiritual ambiance, your steps will take you up a spiral staircase to the top of the tower. Here, your exceptional vantage point provides memorable city views.

13. Vasa Museum

In the nation’s capital, the Vasa Museum is a time capsule that explores Sweden’s rich maritime heritage. Inside the enormous building are over 40,000 artifacts from the belongings of all sailors, ancient sculptures and monstrous cannons.

However, at the center of the museum, experience is the most important piece. One that gave the museum its name, was the ill-fated Vasa warship. The building had to be large enough to house the ship, rescued from the bottom of the city’s harbor in 1961.

This salvage of the wreck was almost 300 years from when it sank on its maiden voyage. Incredibly, the ship was well-preserved by the seas. With the help of restoration, it’s all but returned to its former glory.

12. Åre Ski Resort

It’s safe to say, winter gems and Sweden go hand in hand. But in northern Sweden, close to Norway, is the country’s premier ski destination.

Åre Ski Resort is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, rugged snow-capped peaks that descend to vast frozen lakes. It’s all the more reason to ditch the more famous Alps and ski right here.

The resort’s extensive ski terrain targets all levels of ability. Off-piste terrain and groomers dance between each other, while cross-country trails allow you to get away from it all.

Come the last lift, you won’t be upset to return to the charming Åre village. Old-time timber buildings now feature bars for all your après-ski action.

11. Gamla Stan

The Old Town of Stockholm , Gamla Stan, can lay claim to being one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe. The enchanting allure of Gamla Stan is clear from the start. Your first steps here come on ancient cobblestone streets, guided through narrow passages and by buildings that stood in the 1200s.

Some 800 years later, the Old Town’s streets remain easy on the eye. The colorful buildings create a refined tapestry of architecture with facades showcasing a mix of rustic red, mustard and old ochre. Then there’s the opulence of the Stockholm Cathedral and baroque Royal Palace.

Soon you’ll reach Stortorget Square, where old merchant houses have been transformed into a cultural hub. Markets, cafes and restaurants bring the city together.

10. Kalmar Castle

On Sweden’s east coast, Kalmar Castle is a reminder of regional strength throughout the Middle Ages. But it’s the castle’s Renaissance elegance that makes it worth a visit.

The castle’s story begins in the 1100s as a defensive stronghold along the Kalmar Strait. In fact, the castle was pivotal in Sweden, Denmark and Norway uniting under a single monarch. This ended in the 16th century, but led to a Renaissance-era makeover for the castle.

Now one of the top tourist attractions in Sweden, you can see the fruits of this makeover as you bounce between the prominent defensive structures and the interior elegance. Within you’ll find museums and period rooms laden with artifacts, telling the stories of the past. From the top of the castle’s towers, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the strait.

9. Try real Swedish Meatballs

The Swedish köttbullar rose has long been entwined in local culinary traditions. But they took a fresh step in the 18th century when the exiled King Charles XII returned from the Ottoman Empire, having discovered kofte.

Today, the meatballs remain a staple in Swedish households and there are endless ways to get among the action. As usual, the best way to try real Swedish meatballs is to find an authentic setting. Short of being invited into a home, you can try a local market or traditional restaurant.

The key to enjoying this mouthwatering culinary masterpiece is choosing the right accompaniments. One must add some lingonberry sauce, a dash of gravy and a handy side of creamy mashed potatoes.

8. Lund Domkyrka

The soaring spires of the Lund Domkyrka pierce the sky’s ceiling and dominate any view of Lund, Sweden. You can trace the beloved cathedral back to the 1100s and today it remains laden with ancient treasures.

From the outside, it’s easy to lose track of time reveling in the spires, the intricate facade and Gothic architecture. But soon whispers of the sacred will hit your ears and you’ll be drawn inside.

It’s then you’ll spot the true riches of the Lund Cathedral as the medieval frescoes welcome you alongside captivating vaulted ceilings showcasing the cathedral’s timeless brilliance. Continue on to see the still-running medieval Astronomical Clock. All before a visit to the crypt where ancient bishops have been laid to rest.

7. Jokkmokk Winter Market

In Swedish Lapland, the Jokkmokk Winter Market dates back to the early 17th century. For over 400 years, the market has brought together the community and celebrated the Sámi heritage.

Held in February, under the cold night sky, the winter market transforms the otherwise sleepy town into a thriving spectacle. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to experience life and culture in wintry Lapland, while indulging in a fascinating local culture.

As you wander between the stalls, you’ll find locals will be adorned in vibrant Sámi attire plus traditional Sámi crafts and cuisine. At the top of the list of eats should be the reindeer stew and customary smoked fish.

Under the rule of the Hanseatic League, it became a prominent trading port on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Merchants and crew flooded the bustling cobbled streets, and the league developed fortified walls around the thriving city. All of this and more remains to be discovered today.

Visby lies on the idyllic island of Gotland and is a veritable testament to the appealing strength of the Hanseatic League. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its historic walls are remarkably well-preserved.

As you explore the old streets, it’s easy to feel like you’re retracing the steps of the merchants of old. From the walls, you can admire the city’s red-tiled rooftops before exploring the Gothic Visby Cathedral.

By night, venture to the waterfront where the historic Hanseatic Harbor has been transformed into an amalgamation of dim-lit restaurants.

5. Ales Stenar

Shrouded in ancient mystery, Ales Thenar is a marvel of megalithic proportions. Translating to Ale’s Stones, these ancient monolithic rocks capture the imagination of all who visit.

As you gaze upon them for the first time, you may begin to see why some refer to Ales Stenar as a stone ship. There are 59 enormous rock faces that are arranged in the style of a ship, showcasing once more Mother Nature’s art craft.

How they all got here, nobody knows. Much like Stonehenge, Ales Stenar is enveloped in historical speculation. The rocks date back to the Nordic Iron Age, around 1400 years ago. As the theory goes, the rocks represent either a burial monument or an astronomical one.

What they’ll mean for you is likely much different as you marvel at the stunning Baltic Sea views and experience local folklore.

4. Drottningholm Palace

In Ekerö, on the outskirts of Stockholm, lies arguably the country’s most beloved castle. Drottningholm Palace, the current residence of the Swedish King, Queen and royal family, is open for you to explore.

Your time here begins with exploring the opulent gardens. These surround the palace, each section as manicured as the last.

The Baroque style reflects that of the palace, which also showcases hints of Rococo influence. Along the way, you’ll spot the Chinese Pavilion, a reflection of Sweden’s 18th century fascination with Chinese aesthetics.

Although you can explore parts of the interior of Drottningholm on your own, we recommend a guided tour. Peel back the curtain on the palace’s history and design as you wander into historic staterooms and chambers along with the Court Theater from the 1700s.

3. Abisko National Park

On your adventure north of the Arctic Circle, combine your Ice Hotel experience with a trip through the Abisko National Park. We may be biased, but as one of 29 in Sweden, this one takes the cake.

Gorgeous landscapes are par for the course here. In the late spring and early summer, the open meadows become awash with vibrant wildflowers. Just after the first drop of snow, the park becomes a veritable winter wonderland, and an open canvass of white.

Whichever time you choose to explore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike or snowshoe among an incredible protected land. Waterfalls carve into canyons before flowing into wide, open lakes.

Trails meander through lush forests and come nightfall (in the winter) the sky often becomes lit with a kaleidoscopic dance, otherwise known as the Northern Lights.

2. Stockholm Archipelago

The serene haven, Stockholm Archipelago, is a hop, skip and jump from the vibrant downtown of the nation’s capital. Enveloped in water, the city boasts an archipelago of 30,000 islands and skerries that provide an endless array of possibilities for those hunting culture, nature and history.

As you can imagine, the best and easiest way to explore is in any form of watercraft. We recommend getting a hold of a kayak and paddling your way between the isles over the course of a few hours.

Travelers can even acquire a kayak package with meals and accommodation. With every stroke, you’ll come close to rustic cottages set along the island’s shores or picturesque fishing villages just in time for lunch.

Cycling is another great option and a way to spend more time exploring life on land. Here, historic forts, old lighthouses and wooden churches sing songs of a bygone era.

1. Ice Hotel

In the 1980s, Yngve Bergqvist moved from the south of Sweden to the other end of the country, Lapland. Those familiar with it, will know of this region’s majestic and ethereal landscapes. This very environment inspired Yngve to first build an igloo art gallery and second, the now famous Ice Hotel.

In the years since, the Ice Hotel has developed into a sprawling snow and ice structure making for one of Sweden’s unique experiences. A way to sleep within the Arctic Circle. In fact, you’ll be 200km north of the circle border.

Because of this, the Ice Hotel is open year-round. So even if you are exploring Sweden in its delightful warm seasons, you’ll be able to enjoy this experience…and 24 hours of sunlight.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Sweden

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Saadia Hussain

" Art is a human right. "

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Ingegerd Wallén

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20 things I wish I’d known before moving to Stockholm

Samantha Govender, a Stockholmer originally from South Africa, shares 20 things she wished she’d known before moving to Stockholm nearly nine years ago.

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Sweden in Summer: What to Do & Where to Go

As you might expect, summer is a glorious time of year in Sweden. There are long daylight hours so you can explore to your heart’s content. It can be delightfully sunny and pleasantly warm, particularly in the south of Sweden.

Wondering what to do in Sweden in summer? Or where to go? Read on to find out the best things to do and places to visit when you travel to Sweden in the summertime . We’ve also answered some key questions about the Swedish summer that you might have, such as what to pack.

• Start planning your trip with these Sweden summer tour packages

Best things to do in Sweden in summer

1. celebrate the summer solstice.

If you want to experience Sweden in all its summer splendour, time your trip for the national holiday of Midsommar. This celebration is held on the closest Friday to 23 June and is a merry event filled with flowers, dancing and food.

The Nordic summer solstice is a big thing in Sweden. In fact, many locals believe it is the most important date in the Swedish calendar. It’s a time when everyone marks the longest day of the year with traditions such as dancing around a flower-adorned maypole and enjoying folk songs.

You’d also see the women wearing flower crowns, everyone tucking into picnics, and generally soaking up the happy summer vibes. Why not join in on the fun and celebrate long into the evening?

• See the summer solstice on a holiday to Sweden

2. Go wild swimming

Swimming is a quintessential activity in Sweden in summer. You won’t be short on places to enjoy a dip either, as Sweden is home to more than 90,000 lakes and 3,200 kilometres (2,000 miles) of coastline.

Spend some time relaxing by the water in the sunshine, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of your surroundings. Many of Sweden’s lakes are encircled by magical forests, which only enhances the feeling of peace and serenity. They also might have a jetty for you to jump off into the water.

You won’t need to look far to find a lake or beach to swim in. If you are in the capital, Stockholm, you could head to some of the nearby islands for a day trip and a spot of wild swimming.

3. Enjoy outdoor café culture

Unlike overcrowded cities in Europe such as Venice, you’ll find that Swedish towns are blissfully laidback at this time of year. That’s because a lot of Swedes leave the big cities for at least part of the summer. This means you can while away the hours on the patios of many city cafés and restaurants.

Indulge in the Swedish tradition of fika – “the coffee break”. Sip a hot drink and taste a cinnamon bun while you people-watch on the streets and squares of attractive cities. Sitting outside while enjoying a meal or fika is wonderfully relaxing. It's also a great way to meet people!

As well as coffee and cinnamon buns, you might like to taste other Swedish specialties. Think seafood such as pickled herring, smoked fish, and gravadlax (“salmon with dill”). Try foraged fruit like lingonberries and cloudberries. And of course, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a Scandinavian staple: Smörgåsbord .

• Related: 10 cool things about Sweden

4. Hit the beach

You might not associate Sweden with beaches. But actually they are some of the country’s best-kept secrets. You’ll find the top ones in Southern Sweden, lapped by the Baltic Sea.

Spot the colourful beach huts along the soft sands of the Falsterbo peninsula, jutting out towards Denmark. Or head to the picturesque island of Gotland, where powder-white sand, dunes and pine forests make for an idyllic setting.

Meanwhile the Österlen region flaunts some stunning coastline. At Sandhammaren, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into the Caribbean, with lush green trees meeting the long sandy beach.

These are just a couple of the gorgeous golden shores that await you in Sweden. Whether you want to relax with a book, enjoy a stroll or take a dip, summer is the best time to visit Swedish beaches.

5. Get active

Swedish scenery is picture-perfect in summer and there are so many ways you can explore it. As well as wild swimming, you might like the idea of discovering Sweden’s waters by kayaking or sailing. The right of public access in Sweden, “allemansrätten”, gives you the freedom to do just that.

Or stick to dry land and go hiking. There are so many trails to choose from, whether you’d like a gentle stroll or more challenging trek. Hikers love the King’s trail – “Kungsleden” – in Northern Sweden. You could tackle part of the 440-kilometre (274-mile) route between Abisko and Hemavan in Swedish Lapland.

Alternatively you might like to hike the Gotaleden trail in West Sweden. You’d start in Gothenburg and pass through nature reserves and towns before finishing in Alingsås.

Another eco-friendly way to get around is by bike, with so many cycle routes to help you explore the countryside. Or rent a City Bike and get around town like the Swedes do. Gothenburg is particularly notable for its green credentials, having been voted the most sustainable place in the world .

6. Take a boat trip

Prefer to relax while you soak up your surroundings? Then sit back and enjoy the view from a boat as you are whisked around Sweden’s pretty waterways.

Sail to the islands of the Stockholm archipelago , stretching out 80 kilometres (50 miles) east from the city centre. You could either take a sightseeing boat tour, learning about the archipelago from a knowledgeable guide. Or make it a longer trip and go island-hopping in this summer haven.

You can do something similar in Gothenburg which flaunts not one, but two archipelagos. There’s also the Göta canal, a feat of engineering that dates back to the 19th century. Ride in a vintage boat and cruise along the canal, passing lush forests and historical sites along the way.

Or venture further afield on your holiday to Sweden in summer and take a Baltic cruise to Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland. This way you’d get to see more of the Baltics in one trip!

• Travel by sea in the Nordics with these Scandinavia cruise packages

Best places to visit Sweden in summer

1. stockholm.

Although you could visit Stockholm year round to enjoy its cool Scandi vibe, summer is a great time to experience the Swedish capital.

All the top tourist attractions are open in summer. Don’t miss a visit to the island of Djurgården to explore the Skansen open-air museum and Vasa Museum. Wander through the hip Södermalm district and be sure to spend plenty of time in Gamla Stan.

This is Stockholm’s charming Old Town where narrow cobblestone streets, inviting restaurants and medieval architecture come together. Discover historic buildings like the Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum and Parliament House in Gamla Stan.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to head out of town while in Stockholm. This way you can marvel at the 17th-century Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and official residence of the Swedish royal family. We also recommend a trip to the beautiful Stockholm archipelago.

Dalarna encapsulates virtually everything there is to love about rural Sweden. Even the iconic Dala Horse originated – and is still produced – in Dalarna. In summer you’ll fall for the dense forests, glistening lakes and traditional red cottages of this central part of Sweden.

Discover the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Siljan and enjoy active pursuits like swimming and horse riding. Visit lakeside villages like Rättvik and Tällberg, or the Grannas Dala Horse Workshop to see how these wooden horse figures are made.

Another quintessentially Swedish pastime you can try? Foraging for berries in the woods.

3. Gothenburg

Visit one of Europe’s hippest cities, Gothenburg, with achingly cool city streets and attractive eco credentials to boot. The world’s most sustainable city is also one of the most welcoming in Sweden, so you might end up making some new friends on your summer trip.

Browse the shops along Avenyn Street and pop into art galleries like the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Walk through the botanical gardens and explore the famous canals. You might like to head out of town to explore the national parks and nature reserves of West Sweden.

Seafood is a particular specialty here in this coastal town so be sure to savour fresh fish and shellfish in one of the city’s top restaurants. You could also visit the Feskekôrka fish market, housed in a striking, church-inspired building on the riverside. 

• Check out these summer tours of Sweden

4. Öland

Does the idea of holidaying like a royal appeal to you? Then hot-foot it to the island of Öland in Southern Sweden where the Swedish royal family have their summer residence, Solliden Palace.

Another majestic building you’ll find here is Borgholm Castle, which originated in the 13th century but was reconstructed a few hundred years later. You’d also soak up thousands of years of history on Öland, as there are Iron Age burial grounds and forts to be found on the island.

Just over the side of the bridge, take time to explore the historic buildings of Kalmar on the mainland.

Aside from fascinating heritage, Öland is a haven of nature that begs to be explored. Visit the UNESCO-designated Stora Alvaret, a large limestone plateau awash with abundant pastures.

5. Österlen

Summer is a great time to immerse yourself in the rolling farmland of Österlen county. It’s a foodie haven here, so stop by the farm shops, artisan cafés and restaurants to taste fresh local produce.

This southerly corner of the wider Skåne province is brimming with apple orchards, fields of wildflowers, and sandy beaches. The most beautiful beach is Sandhammaren, which unfolds for 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and is ideal if you want to swim or sunbathe.

During your time in Österlen, don’t miss the Ales Stenar megalithic site. Here a collection of 59 stone boulders are thought to symbolise the shape of a ship, overlooking the Baltic Sea. Then there’s the 11th-century town of Ystad, where you can admire colourful timbered houses and medieval churches.

6. Malmö

Get to know Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, in summertime. There are plenty of attractions for you to visit in town, such as Malmöhus Castle and Malmö Art Museum.

Take a stroll along through the Western Harbour, or “Västra Hamnen”, and look up to see the Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper. On a warm day you might like to relax on the wooden decks, walk along the sandy beach of Ribersborg, and maybe go for a swim!

Want to visit Copenhagen while you’re in Sweden? In Malmö you are just 8 kilometres (5 miles) away from Denmark’s capital city via the Øresund Bridge. You may recognise “Öresundsbron” as it was made famous by the Nordic noir thriller, The Bridge.

In Copenhagen soak up the city’s many delights including the Little Mermaid statue, National Museum, Christiansborg Palace and Tivoli Gardens.

• Choose from these Scandinavia tours to visit Sweden, Denmark and Norway in one trip

What is Sweden like in the summer?

Sweden is blissful in summer. You can look forward to long days and the best weather of the year. Swedish scenery comes to life with beautiful wildflowers and there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

When is it summer in Sweden?

In Sweden you can expect summer to begin around June and last until August. You might also get some nice summer weather in May and September.

What are the summer months in Sweden?

The summer months in Sweden are June, July and August.

• Related: Ultimate Scandinavia guide: best times and places to visit

How long are summer days in Sweden?

Visit Sweden in June and you’ll experience the longest days of the year. In Stockholm the longest day is 21 June – Midsummer’s Day – with more than 18 hours of daylight.

In Kiruna, a Swedish town located in the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set at all between late May and mid-July. This phenomenon is called the midnight sun .

Does it get dark in Sweden in summer?

It doesn’t really ever get that dark in Sweden in summer. While Swedish Lapland – the region located in the Arctic Circle – experiences midnight sun, the rest of Sweden has “white nights”. This means the nights are really short and still pretty light.

Can you see northern lights in summer in Sweden?

It isn’t likely that you’ll see northern lights in summer in Sweden. During this period the nights don’t get dark enough to spot the colourful aurora borealis that clearly. However the long nights of winter allow the northern lights to show up really well in contrast with the dark skies.

• Want to see the northern lights in Sweden? Consider an aurora borealis tour package in Swedish Lapland

How hot does it get in Sweden in the summer?

The weather varies depending on where you go in Sweden. In the south, in places like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, you’ll enjoy the warmest weather. It also gets lovely and sunny. Temperatures range from around 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) in summer here.

It is cooler the further north you are in Sweden, but the summers in Swedish Lapland are still pleasant.

What to wear in Sweden in summer?

When packing for a summer trip to Sweden , you should make sure you bring layers to adapt to the weather. If it’s warm and sunny, you’ll want to wear your sun hat and light clothing. If it rains, you don’t want to be without a waterproof jacket!

Here is an essential packing list for your Swedish summer holiday:

• Shorts and trousers
• Short and long sleeve shirts and at least one warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunglasses, sun hat and SPF lotion

If you love the sound of visiting Sweden in summer , speak to our local travel experts about making your ideal trip a reality.

They are based in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, and have all the insider knowledge about the best places and activities in Sweden. They will use their expertise to craft an itinerary to match your preferences.

Get in touch to find out more about how you can experience Sweden in summer.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

SWEDEN’S TOP THREE BY TRAIN

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Why Sweden Is Top for Sustainable Tourism

Jenny Jonevret, Senior Project Manager at Visit Sweden HQ in Stockholm, discusses why Sweden is ranked top for Sustainable Tourism.

This is part of a series of articles entitled #sustainablesunday, in it we always start by asking people what Sustainable Tourism means to them. What does it mean to you?

For me, sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability must be viewed holistically with all dimensions such as social, economic and environmental sustainability combined.

Sweden recently came first in the list of ‘Top Countries for Sustainable Tourism’, produced by Euromonitor, why do you think Sweden is ranked as the best country for sustainable tourism?

Sweden generally is strong in governance, ability to handle environmental challenges, how well we meet the UN’s global environmental goals, comply with laws and regulations linked to sustainability. However, people generally don’t admire a country because of its success, but for what the country can contribute to their lives. This makes Sweden more attractive to travel to. In our quest to make Swedish tourism grow and to get travellers to come here, we use our country’s strong position.

Sweden has a lot to offer as a sustainable tourism destination – accessible nature and our close to nature lifestyle, innovative dining experiences with respect for both humans and the environment, and local cultural experiences with design and architecture created for people, to be used. We show our Swedish values, equality between the sexes and everyone’s equal value, regardless of who you are, how old you are or who you love.

I understand that part of your aim is to increase the pace of the transformation of the Swedish hospitality industry from a linear one to a circular one. How are you doing this?

Based on the knowledge that we must work together with the hospitality industry to build a long-term sustainable tourism destination we, therefore, work hard to become a unifying force in Sweden. By being involved and contributing with insight, we are increasing the pace of change in the hospitality industry from a linear economy to a circular economy. We do this, for example through activities such as roundtable talks, dialogue days, government cooperation, NSU in Sweden and local networks abroad.

Can you explain more about the role you are playing in the delivery of Agenda 2030 delivery, and the net zero emissions 2045 target?

As a nation, Sweden wants to be a leader in the implementation of the  2030 Agenda – both nationally and globally. As a national tourist board owned by the government, we are also working with selected Sustainable Development Goals.

The assignment Visit Sweden has been given is to create economic growth in the long-term – our marketing efforts should aim to contribute positively in economic, social and environmental terms. Using our role as NTO, we actively drive the sustainability issue in Sweden and the Swedish hospitality industry’s delivery to Agenda 2030. The goals and sub-goals in Agenda 2030 are linked to the overall goals in our business plan, our marketing plan and the initiatives that we launch together with the Swedish hospitality industry. All to strengthen Sweden’s position as a sustainable destination.

Sweden sits on the outskirts of Europe, so the obvious challenge connected with ecological sustainability has to do with our infrastructure and transport. Some solutions are:

• Making visitor stays longer and all-year-round (increase numbers at times where capacity exists);
• Encouraging touring when they arrive at a destination, including pushing sustainable ways to get around;
• Highlighting sustainable products; and
• Smart target group segmentation – for example focusing on segments that can travel to Sweden by train (or car).

You talk about Sweden’s ‘sustainability lifestyle’, can you elaborate on this, a well as the role of women?

For Swedes the accessible nature has an important place in their lives. Nature contributes to the Swedes’ down-to-earth lifestyle, where both small and large experiences of nature make us feel better and become more creative. And in Sweden, everyone can enjoy this. The right of public access invites everyone who wants, to go out into the forest and the countryside. As long as you don’t disturb and don’t destroy, you can enjoy nature as much as you want. Even if you live in the middle of a city, nature is always around the corner; simple, authentic and welcoming, rich in variety and with something for everyone.

The overarching Swedish principle for gender equality is that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to work and support themselves, to balance career and family life, and to live without the fear of abuse or violence. Gender equality implies not only equal distribution between men and women in all domains of society. It is also about the qualitative aspects, ensuring that the knowledge and experience of both men and women are used to promote progress in all aspects of society. The current Swedish government has declared itself a feminist government, devoted to a feminist foreign policy. Even if the idea has been met with both praise and criticism – domestically and internationally – the word feminism is not as charged in Sweden as in many other countries. The government uses the ‘F word’ to stress that gender equality is vital to society and that more needs to be done to achieve it.

It’s no coincidence, then, that 12 of the 22 government ministers are women.

“72h Cabin” and “Edible Country” are two examples of tailor-made, unique and experience-based sustainable tourism activities in Sweden. Can you describe these in more detail?

72h Cabin : To explore the effects of the unique relationship Swedes have with nature, Sweden carried out a case study in September 2017. Five people with some of the most stressful jobs got to experience Sweden’s ‘close-to-nature’ lifestyle, whilst their well-being was measured by leading researchers. During the study, the participants stayed in custom-built cabins made of glass to be as close to nature as possible. After 72 hours, they all showed a decrease in blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate – and they became more creative too.

Edible Country: In Sweden, naturally healthy food can be found just around the corner – in our forests, lakes and meadows. In collaboration with four Michelin-starred chefs, we have created inspirational menus featuring local produce to help you experience the Swedish pantry. Fine do-it-yourself dining means cooking gourmet food for free, with ingredients that you can find in Swedish nature.

Promoting local tourism is a key element in developing sustainable tourism. Do you agree? How is Visit Sweden promoting local tourism activities?

Yes! While tourism creates an economic input for the local community, the visitor gains from contact with local people who can guide them and show them the unique nature and activities.

And to be able to contribute to a more sustainable tourism industry, Visit Sweden is marketing both the urban and the rural, all four seasons and are focusing on sustainable products.

How can travellers interact with local communities to ensure that the benefits of their tourism expenditure reach the people who need it most?

For example, through trusting a local guide to guide travellers through Swedish nature. Travellers can look for labels such as ‘Nature’s Best’. Nature’s Best is a certificate that verifies ethical, high-quality nature experiences across Sweden, and many of Nature’s Best destinations are run by passionate enthusiasts who know lots about both the local scenery and culture.

You invite others to participate in your work. How can people do that?

As a national player and community builder, we can influence, engage and inspire others toward a positive sustainable development of the Swedish visitor industry. We invite others to participate in our work where we inspire and engage others to become more sustainable.

Continue your reading of why Sweden is top for sustainable tourism with Zero Island: a Truly Sustainable Holiday .

For more information on Sweden’s Sustainable Tourism drive:

Visit : https://visitsweden.com/ . All images provided by Visit Sweden. Main image: Lucas Günther/imagebank.sweden.se; background image: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se.

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Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home.

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Eco tourism in Sweden

Following Australia’s lead, Sweden was the second country in the world to introduce an eco tourism charter. The Swedish eco certificate Nature's Best will guide you to the best eco tourism experiences and accomodations in our beautiful country.

If you’re want to spot a moose, sleep in a tree hotel or try activities like paddling, dog sledding , climbing, horse riding or fishing, Sweden is the place to go. But with tourism comes responsibility. To make it easier to find eco friendly accommodations and activities, Sweden has developed an eco certificate called Nature's Best. When booking with certified companies, you can be sure that your visit will be sustainable for both nature and people.

Eco tourism with Nature's Best

Nature’s Best is Europe’s first eco tourism label that verifies ethical, high quality accommodations and tours run by eco certified tourism operators around the country. This means that if you book an accomodation or activity with one of the companies approved by Nature’s Best , you know that they have to adhere to a strict code of conduct, and that you make a positive contribution to the environment where your stay or activity is taking place. Nature's Best was developed in 2002 by travel associations, land owners, nature conservation associations, non-profit organisations, public authorities, tourist companies and institutions.

The eco tours and active holidays of Nature's Best are sustainable ways to responsibly enjoy Sweden’s great outdoors and to benefit the environment you're in. This favours local business, local people and their culture. The range of eco friendly activities on offer is amazing; dog sledding in the Arctic Circle, timber-rafting in Värmland, glamping in the High Coast, whale watching in Skåne, to name a few.

Reindeer encounter with Nutti Sámi Siida

Meet a reindeer and try reindeer sledding with Nutti Sámi Siida, a company approved by Nature's Best. Based in Swedish Lapland, they invite you to learn more about Sámi culture and lifestyle.

Photo : Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se

Geunja Sámi Eco Lodge, Swedish Lapland

Photo : Swedish Lapland

Dog sledding with Jokkmokksguiderna

Sápmi Nature Camp, Swedish Lapland.

Photo : Lennart Pittja/Sápmi Nature/imagebank.sweden.se

Check the label

Before booking a hotel in Sweden do yourself and the environment a favour by checking for Nordic Eco labelled hotels first. More than 250 hotels in Sweden meet this leading Nordic Eco label’s stringent requirements and are marked with the Swan label. If you're shopping in a Swedish supermarket or store, keep an eye out for KRAV organically produced foods. Food products bearing the KRAV label have been produced in an environmentally friendly and ethical way. You can  read more about The KRAV label here .

And while you're at it, skip the plastic bottled water while you’re here. There’s no ‘hey don’t drink the water’ in Sweden – the tap water is super clean and perfectly drinkable wherever you are. Bring your own bottle, fill it up at the hotel, or wherever you are staying, and enjoy. The good things in life are free.

Enjoy Sweden’s countryside

For the average Swede, few things are more sacred than spending time at one's summer cottage. There we relax, go for a bike ride, take a dip in a lake or the sea, or forage for wild berries and mushrooms in the forest.

Everyone in Sweden can enjoy these and many other nature activities in the countryside because of the Swedish 'Allemansrätten' – a unique right that makes Sweden stand out among other countries in the world. Allemansrätten, the Right of Public Access, or the freedom to roam . This precious law gives you the right to roam the countryside in Sweden in perfect peace and quiet, as long as you leave it the way you found it. This freedom to all nature is one of the main reasons to visit Sweden.

Related articles

Top eco tourism attractions in Sweden

5 sustainable eco-tourism experiences in Sweden

Unique accommodation close to nature – 29 sustainable places to stay

Immerse yourself in the Swedish forest

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Leisure Travel

Tourism in Sweden - statistics & facts

An increasing number of tourists visit Sweden, and tourism consumption reached 337 billion Swedish kronor in 2018. That was roughly 20 billion kronor more compared to the previous year, and over 100 billion kroner more than in 2008. The positive development of the tourism industry contributes a significant amount to the Swedish gross domestic product (GDP) and is forecast to reach 603 billion kronor in 2028. Aside from the direct monetary contribution, the tourism industry creates jobs all over Sweden, and is expected to employ 674 thousand people as of 2028. The reason behind the exponential growth is the continuous increase in tourists visiting the country. Approximately 65 million overnight stays were registered in Sweden in 2018, out of which 17.3 million overnight stays were made by international tourists . Most tourists came from the neighboring country Norway , counting nearly 3.5 million overnight stays that same year. German visitors came in second, followed by Danish tourists. Considering the traveling habits of Swedes, however, Norway is nowhere as popular. In fact, Norway ranked nine among Swedes’ favorite holiday destinations , while Spain was the most attractive country for them to visit. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) broke out in March 2020, the tourism industry faced several unexpected problems. While Sweden chose to neither implement a lockdown nor close its borders, unlike many other countries, the number of overnight stays were still strikingly low from March onwards. At the same time, Swedes showed greater interest towards vacationing at home. When asked about which countries they would visit over the next six months , Sweden was the most common answer. When and whether the tourism industry will recover from the global coronavirus crisis remains unknown. Nevertheless, as many countries have started to reopen, prospects currently look better than at the peak of the epidemic. This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more - Description Ana M. López Research expert covering travel, tourism and hospitality Published by Ana M. López , Jan 10, 2024

Key insights

Detailed statistics

Tourism consumption in Sweden 2015-2021

Total tourism GDP in Sweden 2019-2021

Tourism employment in Sweden 2015-2020

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Accommodation.

Main origin countries for inbound tourism in Sweden 2021

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Inbound tourism spending in Sweden 2015-2020

Leading holiday destinations among the population in Sweden 2020

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Tourism consumption in Sweden 2015-2021
• Basic Statistic Total tourism GDP in Sweden 2019-2021
• Premium Statistic Tourism employment in Sweden 2015-2020
• Premium Statistic Tourism's share of value added in Sweden 2018, by industry
• Premium Statistic Production value of the travel accommodation industry in Sweden 2008-2018, by sector
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays in travel accommodation in Sweden 2018, by accommodation
• Premium Statistic Distribution of guest nights in hotels in Sweden 2018, by type of traveler

Total consumption of tourism in Sweden from 2015 to 2021 (in billion SEK)

Total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product in Sweden from 2019 to 2021 (in billion SEK)

Number of employees in the tourism sector in Sweden from 2015 to 2020 (in 1,000s)

Tourism's share of value added in Sweden 2018, by industry

Share of contribution of tourism to value added in Sweden in 2018, by industry

Production value of the travel accommodation industry in Sweden 2008-2018, by sector

Production value of the travel accommodation industry in Sweden from 2008 to 2018, by sector (in million SEK)

Number of overnight stays in travel accommodation in Sweden 2018, by accommodation

Number of overnight stays in travel accommodation in Sweden in 2018, by accommodation type (in millions)

Distribution of guest nights in hotels in Sweden 2018, by type of traveler

Distribution of guest nights in hotels in Sweden in 2018, by type of traveler

International tourism

• Premium Statistic Main origin countries for inbound tourism in Sweden 2021
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays on inbound visits to Sweden 2008-2018
• Premium Statistic Number of holiday houses owned by foreigners in Sweden 2018, by county
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism spending in Sweden 2015-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the Nordic countries 2022

Leading countries of origin among international overnight tourists in Sweden in 2021, by number of nights spent (in 1,000s)

Number of overnight stays on inbound visits to Sweden 2008-2018

Number of nights spent on inbound visits to Sweden from 2008 to 2018 (in 1,000)

Number of holiday houses owned by foreigners in Sweden 2018, by county

Number of holiday houses owned by foreigners in Sweden in 2018, by county

Expenditure of international tourists in Sweden from 2015 to 2020 (in billion SEK)

Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the Nordic countries 2022

Number of overnight stays by international tourists in the Nordic countries in 2022 (in millions)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Main travel destinations for Swedish outbound travelers 2020, by number of trips
• Basic Statistic Outbound travel expenditure in Sweden 2012-2028
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight stays in Sweden 2008-2018
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Sweden 2015-2020
• Premium Statistic Expenditure of Swedish households on package holidays 2010-2021
• Basic Statistic Number of privately owned holiday houses in Sweden 2019-2020, by county

Main travel destinations for Swedish outbound travelers 2020, by number of trips

Leading countries of destinations for international tourists from Sweden in 2020, by number of trips (in 1,000s)

Outbound travel expenditure in Sweden 2012-2028

Annual expenditure on outbound travel from Sweden from 2012 to 2018, with a forecast for 2028 (in billion SEK)

Number of domestic overnight stays in Sweden 2008-2018

Number of nights spent on domestic trips in Sweden from 2008 to 2018 (in 1,000)

Domestic tourism spending in Sweden 2015-2020

Expenditure of domestic tourists in Sweden from 2015 to 2020 (in billion SEK)

Expenditure of Swedish households on package holidays 2010-2021

Household consumption of package holidays in Sweden from 2010 to 2021 (in billion SEK)

Number of privately owned holiday houses in Sweden 2019-2020, by county

Number of holiday houses owned by private persons in Sweden from 2019 to 2020, by county

• Premium Statistic Number of accommodation establishments in Sweden 2009-2020, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of beds in travel accommodation in Sweden 2018, by establishment type
• Premium Statistic Occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Sweden 2009-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of employees, travel accommodation industry, Sweden 2008-2018, by sector
• Premium Statistic Accommodation revenue of hotels in Sweden 2009-2019
• Premium Statistic RevPAR of hotels in the Nordic capitals 2020, by month
• Premium Statistic Ranking of companies in hotel industry Sweden 2020, by turnover

Number of accommodation establishments in Sweden 2009-2020, by type

Number of accommodation establishments in Sweden from 2009 to 2020, by type

Number of beds in travel accommodation in Sweden 2018, by establishment type

Number of beds in travel accommodation in Sweden in 2018, by type of establishment

Occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Sweden 2009-2020

Occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Sweden from 2009 to 2020

Number of employees, travel accommodation industry, Sweden 2008-2018, by sector

Number of employees in the travel accommodation industry in Sweden from 2008 to 2018, by sector

Accommodation revenue of hotels in Sweden 2009-2019

Accommodation revenue of hotels in Sweden from 2009 to 2019 (in million SEK)

RevPAR of hotels in the Nordic capitals 2020, by month

Revenue per available room of hotels in the capitals of the Nordic countries in 2020 (in euros)

Ranking of companies in hotel industry Sweden 2020, by turnover

Ranking of companies in the hotel industry in Sweden as of May 2020, by turnover (in million SEK)

Impact of COVID-19

• Premium Statistic COVID-19 impact on inbound tourism in Sweden from key origin countries 2020
• Basic Statistic Change of summer holiday plans due to the coronavirus outbreak in Sweden 2020
• Premium Statistic Leading holiday destinations among the population in Sweden 2020
• Premium Statistic Most popular holiday accommodation in Sweden 2020
• Premium Statistic Expected change in holiday expenses in Sweden 2020, by type of expense

COVID-19 impact on inbound tourism in Sweden from key origin countries 2020

Change in the number of nights spent by visitors from leading source tourism markets in Sweden in 2020

Change of summer holiday plans due to the coronavirus outbreak in Sweden 2020

Have you changed your summer holiday plans because of the coronavirus situation?

Which countries do you consider visiting over the next six months?

Most popular holiday accommodation in Sweden 2020

Which type of accommodation do you consider staying in during your holiday the next six months?

Expected change in holiday expenses in Sweden 2020, by type of expense

Expected change in holiday expenses in Sweden in 2020, by type of expense (compared to the previous year)

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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What is Reciprocity?

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of  reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

How Do I Find Out if I Have to Pay a Reciprocity Fee?

To view the Reciprocity Page for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the list of countries on the left side menu. On the Reciprocity Page, select the Visa Classifications tab from the column on the left

Select the type of visa you have applied for, such as a B-1/B-2 (temporary visa for business or pleasure), F-1 (student visa), etc. from the drop down menu: 

The reciprocity information for that country*/area of authority will display:

What does this table tell me?

Visa Classification:  The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee:  The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries:  The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. “M” means multiple times. If there is a number, such as “One”, you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period:  This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

What is the Difference between the Reciprocity Fee and the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee?

The nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by most applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application. Current nonimmigrant visa application fees can be found on our  Fees – Visa Services  webpage. (This webpage also lists the few visa categories for which application fees are not required.)

While most visa applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, the Reciprocity Fee is only charged to an approved nonimmigrant visa applicant after the visa interview.

Immigrant Visa Interviews

For Immigrant Visa interviews each U.S. Embassy or Consulate has specific instructions for their applicants. Please click here to select your designated interview location.

Civil Documents and How to Use Them

Immigrant visa applicants are required to submit certain civil documents as part of their visa application, such as birth certificates and police records. (Nonimmigrant visa applicants do not routinely need to submit civil documents as part of their visa application.) Each Reciprocity Page will provide detailed information about how to obtain these civil documents from the country* you have selected, as well as the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you can apply for your visa. For more information about civil document requirements for immigrant visa cases, see  civil documents .

To view the Civil Documents for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the drop-down menu below. On the Reciprocity Page, click on the tabs on the left to see the categories of Civil Documents and how to obtain them.

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* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b) (1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Reciprocity: What's New Temporary Reciprocity Schedule Country Acronyms Terrorist Designation Lists State Sponsors of Terrorism Treaty Countries Visa Issuing Posts

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