Sweden is a stunning Scandinavian country in Northern Europe known for its rich history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural beauty. Travelers visit to explore Sweden's unique cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and iconic attractions. Guided tours and tour packages offer convenient ways to experience the best of what Sweden offers.
The Main Cities in Sweden
When people think of cities in Sweden, they are likely to think of the capital, Stockholm. This multifaceted city offers a wealth of exciting activities and attractions. Visitors can watch the change of the guard at the Royal Palace, relax in the quaint town square, Stortorget, or take a boat to the city’s greenest island, Djurgården.
A visit to Stockholm also introduces travelers to its excellent museums, culinary delights, and beautiful parks.
Don’t miss the world UNESCO site of Drottningholm Palace outside the city. Stockholm’s vibrant city hall, scenic alleyways, and open-air museums provide a glimpse into Swedish history and culture, making it a must-visit destination.
But Sweden is much more than its capital! Other main cities to visit in Sweden include:
Gothenburg
Gothenburg, a vibrant city on Sweden's west coast, is renowned for its arts and music festivals, offering a rich cultural experience. With its charming alleyways, bustling harbor, and innovative culinary scene, Gothenburg is a great place to taste local culture.
Visitors can explore its numerous museums, enjoy Scandinavian architecture, and relax in its beautiful parks.
Uppsala and Sigtuna
Uppsala and Sigtuna's well-preserved old town centers offer a fascinating glimpse into Sweden's past and Viking history. Uppsala is known for its prestigious university and ancient cathedral, while Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, is filled with historical sites and Viking relics.
Malmö
Malmö, a dynamic coastal city in southern Sweden, boasts an intriguing international atmosphere due to its proximity to Denmark. The city blends modernity and history with its iconic Turning Torso skyscraper and medieval Malmö Castle.
Visitors can enjoy the scenic coastline, explore the diverse culinary scene, and visit cultural landmarks like the Malmö Opera House.
Västerås
Västerås is a charming medium-sized city located beside Lake Mälaren, about 100 km west of Stockholm. It offers a mix of natural beauty and historical sites.
Known for its ancient castles and picturesque lake views, Västerås provides a peaceful retreat with opportunities for outdoor activities like boating and hiking. The city's rich history and serene environment make it a worthwhile stop on a tour of Sweden.
Top things to do in Sweden
Sweden offers a rich blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences catering to various interests. From exploring vibrant cities to engaging in outdoor recreation, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage of this Scandinavian gem. Here are some of the top things to do in Sweden.
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Enjoy Outdoor Recreation: Visit one of Sweden's many national parks to enjoy outdoor activities. Plan a trek along the Kungsleden trail, a bike tour along the Gota Canal, or a relaxing day in natural preserves.
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See the Northern Lights: In winter, visit Abisko National Park or other northern areas to see the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is a spectacular natural phenomenon that shouldn't be missed.
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Celebrate Midsummer: In summer, Sweden comes alive with festivals, notably the Midsummer celebrations in June, which honor the longest day of the year. These festivals feature unique dancing, food, and festivities, celebrating the new season’s bounty after a long winter.
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Explore Lapland: Visit the most northern province of Lapland for unique experiences such as snowmobiling, reindeer herding, and staying at the famous Ice Hotel. This region is also perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis and experiencing the midnight sun.
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Visit Ancient Castles: Sweden is home to many ancient castles, each with its own unique history. Explore the grandeur of these historic sites, such as Gripsholm Castle and Kalmar Castle, to get a sense of Sweden’s royal heritage.
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Indulge in a Swedish Sauna: Experience the traditional Swedish sauna, an essential part of Swedish culture. Many lakeside resorts and spa centers offer the perfect setting for this relaxing and rejuvenating activity.
Swedish Cuisine
When you first think of Swedish cuisine, you might think of Swedish meatballs, known for their exceptional spicing. Apart from that, Sweden has excellent seafood dishes, namely numerous fish dishes such as marinated salmon with dill potatoes, pickled herring on a Smörgåsbord (buffet), or Gubbröra, an egg and anchovy dish served with brown bread.
To top it off, have some dessert! Enjoy the Princess cake or the Saffron buns.
Here are some other classic Swedish culinary delights:
- Jansson’s Temptation is a traditional Christmas casserole of potatoes and anchovies.
- Raggmunk & Lingonberries is a lovely Swedish potato pancake with berries.
- Gravlax, or dill-cured salmon, is a foodie’s treat
- Knäckebröd - a crisp and delightful bread that complements any meal
- Toast Skagen - toast with a spread of prawns, whitefish roe, mayo/mustard and dill
Sweden Outdoor Travel
Sweden is home to nearly any outdoor adventure, including a trek, hike, bike tour, ski trip, snowshoeing, fishing, camping, etc. You can choose an itinerary that fits your activity level and the sights you’d like to see.
The various outdoor activities offer a choice for people of all physical levels. Additionally, you can combine outdoor travel with time in the major cities of Sweden.
Some of the top outdoor travel activities in Sweden include:
Hiking
There are numerous hiking opportunities in Sweden for a wide variety of physical levels. For a challenging hike, try some mountain treks along the Kungsleden trail, Sweden’s most famous walking trail, which stretches over 440km and can be walked in different sections.
If you’re looking for a calmer outing, consider island hopping and walks within the Stockholm archipelago.
Dog Sledding
One simply can’t travel to a Scandinavian country in the winter and not try dog sledding. This mode of transport dates back centuries, and many guided tours in Sweden include it on their itineraries. Dogsledding is a great way to get to know the local culture and tradition while also enjoying the company of dogs!
Snowshoeing
Active travelers will love this challenging yet rewarding way to hike in the snow. Snowshoeing is not for everyone, but if you’re up to the challenge, it’s invigorating and can get you to unique places not easily accessible by vehicle or even dog sled! Snowshoeing can be enjoyed in many of Sweden’s National Parks.
Fishing or fly fishing
In the summer, visitors to Sweden can enjoy being in nature while fishing along over 100,000 lakes, rivers, or coasts. One local fishermen's spot is Lake Vanern, one of Sweden’s largest lakes.
Nordic (cross country) or downhill skiing
During the winter months, you can ski almost anywhere in Sweden, and it hosts terrain for any level of skier. One excellent resort is the Åre resort in central Sweden, one of Northern Europe's biggest ski resorts.
Taking a bike tour in Sweden
A bike tour is a popular way to explore Sweden's cities and countryside. As with many bike tours, you can plan your route according to what you’d like to see along the way and the distance you’d like to travel each day. Summer is the best time to plan a bike tour in Sweden since it has warmer and longer days.
Sweden offers cyclists a wide variety of terrain, including mountain trails, scenic coastal byways, and city tours. It is also an excellent place for a bike tour because of the spectacular and wild scenery that you will see up close and personal on an extended trip.
There is something for every level of cyclist, and depending on what type of cycling you’d like to do, it can be challenging or more leisurely.
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Some popular places to bike are Klarälvsbanan, a 220 km tour in west-central Sweden, or Kattegattleden, Sweden’s first national bike route, which goes 370 km along the west coast. Additionally, one possible weeklong bike tour is written in the itinerary section.
Here are a few tips for taking a bike tour in Sweden:
- You can bring your own bike or gear on the airplane or rent one from many shops in Stockholm. You can rent by the hour or for multiple days.
- Take care of your bike and gear. If you're out for multiple days, bring proper tools and learn maintenance. Although crime is too low, locking your bike and taking care of your belongings is always important.
- The road rules are generally the same as in the U.S., and they drive on the right as well. Follow all the posted signs, and don’t forget that they measure distance in kilometers!
Swedish National Parks
Sweden is home to 30 distinctive National Parks with varying and dynamic landscapes. Some national parks are more marine-based or mountainous, while some are magical forests or expansive sand dunes.
Some of the most popular National Parks in Sweden include:
ÄNGSÖ National Park
Ängsö National Park is an untouched gem, accessible only by boat, offering a serene escape for those looking to get away from it all. Located in the Stockholm archipelago, this park is a haven of natural beauty, featuring lush meadows, dense forests, and pristine shorelines.
Ängsö is beautiful year-round, with vibrant spring and summer wildflowers, colorful autumn foliage, and tranquil winter snow-covered landscapes. It’s an excellent spot for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Despite its remote access, Ängsö National Park is commonly included in Sweden tour itineraries during the summer, making it a peaceful and scenic retreat.
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, located in the far north of Sweden, is renowned for its excellent viewing spot for the Northern Lights at the Aurora Sky Station. This park is a must-visit for those wanting to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis, especially during the long winter nights.
Abisko also offers breathtaking natural beauty with its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and the clear Abiskojåkka River.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy the midnight sun, hiking along the famous Kungsleden trail, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. Abisko National Park is a prime destination for both winter and summer adventures.
Sonfjället National Park
Sonfjället National Park, established in 1909, is one of the oldest national parks in Europe. Located in central Sweden, this park is known for its stunning landscapes, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and the impressive Sonfjället mountain.
It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot moose, bears, lynxes, and a variety of bird species. Sonfjället is a year-round destination, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching in the summer, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty make Sonfjället National Park a cherished natural sanctuary in Sweden.
Best Time to Visit Sweden
Sweden is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences and activities. The best time to visit depends on what you wish to do, from enjoying the long, sunny days and vibrant festivals of summer to experiencing the magical Northern Lights and winter sports in the colder months.
Visiting Sweden in the winter
Sweden is an excellent destination for winter enthusiasts! You can enjoy this season through snowshoeing, nordic (cross-country) downhill skiing, or ice fishing. After your day of adventures outside, you can warm yourself by enjoying delicious seasonal winter dishes and tasty beverages and then plan for your next day outdoors.
You can also visit and sculpt ice in the famous ice hotel-museum in Kiruna or enjoy or peruse the indoor side of any major city. Don’t forget that winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights. Remember to be prepared for cold and changing weather by packing accordingly.
Visiting Sweden in the Summer
Visiting Sweden in summer, from June to August, is a magical experience with endless daylight due to the Midnight Sun. This season is perfect for exploring Sweden's stunning national parks, hiking the famous Kungsleden trail, and enjoying outdoor festivals like Midsummer.
Coastal towns and islands, such as Gotland and the Stockholm archipelago, come alive with activities like boating, swimming, and seafood feasts.
Summer is also ideal for city explorations, with vibrant cultural events, open-air museums, and bustling street markets in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. The warm weather and festive atmosphere make it the best time for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Swedish Souvenirs
Sweden has both usual and unique souvenirs to take home. If you enjoy the cuisine, you can take home pickled herring or another fish dish if you enjoy food. If you enjoy the beverages, bring home the local Absolut Vodka.
Other common souvenirs are salt licorice, a dala horse from the Dalarna region, hand-crafted wooden utensils, and Nobel dishware. You can also find vintage shoes and clothes and exceptional home decor and design to inspire your time at home.