Your guide to Sweden
Top destinations in Sweden
Stockholm
The perfect blend of hip and historic, Stockholm promises beautiful nature, opulent architecture and more culture than you can fit into just one exciting visit.
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second city sits under the radar. Whether you explore windswept islands or the Old Town’s charming neighbourhoods, don’t miss its cosy cafes scented with fresh cinnamon rolls.
Malmo
With innovative art museums, a historic outdoor spa and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing Swedish produce, Malmo is a global city with plenty of local flair.
Sweden: fast facts
| Language | Swedish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swedish krona (kr) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
Sweden highlights
Indigenous culture
Learn about the Indigenous Sámi people on a trip to northern Sweden. At Sápmi Nature Camp, witness the bond between these former nomads and their reindeer. Lend a hand at feeding time before enjoying your own Sámi meal and sleeping inside a traditional ‘lávvu’ tent. The Sámi have been meeting at Jokkmokk Market every February for over 400 years for reindeer races and ‘joik’ (folk singing).
Secluded islands
Some 34,000 islands, islets and skerries form the Stockholm archipelago. They are well-serviced by public transport, but for the ultimate island hopping experience, it’s best to rent a kayak. Foraging is a popular pastime among Swedes thanks to a freedom to roam that’s protected by law. With a belly full of berries, simply hang your hammock and drift off beneath the stars.
Dazzling skies
The Northern Lights are a spectacle steeped in myth and legend. Considered one of the most iconic things to see in Sweden, they’re best witnessed between early September and late March. Take the chair lift to the Aurora Sky Station for front-row seats to the greatest show on earth. Feeling nimble? Explore the backcountry by cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile.
Things to do in Sweden
Top attractions
Cruise through the stunning landscape of southern Sweden on the Göta Canal. Lined with cafes, breweries and bed and breakfasts, the canal paths are also perfect for walking and cycling. In Stockholm’s enormous Djurgården, open-air museum Skansen brings Swedish history to life with costumed interpreters. View the Northern Lights or hike under the Midnight Sun at Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland.
Beaches
Stockholm may not be your traditional beach break, but the centre and surrounding archipelago boast an abundance of sandy shores. Swedes are big on the health benefits of contrast bathing — sweating in a sauna before plunging into the invigorating lakes and sea. Head to the west coast for historic bathhouses Kallbadhuset Varberg and Ribersborgs Kallbadhus.
Nature
Make the most of the Arctic Circle’s Midnight Sun by trekking the ‘Kungsleden’ (King’s Trail). The most popular section starts in Abisko and ends in Nikkaluokta, backdropped by summer’s snow-capped mountains. Sticking closer to Stockholm, let the howl of wild wolves lull you to sleep in your hammock. Wolf tracking experiences are available from July to September.
Culture and museums
ABBA The Museum in Stockholm pays homage to Sweden’s best-loved pop culture export. See how the Vikings lived in Birka, a UNESCO-listed settlement on Björkö island. If you’re on a tight budget, skip the art museums in Sweden in favour of the Stockholm metro. Referred to as the world’s longest gallery, its many stations have been transformed into underground art installations.
Cuisine
‘Fika’ is the local ritual of coffee coupled with a sweet treat among friends. The best restaurants in Sweden typically showcase world-class seafood, like the ‘black gold’ lobster found along the west coast. Another popular option is to fish for your supper on a seafood safari. If you’re not keen on hooking a herring, why not try foraging for sustainable seaweed?
Family friendly
With play spaces and thrilling rollercoasters, Gröna Lund in Stockholm and Liseberg in Gothenburg promise fun for toddlers and teenagers. Experience the magic of classic children’s books like Astrid Lindgren’s ‘Pippi Longstocking’ at Junibacken in Stockholm. In Gothenburg, uncover the mysteries of the universe, from the ocean floor to outer space, at the Universeum.
Find the best time to visit Sweden
Weather in Sweden
March – May: Southern Sweden welcomes spring with blooming wildflowers. In the north, days grow long, but snow lingers through April. By late May, you can see the Midnight Sun in Swedish Lapland.
June – August: Warm temperatures and long, sunny days make this one of the best times to visit Sweden. Nights can be cool, so pack warm layers.
September – November: As the weather cools and the days get shorter, enjoy colourful foliage and foraging in Sweden’s forests.
December – February: Above the Arctic Circle, the Polar Night begins in December and lasts through January. Temps can drop below –30°C. In the south, expect short days and temperatures around freezing.
Events in Sweden
Jokkmokk Market (February): This annual gathering of Sámi people has been taking place in Jokkmokk for more than 400 years. Browse Indigenous handicrafts, listen to folk singers and watch a caravan of reindeer pull traditional sledges through the town.
Walpurgis Night (April): Welcome spring with bonfires and singing during this beloved event. In Uppsala, celebrations include students racing down the Fyris river in homemade rafts, plus concerts and festivities across the city.
Skansen Christmas Market (November to December): Sip mulled wine and listen to Christmas carol singers while shopping for handmade gifts at this Stockholm festive market. Stop by the stall selling prewrapped gifts to pick up a Christmas surprise.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
‘Lagom’ — a Swedish word meaning ‘just the right amount’ — applies to everything from work–life balance and personal space to sharing food in this country. Punctuality is important here. If you’re meeting someone for fika, try to be there on time. When exploring nature under ‘allemansrätten’ (freedom to roam), stay away from homes and farmland and forage respectfully.
Health and safety
Always wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when hiking. Check for ticks, as they can carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. In remote areas of the Arctic Circle, emergency services may have limited access. Stay cautious, dress appropriately and share your travel plans if you’re exploring off the beaten path.
LGBTQ+ travel
Sweden is consistently named one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travellers. You’ll find plenty of gay bars, drag bingo and LGBTQ+ club nights in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. The country’s largest Pride festival, Stockholm Pride (July to August), features a parade, performances and workshops.
Budget
An affordable visit to Sweden is very possible. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around 130 Swedish kronor (kr), and a short taxi ride is just kr100. Due to its Right of Public Access, you can head for the wilderness and pitch a tent almost anywhere you please (read the rules ahead of time).
Getting around Sweden
Public transport
Buses: Long-distance buses like FlixBus and Bus4You connect major cities and airports. You can also choose from a variety of regional buses servicing smaller towns and rural areas.
Trains: SJ links major cities with high-speed rail, including a night train. For a scenic journey through the northern countryside, try the Inlandsbanan. And the Arlanda Express can get you from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to the city centre in under 20 minutes.
Boats: Access islands by ferry, with services linking Stockholm to Gotland and the Åland Islands. Gothenburg and Trelleborg also offer ferry routes.
Domestic flights
You’ll find major airports in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. But unless you’re pressed for time, it’s better to travel to those cities by rail. Luleå, the country’s fourth-largest airport, is the gateway to Swedish Lapland in the north. In a hurry to see the Northern Lights? There’s also an airport in the remote Arctic town of Kiruna.
Driving
Driving in Sweden is safe and easy. The country’s main highway, the E4, is well marked and runs from the south to the Finnish border. From December to March, snow tyres are required by law. Always drive with your headlights on, and be mindful of wildlife, especially in rural areas.
