Sweden travel guide

Walk Around Stockholm

Stockholm is Sweden’s beating heart, spread over 14 islands along the Baltic Sea. I’d suggest starting your Stockholm adventure with a stroll through Gamla Stan – the city’s Old Town. 

Stockholm is famous for its scenic waterways, including the Strandvägen and Djurgården Canal. An archipelago cruise is a fantastic way to visit the islands and their surroundings.

Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago 

When planning a trip to Sweden, Gothenburg should naturally make it to your list of places to visit. Sweden’s second-largest city has 20 islands for you to explore. So, a Gothenburg archipelago cruise is your best bet to see all of the islands.

Gothenburg’s picturesque Old Town – Haga, Botanical gardens, canals, and the famous Liseberg Amusement Park all await you as well.

Tour Malmö

Malmö is a gorgeous coastal city. It sits at the end of the mind-blowing Öresund Bridge, which connects the city with Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. If you’re an art lover, you’ll enjoy the Malmö Art Museum, as it displays some of the finest Scandinavian art. 

This charismatic city has numerous markets in the Möllevångstorget square, selling everything from Swedish food to vintage street items. 

Wander Through Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland sits at the northernmost corner of Sweden, bordering Norway and Finland. Lapland is the home of Santa Claus, so you can only guess it’s a pretty special place.

The Abisko National Park is a great place to chase the Northern Lights and immerse yourself in the local Sámi culture. 

Stay in an Ice Hotel 

One attraction that’s becoming increasingly popular in Sweden is its pop-up ice hotels. Every winter, sculptors create these hotels completely out of ice, featuring everything from hotel rooms to bars. 

Staying in an ice hotel is not for the faint-hearted, but it sure does make for an interesting experience.

Take a Hike

With an endless amount of lakes, mountains, and forests, Sweden has no shortage of hiking trails. Whether you’re up for a long multi-day trek into the Arctic wilderness or a short hike just outside Stockholm – there’s a hike for everyone. 

Go Skiing

Sweden is one of the best places to ski because of its ample ski resorts. While you can do traditional runs, opt for something adventurous like skiing in an old military mountain tunnel. There’s one in the small town of Gällö. It’s one of the longest ski tunnels in the world and a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone. 

Experience a Swedish Sauna 

Any Scandinavian holiday probably isn’t complete without a trip to a sauna. There are numerous saunas and bathhouses around Sweden, but Malmö’s scenic Kallbadhus at the edge of the sea offers gorgeous views of the Öresund Bridge. 

Visiting Sweden – For First Timers

5 Days 

If you’re staying in Sweden for the first time but don’t have much time, your best bet would be to concentrate your time in Stockholm and Gothenburg and their surroundings. 

Stockholm – Stadsholmen – Södermalm – Gothenburg 

Read Next: There’s lots to do in Stockholm during winter, so take a look at my guide. 

The Best of Sweden Tour

14 Days 

Stockholm – Lund – Malmö – Gothenburg – Dalarna – Östersund – Jokkmokk – Luleå – Sundsvall 

If you’ve got the luxury of time, a two-week itinerary allows you to see the best of Sweden. 

Southern Sweden 

10 Days 

Malmö – Lund – Kalmar – Gotland – Karlstad – Vadstena – Gothenburg – Varberg 

Southern Sweden is quite majestic, so it’s worth spending quite a bit of quality time exploring this area. 

Best of Northern Sweden 

10 Days 

Östersun – Vildmarksvägen – Vilhelmina – Arvidsjaur – Jokkmokk – Abisko – Kiruna – Luleå – The High Coast

Here’s the best of what you can expect in Sweden’s northern area. 

Tour the Bohuslän Coast 

The Bohuslän Coast is western Sweden’s rugged and beautiful coastline. It extends all the way from Gothenburg to the border with Norway. Along the way, you’ll find thousands of islands, charming towns, lakes, and picturesque little houses. 

Check Out The King’s Garden

This idyllic park is the oldest in Stockholm and sits in the city centre. It’s definitely one of the most photogenic places in Sweden, as its pathways boast stunning pink cherry blossom trees. There are a few cafés and eateries around the area, so grab a bite and take a leisurely stroll.

Wander Around Rosendals Garden

Sitting on Djurgården Island, this public garden boasts incredible orchards and flower beds. You can learn more about the ecology of the area and also enjoy a tasty lunch at the garden café. 

Hang Out At the Östermalmshallen Food Hall

If you’re a food lover, then this is the place to be. The Östermalmshallen Food Hall in Stockholm boasts every kind of food stall. It’s the perfect place to sample Swedish cuisine.

How to See the Best of Sweden for Free 

Travelling to Sweden doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank. There are loads of free things to do, including complimentary walking tours in the major cities.

There are numerous museums in Stockholm that offer complimentary admission. You can learn more about Swedish history, culture, and art without spending a cent. 

For unbelievable (and free) views of Stockholm, visit the Katarina Elevator, a 124-foot (38 metres)  vantage point that overlooks Gamla Stan. 

Dishes to try

• Pickled Herring – A Swedish classic usually eaten at celebrations. 
• Kroppkakor – A hearty potato dumpling served with fried pork and a creamy sauce.
• Kalops – A tasty stew served alongside boiled potatoes and pickled beetroot.

Drinks to try

• Gotlandsdricka – A unique beer blend produced on Gotland Island.
• Söderblandning – A Swedish tea blended with tropical fruits and flowers.

Expect to spend between £127 and £135) / $155 and $165 per day per person in Sweden on a mid-range basis. Add a minimum of £136 / $166 if you’re travelling on a luxury basis.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range – £76 – £135/ $92 –$165
  • Luxury – £148 – £333 /$181 – $406
• Food – £30 –£ 40 / $36 – $48
• Public Transport – £17 – £25/ $21 – $30)
• Attractions – £17 – £54 / and $21 – $65
• Tours will vary according to the location and type of tour. 

Safety

Sweden is one of the safest countries to travel to, as they have a strong police force in public areas at all times, and streets are well-lit at night. 

Petty crimes rarely occur, but it’s always good to keep an eye out for your belongings in public hubs. If an emergency occurs, dial 112. 

Health

As you travel to Sweden, there are currently no specific vaccinations required. Its healthcare system is excellent. If you have a health insurance card from the European Economic Area, you can receive the same healthcare as locals. Drinking tap water in Sweden is safe. 

Tipping

Tipping in Sweden isn’t customary at restaurants, when using a taxi, or for housekeeping services. The amount you’d like to pick is up to you. 

Tips for travelling

1. Swedish people are usually friendly and helpful but don’t really engage in small talk with strangers. So try not to take offence. 
2. For years, Sweden has moved away from using cash. It’s good to keep some money on you for emergencies, but most establishments prefer contactless card payments. 
3. When invited out, stick to the time given. Arriving early could be awkward, while Swedes consider coming too late rude. 
4. Sweden encourages using a bicycle to get around, so be careful not to walk in designated bicycle lanes. 
5. Renting a car in Sweden can be costly, so rather use its sophisticated transport system.

Packing

Packing for your Sweden trip? Don’t forget… 

• Comfortable walking shoes for city exploring. 
• A travel day pack for all your essentials.
• A hydro flask to carry around water or hot beverages. 
• Comfortable hiking shoes if you’re exploring outdoors. 
• A lightweight fleece jacket for chilly evenings. 

Travel insurance

I can’t stress taking out travel insurance enough because, as Murphy’s Law suggests, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. So stay on the safe side and look at taking out AXA Travel Insurance to cover everything from medical emergencies to loss of personal items. 

Suggested guidebooks

• Lonely Planet Sweden (Travel Guide)
• Fodor’s Essential Scandinavia
• The Rough Guide to Sweden

Interesting facts

• There are over 95,000 lakes in Sweden. 
• Music is its biggest export, with pop sensations like ABBA, Tove Lo, Zara Larsson, and Swedish House Mafia all hailing from Sweden. 
• The Treriksröset monument in northern Sweden marks the meeting point with Finland and Norway. 
• Forests cover two-thirds of Sweden’s land area. 

Handy phrases

Hello – Hallå

Yes- Ja

No – Nej

Please – Snälla du

Thank You – Tack

How Much Is – Hur mycket är?

Where is – Var är?

Goodbye – Adjö

Time zone

Sweden uses Central European Time (CET). When Daylight Saving Time kicks in, the clock turns to Central European Summer Time (CEST). 

Electricity and adapters

Sweden uses 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and type C and F plugs. It’s good to carry around a universal travel adapter.