Stepping into Sweden is like stepping into a showroom. Infallible design, eye-pleasing colour combinations and seamless efficiency of its cities make every aspect of Sweden seem like it’s been picked out of a magazine.
This elegant country doesn’t stop in the city; a boat trip from Stockholm will quickly open your eyes to the majesty of Sweden’s landscape that will entice you to know more. Sweden skirts the Arctic Circle in the north and reaches eastern Europe in the south. With its diverse landscapes come a wealth of activities and all the history, food and culture with it.
Home to one of the lowest population densities on the planet, Sweden is an untouched natural playground with very little to interrupt it’s course. Here, you are free to camp anywhere you please, given that you look after the natural bounty that you have been gifted. From hiking and cycling in Stockholm’s archipelago to snowshoeing in Lapland, no matter how you choose to spend your time in Sweden, you’ll be guaranteed spectacular views!
Beyond nature and slick design are the history and culture of Sweden. The landscape of the south is obstructed by burial mounds of ancient chiefs and standing stones. However, no Sweden guide would be complete without putting the spotlight on the Sami people. One of the few surviving indigenous peoples of Europe, the Sami people are in the north of Sweden and have a unique and often forgotten approach to life that is synonymous with the Arctic region they belong to.
All things considered, Sweden could very well be the perfect country, but we have to know a little more first. Let’s dip into all there is to do in Sweden;
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When to Go to Sweden
Sweden is very much a year-round country and when you choose to go primarily depends on what you are looking for in your holiday.
For summer activities such as hiking and cruises, visit Sweden from May to September when the temperature is warm, and the flowers are in full bloom. In June and July, at the very height of summer, it is possible to see midnight sun closer to the Arctic Circle; however, do bear in mind that the sun does not set at this time of year.
If wintertime is your favourite season, then Sweden will be heavenly for you. From November into March, the Arctic Circle is in its prime when the ice hotels have been rebuilt, skiing is at its finest, and the Northern Lights are at their brightest. However, it is crucial to remember that there is no daylight in the Arctic Circle at this time!
While it may not be top of your list, a Stockholm winter tour is a great place to start, an unexpected alternative snow-filled tour in Sweden.
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Unique Things to Do in Sweden
Stockholm
Slick in style, Stockholm is the perfect blend of old-age Nordic tradition and seamless modern progression. Its fairytale old town, Gamla Stan, complete with cobbled-stone streets and palaces, is a must-do in Stockholm. Quaint cafes and restaurants effortlessly match the yellow hue of the buildings with a distinctly Swedish clean-cut style, fronted by the canals and waters of the 14 islands that make up the capital.
The gateway to Sweden’s adventure haven, Stockholm sits in front of mountain ranges and forests and behind 30,000 islands that can be explored on a Stockholm river cruise like on this 10-day Scandanavian capitals and landscapes tour. Stockholm’s beauty lies in your ability to rapidly escape the city to a remote island within an hour.
Vadstena
Steeped in history, Vadstena may be small, but it has a lot going for it. Perched on the edge of Lake Vattern, religious and regional history stand face-to-face with an alluring charm.
The town is characterised by old wooden houses and cobbled streets that are overthrown by its castle’s dominance. This is where history gets up to greet you like it was yesterday. Vadstena is known for perfecting crafts, and to this day, is home to many handmade lace and glass pieces that you can buy in the centre. As suggested in this 9-day Swedish panorama trip, Vadstena is best explored along with the Gota Canal, an impressive 19th-century man-made creation.
Best Castles and Palaces in Sweden
Popping up all across the country, Sweden’s castles stick out on rugged outposts, having once been used to protect their respective regions. Some of the most interesting castles in Sweden sit on the country’s border: Marsvinsholm Castle in the south used to belong to Denmark and the Northern European marvel, Bohus Fortress, Norway.
From Baroque to Renaissance; French to Danish; each of Sweden’s castles has its own story with some dating as far back as the Stone Age just like in this 9-day southern Sweden tour.
Of all the castles and palaces to visit, Drottningholm Palace makes for the ideal day tour from Stockholm; it’s just one of the royal family’s many palaces. For those looking for an event, Orebro Castle is a 16th-century marvel that hosts concerts throughout the year and sits between Gothenburg and Stockholm. However, if you are looking for some history to get your teeth into, Kalmar Castle is a detour worth taking!
Sweden Lapland Tour in Abisko
Just north of the Arctic Circle is a Sami village in Lapland that will deliver all that you expect and more!
Sitting on the edge of Sweden’s largest lake, Torneträsk is Abisko. A snow-filled trip will take you dog sledding in the day time and on the hunt for the Northern Lights at night. However, no Abisko tour is complete without cocktails at the ice hotel, as you’ll see in this Finland, Sweden and Norway tour.
After ticking all the boxes, an alternative fun thing to do in Sweden that is only possible in Lapland is hopping on a boat that can go through ice! Not for the faint-hearted, the icebreaker cruise is Sweden’s very own arctic way of making a huge hole to swim in. Armed with a survival suit, adrenaline seekers will take great joy in jumping in the dark, icy pool!
Gothenburg and it’s Archipelago
Not to be confused with Batman’s Gotham, Gothenburg is another of Sweden’s cities that fronts an archipelago. As an urban port city, Gothenburg’s sightseeing is a mix of city-based explorations and outdoor immersions as you get out into the archipelago.
Known for its cheerful locals and small town, Gothenburg has an addictive charm to it. Despite its industrial edge, the feeling of being in a seaside town has never gone; it’s home to the best seafood in the country. Ranging from nature hiking and tours around Volvo’s factory to beer tastings and Smorgasbord samplings at world-class restaurants; it’s worth taking your time in Gothenburg – you never know what will happen next!
Dalarna & Gotland Island
Two that go hand-in-hand, Dalarna is highly regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful regions while Gotland Island takes you a step back in time as one of the most bountiful archaeological islands in the world!
Often compared to touring the entirety of Sweden in one, Dalarna is where you’ll traverse mountains, encounter Sami culture, gaze across lakes and stay in quaint red cottages while exploring the region. Exploring Dalarna’s towns, you’ll find tradition at every turn: costumes, hand-carved horses and folk music festivals galore characterise this region, often considered a living museum.
Sweden’s most distant island, Gotland is a natural paradise with a Viking edge; it’s one of the best places to learn about Scandinavia’s most famous era. A favourite summer holiday spot among city dwellers in Stockholm, Gotland more than doubles in size during summer months to enjoy the untouched beaches and balmy natural vistas.
You’ll never be too far away from the picture stones, cairns or rich history that tells of Gotland’s history. Whether you choose to explore the town of Visby or go to Faro, like in the 8-day authentic Dalarna and Gotland Island tour, you are sure to hear about the days of Viking Gotland.
Sweden Northern Lights Tours in Kiruna
Kiruna is another of Sweden’s most famous Lapland villages that has winter wonderland charm for most of the year.
From midnight sun tours to ice sculpting in the infamous ice hotels, Kiruna’s attractions are worth wrapping up for. Visible from August to April, if you are looking to hunt out the world’s most magical phenomenons, Kiruna northern lights tours are second to none.
However, what is surprising to most is that Kiruna is very much a year-round destination, come spring, the landscape changes, as you’ll see in this Kiruna tour, to make room for river rafting and hikes to admire the snow melting to make room for flowers to bloom.
How to Get Around Sweden
Sail
With over 250,000 islands, boat trips in Sweden are much more than just a mode of transportation, they are an essential experience!
From Stockholm river cruises to covering all of the Scandanavian countries in one trip, the choices for travelling on the water are endless. Most of Sweden’s islands have regular ferry services to the mainland, making day tours from Stockholm a breeze.
While in Sweden’s capital, boat trips form the backbone of things to do in Stockholm, whether that’s visiting the many castles and palaces or heading far to Gotland for a day or two, hitting the water seems like second nature in this city!
Road
For budget-conscious backpackers, travelling around Sweden by bus may be sufficient. With clear timetables and comfortable, clean conditions, if you are used to long-distance travel, Sweden’s efficiency will make you feel like you have landed in backpacking heaven.
For those who are looking to hire a car, you can rest assured that your time in Sweden is going to be your best self-driving adventure yet. With no traffic jams, well-maintained roads and easy-to-follow highways, the biggest issue people have with driving in Sweden are the elks and deer who are known to wander into the middle of the road. If the sound of that is a little too dangerous for your liking, you can hire a driver with our Local Designers during your time in Sweden.
Fly
Let’s face it, travelling in Sweden is not the cheapest and domestic flights are definitely not the exception! There are limited services in Sweden, so booking far in advance is recommended for the best price.
Train
The Swedish rail line is regarded as one of Europe’s finest. Covering much of the southern part of the country, and little of the north and central, train travel in Sweden is the most efficient way to get around. If you plan on using the train a lot while in Sweden, you can buy an InterRail pass to save money on the individual price of tickets.
If you are travelling during summer, particularly if you are choosing to take the stunning Inlandsbanan Line through north and central, it’s highly recommended that you book your ticket in advance. Our Local Designers can do this for you.
Where to Stay in Sweden
Stockholm
Staying in Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan, puts you at the centre of the action in one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved medieval cities, just moments from all of the city’s attractions. Alternatively, you can stay in Norrmalm or Sodermalm either to the north or the south of the old town as the names suggest. While both are further away from all that Stockholm has to offer, the efficient transportation systems will get you where you want to be in no time.
Ice Hotels
The coolest form of accommodation out there, ice hotels are an essential addition to any Sweden travel package that takes you to the cool climate in the north. The ice hotels are built in late November for the baltic conditions of the Arctic Circle in the winter months. Everything from the walls to the decor and furnishing is made from ice creating a surreal experience in the most remote areas of Sweden.
To keep you warm, your icy bed frame is typically filled with reindeer hide and lined with a thick sleeping bag to ensure you have a cosy night. Thermal clothing, hats, gloves and woolly clothing are recommended. While some hotels provide this for you, if you wish to continue your stay in the Arctic Circle, it is advised you bring your own. Due to the nature of this experience and the chilly conditions, it is advised that ice hotel goers only stay one night!
Hotels and Lodges in Sweden’s Countryside
Rustic guesthouses, elegant palaces and boutique hotels make up the majority of Sweden’s countryside accommodation options. Whether you choose an eco-lodge, an underwater hotel or a jumbo jet; innovative architecture and experimental, luxurious design are what the Swedish excel at and you’ll see it everywhere you stay!
Swedish Food You Won’t Get Enough of
A country known for its fish, Sweden is your go-to farm-to-table country with a very heavy focus on the fruits and labour of the country.
Smorgasbord
No, it’s not just a descriptor! A smorgasbord is a feast of hot and cold dishes that are very much considered a Swedish standard.
The traditional way for a smorgasbord to be served is over several courses that encourage you to sit back and enjoy the meal, accompanied by a shot of booze or two. The idea is to guide your palate through each dish at a leisurely pace. This is very much a grazing exercise; starting with pickled herring before more fish, then meats, salads, yet more food before you finally reach dessert and coffee.
Swedish Meatballs
A truly unique take on a meat-lovers classic. Swedish meatballs are packed with all your typical Swedish flavourings. Using a mix of beef and pork, the meat is mixed with nutmeg and all-spice to create an earthy aromatic flavour that is balanced out by the creamy sauce it’s served with.
Crayfish
The seafood that is loved so much there is a nationwide party dedicated to it, crayfish in Sweden is some of the best in the world.
Crayfish season marks the end of summer. With the choice of freshwater or saltwater crayfish, this seafood is considered almost sacred, so you’ll only ever see it served simply. The typical ways to eat crayfish are boiled and served whole or de-shelled or in a deliciously simple crayfish salad with dill and mayonnaise, served with knackebrod crispy rye bread.
Gravlax
Popular across Scandinavia, gravlax is fresh salmon cured slowly with dill.
Often playing an essential role in a Smorgasbord, gravlax is a traditional way of curing salmon with rock salt and vodka, to give it a unique texture and taste that is balanced out by the full flavour of dill.
The dish takes us back to the Middle Ages and was a traditional way of keeping salmon by salting the fish and storing it in the sand before the high-tide line, keeping it dry and safe, ready for consumption at another time.
Everything with Lingonberries
Found in the bushes and moorlands of Sweden, lingonberries are considered a staple of Swedish cooking. Although quite bitter raw, the acidic taste of the berry when mixed with a little sugar transforms just about any dish.
A favourite among locals with meats or even fish, there is nothing quite like the taste of lingonberries – you’ll soon find yourself craving it yourself.
Festivals and Events in Sweden
Sweden may be up there with one of the most difficult countries to make friends but they still love to party. Festivals and celebrations in Sweden are big and bold! Here are some of our favourites;
Gothenburg Culture Festival
Regarded as one of the largest festivals in the Nordic region, Gothenburg Culture Festival is a marvellous blend of theatre, film, art, crafts and music that is fun for all the family. Offering an enriching local experience that aims to be entirely sustainable.
Gothenburg Culture Festival aims to bring people together, foster new ways of working and powerful relationships with the community.
Kraftskiva
The story of how the crayfish party, Kraftskiva, came to be is a good one. Celebrating tradition dating back to the 1500s, crayfish was originally a delicacy for the royal family before word eventually got out in the 1700s of how good the seafood was.
Believed to have started in the early 19th century, the celebration of crayfish season was originally named Kraftsupa among the few that could afford it. At the end of summer, during prime crayfish season, seafood lovers would gather together to eat huge plates of crayfish, washed down with some beer. The party had started, however, things really took off when the government restricted crayfish harvesting to end on the first Wednesday of August every year. It was then that a traditional began.
The crayfish party is traditionally on the first Wednesday of August to celebrate and savour the taste of crayfish until the next year. However, since this law has been lifted, the celebration now continues well into September.
Stockholm Folk Festival
Folk lovers, you’re really in for a treat. Held in the stunning 17th-century Hesselby Castle, this laidback summer event is set in the beautifully manicured gardens to soak up the Swedish sun.
Local and international folk artists come together to showcase an eclectic range of musical styles that take things back to musical roots, whether that’s Medieval melodies, Irish blues or American-style folk, each has its own story, and this festival is dedicated to telling it.
ReOrient Festival
A festival with an edge, ReOrient Festival brings together the East and West to take on factors of tradition, modernity and the contemporary to raise a platform for conversation through performances, lectures and seminars. One of the more educational festivals in Sweden, ReOrient takes place in Stockholm’s Sodra Teatern, the oldest and most beautiful theatre in the city.
Quick Tips & Important Facts about Sweden
Visa: Non-European residents must apply for a permit before visiting Sweden. As it is in the Schengen area, it’s important that you double-check what is required before visiting.
Money: The currency of Sweden is the krona. As of February 2021, 1 USD is equal to 8.37 krona.
Languages: In Sweden, the official language is Swedish. There are several dialects that you will hear in different regions. The Sami people in the north of Sweden speak various different Fenno-Ugrian languages.
Religion: Over 50% of Swedish people are Christians. The rest of the population are made up of a variety of religious and non-religious people.
What to Expect: The economy in Sweden is one of the strongest in the world. Everyone is doing pretty well for themselves, and with it comes a lack of people doing menial tasks. Don’t expect bell boys or ticket punchers and do expect to have to work things out yourself!
Culture: Sweden is advanced in many, many ways. There is evident equality across many factors of Swedish culture that even extends into animal equality. Get ready to feel like you are seeing the future!
Inspired by This Sweden Guide?
Whether you are here for the crayfish party or are packed and ready for an Abisko Aurora tour, there’s no denying it, what Sweden has to offer is unlike any other country in the world!
At Designer Journeys, our Local Designers have a host of fully-customisable tours to Sweden that offer you a chance to travel throughout the year and find the very best of Sweden to suit your travel needs. Adventure travellers, luxurious relaxers, skiers and history buffs seek solace in Sweden, and there is no reason that you won’t either!
If you don’t find what you need while browsing our trips, tap on ‘design your own trip’ and tell our Local Designers in Sweden how you like to travel, your budget and any special requests that you cannot go without. Throughout the making of your trip, you’ll be able to chat with our Local Designers to add all that you need for your dream trip to Sweden.
Find comfort in customisation by browsing our trips today!
