Sweden Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Sweden with our comprehensive travel guide. Find a list of places to visit, hiking routes, things to do, food and drink, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Sweden

Welcome to Sweden, a country in the Nordic region of Europe that boasts of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history. From the hustle and bustle of Stockholm to the Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Sweden.

List of Places to Visit in Sweden

Sweden is filled with awe-inspiring natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and world-renowned museums. Here’s a list of must-see places in Sweden:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vasa Museum, Stockholm
  • Skansen Open-Air Museum, Stockholm
  • ABBA Museum, Stockholm
  • Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg
  • Gamla Stan (Old Town), Stockholm

Natural Attractions of Sweden: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Abisko National Park, Lapland
  • Visby, Gotland
  • Stockholm Archipelago, Stockholm
  • Kebnekaise, Northern Sweden
  • Sarek National Park, Lapland

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sweden

Sweden is a hiker’s paradise, with trails for all levels of experience. Here are some of the best trails in Sweden:

  • Kungsleden, Lapland
  • Sörmlandsleden, Stockholm
  • Skåneleden, Skåne
  • Vasaloppsleden, Mora

Best Things to Do in Sweden: Activities and Tours

From kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago to dog-sledding in Lapland, Sweden offers a wide range of activities for every traveler. Here are some of the best things to do in Sweden:

  • Northern Lights tour, Lapland
  • Midnight Sun Kayaking tour, Stockholm
  • ABBA The Museum Tour, Stockholm
  • Drottningholm Palace Tour, Stockholm

Week-Long Itinerary for Sweden

Sweden has so much to offer that a week-long trip can only scratch the surface. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Sweden:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Stockholm, explore the city
Day 2 Skansen Open-Air Museum, ABBA Museum, Old Town
Day 3 Train ride to Gothenburg, Liseberg Amusement Park
Day 4 Kayaking in Stockholm Archipelago, Vaxholm
Day 5 Train ride to Lapland, Abisko National Park, Northern Lights
Day 6 Kebnekaise hiking trail
Day 7 Departure from Lapland

Food and Drink Scene of Sweden

Swedish cuisine is a fusion of traditional dishes and modern flavors. Here’s a list of must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce
  • Surströmming (fermented fish)
  • Gravad lax (cured salmon)
  • Smörgåsbord (traditional Swedish buffet)

Local Beverages

  • Absolut Vodka
  • Rekorderlig Cider
  • Julmust (Swedish Christmas soda)

Where to Stay in Sweden: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sweden has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Sweden:

  • Grand Hotel, Stockholm
  • Hostel Bed & Breakfast, Stockholm
  • STF Vandrarhem Malmö City, Malmö
  • Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel, Gothenburg

What to Buy in Sweden: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Swedish design is world-renowned for its elegance and functionality. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Dala horses (wooden figurines)
  • IKEA furniture and home accessories
  • Swedish glassware (e.g., Orrefors and Kosta Boda)
  • Swedish beauty products (e.g., FOREO and Löwengrip)

Local Culture and Customs of Sweden

Swedish culture is known for its egalitarian values, openness, and love for nature. Here are some tips to navigate the local culture:

  • Always say “Hej!” (hello) when entering a store, restaurant, or meeting somebody for the first time.
  • Avoid talking loudly or engaging in personal conversations in public transport.
  • Tipping is not a common practice in Sweden, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

Best Time to Visit Sweden

The best time to visit Sweden depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit Sweden:

  • Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities and exploring cities
  • Autumn (September-November): Ideal for exploring the countryside and enjoying the fall foliage
  • Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing, winter sports, and seeing the Northern Lights
  • Spring (March-May): Ideal for experiencing Swedish Easter traditions and nature waking up from its winter sleep

Do’s and Don’ts of Sweden

To make the most of your trip to Sweden, here are some things to do and avoid doing:

Do:

  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Practice good queue etiquette, wait for your turn patiently.
  • Explore Swedish nature in its raw and pristine beauty.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave garbage in public spaces.
  • Don’t assume all Swedes are blonde and blue-eyed.
  • Don’t take photographs of people without their consent.

Safety and Health

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world with low crime rates. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your safety and health while in Sweden:

Safety in Sweden

  • Always keep an eye on your possessions in crowded areas.
  • Take precautions when using ATMs in the city center.
  • Follow traffic rules and use designated bike lanes when cycling.

Health in Sweden

  • Sweden has an excellent public healthcare system for emergencies.
  • Always carry proof of health insurance while traveling.
  • Stay hydrated during the summer and protect yourself from mosquito bites during the forest-areas during summer.

Getting to Sweden: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sweden has a well-connected transportation system, making it easy to get around. Here are the transportation options to get to Sweden:

Airports Near Sweden

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
  • Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
  • Malmö Airport (MMX)

Bus Stations Near Sweden

  • Eurolines, Stockholm
  • FlixBus, Gothenburg
  • Nettbuss, Malmö

Other Options

  • Train, Sweden has excellent train connections with Denmark, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
  • Ferry, Sweden has ferry connections to Finland, Estonia, and other countries.

How to Get Around in Sweden

Sweden has a well-connected transportation system that offers a variety of options for getting around. Here are some of the best ways to get around Sweden:

  • Train
  • Bus
  • Metro
  • Bicycle
  • Car

Where to Go Next from Sweden: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sweden is located in the heart of Scandinavia, making it easy to explore other nearby destinations. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Saimaa Lake, Finland

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to visit Sweden’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and fascinating culture. With so much to do and see in Sweden, it’s time to start planning your next trip.

The Gävle Goat, a Christmas decoration known to be targeted by arsonists. The Gävle Goat, a Christmas decoration known to be targeted by arsonists. The Öresund Bridge connects Sweden to Denmark. The Öresund Bridge connects Sweden to Denmark. Sleeper trains run to Åre, a ski resort in Jämtland. Sleeper trains run to Åre, a ski resort in Jämtland. The Svinesund bridge connects southern Sweden to Norway (E6). The Svinesund bridge connects southern Sweden to Norway (E6). The Baltic Sea ferries have the cheapest accommodation in Scandinavia, duty-free shopping, and a view of the Stockholm archipelago. The Baltic Sea ferries have the cheapest accommodation in Scandinavia, duty-free shopping, and a view of the Stockholm archipelago. The X40 train, used on many regional routes, has an upper deck, which gives a good view of the Swedish scenery. The X40 train, used on many regional routes, has an upper deck, which gives a good view of the Swedish scenery. Swedish highways range from monotonous to spectacular. ''Höga kusten'' in Ångermanland is an example of the latter. Swedish highways range from monotonous to spectacular. ''Höga kusten'' in Ångermanland is an example of the latter. Road sign for scenic routes. Road sign for scenic routes. '''Taxi rip-off alert:''' ''never'' step into a Swedish taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right, and there are cases where tourists have been charged around 30,000 kr for a trip to the airport! The price tag should say around 350 kr for a Stockholm cab. '''Taxi rip-off alert:''' ''never'' step into a Swedish taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right, and there are cases where tourists have been charged around 30,000 kr for a trip to the airport! The price tag should say around 350 kr for a Stockholm cab. The Rök runestone in Östergötland is the world's largest of its kind. Erected in the 9th century and written in Old Norse, the predecessor of the Swedish language. The Rök runestone in Östergötland is the world's largest of its kind. Erected in the 9th century and written in Old Norse, the predecessor of the Swedish language. Besides association football and Ice hockey in Europe, bandy is a major spectator sport in Sweden, with the 26th of December as a traditional game day. The stands are usually outdoors, so the audience needs to dress warm. Besides association football and Ice hockey in Europe, bandy is a major spectator sport in Sweden, with the 26th of December as a traditional game day. The stands are usually outdoors, so the audience needs to dress warm. Dala Horses Dala Horses Meatballs with mashed potatoes and a glass of milk Meatballs with mashed potatoes and a glass of milk Falukorv in a supermarket fridge Falukorv in a supermarket fridge Messmör - available in tubes or boxes Messmör - available in tubes or boxes The world-famous furniture retailer '''IKEA''' has stores at the outskirts of 15 Swedish cities. Their diners serve basic Swedish meals for as little as 40 kr, and the store exit usually has a café selling hot dogs for as little as 5 kr. (They hope that you spend some money on shopping too.) Expect crowds at rainy weather. The world-famous furniture retailer '''IKEA''' has stores at the outskirts of 15 Swedish cities. Their diners serve basic Swedish meals for as little as 40 kr, and the store exit usually has a café selling hot dogs for as little as 5 kr. (They hope that you spend some money on shopping too.) Expect crowds at rainy weather. '' ''"Crayfish demand these beverages! You have to forego crayfish unless you vote '''no''' on August 27."'' Hard liquor have long been an integral part of the Swedish cuisine, under different regulations. In 1922, the first Swedish referendum narrowly rejected a total prohibition. Today, the sale of alcohol remains regulated and heavily taxed. One of the more famous hostels is ''af Chapman'', a clipper ship anchored in central Stockholm. One of the more famous hostels is ''af Chapman'', a clipper ship anchored in central Stockholm. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Uppsala has had a university since 1477. Uppsala has had a university since 1477. Sandhamn in February Sandhamn in February Swedish police car. Swedish police car. Swedish security officers. Swedish security officers. The Stockholm Pride Festival is held annually in June/August. Same-sex marriage is legal in Sweden, and homosexuality is nearly universally accepted. The Stockholm Pride Festival is held annually in June/August. Same-sex marriage is legal in Sweden, and homosexuality is nearly universally accepted. Rod fishing is generally allowed in seawater and the largest lakes. Fishing in small lakes or rivers, as here in Klarälven, Värmland, usually requires a license. Rod fishing is generally allowed in seawater and the largest lakes. Fishing in small lakes or rivers, as here in Klarälven, Värmland, usually requires a license. Post box in Sweden Post box in Sweden


    Götaland
    Norrland
    Svealand