From scenic landscapes to rich cultural history Sweden is every traveler’s dream paradise. Serving as the gateway into Scandinavia, Sweden is both peaceful and beautiful presenting a breathtaking experience to its visitors. This is the destination for travelers lost in wanderlust, lovers of the outdoors. Aside from its picturesque landscape, crystal clear water, and clean air, Sweden’s phenomenal public transport adds to the incredible experience. The friendly and helpful locals elevate the travel experience and tempt you to extend your stay.
In this post, I will provide you with a comprehensive travel guide to make sure that you get the ultimate travel experience on your visit to Sweden.
Things To Do
Activities in Sweden are not just numerous but varied catering to all tastes. From exploring the capital city Stockholm to watching the Northern Lights in Kiruna, your itinerary will be filled to the brim. Here are some things I believe should make your list.
1. Tour Stockholm
With over 10 centuries of history, the capital of Sweden is well worth a visit all on its own. Start at Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, an iconic historical sight that was founded in the middle of the 13th century. It’s made of gabled buildings with a stunning array of colors that are painted regularly. It has retained its medieval charm with its main allure being the architecture along the cobbled streets and narrow stone-paved lanes.
Aside from the Gamla Stan, visit the Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of more than 30,000 islands varying from large to mere rocks protruding from the water. The archipelago is a must-visit site when in Stockholm for its beautiful scenery and excellent sailing. It also serves as a retreat for many artists and writers in Scandinavia.
2. Watch The Northern Lights in Kiruna
You must have seen it in pictures, the otherworldly Northern Lights attracting people from all over the world. They can be seen in Kiruna, located in Lapland, Sweden’s most northern town. The Northern Lights are best seen from September to March when the skies are clearest. While in Kiruna, make sure you experience the Ice Hotel, one of its kind in the entire world. Located 17 kilometers outside the city, the Ice Hotel is made entirely of ice with extraordinary rooms and furnishings and is recreated every year with a new design.
3. Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago
Home to a stunning coastline, beautiful waterways, and canals, numerous historical museums, and most importantly award-winning seafood, Gothenburg is a gem. It’s the second largest city after Stockholm and is located on the west coast of Sweden. Here you will find the perfect shopping experience in the streets of Aveny, explore dazzling villages through the boating canals, and feast your eyes on picturesque landscapes. Try your hand at lobster fishing and enjoy a myriad of attractions on the ferry. When you want to take a break from the waters, explore Castle Park, in the city. In this mini zoo, you will spot reindeer, elk, moose, and seals. Check out the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History, and the Botanical Garden and explore the historical Haga District west of the city as well.
4. Visit Visby, the Medieval City
Located on the island of Gotland, this UNESCO World Heritage site is rich in Medieval history. It is no doubt that Visby is one of the most popular destinations in Sweden since it is stunning even viewed from afar living true to its name “the pearl of the Baltic”. This walled town is full of ruined churches with cobblestone streets that meander around the town which adds to the sense of otherworldliness. The town is mainly made of a myriad of trading houses adorned with stepped gables and several timber buildings. You can explore the city by yourself or join one of the guided tours to learn more about the over 700 years of history of this quaint historic town.
5. Hike the Abisko National Park
Ever heard of the land of the 24-hour sun? Experience summer in Abisko National Park where daylight is 24 hours and lasts for several weeks. This has earned this area the name “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Abisko National Park is one of the most infamous places to visit in Sweden spanning over 77 square kilometers. It offers breathtaking natural beauty and Nordic wildlife making it a perfect destination for long summer hikes and Scandinavian winter adventures.
Things To Know Before Traveling
Swedes are very progressive, and many residents are familiar with English so you will find navigating around fairly easy. Swedes are eco-conscious and prioritize sustainability so you should be mindful of your environmental footprint during your stay. Here are some main things to keep in mind as you plan your travels.
- Many establishments favor card payment over cash so ensure you prepare accordingly.
- Alcohol consumption in public is strictly regulated and can only be bought from government-regulated stores called “Systembolaget”.
- Swedes are not chatty upon first meeting. However, as you get to know each other, your conversations will be longer.
- Research your activities and places to visit beforehand. You might find some are closed for the summer.
- Ride rails since it is cheaper and the easiest way to get around.
- Book your accommodation before you travel.
- Avoid speeding when on your road trip since the anti-over speeding policy in Sweden is pretty strict.
- Don’t be late to places but also don’t be too early. Always arrive on time.
- Queues always have tickets issued so make sure you get one before joining a queue.
Navigating Sweden
Exploring Sweden is one of the best things about this Scandinavian country. It is incredibly easy due to the extensive network of public transport that includes trains, buses, trams, and ferries. In metropolitan cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, renting a bike is the better and more popular option. Taxis are available as well however slightly more expensive. You can also find Uber in some cities in Sweden.
Airport Information
Your arrival to Sweden will most likely be through the Stockholm Arlanda airport. This is the largest and busiest airport in Sweden, and it offers many international connections. Here you can either take a taxi or use Arlanda Express which operates to and from Stockholm Central Station every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. It takes about 18 minutes to get to the city center. Buy a ticket online or at the airport information desk or from a ticket machine since it costs extra to purchase a ticket onboard the train. The other major airports are Gothenburg Land Vetter Airport and Malmö Airport. All Stockholm airports have free Wi-Fi access and excellent basic amenities.
Foods:
Savor the culinary delights of Sweden which have evolved a lot over the years. Make sure you sample.
- Traditional Swedish dishes such as köttbullar (meatballs), gravlax (salt-cured salmon), and herring.
- Experience Fika, a coffee break steeped in Swedish culture that is more than just coffee but a time to socialize. During this time, try out Swedish pastries such as kanelbullar, cinnamon buns.
- If you are an adventurous culinary traveler, try Surströmming, a fermented herring. It has the reputation of being one of the smelliest foods in the world.
Accommodation
Sweden has no shortage of places to stay depending on your budget. You can explore luxury hotels, historic inns, pocket-friendly hostels, or eco-friendly cabins. Make sure to book your lodging before you travel since it will make your arrival less stressful. The iconic accommodations in Sweden that you might want to check out for a once-in-a-lifetime experience are the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi and the Treehotel in Harads.
The Swedish Culture
Swedish traditional culture is informed by the Norse culture which dominated the southern Scandinavia prehistory. It is known as one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. Swedes are known for their environmental sustainability. They are also some of the most punctual people and have a deep respect for personal space.
A visit to Sweden is an otherworldly experience due to its stunning landscapes, history, and unique culture. The balance between development and sustainability is a remarkable feat that has been achieved to perfection in Sweden. You might go for the Northern Lights, but you will stay for the rich culture and great people.
