Sweden

What are the most recommended things to do in Sweden?

  • Explore Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) for historic streets, cafés, and shops.
  • Visit the Vasa Museum to see the 17th-century warship.
  • Tour the Royal Palace and watch the changing of the guard.
  • Enjoy nature and wildlife in Swedish Lapland, including Northern Lights viewing in winter.
  • Take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago.
  • Discover modern art at Fotografiska and other contemporary galleries.
  • Relax in scenic parks like Djurgården and Skansen open-air museum.
  • Experience cultural festivals, traditional Swedish cuisine, and fika at local cafés.

Introducing Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden, abbreviated as "Sweden," is a country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and one of the five Nordic countries. Its capital is Stockholm. Sweden borders the Baltic Sea to the east and the North Sea to the southwest. The terrain slopes from northwest to southeast, with a plateau in the north and a slope in the south. From northwest to northeast, the terrain forms the Norrland Plateau. The country's highest peak, Köbner Kaiser, rises 2,123 meters. The south and coastal areas are mostly plains or hills.

Sweden, the largest country in Northern Europe, is renowned for its high wages, high taxes, and generous welfare benefits. Sweden is renowned as the home of the Nobel Prize, boasts the world's only ice hotel, and boasts a Lapp settlement, a cultural and natural heritage site. Its capital, Stockholm, is both elegant and prosperous. The Royal Palace, where the King conducts his official duties and holds ceremonies, is a major tourist attraction.

Climate and best time to travel

Sweden's oceanic areas are influenced by the Atlantic warm current, resulting in mild and rainy winters. The climate is primarily temperate continental, with some areas experiencing a subarctic coniferous forest climate and the southernmost region experiencing a temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest climate.

The best time to travel is from May to September;

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Stockholm

As Sweden's capital and largest city, Stockholm serves as its political, cultural, economic, and transportation hub. It houses the Swedish government, parliament, and royal palaces. Located on Sweden's east coast, bordering the Baltic Sea and where Lake Mälaren meets the water, Stockholm is a renowned tourist destination. The city of Stockholm, spread across 14 islands and a peninsula, is often referred to as the "Venice of the North."


Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden's largest port, located on the Kattegat Strait on its west coast, facing the northern tip of Denmark. Ice-free year-round, Gothenburg serves as a major port for trade between Sweden and Western Europe. Gothenburg is a popular tourist destination, home to a university, an oceanographic institute, and other cultural facilities. Its attractions, such as the 17th-century Royal Residence, the Old Town Hall built in 1699, the Swedish East India Company's mid-18th-century site, and the cathedral built in 1815, attract hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. As one of the world's leading ports, the Port of Gothenburg now serves over 450 shipping routes to ports worldwide, with over 30,000 ships entering and leaving the port annually.


Abisko

Abisko is a village in the northern Swedish province of Lapland, just 37 kilometers from the Swedish-Norwegian border, and falls within the jurisdiction of Kiruna. Abisko is famous for the Abisko National Park, which stretches over 70 kilometers, located just four kilometers to the west. Within Abisko National Park, you'll find mountains, valleys, plains, forests, lakes, vegetation, and wildlife, offering breathtaking scenery while breathing in the fresh air. Abisko offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights and the midnight sun from May 27 to July 18 each year. It's also a popular destination for winter sports.


Most Popular FAQs for Sweden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Sweden is a Nordic country with a rich history dating back to the Viking Age. It is known for its contributions to science, design, and human rights, as well as its natural landscapes, medieval towns, and high quality of life. Major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are cultural and economic hubs.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Sweden is in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Major airports include Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg Landvetter, and Malmö Airport. Local transport includes metro (Stockholm Tunnelbana), buses, trams (in Gothenburg), taxis, and walking for city centers. Intercity travel is convenient by train or domestic flights.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most museums and attractions are open 10:00–17:00. Best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May–September) for mild weather and extended daylight. Winter (December–February) is ideal for Northern Lights and winter sports.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Ticket prices vary: museums typically cost 100–250 SEK. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance. Many parks and outdoor attractions are free.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is recommended for popular museums, royal palaces, and seasonal tours, usually 1–2 weeks ahead. Outdoor sightseeing and general city exploration do not require advance tickets.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

7–10 days are ideal to explore major cities, cultural attractions, and natural regions including Lapland and the archipelago.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Stockholm: Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum, Royal Palace, Djurgården, Fotografiska.
  • Gothenburg: Liseberg amusement park, Gothenburg archipelago.
  • Swedish Lapland: Abisko National Park, Northern Lights, dog sledding.
  • Malmö: Turning Torso, Malmö Castle, Ribersborg beach.
  • Outdoor: Archipelagos, lakes, and national parks like Tyresta and Fulufjället.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in English, Swedish, German, and other major languages. Audio guides are provided at most museums and historic sites.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Monteliusvägen in Stockholm for city and water views.
  • Djurgården waterfront and Skansen open-air museum.
  • Gothenburg harbor and Liseberg hill views.
  • Abisko National Park and Northern Lights in winter.
  • Swedish archipelago islands for coastal photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start in Stockholm with Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum, and Royal Palace. Explore Djurgården and Skansen, then take a boat tour of the archipelago. Continue to Gothenburg and Malmö, finishing with northern regions for nature and winter activities if visiting Lapland.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, some museums and attractions offer evening openings, seasonal light festivals, and Northern Lights tours. Liseberg amusement park has evening illuminations in summer and winter.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak season is summer (June–August) and December holidays. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are less crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

  • Toilets and drinking fountains are available at most public areas and attractions.
  • Restaurants, cafés, and fast food are widely accessible.
  • Shops for souvenirs, groceries, and convenience items are abundant.
  • Rest areas in parks and public spaces are common.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most urban attractions are accessible, with ramps, elevators, and facilities for disabled visitors. Public transport accommodates wheelchairs. Outdoor areas may vary in accessibility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Sweden is largely cashless. Cards and mobile payments (Swish, Apple Pay, contactless) are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Traditional Swedish cuisine (meatballs, herring, gravlax) in restaurants.
  • Cafés offering fika with coffee and pastries.
  • International cuisine and street food in city centers.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are common in restaurants and cafés. Halal options are available in major cities, particularly in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury hotels in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö city centers.
  • Mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations in urban and tourist areas.
  • Hostels and guesthouses for budget travelers.
  • Cabins, lodges, and resorts in Lapland and rural areas.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Drottningholm Palace near Stockholm.
  • Archipelago islands accessible by boat trips.
  • Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg.
  • Malmö Castle and Öresund Bridge for trips to Copenhagen.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Swedish handicrafts, Dala horses, and glassware (Orrefors, Kosta Boda).
  • Local food items: lingonberry products, crispbread, chocolates.
  • Clothing and design products reflecting Scandinavian style.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Domestic flights and trains for other Swedish cities.
  • Ferries for the archipelago or to Finland/Estonia.
  • Bus and intercity coach services for regional travel.
  • Car rentals for exploring countryside and Lapland.