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Winter tour of Sweden

Best Things to Do in Sweden

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Sweden

Sweden is still an off the beaten track destination for many travelers. But this large Scandinavian country, consistently ranking high for quality of life, education, and equality should definitely be on your list. Whether you're more interested in ice fishing, soaking in the vast Viking history that formed this nation, or seeing the Northern Lights, Sweden offers an experience not to be missed.

Top Sweden Experiences

Take a trek along the Kungsleden trail, which is the longest and most well-known trail in Sweden.

Visit the Drottningholm Palace and see where the Majesties of Sweden live and take a dive into Swedish history.

Explore the picturesque medieval town of Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, to understand the beginnings of Sweden.

Enjoy the summertime and the sea in Gotland, an island getaway that host lively daytime and nightlife activities.

Ride your bike along the Gota Canal in Southern Sweden and enjoy the rolling countryside.

See the Northern Lights in the northernmost province of Lapland. Additionally, explore the area through outdoor activities.

See and support the marine life at the national marine park of Kosterhavet by foot, kayak or canoe.

Get to know the many sides of the capital, Stockholm.

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Things to do in Sweden - Expert’s guide

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All non-essential travel is currently banned from entering Sweden. The ban is expected to lift on August 31st.

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1. Stockholm

Sunny day at the harbor in Stockholm Sweden

A visit to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the capital of the country. This lively city hosts spectacular sights, such as the Vasa Museum, where you can step aboard this ancient ship, Skansen, a lively open-air museum that explores the farming culture of Sweden, or Gamla Stan, a lovely square that hosts exquisite dining options and the Royal Palace.

2. Drottningholm Palace

Impressive Drottningholm palace and gardens in Sweden

A short day trip from the capital, the 17th century Drottningholm palace hosts majestic gardens, grounds and the home of royalty. Taking a trip here will give you more insight into the Swedish ruling systems, history and a gorgeous walk through time. Many architecture enthusiasts will also enjoy examining the Palace and imagining how it was built.

3. Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden

Those travelers who enjoy the delights of exploring a culture through the lens of music, festivals and the performing arts, will enjoy a visit to Gothenburg. This city is known for all of these arts, particularly in the summertime. Gothenburg is an interesting mix between the ancient and the modern sides of Sweden.

4. Uppsala & Sigtuna

Uppsala architecture in Sweden

Stepping into Sigtuna is like stepping into history. A quaint and the oldest town in Sweden, it is largely preserved. Uppsala also has the largest cathedral in all of Scandinavia, Uppsala Domkyrka. This town also hosts lively gardens and museums to explore and expand your understanding of Swedish culture.

5. Kiruna

Winter landscape at dusk in Kiruna Sweden

The northernmost city of Kiruna will allow you to delve into the natural beauty of a more wintery side of Sweden. This city is known for the famous hotel-museum that is entirely made of ice and snow. This is also a great homebase for exploring the surrounding nature through various activities.  

6. Kalmar

Castle on a river in Kalmar Sweden

A city that lies just along the Baltic Sea, Kalmar is known as a destination in Sweden for its ties to the Renaissance period. The iconic Kalmar Castle is a well-known architectural site. As a whole, the city, lined with cobblestone streets, exquisite gardens and intriguing museums is a homage to the 16th and 17th century times of Sweden.

7. Gotland & Visby

Gotland and Visby Sweden islands on sunny day

The island of Gotland is home to the town of Visby. It is a great destination for those who love to dive into a city that breathes history. Visby is a medieval walled city and as such gives the visitor the feel of being in that time period. The island itself has a beautiful countryside to explore, especially for those who love the seaside.

8. Abisko National Park

Viewing the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park, Sweden

This National Park is located in the Swedish Lapland and is home to excellent wildlife viewing, outdoor activities and a stellar location to see the Northern Lights. Travelers can go to the Sky Station, which is only accessible by a chairlift and this gives an unobstructed view of the lights during the viewing season.

9. Sonfjallet National Park

Hiking in lush forests of Sonfjallet National Park, Sweden

This National Park has the majestic Sonfjallet mountain that is surrounded by expansive and untouched forests. Known as being an important bear habitat of Scandinavia, it provides visitors more of a wilderness experience, where visitors can engage in excellent hiking and backpacking.

10. ÄNGSÖ National Park

This National Park can only be reached by boat and as such is largely untouched by modern society and technology. It is home to wonderful agricultural landscapes as well as unparalleled natural harbors, wharfs and forests. Come enjoy a relaxing and peaceful experience in this beautiful park.

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Sweden Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Excellent
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Great
11
Average
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Lorna
·
2024-03-23
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
This tour includes 2 flights and stays in very nice properties. The price was very reasonable.
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-22
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
Some of the optional experiences (Ranua Wildlife Park and Aurora Dinner in Kiruna) were not up to the level we expect Trafalgar to offer and were not worth the money paid.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-22
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
For us, the purpose of this trip was for the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. We were lucky to see them 3 nights!
The itinerary provided many unique experiences; but some Optional Experiences we chose not to do in favor of having additional free time to do other things we were more interested in.
The coach and hotels were acceptable; although, we encountered many of the hotels where the room temperature was too warm and no windows to open to cool down. Bring Summer PJ's!
We packed a lot of clothes for cold weather on this trip but found that many of the optionals did provide jackets, boots, and other things. Check what you want to do and pack accordingly.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-21
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
The Santa Claus Hotel in Saariselka was kind of rustic. Not quite up to the standard of the others.

I really feel that The Aurora Hunting optional tour should have been included in the whole package since the tour is called Scandinavian Northern Lights. The fact that we had to pay extra to go on a tour with a local expert was ridiculous to me.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-18
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
A good trip but a little pricey. My roommate got a way better price.
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-18
Written on
Scandinavian Northern Lights
On our northern lights tour thare was an "optional" outing to go go look for the lights that we had to pay for. It should have been included.
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