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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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Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-04
Written on
Baltic Capital Cities by Explore!
Baltic Capital Cities
Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-01
Written on
Baltic Capital Cities by Explore!
Baltic Capital Cities
Interesting cities with beautiful old towns explored with a guide who knows them inside out. All the cities are different and it was wonderful to visit them in the winter.
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Harry and Liz Glover
·
2023-10-25
Written on
Baltic Capital Cities by Explore!
Baltic Capital Cities
Full on, varied and very interesting.
Carol
·
2023-10-21
Written on
Baltic Capital Cities by Explore!
Baltic Capital Cities
Trip was great but was spoiled by poor weather - not your fault I know but it did impact my enjoyment of the cities
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Mark Smith
·
2023-10-18
Written on
Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords
The itinerary was excellent. I did hear some complaints regarding one night stays where we arrived at the hotel too late to visit local shops. This didn't bother me since I didn't go to Scandinavia to shop.
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Trusted Customer
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2023-10-16
Written on
Baltic Capital Cities by Explore!
Baltic Capital Cities
Good local guide, lots of walking tours and got to see alot in a short period of time.

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