Gamla Stan in Stockholm is a popular destination for tourists visiting Sweden.
If you think Sweden is all about Ikea furniture, Viking culture and plates of meatballs, think again. From bustling modern cities to tranquil lake-filled countryside and untouched Arctic wilderness, Sweden offers a Nordic experience that goes far beyond the Scandinavian stereotypes.
Swedish cities combine historic architecture with modern design trends and innovative cuisine. Venture a bit further, and you'll find hundreds of miles peaceful landscapes that make up much of the country's rural identity. Magnificent lakes and ample coastlines offer much for outdoor enthusiasts. In the far north, the Arctic region offers midnight sun and northern lights experiences together with the opportunity to explore Sami culture.
Whether you’re calling into the capital on a cruise ship or planning out a month-long itinerary to tour the country, here are the best places to visit to gain a true understanding of Swedish culture.
Big city experience in Stockholm
Founded in the 13th century on a handful of islands, Stockholm quickly grew to become Sweden’s biggest city. It has remained so ever since, despite centuries of conflict. Today, the city is responsible for much of Sweden’s image on the world stage.
Wherever you are in Stockholm, you are never far from water. Scenic walks around the old town islands Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen are great ways to orient yourself before diving into detail to the city’s many art, design, fashion, music, and historical attractions.
'Stadion' is one of many stations on the Stockholm metro system featuring public art installations.
Don’t miss the citywide art project on the Stockholm metro system. Initiated in the 1950s, the ongoing project to fill the city’s metro stations with public art has involved a diverse range of artists, resulting in mosaics, murals, sculptures, engravings and other installations.
A world away from the city by ferry
Although Stockholm is the capital, that doesn't mean city locals don’t have access to nature. The vast Stockholm archipelago is a paradise of vacation homes, hiking trails, rugged coastlines, sailboats investigating serene coves, and untouched wilderness stretching almost 50 miles into the Baltic Sea.
There is no ‘right way’ to experience the archipelago. Larger islands like Vaxholm, Grinda, and Sandhamn are full of charming villages with amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and accommodations. Smaller, more remote islands invite visitors to experience the Scandinavian love of the outdoors for themselves.
Slower urban pace in Gothenburg
If the bustle of Stockholm seems too much, consider a trip to Sweden’s second biggest city instead.
While by no means small, Gothenburg still runs at a more manageable pace than the capital. From its status as a global leader in sustainability to a fascinating history of trade and innovation, there’s a lot to discover about Gothenburg.
Liseberg is arguably the top amusement park in Scandinavia after Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens, and a must-do for families. The cobbled streets of the historic neighborhood Haga is the ideal place to indulge in Swedish fika.
Källö-Knippla in the archipelago of Gothenburg, Sweden, has a popular guest harbor.
As in Stockholm, Gothenburg is also fiercely proud of its vast archipelago. Many Swedes own vacation cottages and spend several weeks on one of the islands. In keeping with the city’s sustainability drive, the southern archipelago is entirely car-free. Passenger ferries connect people with the mainland.
Crossroads of Scandinavia in Malmö
Scandinavia’s landmark Öresund bridge links Sweden and Denmark by road and rail, providing a striking welcome to Sweden’s third biggest city, Malmö, and Sweden’s southern region, Skåne.
To the northwest of the city, the Turning Torso is a spectacular Spanish-designed expression of modern Scandinavian architecture. It’s the centerpiece of a modern waterfront district set away from the historic center featuring highlights such as Malmö Castle and the varied architecture of the marketplace Lilla Torg.
World Heritage Visby in Gotland
Sweden's largest Baltic Sea island, Gotland, is a top destination, teeming with nearly 100 medieval churches within an area the size of Long Island.
Gotland, known for its historic town and tranquil coastline, is a favored summer vacation spot for Swedes and offers a diverse experience for international tourists. Visby town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packing a rich Viking history within its medieval walls. Explore the historic cityscape, including the notable octagonal towers of Visby cathedral, through walking tours or at your own pace.
The city walls of Visby on Gotland island, Sweden.
Gotland is also significant for its Viking Age silver coins, Roman riches, and Bronze Age jewelry finds, much of which is exhibited at Visby's Gotland Museum. The town is also well-regarded for its food scene, with local restaurants utilizing ingredients from the island's farms and the surrounding ocean.
The vibrant student city Uppsala
Home to Scandinavia's oldest university, Uppsala stands as Sweden’s center of knowledge with historic charm and peaceful walks available throughout the town. Uppsala Cathedral towers over the landscape, while neighboring Gustavianum, the city's oldest building, now serves as a fascinating art, architecture, and culture museum.
Yet despite the historic and natural attractions, Uppsala is packed with a youthful energy. Visitors will find plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from along both sides of the Fyris river.
Swedish traditions at Lake Siljan
The Dalarna region and in particular Lake Siljan is a must-visit for all those interested in Scandinavian traditions. Red, wooden cottages dot the otherwise green and blue landscape, while arts and crafts dominate local commerce. The area is perhaps best known as the home of the painted, wooden Dala Horse, a popular Swedish symbol.
In the summer, Lake Siljan offers watersports, fishing, heritage boat trips, and swimming opportunities as the perfect alternative to a city break.
Discover Arctic Sweden
A world away from the cities of the south, Sweden's northernmost region is a true Arctic wilderness. Key areas to explore in this area include the town of Kiruna and the vast Abisko National Park.
Abisko National Park is one of the best places in Scandinavia to see the northern lights.
The mining town Kiruna offers a blend of Sami culture and Swedish traditions while undergoing one of the world’s most fascinating urban planning projects.
The town center is being relocated almost 3km because of the risk posed by ongoing mining operations. In the same spirit of reconstruction, the landmark Icehotel is rebuilt every year in nearby Jukkasjärvi before it melts away every spring.
Kiruna is a starting basecamp for those wanting to explore Abisko National Park, known for its exceptional hiking opportunities in the summer and northern lights hunting in the winter and spring. While the aurora can be sighted from across the park, a trip to the Aurora Sky Station provides the very best opportunities.
