Best Places to Visit in Sweden

Sweden has become reputed for its great cultural history and beautiful natural landscapes. Home to popular brands like Volvo and IKEA, this Nordic country shares boundaries with Finland in the northeast and Norway in the west. Notably, around half of Sweden is covered in forest (particularly around 23 million hectares).

Owing to its mild climate and relatively long hours of sunshine, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Sweden. Summer, however, is the ideal time for watching the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun.

With plenty of activities or places to explore in this north-western European nation, it would be a good idea to have our list of top 10 places to visit in Sweden ready. Let’s go through this article for more details on the unique places to visit in Sweden.

Which are the Best Places to Visit in Sweden?

Check out this table for the best 10 places to visit in Sweden -

Best Places to Visit in Summer	Best Places to Visit in Winter	Best Places to Visit with Family
Stockholm	Öland	Karlskrona
Dalarna	Malmö	Helsingborg
Gothenburg	Österlen	Linkoping
Skåne	Kiruna	Uppsala

1. Stockholm

Stockholm, the capital of the country, is one of the best places to visit in Sweden. Also called the ‘Venice of the North’, it is located on several islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Mälar into the Baltic.

Stockholm offers tons of fun activities and places like galleries, theatres, lovely green spaces, and more. You can also get around anywhere within the town through the wonderful railway system named ‘Tunnelbana’ as well as buses, car rentals and bikes.

• Skansen Open-Air Museum: First opened in 1891, this is a great Swedish attraction for travellers coming with families or children. Once here, don't miss the fun at the Children’s Zoo and Skansen Aquarium. From every corner of the country, over 150 different structures were collected and reassembled at this location. 
• Moderna Museet: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, this place is suitable to uncover one of Europe's notable art compilations from the twentieth century to the current era that showcases work by world-famous artists like Picasso. In this museum, you can see everything from modern masterpieces to present-day art.
• Storkyrkan: The oldest church in Stockholm, Storkyrkan was constructed in the thirteenth century and is among the greatest structures of the mediaeval era. Its key highlights include a brick pillar-supported vaulted ceiling, several Baroque flourishes, furniture pieces from the mediaeval period, and more.
• Gamla Stan: Gamla Stan is a small old town region where the city of Stockholm initially emerged in the mid-13th century. A significant part of the mediaeval town remains in the classic Scandinavian style, and is freshly brushed and painted on a regular basis. The charm of this neighbourhood lies in the architecture and its cobbled streets and small stone-paved lanes. 

2. Gothenburg

For foodies across the globe, Gothenburg and the West Coast of Sweden have become major attractions - you can locate several award-winning restaurants and enjoy delectable seafood here.

About 460 kilometres from the Swedish capital, Gothenburg is among the best places to visit in Sweden in winter. During this time, you can head to the Christmas Market and enjoy the unique Christmas vibe here.

List of top places to visit in Gothenburg -

• Gothenburg Botanical Garden: Among the biggest and highest-rated botanical gardens in Europe, it is a habitat for more than 16,000 plant species. The garden’s large collection includes tropical orchids, the rare Easter Island Tree, and more.
• Haga: Haga is within a short distance from the heart of the city. It is a magnificent neighbourhood in Gothenburg and has many avenues for shopping, cafes, and more. It is surrounded by well-restored lands in the Gothenburg style, including one bricked floor and the remaining in wooden construction.
• Universeum: One of the best places to visit in Sweden for science enthusiasts, the Universeum is where you can truly explore a spectacular technical and scientific world organised into various zones. As the national science centre in the country, its aim is to promote astronomical observatories, botanical gardens, and more.
• Liseberg Amusement Park: Time for some adventure! Liseberg Amusement Park (opened in 1923) is a popular family-friendly destination that you must visit. It features exhilarating rides and roller coasters, a lovely Christmas market, and regular concerts.

You can spend time on nearly 40 different rides and attractions, with the most prominent ones including the large free-fall ride AtmosFear, the acclaimed wooden roller coaster Balder, Liseberg Wheel, and more.

3. Helsingborg

Helsingborg is located right at the Oresund Strait's narrowest part and just next to the Danish town of Helsingor. As a bustling port and a centre of industry and commerce, it is popular for trade fairs and conventions as well.

Remarkably, Helsingborg also serves as Sweden's main maritime gateway to Denmark and the European mainland. This city, one of the top 10 places to visit in Sweden, is also renowned for its vibrant dining scene and diverse range of food.

• Tropikariet: This indoor zoo is one of the best places to visit in Sweden for animal lovers. The recreated tropical rainforest is inhabited by various exotic species, counting monkeys, bats, meerkats, lemurs, birds, and more. What’s remarkable about this place is that you can even pet and see crocodiles, snakes, and more up close.
• Sofiero Castle: Sofiero Castle is around 5 kilometres north of Helsingborg and is located in one of the loveliest European parks. This fortress, built during the nineteenth century, has an incredibly regal history - it was once used by Swedish nobility as a summer getaway! You can explore various exhibitions here and discover the rich history of Sweden.
• Dunker Culture House: Art galleries and special displays are everything to witness at the Dunker Culture House. It is also a venue for hosting theatre, international music, and cultural shows for the youth and has the town’s history wonderfully presented in a multimedia exhibition.
• The Town Hall: The gorgeous town hall of Helsingborg is among the most remarkable landmarks of the city. Constructed in 1870, it lies in the lower part of Stortorget. The building has a tall tower of height 65 metres as well as stained-glass windows portraying stories from the town’s history.

4. Uppsala

The picturesque mediaeval university city of Uppsala is located just 25 minutes by car from Arlanda Airport and about 70 kilometres northwest of Stockholm. One of the top 10 places to visit in Sweden, Uppsala has a friendly vibe with its air of academia! It also has a sizable and diversified student population.

This Swedish city was once home to the Swedish kings of old. It is the site of the burials of Gustav Vasa, the sixteenth-century monarch, the eighteenth-century botanist Carl Linnaeus, and more. The city has a vast history dating back to the Viking era and is among the best places to visit in Sweden for learning about it more.

• Uppsala Castle: Uppsala Castle is the County Governor's official home and is immersed in history. This is the place where several things occurred, such as the Sture killings (where noblemen were executed on the orders of King Eric XIV in 1567), the renunciation of the throne by Queen Kristina in 1654, and more.
• Gamla Uppsala Museum: A must-visit travel attraction in Uppsala, it blends with its environment due to the dome shape that it adopts following the Viking burial sites spread all around the region. You can find interesting objects at the adjacent archaeological site while learning about Viking myths, culture, and stories.
• Uppland County Museum: Another museum on the list! Uppland County Museum is housed in an old mill and is popular for being featured in the movie Fanny and Alexander by Ingmar Bergman. You can find various permanent and temporary exhibits related to arts, crafts, music, photography, and more. After exploring them, you can also relax at a café nearby and explore the gift shop and the children’s corner.
• Uppsala Cathedral: This cathedral is among the most iconic landmarks of the city and has significantly evolved over the years. Constructed in the 13th century, it underwent a major neo-Gothic restoration between 1885 and 1893. Its twin towering pointed spires, stained-glass windows, and incredible paintings were installed throughout this significant makeover.

5. Linköping

Next on our list of top 10 places to visit in Sweden is Linköping, which is also the country’s 7th largest city. Currently renowned for its academia and technological industry, it is also a notable cultural hub, commemorating its 700th anniversary in 1987. Serving as both the seat of Linköping Municipality and the capital city, it is also the Diocese of Linköping's episcopal see and has a prominent cathedral.

• Air Force Museum: This is among the best places to visit in Sweden for those seeking unique and ancient aircraft. You can understand the development of Swedish defence aviation, check out the exclusive compilation of exhibits, take guided tours, and enjoy the experimental shows in the air lab.  
• Stora Torget: Enjoy an energetic day and night at the main square of Linköping, Stora Torget. During summer, the town is full of outdoor restaurants and cafes. You can visit this bustling place and enjoy its cafes, restaurants, live music, and numerous events throughout the year! 
• Linköping Cathedral: Linköping Cathedral, a 107-metre-high tower, is among the best secured mediaeval churches of the country with an awe-inspiring interior. You can explore a lot of things here such as the glass sculpture from Orrefors, the Gothic blind arcades with their strange stone figures, and so on.
• The Open Air Museum Gamla Linköping: A unique place to visit in Sweden, this is also where you can truly travel back in time and get a feel of the past! The museum has something for all - from impressive summer structures to engaging concerts and more. The numbers certainly back its popularity - in 2018, it came 6th in the list of the most visited museums in Sweden.

6. Skåne

Skåne, the southernmost area of the country, is among the top 10 places to visit in Sweden. It is a well-liked destination for outdoor fanatics. You can participate in numerous activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and horse riding.

If you are seeking more adventure, go for a boat tour of the archipelago or scuba diving in the Baltic Sea. Skåne's countryside is amazing as well, comprising rolling hills covered with more than a hundred-year-old farms and fields encircled by wildflowers. With this place offering delectable Swedish food, you can certainly indulge your taste buds after all that adventure!

Let’s now bump into the popular sites of Skåne -

• Aggarps Mill: Made in 1896, Aggarps Mill is just around half an hour away from the heart of Malmö. With this mill being exceptionally spectacular from every corner, make sure to explore it from all angles during your visit! The first Sunday of July, the time of ‘Mill Day’, is the best time to visit this place.
• Ystad Saltsjöbad: Located in the southern Swedish province of Skåne, it is a well-liked spa and resort lying on the shores of Saltsjön Bay. This is one of the best places to visit in Sweden to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the sea and enjoy a relaxing time.
• Kullaberg Nature Reserve: A rugged, stunning natural area of Skåne, Kullaberg Nature Reserve is quite popular for its charming coastal scenery, secluded coves, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. With a variety of flora and fauna as well as hiking trails, this is an ideal destination to engage in climbing, hiking, and birdwatching.
• Söderåsen National Park: A preserved natural area, Söderåsen National Park, spans about 10,000 hectares and is popular for its landscape which comprises dense forests, lofty cliffs, and deep valleys. It has numerous cultural and historical landmarks as well as lots of sites for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

7. Kiruna

Kiruna, one of the top 10 places to visit in Sweden, is a must-visit if you wish to experience the rich culture and indulge in the wonders of nature. Home to the world’s largest underground iron ore mine, Kiruna also boasts the highest peak in Sweden, named Kebnekaise.

Remember the Midnight sun and the Northern Lights that we discussed earlier? Kiruna is one of the best places to visit in Sweden to catch the two natural light shows! A fantastic place to watch this kaleidoscopic show is the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko, just an hour away from Kiruna.

• Solar Egg Sauna: Your trip to Kiruna would be incomplete if you don’t visit the Solar Egg! It is an egg-shaped capsule with gold panels in various shapes, reflecting the sunlight beautifully and creating a marvellous outlook from the outdoors.
• Abisko National Park: Abisko National Park is a great span of forest, river, lakes, canyon, plains, and mountains. You can add this place to your list to witness the fascinating Northern Lights. Interestingly, during the tour, you may encounter arctic foxes, reindeer, lemmings, bears, and a range of plant life as well.
• Nutti Sami Siida: Nutti Sami Siida is a museum where you can explore the culture, history, and customs of the Sami people, who were the local inhabitants of the area. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, taste local delicacies, and enjoy reindeer sledding as well!
• Reindeer Farm: Reindeer Farm is a good place to understand reindeer’s significance in Nordic culture. Notably, you can also find delight in the reindeer sleigh ride.

8. Dalarna

Situated in central Sweden, Dalarna has incredible natural beauty in the form of mighty hills, floral meadows, lakes, and hiking-friendly forests. Owing to its large-scale landscapes, Dalarna County is often called a “miniature Sweden.”

Dalarna, one of the top 10 places to visit in Sweden, is also a great one to engage in a midsummer celebration. You can visit in June and join Swedish people from all over the country. Head to the picturesque Tällberg, Rättvik, or Leksand, which are popular for their authentic midsummer events.

If you wish to capture the essence of city life here, Mora, Falun, Avestaand Borlange have much to offer. On top of all that, you can also come across many ski resorts like Salen and Idre in Dalarna.

• Lake Runn: Believed to contain various islands between Borlange and Falun, Lake Runn is an epic destination to visit if you wish to go wildlife spotting, swimming, kayaking, and ice skating. It remains pleasant year-round, like many other places in Dalarna.
• Mora: Mora, situated on the northern coast of Lake Siljan, is primarily popular for its connections to Vasaloppet, the oldest long-distance cross-country ski competition globally. You can also pay a visit to the giant Dala horse before leaving Mora.
• Falu Gruva Copper Mine: Falu Gruva is among the largest and oldest copper mines in Europe. Situated near Falun, this is one of the key mines that helped Sweden become the leading copper producer during the seventeenth century. Even today, the copper mine plays a role in the development of the gorgeous red paint used to adorn Swedish homes.
• Sälen: Typically linked with the ski season, Sälen is certainly just as attractive in the summer and spring months. Moreover, with the weather also being quieter at this time, you can have even more time to stretch out in some of Sweden's most beautiful nature reserves.

9. Malmö

The third largest Swedish city, Malmö is also on the list of the best 10 places to visit in Sweden. Connecting Sweden and Scandinavia with the remaining Europe, Malmö has numerous ethnic restaurants all over, attributed to the city’s widely diversified population. This Swedish city is a blend of scenic city parks, diverse restaurants, intriguing exhibits, and cutting-edge art. Being one of the unique places to visit in Sweden, a tour of  Malmö can be worthwhile.

• Turning Torso: Turning Torso is a truly awe-inspiring skyscraper based on a sculpture by Santiago Calatrava. The world’s first ‘twisted skyscraper’, it is nearly 3 kilometres from Malmö Central Station and can be accessed via car or bus. Opened in 2005, it took 4 years to complete this 190 m tall construction!
• Lilla Torg: Lilla Torg or ‘Little Square’ is among the busiest spots in Malmö. For coffee lovers, Lilla Torg is the perfect location in this town. Several terraced coffee shops look out onto the town square and are jammed next to each other, with each place offering a range of cuisine from typical Swedish to sushi.
• Malmö Art Gallery: Established in 1975, Malmö Art Gallery has one of the biggest exhibition halls in Europe and hosts rotating exhibits of Swedish and foreign contemporary art. The gallery’s varied-height ceiling, built of 550 domes, offers ample natural light and an attractive design as well. Note that there is no entrance fee to Malmö Art Gallery.
• St. Peter's Church: St. Peter's Church was constructed in the 14th century and is the oldest church in the city. It is located near the Central Station and is popular for its impressive wooden retable, the biggest such example in North Europe. You can also discover tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries here.

10. Öland

Öland, the second biggest island in Sweden, has been a summer vacation destination for the Swedish Royal family for over a century. Although there are numerous fun activities, sandy beaches, and places to see here, a 2-3 days’ trip may be sufficient for Öland. 

Öland’s southern part is full of amazing, flat landscapes and several fields, windmills, and sea views. Such factors give Öland a place in the list of the 10 best places to visit in Sweden.

Some of the best sites to explore here are -

• Naturum Ottenby: Situated just beside Långe Jan, Naturum Ottenby nature reserve is one of the best places to visit in Sweden for birdwatching. It is also a great site for watching the sunset, with the entire area encircling the nature reserve and the lighthouse providing incredible aesthetics at this time.
• Eketorp Fort: The original settlers of Eketorp built large walls with homes and farms inside of them to protect against intruders. Today, this Iron Age and Medieval fortress is a museum displaying archaeological artefacts.
• Gettlinge Gravfält: Gettlinge Gravfält is the region's biggest Iron Age grave field. Over 200 graves are there, with excavations revealing a grave with a sword, spear, shield, lance, and others as well.
• Böda Beach: The Böda Bay in northern Öland is home to Böda Beach, which is among the top-rated beaches in Sweden. The surroundings here are quite picturesque and ideal for beaches. Apart from a beach, you can also locate a water park, a town, and much more here.

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