10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden, it is renowned globally for a multitude of reasons. It is widely recognized for its iconic Saab and Volvo automobiles, the legendary music group ABBA, the delectable pickled herring, and the colossal DIY megastore IKEA. Additionally, Sweden is equally celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, charming fishing villages, its association with reindeer, and the phenomenon of the never-ending summer sun.
The country is adorned with vibrant wooden structures, traditional cottages, majestic stone fortresses, and awe-inspiring cathedrals, alongside contemporary architectural marvels that showcase innovation. Whether one seeks to explore picturesque hiking trails or immerse themselves in the world of art museums, Sweden offers an abundance of options. Here is an overview of the finest destinations to explore within Sweden.
Ystad [SEE MAP]
Ystad, a charming coastal town located in the southern region of Sweden, is a destination that undoubtedly captivates both amateur detectives and enthusiasts of murder mystery novels. Renowned author Henning Mankell chose Ystad and its surrounding area as the backdrop for his famous Kurt Wallender detective series. Within the pages of his books, you will come across notable landmarks such as Greyfriars Abbey, an exceptionally well-preserved medieval monastery, and the Church of the Virgin Mary, an impressive example of Gothic Hansa architecture.
Embarking on a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets of Ystad will lead you to picturesque half-timbered buildings, adorned with pastel hues that add to the town’s charm. Additionally, a visit to the town’s beautiful sandy beaches is a must. If you venture east of Ystad, you will encounter the awe-inspiring megalithic monument known as Ales Stenar. This remarkable site consists of 59 massive boulders meticulously arranged to resemble a stone ship.
Stockholm archipelago
If you have a passion for island hopping, then exploring the Stockholm archipelago might be the perfect adventure for you. With a staggering 30,000 islands, it’s impossible to visit them all, as many of them are simply large rocks emerging from the sea. However, you can easily reach the main destinations in the archipelago by taking a short 10-minute ferry ride from Stockholm.
Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Starofortet, a fortress from World War I, or explore Vaxholm, considered the “capital” of the archipelago, known for its beautiful buildings and rich history of herring fishing. For a luxurious experience, treat yourself to a spa day in Nacka, the closest island to Stockholm and easily accessible by car.
Uppsala
Uppsala, situated 70 km (44 miles) to the north of Stockholm, has been the religious hub of Sweden since the 12th century. In its pre-Christian era, Uppsala was renowned for its idols representing Norse gods. The Uppsala Cathedral, serving as the seat of the archbishop of Sweden, stands as the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. Education holds great significance in this city as well, with Uppsala University, established in 1477, being one of the oldest educational institutions in Scandinavia.
Flowing through the city, the Fyris River divides it, with the medieval district located on the western side of the river. The cityscape is dominated by both the cathedral and Uppsala Castle. Notably, the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus resided in Uppsala during the 18th century, making a visit to the botanical garden adjacent to the castle highly recommended.
Swedish Lapland
If you’re looking for an adventure in the wilderness, Swedish Lapland is the perfect destination in Sweden. This region is located in the far north, above the Arctic Circle, where the sun shines all day long during summer. Lapland is a great place for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
The indigenous Sami people, who live in vast forests and barren tundra, inhabit Swedish Lapland. To fully experience the region, you can drive along the 359-km (223-mile) long Wilderness Way from Stromsund, the canoeing center, to Vilhelmina, a church town, passing through Fatmomakke, where you can see traditional wooden huts. During winter, visitors can purchase reindeer hides at Jokkmokk, the center of Sami life.
Gothenburg
Various sizes. A number of the parks have origins in the 19th century, such as Kungsparken, a park encircling the canal that surrounds the city center. For those who prefer amusement parks, Liseberg is the destination to visit, offering a greater number of rides than any other amusement park in Scandinavia.
As the biggest port city in Scandinavia, Gothenburg is also home to the largest film festival in the region, along with numerous music festivals held throughout the year. Feeling hungry? Indulge in a haga bulle, a sizable cinnamon roll, in Haga, a district renowned for its charming wooden houses.
Gotland
Despite being surrounded by the Baltic Sea, fishing is not the main industry on Sweden’s largest island. Instead, agriculture, tourism, and information technology are among the top industries. The island is a popular tourist destination, particularly for sun seekers, as it receives more sunlight throughout the year than any other place in Sweden. Visby, the only city on the island, is a stunning walled Hanseatic town that has managed to preserve much of its historic buildings and townscape. Additionally, the island boasts around 100 medieval churches and numerous prehistoric sites.
Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and the largest city in Scandinavia, is a charming city situated on 14 islands. With a history dating back to the 13th century, Stockholm is home to the annual Nobel Prizes. The city boasts a perfect blend of modern and historic architecture, lush green parks, and world-class attractions, making it a popular tourist destination.
One of the must-see attractions in Stockholm is the well-preserved medieval center, featuring beautiful old churches, the Royal Palace, picturesque bridges, canals, and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. Djurgården, a lush green island, is home to some of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Gröna Lund theme park, the Stockholm Zoo, and the Skansen Open-Air Museum.
Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from atop the world’s largest round building, the Ericcson Globe. The Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, is Scandinavia’s most visited museum. Stockholm is a budget-friendly destination, offering free admission to 15 museums, including the Swedish History, Medieval Museum, Royal Armoury, and Skokloster Castle. Other must-visit attractions include the Royal Palace, Modern Art Museum, and City Hall.
Kosterhavet National Park
Sweden boasts an extensive coastline, and while there are many places to observe marine life, the ideal location for protected and controlled observation is Kosterhavet National Park. Situated along the border with Norway, Kosterhavet is Sweden’s inaugural marine national park. With an impressive array of 6,000 marine species, this park is home to several unique species that cannot be found elsewhere in the country.
The park primarily encompasses the shores and surrounding sea of the Koster Islands. Its coral reefs attract snorkelers and divers, providing them with an exceptional experience. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, there are charming fishing villages that offer picturesque scenes, perfect for capturing on postcards.
Marstrand
Marstrand, a city that has been in existence since 1200, is renowned for its association with sailing and its ancient fortress. Situated on an island in western Sweden, this coastal community is the proud host of the annual Match Cup Sweden, a significant sailing competition. Additionally, it boasts the magnificent Carlsten Fortress, a stone structure from the 17th century that serves as a protective stronghold for the city.
Marstrand is often described by visitors as a picturesque destination, making it an ideal choice for a day trip from Gothenburg. Prepare yourself to capture numerous photographs of the exquisite, pastel-colored historic buildings that grace the cobblestone streets. Apart from this, there are several must-visit attractions including the Strandverket Art Museum, the meticulously restored Pater Noster Lighthouse, and breathtaking hiking trails.
Malmo is one of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden
Malmo, a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, showcases a captivating mix of medieval charm and contemporary architecture. As Sweden’s third largest city, it boasts a remarkable Old Town called Gamla Stoden, which encompasses three main squares: Stortoget, Lilla Torg, and Gustav Adolfs Torg. Within the Old Town lies the magnificent Malmohus Slott, a castle that adds to the city’s historical allure.
This vibrant and multicultural city is home to 150 different ethnicities and is connected to Denmark through the impressive Oresund Bridge. Among the must-see modern attractions is the Turning Torso, an architectural marvel that spirals over 190 meters (600 feet) into the sky. It has become the talk of the town, solidifying its status as Sweden’s most renowned building.
