Sweden is one of those countries that needs little introduction; especially when looking for cool cities to visit, like Stockholm. That being said, there’s a heap of the best places in Sweden to visit that isn’t just in the capital. In fact, the whole country is pretty diverse and has centuries of history to explore.
Packed full of amazing little Swedish towns, gorgeous regions and some delicious food, you’re gonna be spoilt for choice when you finally visit. Though, as there are quite a few places, it can be tricky to nail down just a few to visit if you’re already on a tight schedule. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in Sweden that I hope you’ll love.
Now, you’ve probably realised by now that I tend to bang on about how much I love exploring Scandinavian countries. With our most recent trip being to the Arctic Circle in Norway, the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland, Finnish Lapland and island nations like the picturesque Faroe Islands.
Plus, you’ve got the charm of Denmark (and the amazing city of, Copenhagen) to dramatic countries like Iceland, too.
Scandinavia has it all!
Anyway, I’m always rambling too long! With that in mind, take a look at some of the best places in Sweden to visit on your next trip. Have the best time exploring.
1.) See Falsterbo
Perched on the south-western tip of the country, Falsterbo is one of the best places in Sweden to visit if you want a smaller and slower pace to travel.
Once here, make sure to explore the Foteviken Museum and learn more about the Viking Age in their reconstructed Viking settlement. It’s pretty cool to see. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Falsterbo Strandbad for its white sandy shores and dunes. It’s a stunner of a place;, especially on a sunny day.
Finally, pop over to Nya Almviks Cafe for some of the tastiest cakes in all the town.
2.) Find Smögen
Perched (roughly) halfway between Gothenburg and Oslo (in Norway), Smögen is one of the best places in Sweden to visit if you’re already exploring the west coast of the country.
Better still, it’s totally stunning and beautiful.
After arriving, make sure to stop off at Skärets Krog for a tasty lunch and take a wander around the historic Smögenbryggan (pier area).
It’s totally stunning. Plus, on a calm day, you can also head out to kayak the area, too.
3.) Explore Visby
Perched on the island of Gotland, Visby can be reached by ferry from mainland Sweden (at Nynäshamn). It’s one of the best places in Sweden to visit, especially as it’ll be your starting point to explore the rest of Gotland island, too.
Once here, make sure to explore the historic Visby Town Walls, stroll through the Gotland Museum and see S:ta Karins Ruin, too. They’re incredible pieces of history and pretty epic to see.
Also, after leaving the town itself, head north-east towards Lummelunda Cave. It’s one of the longest caves in all of Sweden and well worth seeing once on the island.
4.) Visit Sarek National Park
Situated within Swedish Lapland, Sarek National Park is one of the best places in Sweden to explore if you love the great outdoors. Plus, it’s officially the oldest national park in all of Europe.
After arriving in good weather, you can arrange a few hikes (with local experts) that can take you to some epic viewpoints at Skierfe or even Rapa Valley.
Just make sure to plan in advance and visit in the summer months if you want to enjoy the great outdoors.
5.) Explore Stockholm
Stockholm is a vibrant and colourful city, with so many things to do once you’re here. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best.
Once here, Make sure to wander around Gamla stan (the central historic part of the city) and head over Glashuset for a tasty lunch.
Oh, and make sure to visit the art-filled metro stations that are carved out of the rock. Many have artistic designs and they’re so cool to see.
Afterwards, take a trip to see the Royal Palace, sing your heart out at the ABBA Museum and visit Drottningholm Palace that’s only a boat ride away.
It’s such a great city.
Read more: Best things to do in Stockholm
6.) Stay at the Ice Hotel
Perched in Swedish Lapland, the Ice Hotel is such a cool experience to have!
For me, it’s one of the best places in Sweden that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Once here, make sure to book one of their art rooms and spend a night in one of the years created ice rooms that are made from the Frozen River. Though, fear not, if you arrive in summer, they also have a 365-hotel where the ice stays permanently frosty, too.
After arriving, take a husky ride into the frozen Arctic Circle, watch out for the Northern Lights and try your hand at ice-carving, too. The latter is pretty hard; mine was so bad!
Finally, after spending all day outside, make sure to try some of their tasty foodie spots, too.
They had some of the best sushi we’d ever had in Europe.
Read more: Best things to do in the Ice Hotel
7.) Explore Norrland
There’s a whole heap of things to see in the relatively large area that is Norrland, which makes for some exciting experiences for us visitors. Make sure to wander across Isbanan the frozen lake that’s around half a mile from Bistro.
Obviously, make sure to listen to local safety guidelines and never venture out unless the ice is thick enough. No one wants to fall in an icy lake!
If you’re less interested in walking around the icy tundra or frozen lakes, make sure to visit the quaint little Gammelstad Church Town that is so picturesque at sunset.
8.) Find Sweden’s castles
Sweden has a whole range of pretty amazing castles that each of us should definitely visit on our trips to Sweden.
From grand palatial like castles to remote outhouses that guarded Swedish territory, the whole country is scattered with loads of gorgeous castles that you’ll want to explore.
Make sure to visit Läckö Castle and check out these other amazing castles that are scattered around the country. They really are some of the best places in Sweden to visit if you love history.
Read more: Best castles in Sweden to visit
9.) Visit the small locality of Sundborn
Perched in Dalarna County, Sundborn is a gorgeous little town that is well worth a visit, especially if you’re already in the area.
Don’t forget to visit Carl Larsson’s house. One of the region’s most famed artists. Around 160 miles inland from Stockholm, it’s a great place to experience a little piece of old Sweden.
Don’t forget to drop on by Korsa Herrgard for some traditional cakes and has some gorgeous rooms to stay in. A true home away from home and one of the best places in Sweden to visit.
10.) Explore Kalmar and Öland Island
Perched on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Kalmar is a gorgeous city that is home to one of the country’s most iconic castles and Kalmar Cathedral.
For a little jaunt out of the city, drive over to the island of Öland and discover some of the small villages and towns that line its shores.
For a tasty and city renowned coffee, head over to Balck Coffee and choose your blend for the perfect brew.
11.) Visit Öregrund
Nestled within Uppsala County, Öregrund is one of Sweden’s smallest cities, with under 2,000 people calling it home.
Make sure to visit in the summer months and rent a small sailboat from the historic harbour. Still considered one of Uppland’s (and Sweden’s) best-preserved wooden cities, it really is a great place to experience the historic charm of Sweden.
12.) Explore Gothenburg
Perched on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s most westerly cities that’s well worth visiting.
Spend a long weekend exploring the coast in and around the city, chow down at Feskekôrka where you’ll grab some fresh shellfish and don’t forget to head over to the iconic botanic gardens.
It’s a surreal experience being in a relatively hot glasshouse in the snowy winter months.
Read more: Best things to do in Stockholm
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