Best things to do in Sweden

• Capital: Stockholm
• Language(s): Swedish
• Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)
• Dial Code: + 46

Sweden Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Places to Visit, and Things to Do in the Land of Fika and Forests

Planning a trip to Sweden? Get ready for a Nordic adventure filled with ancient Viking tales, modern design wonders, cozy coffee breaks (yes, fika is a national pastime), and enough forests and lakes to make your inner nature-lover cry happy tears. This travel guide is here to help you uncover the top attractions, best places to visit, and the most unforgettable things to do in Sweden.

Spoiler alert: you’re going to want to move there. Or at least seriously consider it every time you walk past an IKEA.

Welcome to Sweden – Where History Meets Hipster Cool

Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe on the eastern side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It shares borders with Norway (cue epic fjords) to the west, Finland (land of saunas and reindeer) to the east, and is linked to Denmark by the impressive Øresund Bridge — a sci-fi-looking feat of engineering that’s half bridge, half tunnel.

With a whopping area of 450,295 square kilometers, Sweden is the third-largest country in the European Union. Yet, you won’t be elbowing through crowds everywhere — the population density is wonderfully low. Of its roughly 10 million residents, over 85% live in urban areas, meaning there’s plenty of pristine wilderness for hiking, skiing, berry-picking, and maybe even chatting with a moose or two.

Stockholm: The Capital of Cool

Let’s start your sightseeing in Stockholm — the capital, the crown jewel, and a serious contender for “most picturesque city ever.” Spread across 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm blends medieval charm with cutting-edge Scandinavian style. It's the kind of place where you can wander cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan (the Old Town), visit a 17th-century warship at the Vasa Museum, and then grab lunch at a trendy café that makes Instagram-worthy cinnamon buns the size of your head.

Top attractions in Stockholm:

• Gamla Stan – Wander through colorful historic streets and pretend you’re in a fairy tale.

• Vasa Museum – See a real-life 17th-century warship that sank and was miraculously salvaged.

• ABBA The Museum – Dance, jive, and have the time of your life.

• Skansen – The world’s first open-air museum, complete with Nordic animals and historic buildings.

• Fotografiska – A contemporary photography museum that’s as cool as the people who visit it.

And don’t forget a boat tour through the archipelago — there are over 30,000 islands to explore, so bring snacks.

Gothenburg and Malmö: The Underrated Gems

While Stockholm often steals the spotlight, Sweden’s second and third cities, Gothenburg and Malmö, deserve a spot on your list of places to visit.

Gothenburg, located on the west coast, is known for its laid-back vibe, seafood scene, and canal-side cafés. It’s the birthplace of Volvo, which might not sound sexy, but wait until you see the sleek Scandinavian museum dedicated to it.

Things to do in Gothenburg:

• Visit the Universeum science center (great for kids and curious adults).

• Stroll through Haga, the city’s charming historic neighborhood.

• Eat your weight in shrimp sandwiches and fresh fish.

Malmö, in the south, is connected to Denmark by the Øresund Bridge and blends Swedish and Danish cultures in the best way possible. The city’s modern architecture, like the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper, contrasts with its medieval castle, and the food scene? Let's just say you won't go hungry.

Lapland and the Arctic Circle: Snowy Magic and Northern Lights

Looking for a bucket-list adventure? Head north to Swedish Lapland, where you can:

• Chase the northern lights (best seen between November and March).

• Sleep in an ice hotel (it’s cold but magical).

• Mush a team of huskies through snowy forests like you're auditioning for a sled-dog movie.

• Learn about the Sami people, the Indigenous community of the Arctic.

It’s a completely different side of Sweden — one filled with snow, silence, and surreal beauty.

Nature Lovers, Rejoice: Sweden’s Great Outdoors

If you’re a fan of hiking trails, camping spots, and fresh air so clean it feels suspicious, Sweden’s got you covered. The country is a natural wonderland of lakes, rivers, and endless forest — almost 70% of Sweden is covered in trees.

Top nature-based things to do in Sweden:

• Hike part of the Kungsleden (King’s Trail), one of Europe’s best long-distance trails.

• Canoe through Dalsland’s lake district.

• Wild camp under the Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access), a unique Swedish law that lets you roam and camp almost anywhere responsibly.

• Take a summer dip in one of the 100,000+ lakes — seriously, there are more lakes than you could ever count.

A Brief History (With Drama)

Sweden has a rich and dramatic history that stretches back to Viking times. By the 17th century, it had blossomed into the Swedish Empire, a serious player on the European power stage. But as with all empires, things got complicated. Sweden lost chunks of territory (including Finland in 1809) and eventually gave up on conquering the world.

Since 1814, Sweden has remained famously neutral. No wars. Just peace, prosperity, and meatballs. In fact, Sweden’s last military conflict was in 1814, and ever since, they’ve been sticking to a non-aligned and peaceful foreign policy — which means Swedes are really good at conflict resolution and really bad at starting bar fights.

Modern Sweden: Innovation Meets Tradition

Today, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy and one of the world’s most advanced economies. It’s home to global giants like IKEA, Spotify, and H&M — so yes, if your playlist, wardrobe, and bookshelf are all Swedish-influenced, you're not alone.

Swedes are proud of their high quality of life, gender equality, and work-life balance. They’re also serious about their coffee breaks — fika is an actual word and an actual cultural institution. It means stopping to enjoy coffee and a pastry with friends. Try arguing against that.

Final Tips for Your Sweden Travel Guide

• Best time to visit: Summer (June to August) for long days and sunshine; winter (December to February) for snow sports and northern lights.

• Getting around: Public transport is excellent. Trains, buses, and ferries make it easy to explore.

• Currency: Swedish krona (SEK), though many places are cashless.

• Language: Swedish is the official language, but nearly everyone speaks English — often better than you do.

Ready to Explore Sweden?

Whether you’re here for the breathtaking landscapes, the fascinating history, or just the chance to live your best ABBA-fueled fantasy, Sweden is a travel destination that delivers at every turn. From top attractions in Stockholm to off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Arctic, there’s no shortage of unforgettable places to visit and things to do.

Just remember: bring layers, an adventurous spirit, and room in your suitcase for a few too many Marimekko mugs and salted licorice you’ll pretend to like.