Sweden
The country that gave us ABBA, IKEA, and Spotify is one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations. Nowhere is this clearer to see than the High Coast (Höga Kusten), a UNESCO World Heritage site in the north. Don’t forget to indulge in culture; cities like Stockholm and Umeå are also well worth your time.
Places to Visit in Sweden
All My Articles About Sweden
2 Weeks in Northern Europe Itinerary: Finland, Estonia, and Sweden
A Travel Guide to Gothenburg, Sweden
My favorite Experiences in Sweden
Stockholm
Enjoying the beauty of Sweden’s capital and visiting the nearby islands.
Umeå
Sampling art and culture in Northern Sweden’s largest city before heading into nature.
Norra Ulvön
A beautiful island and hidden gem on Sweden’s High Coast, known for surströmming.
Planning Your Trip to Sweden
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Outdoor lovers flock to Sweden for its ample hiking opportunities, picturesque lakes, and plentiful forests. Scandinavia’s biggest country by population offers plenty of urban experiences, too, from Stockholm’s design to Gothenburg’s laid-back vibe and Lund’s picturesque streets.
Getting to Sweden is very straightforward. Stockholm Arlanda, which serves the Swedish capital, is the country’s main airport. It’s well-connected to Europe, with direct flights from Asia, Africa, and North America, too.
If you’re planning to visit Gothenburg, Landvetter Airport is well-connected to various European cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. Meanwhile, you can enter Southern Sweden via Copenhagen Airport in Denmark. From here, it’s a short train ride to Malmö—and from there, you can visit almost anywhere else in Sweden.
When to Visit Sweden
Sweden is worth visiting year-round, but knowing what you want to experience will make choosing the right time easier. Winter offers the chance to see the Northern Lights in the country’s north, and it’s also ideal for husky sledding. Skiing is also popular in Sweden during the winter months.
On the other hand, summer is great for hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities. If you visit the north of the country, you can see the Midnight Sun—but even in Stockholm, the days are long.
The shoulder seasons are, in my opinion, the best times to visit Sweden’s cities. Prices are lower, crowds are smaller, and temperatures are generally reasonable. However, you can visit them year-round and have a great experience.
Practical information
Money
Swedish uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Unlike the Danish Krone, the SEK is not pegged to the Euro. Sweden is virtually a cash-free country, and debit/credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Safety
Sweden is generally a safe country, and crime typically won’t affect travelers. Most of it occurs way out of the touristy parts of the country’s main cities. However, you should take the same precautions you would elsewhere, such as not showing off expensive items.
Nature
The weather will be your biggest concern. Winter temperatures can get incredibly low, especially in Lapland; make sure you pack accordingly (winters are milder in the south). Driving in the winter can pose risks, too, especially if you aren’t used to driving in such conditions.
In the summer, the sun in Sweden can be surprisingly strong; be sure to pack sunscreen. Mosquito repellent is also essential if you’re visiting the country’s forests at this time.
While there are around 2,800 brown bears in Sweden, you’re unlikely to encounter them accidentally; they prefer to avoid humans. Moose are much more common; there are around 400,000 of them, and they may attack if they feel threatened. However, your bigger risk will be watching out for them running across roads—you’ll see signs where you should pay extra attention.
Berries and Mushrooms
You can pick berries and mushrooms in the forests; foraging is a very popular activity in Sweden. However, you should know which ones are poisonous before doing so. If in doubt, consider hiking with an experienced local.
The Right to Roam
Sweden has Allemansrätten, which is the right to roam. You can walk, camp, cycle, etc., on any land, as long as you aren’t on or close to private property (e.g., houses and farmland).
When hiking in Sweden, take all of your trash with you.
Alcohol Laws
Public drinking in Sweden is not permitted unless you’re somewhere with an alcohol license. To buy anything over 3.5% outside of a restaurant/bar/etc., you’ll need to visit Systembolaget—the state-run liquor store. Note that alcohol is very expensive in Sweden.
Language and Culture
Swedish is the official language, while several minority languages, such as Sámi and Finnish, are officially recognized. Almost everyone in Sweden speaks excellent English, especially in the urban areas and among younger generations. Many signs are bilingual, too, especially on public transport.
Any efforts to speak Swedish are appreciated, though many locals will switch to English 😅. Some useful words and phrases to know are:
- Hej (pronounced “hey”): Hello. You may also hear “hej hej”, “hallå”, “hejsan”, and “tjena” used.
- Kan jag få…?”: “Can I have…?”—you’ll use this when ordering at restaurants, cafés, etc.
- Hejdå: Bye
- Vad koster det?: How much does it cost?
- Vegansk mat: Vegan food
- Tåg: Train
- Buss: Bus
- Kort: Card
One thing that many people visiting notice is the Swedes’ strong emphasis on respectfulness and personal space. People often seem reserved and even a bit standoffish at first, but the majority of Swedes are friendly and helpful. Talking very loudly in public is often frowned upon; I can attest from the glares I once received in a Stockholm restaurant.
While speaking to strangers is not done very often in Sweden, people will be willing to help if you need it. So, if you need directions or assistance, don’t be afraid to ask.
Dining in Sweden
Be sure to book tables in advance, especially for popular establishments (and even more so during the summer). While eating out in Sweden is expensive compared to most European countries, I do recommend having at least a couple of meals out on your trip.
Tipping is not expected in Sweden. The service in restaurants might not be what you’re used to if you’re from the US, but the staff will likely help and give you recommendations if you need them.
Getting Around Sweden
Traveling around Sweden is very easy. The country’s comprehensive train network connects many of the main urban areas, along with numerous remote spots. For example, you can even take the train to Abisko in the far north.
Train travel in Sweden is relatively affordable, especially if you book in advance. Services typically run on time, and the onboard experience is comfortable. You’ll find both daytime and night services; booking the night services in particular is highly recommended. You can find trains on Omio and the SJ website.
Sweden’s main cities have efficient public transport, and the likes of Stockholm, Umeå, and Malmö are very walkable. In more rural areas, such as much of the High Coast, you’ll need a car. Car rentals are available in many Swedish cities; highways are generally in excellent condition.
Flying around Sweden is possible for longer distances, but doing so is often quite expensive. Nonetheless, you can fly from Stockholm to numerous locations, including Luleå, Umeå, and Kiruna.
Food
Swedish cuisine is one of Europe’s undiscovered joys. While there are some dishes that you may want to steer clear of, such as surströmming, you’ll find plenty of hearty dishes. Meatballs are perhaps the most famous example; these are typically served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
The country has a huge coastline, which makes it ample for seafood. Salmon, herring, and crayfish are all popular in Sweden; crayfish parties take place throughout the country during the summer.
Swedish sweet treats are a joy, too. The cinnamon bun accompanies many fika breaks throughout the country, and Stockholm has plenty of amazing bakeries. The green princess cake (princesstårta in Swedish) is also worth trying.
Sweden is an incredibly vegan-friendly destination, and you should find vegan options in most restaurants. Grocery stores are well-stocked with vegan products as well.
Entry Requirements
If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss/Nordic citizen, you can spend up to 90 days in Sweden without registering as a resident. You’re allowed to work in the country during this time.
Other nationalities, such as the UK, the US, and Canada, can visit Sweden for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Eventually, you’ll need ETIAS authorization—but this has been delayed for several years now. You cannot work in Sweden without a specific permit if you’re from outside the EU, EEA, Nordics, or Switzerland.
Some nationalities will require a visa to enter Sweden, even for visits of up to 90 days. You can view the full list here.
Note that if you’re entering Sweden from Denmark, Norway, or Finland, border checks sometimes occur. So, it’s always a good idea to bring your passport for international trips.
