Things to do in Sweden

What to see and do in Sweden: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Sweden

Nature

Watch the Northern Lights in Abisko

Abisko, Norrbotten County

Experience the mesmerizing aurora borealis in Abisko National Park, one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Adventure

Stay at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Jukkasjärvi, Norrbotten County

Sleep in a room sculpted from ice and snow at the world-famous Ice Hotel, rebuilt each winter with unique art and architecture.

Culture

Visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm

Stockholm

Marvel at the almost fully intact 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged in 1961.

Food

Eat Swedish meatballs at Pelikan in Stockholm

Stockholm

Savor traditional Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and cream sauce at Pelikan, a classic beer hall in operation since 1733.

History

Explore the Viking Birka settlement on Björkö

Björkö, Lake Mälaren

Walk through the archaeological site of Birka, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was a major Viking trading center from the 8th to 10th centuries.

City

Walk through Gamla Stan in Stockholm

Stockholm

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Stockholm's Old Town, home to the Royal Palace, Stortorget square, and medieval architecture.

Nature

Hike in Sarek National Park

Jokkmokk, Norrbotten County

Venture into the wilderness of Sarek, one of Europe's oldest national parks with glaciers, valleys, and untouched nature for serious hikers.

Adventure

Go dog sledding in Lapland

Kiruna area

Mushing through the snowy landscapes of Swedish Lapland with a team of huskies, an exhilarating way to experience the Arctic winter.

Nightlife

Experience nightlife at Stureplan in Stockholm

Stockholm

Enjoy upscale clubs and bars in Stockholm's exclusive Stureplan district, known for its vibrant nightlife and celebrity sightings.

Hidden gem

Visit Visby on Gotland

Visby, Gotland

Discover the medieval town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved city walls, ruins, and charming streets.

Culture

Celebrate Midsummer in Rättvik

Rättvik, Dalarna

Join the traditional Swedish Midsummer festival in Rättvik, Dalarna, with maypole dancing, folk costumes, and outdoor feasts.

Food

Have fika at Café Husaren in Gothenburg

Gothenburg

Indulge in the Swedish coffee break tradition with cinnamon buns and coffee at the cozy Café Husaren in Gothenburg's Haga district.

Nature

See the midnight sun in Kiruna

Kiruna, Norrbotten County

Experience 24-hour daylight during summer in Kiruna, where the sun doesn't set for weeks, ideal for midnight hikes or golf.

History

Tour Drottningholm Palace

Ekerö, Stockholm County

Explore the private residence of the Swedish royal family at Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO site with beautiful gardens and a theater.

Adventure

Ski in Åre

Åre, Jämtland County

Hit the slopes at Åre, Sweden's premier ski resort offering everything from challenging pistes to family-friendly runs.

City

Explore art at Gothenburg Museum of Art

Gothenburg

Admire Nordic and international art from the 15th century onwards at the Gothenburg Museum of Art, housed in an impressive building.

Nightlife

Enjoy live music at Debaser in Stockholm

Stockholm

Catch live bands and DJ sets at Debaser, a legendary music venue in Stockholm known for its eclectic programming.

Hidden gem

Discover Jokkmokk Winter Market

Jokkmokk, Norrbotten County

Visit the centuries-old Jokkmokk Winter Market in February, a hub for Sami culture, crafts, and reindeer racing in the Arctic.

Nature

Cruise the Göta Canal

Sjötorp, Västra Götaland

Take a scenic cruise on the historic Göta Canal, passing through locks and countryside from Gothenburg to Stockholm.

Food

Try surströmming in Ulvön

Ulvön, Ångermanland

Sample the pungent fermented herring surströmming on the island of Ulvön during the late summer tasting season, a unique culinary adventure.

Culture

Visit the ABBA Museum in Stockholm

Stockholm

Dive into the world of Sweden's iconic pop group ABBA with interactive exhibits and memorabilia in this fun, engaging museum.

History

Explore Carl Linnaeus Garden in Uppsala

Uppsala

Walk through the 18th-century botanical garden where Carl Linnaeus conducted his research, now a serene oasis in Uppsala.

Adventure

Kayak in Stockholm Archipelago

Stockholm Archipelago

Paddle through the stunning islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, exploring secluded beaches, fishing villages, and natural beauty.

City

See Turning Torso in Malmö

Malmö

Gaze up at the Turning Torso, Scandinavia's tallest skyscraper and a marvel of modern architecture in Malmö.

Nightlife

Party at Liseberg in Gothenburg

Gothenburg

Experience the thrills of Liseberg amusement park by day and its vibrant evening events with concerts and dancing by night.

Nearby destinations

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