Things to Do in Sweden
Located in Northern Europe, Sweden lures travelers with exciting activities that can be done throughout the year. One of the most common things to do in Sweden is visiting Stockholm, the capital city. Here, you can explore all the attractions in the city like Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum. In the Gothenburg archipelago, you can take boat trips and go on island hopping tours or simply soak in the natural beauty of the region. At Gotland, you can witness the bustling harbor activities, indulge in fresh seafood, and visit the lively Liseberg Amusement Park.
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is another unique attraction that is built entirely of ice and snow. You can visit this hotel and stay overnight for a unique experience. The most exciting of all is a visit to the Abisko National Park in Lapland. In the summer, you can also hike along beautiful hiking trails and bask in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. In winters, you can also witness the magical phenomenon of Northern Lights.
So, what are you waiting for? Gear up to explore the top ten things to do in Sweden with Thrillophilia.
Activities to do in Sweden
1. Exploring the Heritage of Drottningholm Palace: Built in 1699, Drottningholm is the home of the Royal family of Sweden, therefore, automatically, is one of the most beautiful and majestic monuments of Sweden.
You can even take a self-guided audio tour of the palace to explore its rich hostage and know about its centuries of history. Moreover, this beautiful castle also reserves its place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Location: 178 93 Drottningholm, Sweden.
Timings: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Entry Fee: 130 SEK (INR 1120) (adults), 65 SEK (INR 560) (children) (General Entry).
2. Explore the depths of Lapland: Lapland is Sweden’s Northern largest as well as the largest province. If you are in Sweden to experience the mind-blowing natural phenomenon of Northern Lights and Midnight Sun in the best way possible, this is the very place to be.
Additionally, this is the region you need to be if you wish to experience the best of skiing, canoeing, and hiking. Moreover, this is one of the most scenic regions of the country and a must-visit for all who plan a visit to Sweden.
3. Go hiking on the King’s Trail: Hiking is one of the most important activities to do in Sweden. This 400-kilometer long hiking trail is the most popular one and is well equipped with huts and cabins between Kvikkjokk and Abisko for a fulfilling experience.
This majestic trail is all covered with snow during the winters and becomes a skiing paradise. On the other hand, you can get to admire the beauty of the Scandinavian mountain ranges on your hiking adventures during the warmer months.
4. Gorge on some authentic Swedish food: Each country has a great authentic food platter to offer to its visitor. The same is the case with Sweden. Your visit to this country would be incomplete if you leave without gorging on some of the most popular Swedish cuisines such as salmon with dill potatoes, crayfish august, vaffeldagen, and Selma to begin with.
5. Take a Boat Ride along the Gota Canal: Did you know that Sweden has a set of Canals which interconnect all the lakes in the country with each other? Well, Gota Canal has the most scenic of the surroundings and stretches over 200 kilometers and connects Lake Vattern to Lake Vanern. You can choose the route of your choice and hop on a boat to take a ride along these beautifully crafted waterways.
Timings: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Price: Variable (as/route selected).
6. Go Kayaking: Sweden is home to several archipelagos which home some beautiful and inhibited islands with clear waters surrounding them, throughout the summers. If you are visiting Sweden during the summers, do not forget to go Kayaking under the clear skies in one of Sweden’s archipelagos to feel the adrenaline rush and to admire the endless beauty of nature as it is one of the most beautiful things to do in Sweden. Some of the most popular areas where you can go kayaking include Skanses and Stockholm Archipelago.
7. Go Skiing in Are Village: If you want to indulge in skiing and sledding adventures, visiting Are and spending a few days is a must for you. The famous icy slopes of Are has witnessed endless world championships and is a great adventure sports destination.
Moreover, even if you can go skiing only during the winter months, Are acts as a wonderful hiking destination if you are planning to visit Sweden during the summer months. Do not forget to get on the Ski lift and view the surroundings of Are is the best way possible.
8. Stay at the ICEHOTEL: Imagine staying at a hotel completely made with ice, including your beds! Sounds interesting right? Well, there is a hotel in Sweden where you can stay with ice all around you!
Ice walls, ice beds, ice bars, ice sculptures, combined with the best of the luxury and services, ICEHOTEL is more of an experience than just a stay. You must stay at this unique hotel, even if it is for a day to experience staying within the freezing temperatures ranging from -5 to -7 degrees Celsius.
Location: Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
Timings: The hotel is open year long.
Price: 2000 SEK (INR17200) onwards/ night.
9. Visit ABBA: You cannot miss out on the best museum in the country on your visit to Sweden. Moreover, it is a must-visit for music lovers from around the world to know about the legendary band which gave the legendary hits like Mama Mia and Dancing Queen to the world. Apart from knowing about the band’s iconic history, visitors also get to indulge in some interactive sessions to boost up the fun factor.
Location: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
Timings: 11:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: SEK 250 (INR2150) (adults), SEK 95 (INR816) (children).
Another famous attraction in Gamla Stan is its square, which holds immense historic resemblance. Being the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath where Swedeish noblemen were massacred by the Danish King, Christian II, this site is well revered. There are over 370 properties across the small town that hold archaeological importance and all of them are worthy places to visit in Stockholm.
Best time to visit: June to August
There are several idyllic spots dotted with colourful flower beds, waterfalls and lush greenery inside the park where you can enjoy family picnics. Music lovers can rock away with the best musicians on the Lilla Scenen and Stora Scenen stages or watch wonderful shows at Liseberg Theatre, Rondo and Kaninscenen.
Location: Örgrytevägen 5, 402 22 Göteborg, Sweden
Timings: 12pm -10pm
Helsingborg is one of the famous tourist attractions in Sweden. Being a port city, it's close to the water body in the Lund peninsula. The city is mainly known for its historical landmarks like the medieval castle of Kärnan and the famous Gothic church of Sankta Maria Kyrka. The Fredriksdal is an open-air museum of several Swedish and Danes artifacts. The seaside border of the city is known for beautiful promenades.
This 64-gun warship was salvaged during the 1900’s and has been a part of the museum since its own inception. Being the most-visited museum in all of Scandinavia, there is no reason for you to give this destination a skip in your travel.
Location: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Best time to visit: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: 110 SEK
Ystad is known as the gateway of peace and tranquility, which is why it's one of the most visited places in the entire country. The Baltic Sea is located close by, and hence, the town's ambiance is quite soothing. Being a Scandinavian town, you will find colorful houses adorning the two sides of the pavements.
With sprawling woodlands, the city is very close to nature's wonders and hence a heavenly paradise. One of the popular places to visit in Ystad is the Ales Stenar- an archaeological site having 59 boulders being laid in the form of a ship. The town is also known for Kåseberga- a fishing harbor that gives way to the vast Baltic Sea.
The Abisko National Park is a part of the famous alpine valley of Abiskodalen. Here, you will find the largest alpine lake of the entire Scandinavian region of northern Europe. The park is a famous spot for experiencing the exclusive alpine vegetation and wildlife.
You will have a wonderful picturesque of the lofty hills covered with snow during winters and green plants during the summers on the northern border. Some of the most common and exciting activities are snowmobiling, dog sledding, and photography making it one of the best Sweden places.
Lofty cliffs can be seen in the background, which looks marvelous against the Stone coast of the island. The island's surface is mainly formed from exposed limestone, resulting in its uniqueness. It has around seventy-five different nature reserves along with ancient ruins and rack fields.
Location: an island in the Baltic Sea and close to Kalmar, Sweden
Best time: all the year-round
Highlights: Byrums Raukar, Horns Kustväg cycling trail, Trollskogen pine forest, Stora Alvaret, and the ancient ruins.
Kiruna is mostly visited during the winter season as the city gets covered with snow for the longer period. It's close to the alpine region, which further enhances the beauty of the land. Here, you can marvel at the aurora borealis during the winters and visit the famous Ice hotel in the Jukkasjärvi region. Dogsledding and reindeer sleigh riders are the two major activities in this region.
Location: Lapland province, Sweden
Best time: December to March
Highlights: Ice Hotel, husky sled rides, Nordic style spas, experiencing Sami culture, and visiting the Aurora Sky Station.
Location: Lund Peninsula, Skane province, Sweden
Best time: Throughout the year
Highlights: Giant Fin embraced tower, the Crypt, the astronomical clock of the cathedral, 1300s oak choir stalls, 3.5 meters tall candelabra having seven branches.
Sigtuna
From the 17th century medieval houses to castles and cathedrals, Sigtuna is a sight to marvel at. The city has got the first Swedish pedestrian path from cobblestones, thereby lending a historical touch to the ambiance.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Best time: June to August
Highlights: Sigtuna museum of historical artifacts, Sigtuna city hall, the first pedestrian street, the 170 Sigtuna runes, Main Square, Mariakyrkan Church, ruins of St. Olof's and St. Peter, Lake Mälaren, and others.
Lake Siljan has a very doting geographical importance as it was created from a wide meteorite crate spanning over a diameter of 75 Km. Due to this, the lake has quite an impressive depth which adds to the surrounding beauty.
Lake Siljan is one of the most visited areas, thanks to the amazing picturesque serving as a backdrop and the unique countryside culture. It is sitting right in the middle of some of the oldest Swedish villages. Here, you can enjoy the folk art of Sweden while marveling at the luscious greeneries surrounding the villages and the lake. Summer is the perfect season to visit this lake as the temperature remains moderate and quite soothing also.
Here, you will find the cliffs becoming steeper and steeper due to a geological process known as the vertical rebound. Nevertheless, the place is not losing its charm and beauty any time sooner. It has a hiking trail which makes the area more favorable for adventure lovers. This is the second-largest Swedish hike trail which is why many tourists visit the High Coast throughout the year.
Location: Ångermanland province, Sweden
Best time: All the year-round
Highlights: Skuleskogen National Park, granite cliffs, rocky islands, inland forest covers, hike trails
Gotland
Location: Southern Sweden
Best time: April to August, summer season
Highlights: Ringmuren or the Visby City Wall, Raukar sear stacks, biking in the Eksta Coast, Djupvik fishing village, Stora Karlsö island, Faro island visit, Gotland museum, the blue lagoon quarry, Gotska Sandon National Park
Jokkmokk
Located right next to the northern boundary of the polar circle, Jokkmokk offers an unforgettable experience to tourists. It's the cultural center of Lapland and is one of the main areas to visit in the Scandinavian zone of northern Europe.
It's a Sami town, and hence, no other place will be as good as the Jokkmokk to learn more about these reindeer herders. The annual winter market is the meeting place of the Sami people, and hence, attending this event is a must during your visit to Lapland. Folk tales, traditional Sami games, and reindeer races are some of the notable activities during the annual market
Icebar
ICEBAR Stockholm, the world's first permanent ice bar, offers a unique and immersive Arctic experience in the heart of Sweden's capital. Established in 2002, the bar is entirely made of ice, including the walls, bar counter, and even the glasses, all crafted from pristine ice harvested from the Torne River in northern Sweden. Maintained at a chilly -5 degrees C, visitors are provided with thermal capes and gloves to stay warm.
Several activities like hiking, fishing, sea kayaking, swimming, and boating are popular on the archipelago islands. Apart from that, you can even collect wild berries and mushrooms as it's allowable by the Swedish government.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Best time: March to August, summer season
Highlights: ancient Swedish villages, less trotted islets, exploring most of the wooden islands, hiking on the rocky cliffs and dense woodlands, enjoying the unique Swedish cuisine, and others.
It's the home to several church ruins dating back to the 12th century, like St. Clemens, St. Karin, and St. Nicolai and Drottens. You can take a stroll through the famous ring wall sprawled throughout 3.5 kilometers. This is why it's one of the best places in Sweden to visit for historic and natural experiences.
Location: Gotland, Sweden
Best time: April to August
Highlights: Visby museum, church ruins, Sankta Maria Cathedral, the Ring Wall, and the Visby botanical garden.
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Best time: Throughout the year
Karlstad Cathedral is an architectural gem nestled in Karlstad, Sweden. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Karlstad in the Church of Sweden, constructed in the early 18th century. The cathedral was constructed in 1723; however, the site was destroyed in a fire. Later, it was rebuilt in the year 1730. Over the years, Karlstad Cathedral has evolved as a major attraction amongst people visiting Sweden.
The Church of Sofia, located in Stockholm’s Södermalm district, is an architectural gem completed in 1906. It is designed by Gustaf Hermansson to blend Gothic and Romanesque styles with its red brick facade, towering spire, and intricate details. Named after Queen Sofia of Nassau, the church is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and Swedish saints, filling the interior with vibrant light.
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Sweden Things To Do FAQs
What are the things to do in Sweden at night?
1. Admire the mesmerizing Northern Lights: Sweden is a great destination to get a good view of mesmerizing Northern Lights. There are several places in Sweden where you can get a good view of the phenomenon. You can head to the Swedish Lapland or plan a trip to the Aurora Sky Station or the Abisko National Park where you can enjoy an overnight stay as well as take in the wonders of the Northern Lights. Combine this with a stay in the Icehotel will give you some of the best things to do in Sweden in winter.
2. Witness the Midnight Sun: From late May to mid July one of the best things to do in Sweden is to witness the Midnight Sun. During this time the sun never truly sets but stays low bathing everything around in a wonderful soft glow. You can indulge in a late night hike or go swimming in the shimmering lakes or go wildlife spotting. This is also the best time to take part in the many festivities that Sweden celebrates during the summer such as the Kirunafestivalen.
3. Join a Pub Crawl tour: One of the most interesting things to do in Stockholm is to join a pub crawl tour which will give you a great insight into what the nightlife in this vibrant city is like. You will get to visit three to four popular clubs and bars in different parts of Stockholm. Mostly your pub crawl tour will start from the Old Town, Gamla Stan and end in the hip section of Sodermalm. The best part of your bar hopping activities to do in Sweden is you get to meet new people and also get better recommendations for your visit here.
4. Hop on a Dinner Cruise: There is no better way to experience the mouthwatering cuisine of Sweden, its spellbinding scenery and wonderfully fascinating culture than hopping on board an exciting dinner cruise. Delicious five course meals, refreshing beverages and live entertainment on board a beautiful boat can definitely be counted in the list of best things to do in Stockholm. While cruising you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the waterfront and the mesmerizing skyline of this vibrant city.
Planning a trip to Sweden? Then Checkout: Best Places To Visit In Sweden
What are the romantic things to do in Sweden?
1. Stroll around the old town of Stockholm: With numerous colourful houses on both the sides of the street, the old town of Stockholm will surely let you enjoy some of the most scenic views. A stoll in this area with your partner will let you click numerous lovey dovey pictures and getting indulge in one of the best things to do in Sweden.
2. Attend a Jazz Night: For all the couples who wish to enjoy live music while enjoying a tasteful cocktail, attending a jazz night is a must. By doing this, you will not only be offered unmatched fun, but you will also get a chance to dance together on your favourite tunes.
3. Spend a night in an ice hotel: Plan at least a single day stay in an ice hotel to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. From beds made of ice to all the furniture made of actual ice, this experience will add more thrill to your romantic night.
4. Plan a picnic in the garden society of Gothenburg: This scenic location is home to several wonders of nature and beauty in the form of gardens, sidewalks, artificial ponds and fountains. A day picnicking here with your partner will let you enjoy a playful day out, thus making it one of the best things to do in Sweden.
Also Checkout: Gothenburg Tour Packages
What are the adventure activities to do in Sweden?
1. Ride a snowmobile: The weather and terrain of Sweden in winter offers a wonderful opportunity to go on snowmobile rides around the countryside. You can enjoy snowmobiling in Kiruna, Are, northern Varmland, Dalarna, Lofsdalen and many other places in Sweden. Along with your snowmobile rides you can enjoy other activities such as lunches and dinner in the wilderness, visiting mountain lodges, campfires in the wild, wildlife spotting, ice fishing or just enjoying the breathtaking landscape of the winter wonderland.
2. Indulge in Kayaking - Sweden is a land of thousands of lakes, rivers and a beautiful coastline with many beautiful islands around and kayaking in these spectacular places is one of the best things to do in Sweden. If you love adventure in water then all you need to do is choose your destination and hop on a kayak. Paddle away at a slow pace or just drift along with the flow as you admire the stunning scenery and the peaceful environment that surrounds you.
3. Ice Climbing - Ice climbing is both a challenging and exhilarating activity which should be counted as one of the most adventurous activities to do in Sweden. One of the best places to enjoy ice climbing is the beautiful valleys of the Swedish Lapland. This entire region turns white with a fine glaze of ice, the waterfalls are frozen with amazing ice sheets that are used for climbing. If you are new at this you can even join a course and enjoy the thrill of ice climbing.
4. Try Zip Lining - The Smaland in Sweden is home to the first zip line course in Sweden and Europe and today the Little Rock Park here offers one of the best zipline courses in the country. Zip through 11 stations at a speed of 70 km/h and 20 to 132 meters above the ground. Enjoy the zip line with the scenic Swedish forests in the backdrop and deep ravines as you take in a bird’s eye view of the whole scenery.
Do Checkout: Sweden Beaches
What are the famous hiking trails in Sweden?
1. The Kings Trail: One of the must activities to do in Sweden is taking an unknown road and hiking till you reach a scenic top spot. The Kings Trail is one such route, which is loaded with serenity on all its sides and will let you explore nature through various challenging paths.
2. Kebnekaise: Famed for being the Highest mountain in Sweden, the path to the top of this mountain will let you enjoy the scenery of snow capped hills. On your way to the top, you will also enjoy gazing at various glaciers and lush green valleys.
3. Sormlandsleden: Being an easy hiking trail, this one is divided into hundred parts which collectively cover around 21 km. All the hiking enthusiasts can choose the length of trial depending on their capability and can enjoy a joyful hiking experience.
4. Pilgrim Path: Located in the western part of Sweden the pilgrim path passes through both Norway as well as Sweden, and attracts more than thousands of tourists each day. From vast seas to unintended rustic herds, this path passes through various wonders of nature as well as humans.
5. Skaneleden Trail: Whether you are an experienced hacker or just an amateur, this hiking trail will make sure that whosoever visits her enjoys a thrilling as well as playful hiking experience. The path to the top of this hill is divided into six sub-trails, each of which has different levels of difficulty.
Must Check: Stockholm Tour Packages
How to reach Sweden?
Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to reach Sweden from India. Several international flights connect major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India to Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. Major airlines in this route are Lufthansa, Swiss Ar and Indigo with layovers in Zurich, Frankfurt, Istanbul taking 14-20 hours.
Also Check: Sweden Packages From Delhi
What is the best time to visit Sweden?
The best time to visit Sweden is during the summer months from May to September. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant and skies are clear. In June and July, you can witness the Midnight Sun phenomenon. To witness northern lights and enjoy one of the top ten things to do in Sweden like skiing and dog sledding in Lapland, you can visit Sweden from November to March.
How many days are enough to explore Sweden?
Seven to ten days are ideal to explore Sweden's highlights. During this duration, you can spend time in Stockholm exploring its attractions and visit Gothenburg to experience its vibrant harbor and seafood. Head to Lapland and indulge in snow-based things to do in Sweden like dog sledding, snow shoeing, and skiing.
How much money do you need for a week in Sweden?
A week in Sweden can cost ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000 per person, depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can find hostels, while mid-range travelers can opt for comfortable hotels and restaurants. Costs include transportation, entry to attractions, and popular activities.
How much would a trip to Sweden cost?
A seven days long trip for a single person in Sweden could cost you around 10K Swedish Kronas. This amount includes all basic necessities like stay, food, travel, etc and also covers various other charges including some sightseeing tours or activity charges.
Do I need a visa to go to Sweden?
If you have a valid UK passport/documents or are visiting from any of the EU countries, you shall not require a visa to visit Sweden. Moreover, if you hold a US passport, you can visit Sweden for a time period of up to 90 days without a Visa. However, if you are planning a visit from any other country, you shall need to apply for the visa to visit Sweden.
How many days do you need to visit Stockholm?
If you are willing to explore just the major attractions of this beautiful city, 3 full days shall be more than enough. However, to leave some time to yourself to stroll around the city and to laze around a little, plan a visit for at least 4-5 days.
What are the different types of day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia?
Here are the different types of day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia:
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