Things 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: The Museum: 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).

1. Admire the mesmerizing Northern Lights: This activity tops the list of best things to do in Sweden. Northern Lights is one of the most magnificent natural phenomena of the world, with flickering shades of pink, and greens coming from the sky and you can get to admire the same in Sweden. Lapland is the best place to be if you wish to witness this natural wonder.

2. Witness the Midnight Sun: Can you imagine the sun still up in the sky when you are fast asleep at midnight? You can get to witness the same if you plan to visit Sweden around the summer solstice (North-June 21, South-December 21). It is one of the most unique natural things to see in Sweden.

3. Join a Pub Crawl tour: If you love to party, it is a must for you to visit some of the most legendary pubs and nightclubs of Stockholm and other major cities of the country. You can join one of the tours which will take you around the best of the pubs and allow you to catch up with some locals as well as travelers from around the world.

4. Hop on a Dinner Cruise: One of the best activities to do in Sweden during the dark hours is a dinner cruise floating above the tranquil waters of Stockholm’s quays. One of the best dinner cruises that you can board on is the S/S Stockholm, which was originally made for Sweden’s king, approximately 90 years ago.

1. Exploring the Swedish Lapland: Famous for its beautifully situated ski resorts and beautiful surroundings, Lapland is one of the most romantic places to be in Sweden. It is one of the most popular Honeymoon destinations of the country and lets the visitors witness the magnificent natural phenomena of Northern Lights and Midnight Sun.

2. Visiting Gotland Island: Gotland is one of the biggest, calmest, and most tranquil islands of Sweden. Visiting this island is one of the most important things to do in Sweden for couples and has plenty of attractions such as the Lummelunda Caves, DBW’s Botanical Garden, and many more.

3. Take a Boat to Mariefred: Mariefred is situated just an hour’s ride away from Stockholm. However, to kick in the romance factor, it is a must to get onto a boat ride from the city to this beautiful small town. Mariefred is stocked up with traditional wooden houses, family-run cafes, and several handicraft shops.

4. Spending some time at Oland Island: There are several things to see in Sweden, Oland Island is one of the best of them. Away from the hustle-bustle of the crowded city, this island is perfect for people seeking some peaceful quality time with their loved ones. Moreover, it is home to some mesmerizing beaches, dense forests, as well as flea markets, and cute little shops to woo your heart away.

1. Dog Sledding: Imagine a pack of huskies talking you around the barren landscapes or snow-clad hilly terrains. Experiencing this unique and adventurous ride is a dream come true for many.

Sledding used to be a native transportation method is Sweden during ancient times but now just remains as a point of adventurous attraction. You can experience dog sledding at various locations in Sweden, including Abisko National Park, Jukkasjärvi, and Sarek National Park.

2. Ice Climbing: One of the most interesting activities to do in Sweden, nothing can be more adventurous than climbing up vertical surfaces of ice-clad mountains or frozen waterfalls in the freezing climate of the Arctic region.

It is a great way to feel that adrenaline rush through your veins and to enjoy a great experience. There are several agencies that provide ice climbing activities to guests under the guided supervision of certified professionals across Sweden.

3. Kayaking: Experience Kayaking around the majestic Saint Anna Archipelago in Sweden, comprising over 6000 inhabited islands. This location is perfect for beginners as well as experienced enthusiasts who wish to kayak in the endless sea waters. Moreover, tourists can pitch in a tent wherever they love to and enjoy camping at any of the islands to take a break from their adventurous kayaking experience.

1. Skåneleden Trail, Skåne: This 1162-kilometer-long hiking trail will take you through the southernmost part of the country. This trail is convenient for beginners as well as expert hikers.

This hiking trail is a haven for food lovers and also takes the visitors to a cultural trip of southern Sweden. This beautiful hiking trail takes you to some of the densest forests, sandy beaches, magnificent lakes, as well as some historic villages.

2. Sörmlandsleden Trail, Södermanland: If you are searching for a lesser challenging yet an eye-soothing hiking trail, this one is probably meant for you. This 1000 kilometers long not only offers you an admiring landscape but also houses some of the most prominent cultural and historical places.

This endless train passes through diverse typologies as well as environment types and has several entries and exit points for the convenience of the visitors. You will get to experience some of the most beautiful things to see in Sweden on this trail.

3. The King’s Trail, Kungsleden: Hiking the King’s Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Sweden. The King’s Train is one of the most picturesque and beautiful trails of the whole world.

This amazing trail stretches over 400 kilometers, passing through some of Sweden’s tallest mountains, beautifully landscaped alpine forests, and along some serene riverbanks. The section of this endless train between Nikkaluokta and Abisko is one of the most popular stretches.

- By Air: Sweden has two major international airports, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, which are well connected by major cities from around the world. While booking your flights, you can compare the prices of your flights to these two airports.

- By Train: Sweden can be reached by train from 4 countries, namely Norway (connects Stockholm & Gothenburg with Oslo), Denmark (connects Malm with Copenhagen, operates after every 20 minutes), Germany (“Berlin Night Express” connects Malm with Berlin) & Finland.

The Summer season, ranging from May to September is the best time to be in Sweden. Summers are welcoming in Sweden, with decent temperatures, lesser rain, and longer sun time, providing the travelers the best out of their time there.

To experience the true cultural and natural wonders of Sweden and to explore all the nooks and corners of this beautiful country, a trip of approximately two weeks is recommended. However, if you are willing to visit only the major tourist attraction, a weeklong trip shall be ample.

The cost of traveling might vary a lot based on your lifestyle and luxury requirements. However, a decently planned weeklong visit to Sweden shall cost you anywhere between $455 - $560 (INR34000 – INR42000), excluding the flight tickets.

In addition to your flight tickets, a trip to Sweden would cost you approximately between $65 - $75 (INR4800 – INR5600) per day. However, if you want to indulge in a little bit of luxury on your trip, you can estimate the expenditure of at least up to $80 (INR6000) per day.

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.

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.