Where to travel in Sweden? 30+ must-go & best places to visit in Sweden

There are so many good things to say about your trip to Sweden. However, we think you should explore the following famous Swedish tourist destinations yourself to fully enjoy the beauty of the Scandinavian gem. So, what to do in Sweden? Let’s check out our suggested 30+ must-do, top things to do in Sweden and best things to do in Sweden, best places to visit in Sweden as well as follows!

Sweden is a fascinating country with unique nature, history and culture. North of the Arctic Circle, you will find some of the most beautiful national parks, where the late sun still shines on the summer night, and the aurora glow brightly in the winter night sky.
Stockholm, the capital and outstanding tourist destination of Sweden, is a beautiful combination of mostly intact medieval architecture and elegant modern designs. This city is built on 14 islands, linked together by bridges and ferries, so you will see peaceful streams of water flowing around the city.

Sweden is not the ideal place to operate cheap tours, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend too much! The following travel guides to Sweden will help you plan your trip in the most economical and effective way, ensuring you get the most out of your time in this Scandinavian gem.

What Do You Know About Sweden?

Located in northern Europe, on the Scandinavian peninsula, Sweden is a beautiful country made up of thousands of islands, lakes, dense forests and snow-capped mountains. Along with its unparalleled natural beauty, Sweden also has a long and interesting history. From the capital Stockholm to the trendy city of Gothenburg, there are many interesting things waiting for you to see and experience.

Besides, Sweden is also one of the most progressive countries in the world, with more than half of the country’s electrical energy coming from renewable sources. And, with a long cultural tradition, through festivals like Midsummer, Swedes like to show their love of nature, connection to the community, and appreciation of time with loved ones.

Whether you enjoy the modern city vibe, seek an adventure out in nature, or want to immerse yourself in world-class nightlife, Sweden has something for everyone.

Some useful tips before you go

To make your trip to Sweden immediately smoother and more convenient, we quickly take note of the following useful information.

Means of transportation when traveling to Sweden

There are many airlines operating flights from Vietnam to Sweden, but unfortunately there are no direct flights, but must transit at one or two points. Some airlines such as: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Vietnam Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, etc. All have flights to the capital Stockholm with flight times of 17 hours or more. Stockholm alone has four international airports: Arlanda, Bromma, Skavsta and Vasteras.

You can depart from one of Vietnam’s three major international airports: Noibai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Saigon or HCMC) and Danang International Airport (Danang city).

As the fifth largest country in Europe, Sweden stretches nearly 1,572km from North to South. Luckily, the public transport system here is excellent, with a combination of trains, long-distance buses and ferries to help you explore.

Eurail Scandinavia Pass

In outlying suburbs, there are substantially fewer options, but you can still travel between cities and towns without a car, and can even visit many national parks and wildlife parks. Other wilderness areas by public transportation. Don’t forget to explore the peaceful beauty of the Swedish countryside by bicycle.

If you prefer driving, you won’t be disappointed to find a network of well-maintained motorways and secondary roads throughout the country.

Swedes use their public transport regularly. There are many types of passes according to each city’s bus, subway or tram system. They are usually purchased at kiosks, information centers or through apps.

Necessary utilities when traveling to Sweden on your own

To share impressive moments in Sweden as well as your passions on Instagram, prepare a 4G SIM or 4G Wi-Fi transmitter in Europe to stay connected anytime, anywhere! Surely, these items will help you save a lot of money on international roaming costs.

Book a hotel room when traveling to Sweden on your own

Both Stockholm and Gothenburg offer a range of decent accommodation options for tourists visiting Sweden, from minimalist modern hotels to strikingly decorated boutiques.

Swedish culture is all about a deep connection to the outdoors, which means you’ll be immersed in nature in one way or another, whether in luxury hotels, or glass cabins in the wood, red summer cottages around the West Coast.

To have a great experience with the ocean, you can also sleep at some boat hotels (botels). These are ships anchored or running along the river banks in big cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Besides, guesthouses or homestays are quite popular in the suburbs of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo.

Sweden is blessed with picturesque landscapes, quaint cities and rich heritage. This Nordic land is home to the night sun, aurora borealis, industrious reindeer and adorable huskies. And to see all this, you must explore the best things to do in Sweden.

Aurora hunting in Lapland

To admire the beauty of the aurora borealis, head to the Swedish Lapland region from early September to late March. Lapland is a large region in the northwest corner of Sweden, covering nearly a quarter of the country.

When this incredible northern light show occurs, the sky will come alive with streaks of pink, blue and purple dancing overhead. On clear nights, the best time to see the aurora borealis in Sweden is from 6pm to 2am.

According to our experience, you should stay in a glass igloo to hunt aurora all night, it’s both comfortable and very warm.

Catch the midnight sun

If you’ve heard of white nights, they are the phenomenon of nights that are as bright as day in Northern European regions during the summer. The further north you go, the brighter the summer nights in Sweden, because the sun will not set for several summer months. Summer temperatures in this region usually range from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.

Tip for great views, hike up the hills, or stay in the cabins along the way. If you’ve experienced the aurora borealis, why not catch the midnight sun!

Stay at the Icehotel Jukkasjärvi

The Ice Hotel is one of those amazing experiences that you cannot get anywhere else in the world.

Icehotel Jukkasjärvi is one of the hotels and exhibition halls made entirely of ice, located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. The story of the Icehotel began in 1989, when it became the world’s first and largest hotel made from ice and snow.

Currently, there are two versions of the hotel: Icehotel Original and Icehotel 365.

The original Icehotel Original only exists in the winter, from December to April, after which it melts. Therefore, every year, Icehotel Original is built entirely from snow and ice blocks from the local Torne River, by about 40 artisans from all over the world.

Besides, Icehotel 365 owns a fixed structure thanks to solar energy. Thanks to that, you can enjoy works of art made from snow and ice all year round without having to wait for winter.

Cruise on the Göta Canal

Summer in Sweden is the season of endless flows! And a cruise on the historic Göta Canal, which passes between the country’s East and West coasts, is the best way to see Sweden’s beauty in comfort.

Once a waterway built in the 19th century to circulate from Gothenburg in the East to the Baltic Sea, the Göta Canal is now mainly used for excursions and boating. You can cruise through part of the canal or choose a longer trip from coast to coast.

Sauna in the golden Solar Egg

Located on the Luossavaara mountain on the outskirts of Kiruna, Solar Egg is a sauna, made by artist Mats Bigert och Lars Bergström. It is assembled from 69 pieces, which can be easily disassembled or moved to another place. In fact, this sauna has been exhibited in various Swedish and European cities.

The Solar Egg gold mirrored structure appears prominently in the middle of a pristine white snow field, the inside is heated by a wood stove and is very spacious. After sauna, visitors are advised to roll in the snow to minimize heat shock after sauna.

Hiking on the high coast of Höga Kusten

Formed during the ice age, Höga Kusten is the highest elevation in the world due to the weight of glaciers melting into the soil, and is still rising every year. Höga Kusten is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, with beautiful mountainous scenery.

Höga kusten is famous for hiking trips and those who love to explore amazing nature. This area also produces Sweden’s most terrible dish: surströmming, which is sour fermented Baltic herring.

Enjoy the view from the Turning Torso tower

Designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the Turning Torso is a symbol of Malmö. At a breathtaking 190m high, it is also the tallest skyscraper in Scandinavia.

The entire structure rotates 90 degrees from the base to the top, and while the stunning views from the 53rd and 54th floors can only be enjoyed for three weeks in the summer.
While you’re there, take a walk around the Western Harbor area to see the tower from below as well as other modern structures in the area.

Experience Viking culture in Visby old town

There are many reasons to visit Visby, a World Heritage Site located on the island of Gotland. This is an old town surrounded by old limestone walls, ancient churches, and beautiful beaches.

Not only that, Medieval Week every August also offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of ancient Vikings: jousting tournaments, medieval markets, fire shows , traditional parades, and Viking dishes.

Watch the sunset from Øresund Bridge

Øresund Bridge is considered a modern engineering wonder located in the city of Malmö. This famous 16km long bridge combines railways and motorways across the Øresund Strait between Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden.

This bridge is not for pedestrians, but for the best views and unbeatable sunsets, head to the terrace of the Luftkastellet, a bar, restaurant and conference center located right next to the bridge.

Hike Kungsleden

Sweden is famous for its natural majesty and ruggedness, and there’s no better way to explore than by hiking.

“Kungsleden” means “King’s Trail”. This 443km long trail will give you the opportunity to admire the pristine natural scenery under the endless Swedish sunshine, go through deep forests, valleys, cross lakes, and encounter deer on the trail.

The trip usually starts in the village of Abisko in the north and ends in Hemavan in the south, taking about 18 days; But you can choose to go a shorter distance, and rest assured that there will be cabins along the way to sleep. You should remember to go in early summer because there will be a lot of wild mosquitoes in July and August.

Best places to visit in Stockholm, Sweden

Adorned with the dazzling beauty of quaint neighborhoods, heritage museums and peaceful landscapes, Stockholm is often referred to by locals as “beauty on the water”. Despite its ancient beauty, this Swedish capital is becoming modern day by day. With it reaching the pinnacle of growth and development, Stockholm becomes a great destination for all types of tourists.

Gamla Stan Medieval Quarter (# best places to visit in Sweden)

This medieval quarter was the birthplace of Stockholm in the early 13th century. Located on the small island of Stadsholmen, its quaint and narrow cobbled streets are lined with souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. And before you leave, don’t miss Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, Stockholm’s narrowest alley.

Gamla Stan is one of the free places to visit in Stockholm and is the ideal place to explore the city’s historical treasures.

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall is the location of the Nobel Prize Banquet on December 10 every year, making it an icon and a must-see attraction in Stockholm.

Built in 1923 from 8 million red bricks, the building is a living example of National Romanticism, and is only open to the public via guided tours during off specific hours.

ABBA The Museum

World music legend ABBA will be the name that draws people closer to Sweden. For lovers of ABBA’s music, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Stockholm.

The museum has preserved and treasured everything related to the band, including their costumes, equipment and memorabilia, with a “Waterloo” exhibit held at the Swedish Music Hall of Fame.

Ericsson Globe Hemispherical Building (# top places to visit in sweden)

One of the most interesting buildings on earth belongs to the Ericsson Globe building, recently renamed Avicii Arena in honor of the late Swedish DJ Avicii.

In particular, SkyView is the attraction that attracts you along the outside with two specially designed glass gondolas, taking you up to a height of 130m above sea level. From here you will have great views of the entire city of Stockholm.

More than just a viewing spot, you can also explore the restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops adjacent to Skyview.

Royal National City Park

It may sound a bit strange, but Royal National City Park is the first national park located right in the middle of Stockholm.

This park stretches over 6 miles in an arc, where there is a rich ecosystem with green trees, many animals such as deer, hares and even foxes and elk. Along with that, amusement parks, theaters, and museums will make you feel like you are walking in a distant jungle.

So, if you are looking for a fresh, green place to visit without having to go far, this is the place for you.

Gothenburg Tourist attractions, Sweden

It was built in the XVII century, Gothenburg originally was planned as a trading post when the Swedish Empire was at the height of its power. As the largest port in Sweden and the country’s second city, Gothenburg has become a center for heavy industries such as shipbuilding, and despite its prosperity, it maintains a gentle, modest pace of life.

In recent years, Gothenburg and the West Coast of Sweden have become top destinations for food enthusiasts. World-class seafood, award-winning restaurants and a stunning coastline are attracting international visitors in growing numbers.

Botaniska Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a place to relax amid the city’s attractions, the Botaniska Botanical Garden is a great place to stop. This peaceful oasis was founded in 1916 and is one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens, home to around 16,000 different plant species, including some extremely rare.

One part is a nature reserve and arboretum, with walking paths weaving through the trees, and one part is horticultural gardens. The garden is especially beautiful in spring and summer when clusters of colorful flowers gather on the trees.

Haga Quarter

Located in the southwest of the city, Haga is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gothenburg, dating back to the mid-seventeenth century. Stroll along the charming neighborhood of Haga Nygata, home to beautifully preserved wooden houses, boutiques and pleasant cafes.

Not many people know that this particular neighborhood was once a slum and was scheduled for demolition in the 1970s, but the citizens of Gothenburg came together to preserve its character. Today, Haga has no shortage of cafes, delis, independent shops and reasonably priced restaurants.

Universeum Science Center

Located in the heart of Gothenburg, Universeum is the national science center of Sweden and a large general education environment in science, technology and sustainable development as well.

Universeum contains science and experience from around the world – from the world’s vast oceans and the Amazon rainforest to chemistry, technology and space laboratories. A visit to the Universeum will give the whole family the knowledge and strength to make the earth a better and more sustainable place for living.

Feskekörka seafood market

Coming to the port city of Gothenburg without enjoying local seafood is a waste. The Feskekörka market has an architecture similar to a Neo-Gothic church, standing since its opening in 1874 until now without any pillars.

Inside the market, you will find all kinds of delicious seafood newly arrived during the day. You can enjoy it on the spot, or take it out to the nearby Rosenlund canal to sip. Alternatively, visit one of the eateries or restaurants, to sample local delicacies.

Delsjön coherent lakes

Delsjön functions as the city’s water reservoir, consisting of two combined lakes, Stora Delsjön and Lilla Delsjön, in the Delsjöområdet nature reserve located east of Gothenburg.

This place promises moments of absolute peace, a place to meet nature and outdoor fun. Surrounding the lake are cafes, youth playgrounds and food kiosks, as well as picnic areas and barbecues for endless summer afternoons.

Malmö Tourist Destinations in Sweden

Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city, after Stockholm and Göteborg, and connects Sweden and Scandinavia with the rest of Europe. In Malmö, you can find anything from impressive street art, to an outstanding art museum and a cemetery so beautifully designed it took decades to complete!

Here are the best places in Malmö that you must visit to admire Scandinavian architecture and culture.

Malmöhus Castle

Malmöhus Castle was built between 1537 and 1542 on the ruins of an old fortress and is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia.

Historically, it was one of Denmark’s most important defensive fortifications, when Malmö was still part of it. Today, it has become one of the most unique cultural attractions in Malmö thanks to several museums within its historic walls.

Kungsparken Park

Kungsparken Park is located right next to Malmöhus Castle. Kungsparken boasts some of the city’s most beautiful trees. The park’s location in the city center makes it a popular spot for picnicking, sunbathing, or socializing.

The park was built around 1869 – 1870 and was modeled after the English park style. This is a unique historical and cultural park, and very few cities in the Europe have been able to preserve a lush green belt above ruined ramparts in this way.

Street art in the city of Malmö

Malmö is more than just a city. It’s also an art gallery! The entire city has been transformed into an urban art exhibition with murals and sculptures all over town.

Sweden’s first large-scale street art festival was held in Malmö in 2014, where 15 street artists set out to transform the city of Malmö into a public art gallery. Today, you’ll find a number of murals and sculptures scattered throughout town.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus cold bath house

Cold bath house (kallbadhus) have been a part of Swedish culture since the last quarter of the nineteenth century and they have never lost their appeal.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus Cold Bath House is the next attraction in Malmö, a unique sauna experience. At Ribersborgs Kallbadhus there are 5 saunas, 2 seawater swimming pools, 2 wood-burning hot tubs and a sun deck.

To experience the Nordic style, you should try ice swimming. This activity will bring a pleasant feeling as well as help fight depression naturally.

St. Petri Kyrka

Church of St. Petri Kyrka is the oldest structure in the city, dating back to the 14th century. The church is built of red stone developed in the Gothic style and is 105m high.

You’ll find a wooden altar piece made in 1611, and impressive restored frescoes located in the chapel. Although the medieval frescoes were destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century, the church still fits on your list of places to visit in Malmö.

Umeå Tourist attractions in Sweden

Located in Northern Sweden, Umeå is a youthful city next to the Ume River, close to where it empties into the Gulf of Bothnia. It’s only about 400 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, but is filled with vibrant green. While the winters here are long and cold, the short summers are quite warm. This is the best time of year to visit Umeå and take in the sights.

Guitars The Museum

This luxurious old house from the early 1900s seems like a real dream for fans of rock, blues or jazz.

More than 500 electric guitars, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, are on display at Guitars – the Museum, and debuted during Umeå’s recent reign as European Capital of Culture.

Umeå stads kyrka church

Umeå’s largest church was completed in 1894 after 2 years of construction and is covered in granite. The building is designed in Neo-Gothic architectural style. Notable features of the church are the colorful rose window on the west facade and the 19th-century organ crafted by the prestigious company Åkerman & Lund.

Västerbottens Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of the area, head to the Västerbottens Museum in central Umeå. Here, you can listen to songs from the past and even check out the world’s oldest wooden ski slope, which is 5,400 years old.

The museum organizes year-round activities for children and families, including a Sámi week in March and a traditional Christmas market in December.

Umedalen Skulpturpark

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the entire Umeå region is the Umedalen Skulpturpark, 5km from the city centre.

The area was once a mental hospital and today there are more than 40 sculptures dotted around the ancient buildings, including works by Antony Gormley and Louise Bourgeois. The sculpture park is open year-round, 24/7, and is completely free to visit.

Lake Nydalasjön

Nydalasjön is a large lake a few kilometers east of central Umeå. Several beaches line the lake, giving you plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the scenery. Barbecue areas are open in the summer and there is a playground, fishing pier and tennis courts. If it’s warm enough, you can even swim or play beach volleyball.

Do I Need apply a tourist Visa to go to Sweden?

Sweden is one of 26 European countries present in the Schengen agreement, which regulates freedom of movement between member countries. Therefore, to travel to Sweden as well as the rest of the countries in the Schengen area, you need a Schengen visa.

Normally, 90 days is the maximum period that allows you to travel within Sweden and travel freely to other Schengen countries.

The processing time for a Swedish visa is 15 days. However, the time can be extended to 60 days if you submit your application during peak months, or your application requires additional documents. Therefore, you need to submit your Swedish visa application at least 15 working days in advance and within 90 days before your intended departure date to have enough time for approval.

According to our experience, to increase your chances of successfully applying for a Swedish visa, you need to determine the purpose of your trip, length of stay, and choose the most suitable visa type to fully prepare the corresponding documents. The more complete your profile, the higher your success rate.

Which season is the most beautiful to travel to Sweden?

From June to August is the ideal time to travel to Sweden. Warm temperatures at this time are ideal for strolls through the cities and long afternoons in the sunshine.

If you go to the Northern part of the country, you can see the midnight sun and the chance to conquer one of the beautiful hiking trails! And, if you want to experience Sweden’s legendary nightlife or adventures on the islands, it’s best to plan your trip for the summer months.

During the winter months, from November to March, Sweden will turn into an icy land like the scene in Disney’s Frozen movie. This is when you can admire the stunning aurora borealis, and enjoy all the winter sports!

There are not too many massive, splendid buildings, or events that attract millions of people, Sweden will always welcome you to visit, to feel the peace and gentleness, completely different from the chaos. bustling and modern, often seen in Europe.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Stockholm you can refer to

• Stockholm Pass
• Stockholm City Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour
• Stockholm Red Bus Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Stockholm Panorama Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Skansen Open-Air Museum Entrance Ticket in Stockholm
• iVenture Stockholm Unlimited Attractions Pass (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 Days)
• Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm
• Drottningholm Palace Boat Tour & Entrance Ticket

Read more Sweden travel guide here.