Sweden is a fascinating country with a unique nature, history and culture. North of the Arctic Circle you find some of the most beautiful national parks, and here the Midnight Sun shines in summer and the Northern Lights light up the night sky in the wintertime. Stockholm, Sweden’s trendsetting capital is a beautiful mix of intact medieval architecture and elegant modern design. It is built on 14 islands, linked by bridges and ferries, so there is always water in view.
Offering a 360-degree experience that includes both a thriving city life and an exotic ride through the countryside, the country is a delight for both mountain lovers and beach junkies. With a rich history, astounding architecture and the most incredible sights, Sweden is a traveller’s paradise.
CURRENCY | Swedish Krona (SEK) |
CAPITAL | Stockholm |
TIME ZONE | UTC +1 – India is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Sweden |
POWER PLUG | Voltage: 230 Volts, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: Type C and F |
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CODE | +46 |
TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
March to May | -3°C to 15°C | Spring |
June to August | 11°C to 23°C | Summer |
September to October | 1°C to 15°C | Autumn |
November to February | -22°C to -3°C | Winter |
AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL | ||||||||||||
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rainfall (inches) | 0.7″ | 0.5″ | 0.6″ | 1.2″ | 1.4″ | 2.1″ | 2.2″ | 2.0″ | 1.9″ | 1.7″ | 1.5″ | 1.0″ |
Peak tourist season in Sweden lasts between the summer months of June – August. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring Sweden’s natural beauty and culture with many popular festivals taking place during these months. Keep in mind that it can be crowded, and prices for accommodations may be higher.
If you appreciate a winter wonderland, visiting Swedish cities during the winter months of December – February can be magical. Cities like Stockholm and Kiruna offer unique winter activities, including ice skating, Christmas markets, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in the north. However, be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Swedish food is traditionally based on meat or seafood, supplemented with local ingredients which are loved by so many. Most traditional food is still a central part of Swedish cuisine, although people now change things up a bit and add more modern ingredients and spices. Swedish desserts usually include fruits and berries that are found in the forest or in people’s gardens.
Top Swedish Cuisines You Must Hog On: Black Pudding, Pancake, Potato Dumpling, Gravlax, Cinnamon Buns, Toast Skagen, Ostkaka, Gubbröra, Ärtsoppa, Filmjölk
There are a plethora of Swedish snacks that are served in the country. One of the most popular snacks is the sweet yeast rolls, which are extremely popular during Christmas.
Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmø are the absolute top destinations for shopping. No matter you are looking for a local article, a souvenir, famous Swedish brands etc.
Biblioteksstan in Stockholm is the recommended place to find good offers for high-quality Nordic brands.
Gothenburg is reputed to be the trendiest innovative city in Sweden in connection with the design and local fashion brands. Haga Street is recommended for a visit if you go to Gothenburg for shopping.
Malmø has also a lot of cosy walking streets, which give any visitor inspiration and good offers in connection with design, souvenirs or fashion. Swedish gifts—like wool socks, designer textiles, and skincare products—are definitely worth an extra suitcase.
Sweden has an official language, several minor languages, and a variety of immigrant languages. The official language is Swedish, which most inhabitants of the country speak. However, English is also widely spoken.
1. STOCKHOLM
Stockholm is the hub of all of Sweden’s activities, ranging from the political and the economic to the cultural. It is the most populous city in the country and also in the entire Nordic region. Stockholm is a proper metropolis, complete with world class public transport facilities, international sporting arenas, globally famous museums, vibrant culture, centre for the Swedish government, amusement park and is the biggest tourist destination of the country.
Stockholm is the centre of tourism for Sweden. The number of total attractions in the city is so vast, you’ll have a difficult time choosing which ones to cover and which ones to leave out. As you travel through the city, you will notice some stunning pieces of architecture. These range from historical churches to palaces, built many centuries ago.
Places to visit in Stockholm: The Vasa museum, Djurgarden, Gamla Stan, Skansen, Drottningholm Palace, Royal Palace
2. GOTHENBURG
Gothenburg, located on the west coast of Sweden, is a city adorned with canals, cobbled streets, and leafy boulevards. It is the second-largest city in Sweden and is known for its vibrant culture, world-class attractions, and picturesque scenery. With its long beautiful coastline, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Gothenburg offers something for everyone. The city also has plenty of nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Gothenburg also has some of the best restaurants in the country, serving up traditional Swedish delicacies as well as international dishes. Gothenburg is a great destination for travellers looking for a mix of culture, entertainment, and relaxation.
Places to visit in Gothenburg: Gothenburg Museum of Art, Maritiman Naval Museum, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Liseberg Amusement Park, The Fish Market
3. MALMO
Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden and is a vibrant and modern city with a rich cultural heritage. Located in southern Sweden, Malmo is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a unique cultural experience. Popular attractions in Malmo include the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper, Malmohus Castle and St. Petri Church. Tourists can also explore the charming cobblestone streets of Gamla Staden, the old town, and visit one of the many museums and art galleries. Malmo offers a wealth of activities, ranging from cycling routes to kayaking and swimming in the city’s many lakes.
Places to visit in Malmo: Turning Torso Skyscraper, Malmohus Castle, St. Petri Church, Gamla Staden, The Old Town
4. UPPSALA
Uppsala, the fourth largest city in Sweden, is a major tourist destination in the country. Located 70 km north of Stockholm, it is home to some of Sweden’s most iconic attractions, such as the Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Castle, and the historic Botanical Garden.
The city is also known for its vibrant student life, with students making up nearly one-third of the population. Every year, Uppsala hosts a range of cultural events such as the Uppsala International Film Festival, the Uppsala Jazz Festival, and the Uppsala Kulturvandringar.
Places to visit in Uppsala: Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Castle, Botanical Garden, Cobblestone Streets, Uppsala Domkyrka
5. ARLANDA
Arlanda, located about 37 miles north of Stockholm, is an important airport and gateway to Sweden. It is considered one of the best airports in Europe and serves as a hub for both domestic and international travel. The airport is connected to over 130 destinations across Europe and beyond, making it the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to explore Scandinavia.
Arlanda is home to some of Sweden’s most beautiful scenery. There are many parks and forests to explore, as well as plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing and hiking. There are also several historic sites in the area, such as the ruins of a former castle.
The nearby city of Uppsala is home to a range of attractions, including the Uppsala Cathedral and the University of Uppsala. The city is also home to a range of museums and galleries, plus plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options. No matter what you’re looking for, Arlanda has something to offer. From the airport itself to the surrounding region, there is plenty to explore and discover.
Places to visit in Arlanda: Sigtuna Boardwalk, S:t Olofs Church Ruins, Mariakyrkan, Rosersbergs Slott, Sigtuna Rådhus