Rustic charm meets nordic chic
Discover Sweden's countryside through stylish farm stays
Sweden's Most-Loved Rural Regions
Family-Friendly Accommodations
City-Break Escapes
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Sweden, a Place of Ancient Architecture and Serene Beauty
With its long heritage and varied landscapes, along with countless attractions, Sweden is a holidaymaker’s dream. There's royal castles and museums, spellbinding wildlife parks, exciting water sports retreats, lip-smacking food, amazing shopping, and even an ice hotel in the winter. From bustling Stockholm or quaint Gothenburg, to the vast expanses around the Arctic Circle, this beautiful land has something for everybody.
Things to Know About Sweden
Sweden is Scandinavia's most populous country, with a total population of 10.6 million, of which 2.2 million have a foreign background. The capital, Stockholm, is also Sweden’s largest city, with more than 980,000 residents.
The country is divided into three major regions: Gotaland in the south, Svealand in the middle, and Norrland in the north. Sweden is a part of the Fennoscandia geographical region, and has a climate that's very mild for its northerly latitude due to the maritime effect. It shares borders with Norway to the west, and Finland to the east.
Swedish Agritourism: From Fields to Farm Stays
Sweden’s agritourism industry is a boon for both farmers and visitors who want to experience a taste of rural life. You can get rarely seen insights into how a farm works in some of the most beautiful locations to be found anywhere.
These areas include regions in and around Skane’s flatlands and rolling hills, surrounded by the Baltic Sea. The country’s southern tip is the most productive agriculturally, with a long growing season.
Grains such as rye, barley, wheat, and rye as well as fruits, vegetables, potatoes, and root crops are Sweden’s main agricultural products. Skane is known as the nation’s breadbasket and produces sugar beet, oil plants, rapeseed, and wheat.
Dairy farming is a large sector that constitutes 20% of Swedish agricultural production. Southern Sweden is the country’s milk belt where 70% of the milk is produced. Pork and poultry production is also another significant agricultural industry.
Sweden is Scandinavia's most populous country, with a total population of 10.6 million, of which about 2.2 million have a foreign background. The capital, Stockholm, is also Sweden’s largest city, with more than 980,000 residents.
Source: Statista
Sweden’s Must-see Attractions
Sweden has much more to offer beyond its cultural and historic delights. You'll be spellbound by its natural beauty and tranquillity, from its cities to the wilds of the north.
Vasa Museum
This popular Stockholm museum is famous for displaying the world’s only salvaged, almost fully intact 17th-century ship.
The pride of the Swedish naval fleet sank on its maiden voyage. The preserved Vasa is a showcase of its exemplary craftsmanship, including detailed wood carvings.
There are exhibits featuring artefacts recovered with the ship.
Skansen
The open-air Skansen museum on the island of Djurgarden showcases rural and urban culture from various eras of Swedish history.
You can tour replica buildings including traditional mills, manor houses, and churches, and a selection of artisan shops manned by staff in full period costume.
A reindeer camp and funicular railroad are also part of the museum.
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, is one of Europe’s best-conserved historic city centres.
The colourful houses on the Stortorget square make for quite the sight.
The Post Museum and Nobel Museum, along with the Royal Palace that boasts over 600 rooms, are some of the most popular attractions in this area.
Drottningholm Palace
One of Stockholm's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this 17th-century imperial palace is the Swedish royal family’s private residence.
Tour the terraced park of this fairytale-like palace, explore the grand salons resplendent in their period furnishings, or take a stroll in the Chinese Pavilion.
Other options include a performance at the Palace Theatre, or admiring period stage costume in the Theatre Museum.
Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago, made up of thousands of pretty islands, is the place to appreciate serene rugged landscapes, beautiful views of the Baltic Sea, and the distinct yellow and red timber summerhouses.
One great way to take it all in is on a public ferry or boat tour.
Ice Hotel
The first of its kind in the world, Jukkasjärvi's ice hotel is on the outskirts of Sweden’s northernmost town, Kiruna.
This marvel is recreated every year in different designs, with ice from the Torne River.
Guests can stay in luxurious suites, complete with sauna and bathroom.
Visby
A walled town on the island of Gotland, Visby’s cobblestone streets are home to many fascinating medieval buildings, including trading houses and churches.
The magnificent, well-preserved walls date back 700 years, and are part of a medieval fortification with defensive towers.
Add the Sankta Maria Cathedral, with its 13th-century construction, in your walkabout.
Abisko National Park
One of Sweden's best and most-visited natural reserves, Abisko is home to abundant vegetation and wildlife.
Whether it's hiking, appreciating views of the lakes, hills, and valleys, cross-country skiing, or dog sledging, there’s plenty to look forward to in the wide-open spaces here.
Kalmar Castle
The inspiration for the city of Kalmar's logo, Kalmar Castle’s story is one of political intrigue, fiery sieges, and fierce fights.
Today it's a vibrant historical attraction, where you can admire this medieval wonder's formidable construction in present-day peace.
More Great Swedish Tourism Offers
Sweden offers a diverse selection of outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking in the Swedish Laplands, cycling tours in West Sweden, or kayaking and canoeing around the Gothenburg Archipelago and Stockholm regions.
Sweden is an astounding destination, whatever your choice of holiday. Whether it's exploring historic treasures or enjoying outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of inspiration here in the heart of Scandinavia for some unforgettable memories.
FAQs
Sweden offers numerous attractions, including:
- Vasa Museum in Stockholm, showcasing a 17th-century ship
- Skansen, an open-air museum on Djurgarden island
- Gamla Stan, Stockholm's well-preserved old town
- Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Stockholm Archipelago
- The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi
- The medieval town of Visby
- Bisko National Park and Kalmar Castle
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are best viewed in Sweden during the winter months, typically from late September to early April.
The optimal conditions for viewing occur in the northern parts of the country, particularly in Swedish Lapland, where the long, dark nights provide the perfect backdrop for this natural phenomenon.
Sweden offers diverse accommodation options, including:
- stylish farm stays in the countryside
- comfortable farmhouses
- nature cabins
- mountain resorts
- stays on the archipelagos
For a truly unique experience, you can stay at the world-famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, which is recreated annually with ice from the Torne River.
To experience Swedish food culture, check this “must-try”:
- Fika (coffee break with pastries)
- iconic restaurants in Stockholm for a taste of gastronomic heritage and local products
Don't miss trying Swedish meatballs, a national dish. You can also participate in gastronomic tours through restaurants and bistros to sample a variety of Swedish culinary traditions.
Sweden offers a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
In summer, popular activities include:
- hiking in Swedish Lapland
- cycling tours in West Sweden
- kayaking or canoeing around the Gothenburg Archipelago and Stockholm regions
Winter activities include snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, and skiing, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
To experience Sami culture, visit the Arctic north of Sweden where you can spend time with the Sami people, Sweden's indigenous inhabitants.
For Viking heritage, head to the island of Gotland, which offers numerous historical sites and museums dedicated to Viking history.
Additionally, many museums throughout Sweden, such as the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm, feature extensive Viking exhibits and artifacts.