The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023

If you’re trying to find the best places to visit in Sweden, you’re in the right place. We have everything you need to know about traveling in the snowy Nordic country. Keep reading to discover the 15 best places to see in Sweden!

15 of the Best Places to Visit in Sweden

Sweden is a friendly country with a vibrant culture, rich history, and numerous outdoor activities. The city’s capital is bustling with things to do, and the peaceful northern villages make for a tranquil vacation.

Nearly every location in the country has something extraordinary, but we’re here to find the perfect city to make your holiday to Sweden fantastic.

In Sweden, you can spot reindeer, go to cultural festivals, and try local baked goods. Check out castles, go to underground mines, or even see the brilliant northern lights. Sweden has something for everyone. You won’t be disappointed if you visit!

There are hundreds of tourist destinations in the snowy country, but we can help you find the best one. Read on and learn why you should visit Sweden and where to go.

1. Stockholm

Visit the capital of Sweden and discover why it’s the top tourist destination in the country. Stockholm is a massive area of 14 islands, and the travel destinations are nearly limitless.

The city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Drottningholm Palace, a royal residence dating back to the 17th century, or check out Skogskyrkogården, a forest cemetery with statues and ornate architecture.

The ABBA museum is a must-see destination for fans of the Swedish pop band. It houses costumes, records, and memorabilia, but the museum also has interactive features that make you feel like a 5th member of the iconic band.

2. Gothenburg

Gothenburg, the country’s second-largest city, is in southern Sweden. It’s a seaside town on the west coast and is ideal for top tourist attractions. Get tickets at Liseberg, the top feature in Gothenburg. You’ll have an incredible time at the top-rated amusement park.

3. Luleå

Visit Luleå, a small town in northeast Sweden in Norrbotten County. It’s a coastal city famous for hiking, skiing, and top cuisine.

Visit the Gammelstad Church Town, a preserved community of houses and a church from the 15th century. You can also head to the Norrbotten Museum to discover local history and see art on display.

One of the most amazing things about Luleå is the hundreds of tiny islands along the town’s coast. Consider a beach trip to one of the islands in the summer, or visit galleries, restaurants, and walking trails.

4. Stockholm Archipelago

Did you know there are over 30,000 islands, rocks, and skerries off the coast of Stockholm? Take advantage of this natural wonder and schedule a day trip from Stockholm or book accommodation on a peaceful island.

This archipelago is the largest in Sweden, and it only takes a few minutes to get there from the capital city. Visitors can book a guided cruise and learn about the area from locals. The island group boasts incredible diversity, from craggy rocks to peaceful sandy beaches.

5. Helsingborg

Helsingborg is at the southern tip of Sweden, just across the water from Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city. It’s a coastal town with a rich history, and the area has a gothic church and town hall, as well as a surviving medieval fortress.

Start your tour of Helsingborg at the Kärnan fortress, and see beautiful views from the top of the tower. Next, you can stroll through town and admire the ornate architecture before spending time at the beach or going to Sofiero Palace.

6. Abisko

Are you interested in seeing the iconic northern lights? Consider visiting Abisko, a small town north of the polar circle, and head to the observation center to catch a glimpse of the lights. Dress appropriately, as it will be chilly any time of the year.

There’s a national park just southwest of the village, and the area is ideal for winter sports or hiking trips. Abisko also features extensive wildlife. You can spot reindeer and lemming if you’re lucky.

7. Uppsala

Visit Uppsala, a city just north of Stockholm. It’s a moderately sized town that boasts Sweden’s first university, a medieval creation with academic buildings dating back to the 1400s.

Tour the Gustavianum, Uppsala University’s historic first building, now a museum. Don’t forget to see the Uppsala Domkyrka, a gothic cathedral with several famous graves, including Swedish king Gustav Vasa.

Get outside and see the beautiful local plant life at Linnaeus Garden, or go to Uppsala Castle and explore the manicured grounds. Consider booking a hotel near all the top destinations in the city center.

8. Malmo

Malmö is a beautiful city by Sweden’s southern tip, and the area is ideal for a sunnier kind of Swedish vacation. It’s right by Öresund Bridge, which connects Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmö makes a great day trip from Copenhagen or vice versa.

The Little Square is a tourist hub and is a great place to start in Malmö. The plaza showcases exhibitions from Swedish artists, and you can admire the colorful architecture as you walk through the square.

9. Lund

Lund is a southern Swedish city with a strong wine culture and fun nightlife. The town features many lush parks and outdoor spaces, and Lund is ideal for touring the cobblestoned streets on a pretty summer’s day.

There are over a dozen wine bars in Lund, and you can taste the best of the region at a bar or drive out to a nearby winery like Flyinge Vingård. Is it too cold for an outdoor tour? Head inside Vattenhallen Science Center, a family-friendly science museum for curious folk.

10. Kosterhavet

Kosterhavet is a national park on the southeast coast of Sweden, and the park includes islands and underwater portions. Sweden’s national park system only established it as a protected marine area in 2009, and you can check out this pristine reserve and see tons of precious sea creatures and plants.

The park also has protected coral reefs that you can see in a hands-on experience or tour. Take one of the trails around the islands or settle on a restaurant deck to view the park’s watery surface. You can also dive or snorkel to see the coral and sea life.

11. Marstrand

Marstrand is an oceanfront town on Sweden’s west coast, near Gothenburg. It’s a relaxing location ideal for your weekend getaway trip by the sea.

Take an adventurous boat trip from Marstrand and see Pater Noster Lighthouse, or stay on land and visit the Strandverket outdoor art gallery. The Carlsten fortress is another top place to visit, and the city views from the top are spectacular.

12. Kiruna

Kiruna is remote and secluded, but we think it’s worth the visit. The town is famous for its iron ore mine, and visitors are welcome to check out the mine with an underground tour.

Head to the north area of the Swedish Lapland to check out Kiruna and see the northern lights, visit the Kiruna Kyrka church, or ride snowmobiles. Also, check out local street food.

13. Visby

Don’t leave Sweden without visiting Visby on Gotland Island. It’s in the Baltic Sea and is an easy distance from northern mainland Europe. If you like trying new foods, visit the city plaza.

Known as Stora Torget in Swedish, the area features seafood, tapas, and Italian-style pizza.Check out the Visby city wall, a remnant of Sweden’s medieval era.

Also, go to the Gotlands Museum and learn about everything from prehistory to the Vikings to the present. Exhibits are in English and Swedish.

14. Dalarna County

Dalarna County is a central Sweden area bordering Norway. The lush forests receive a beautiful snowfall in the winter, making it an ideal place to cross-country ski and take in the gorgeous views.

The area includes several small villages like Sälen, Särna, and the lakefront town of Rättvik.

Book a cozy cabin or bed and breakfast in the area for a relaxing getaway. Dalarna is known for its cuisine, and restaurants have many vegetarian-friendly options. Try authentic Swedish foods like chocolate dessert balls.

15. Örebro

Visit Örebro, a city famous for outdoor gardens, charming hotels, and top-rated bars. Indulge at the luxury Clarion Collection Hotel, where you can enjoy riverside views and afternoon tea, or stay at a cute vacation rental.

Don’t miss Wadköping, a village in east Örebro with shops, a museum, and a bakery. The crowning jewel of Örebro is the medieval castle on the riverbanks. It’s open to the public and features regular tours, events, and fairs.

Slottsparken Örebro is a park in the center of town with cobbled streets and ornate period architecture that make a great photo op. Dogs are welcome at the park, so feel free to bring your furry friend.

Things to Consider

Consider these tips before you travel to Sweden:

• Fall in love with Swedish pastries. Cinnamon buns, chocolate biscuits, and cream buns are everywhere!
• Most shops and restaurants expect cashless payment. Make sure to travel with a credit card.
• Dress warmly. Sweden is chilly, even in the summer, so consider packing an extra jumper or coat.
• Swedes rarely chat with strangers, so don’t feel offended if the locals don’t strike up a conversation with you.
• Walking is popular in cities, and taxis are a last resort. Most people only take a taxi if they have no other option, and taxis are expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read on to get all your questions about Sweden answered:

So, Where Should You Visit When in Sweden?

The best place to visit in Sweden is Stockholm, which has dozens of museums, events, restaurants, and top hotels, and the weather is generally mild. However, consider visiting historic Helsingborg if you want a quieter vacation.

Wherever you travel, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. The country is one of the best destinations in Europe, and you won’t regret booking a trip to one of the best places to visit in Sweden. Happy travels!