15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden (Expert Picks for 2024)

15 Must-Visit Cities in Sweden for 2024

If you’ll be heading to Sweden soon, you can’t imagine the wonders that await you in its best cities, towns, and natural destinations. This is a country where a sense of calm and peace envelops you, cities are clean and vibrant, and adventure can be found around every corner.

Sweden’s landscapes are gorgeous, ranging from villages set among the mountains, lakes, and gentle hills in the northwest to dense forests, plains, and valleys in the south and east. Its rocky shores weave into inlets and bays with islands just off the coast. 

It’s no wonder that the country has 29 national parks to preserve this unspoiled beauty!

Swedes take allemansrätten — the right to public access to nature — quite seriously here, and it’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation from winter sports and foraging to hiking and canoeing.

With excellent views of the Northern Lights during winter, the country takes on a magical vibe with historic castles, cobblestone streets, and quaint alpine villages adding to its charm.

Let’s take a look at the 15 best places to visit in Sweden below to help you lay out an awesome itinerary that leaves no Swedish stone unturned.

1. Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is the perfect place to begin your trip and get a sense of the Swedish culture. Take in stunning historic architecture, a menagerie of shops, eateries, and street markets, and tasteful museums scattered around its 14-island footprint.

The downtown area of Stockholm is Norrmalm, the shopping hub with architectural and cultural highlights like the Royal Swedish Opera and Stockholm Concert Hall. Take a stroll down Drottninggatan (Queen Street) to browse the shops and visit Kungsträdgården Park for its cafes, shade trees, and serene walking paths. 

But Gamla Stan, the Old Town, will be the best part of your Stockholm visit. This island south of Normmalm is the sightseeing hotspot. Buildings and cathedrals from the 17th and 18th century line cobblestone streets and Sweden’s Royal Palace is here. Pubs, bars, and restaurants cluster around these historic areas. 

Stockholm boasts some incredible museums. The island of Djurgården has the Vasa Museum, where you’ll find the world’s only nearly-intact 17th-century warship, Vasa, Skansen, an underrated open-air museum with old Stockholm buildings, and ABBA: The Museum for fans of the Swedish pop group. 

Head to the island of Skeppsholmen for the Modern Art Museum with famous works from artists like Picasso and Warhol, or switch gears and visit the Gröna Lund amusement park for thrilling rides and concerts in summertime. 

2. Gothenburg

Riverfront Gothenburg is a bustling music and dining hub on Sweden’s west cost, permeated by a network of canals and wide, tree-lined streets where people gather to eat, shop, and make merry. With an amusement park, quick access to natural areas, and a city-wide appreciation for fine arts, this is one of our favorite places in Sweden. 

Avenyn is the main artery of Gothenburg. Start your visit with a long walk down this street, visiting the Poseidon statue, eating at cafes, and checking out local shops along the street. Head to Slottsskogen park to visit a little zoo and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

Haga, a cute historic district, has cobblestone streets and is where Skansen Kronan, a fortress from the 1600s, sits overlooking the city. You’ll find plenty of eateries and the best cinnamon roll you’ve ever tasted here at Café Husaren.

Looking for exhilaration? Liseberg, a popular amusement park with great roller coasters, will be your scene. Even if you’re not coming to ride, you’ll enjoy the sculpture garden and concerts held here in the summer months. Universeum has an aquarium and indoor rainforest to explore! 

For a better perspective of Gothenburg as a whole, opt for an archipelago ferry tour for a wide-angle look at the islands. Or just rent a kayak and paddle the city’s canals! Just outside of Gothenburg, the Delsjön Nature Reserve has hiking trails through scenic forests by the water that will add a special sense of tranquility to your trip. 

3. Luleå

Luleå sits on the coast of northern Sweden in Lapland — “Europe’s last wilderness” and home to the indigenous Sami people. Its winter sports, medieval church, museums, and serene beaches with views of the stunning Northern Lights make it a memorable place to visit in Sweden. 

Kulturens Hus (House of Culture) sits at the center of Luleå and is very much the hub of the city today. Catch a concert at Norrbottensmusiken, tour art galleries and a library, dine on reindeer sausage or Guinness-braised ox cheek, and overlook the harbor from this bustling spot. 

Skiing, fat tire biking, dog sledding, and more wintry sports are popular in Luleå. A famous ice track encircles the city from harbor to harbor, all the way out to the island of Gråsjälören and people come here to sled, walk, run, bike, skate, and more. Fireplaces along the track are perfect for warming up! 

This is a sports-obsessed city that loves basketball and hockey, so come watch a game at Luleå Energi Arena or Coop Norrbotten Arena if you want to see what all the fuss is about.

Luleå’s Bay of Bothnia dissolves into over a thousand islands, where you’ll find tranquil and unspoiled rocky beaches where seals and birds congregate and old wooden cottages dot the shores. You can see a historic windmill in the distance on Junkön Island! 

Gammelstad Church Town is one of the coolest places around Luleå. Once the city center, the UNESCO-recognized town features a large medieval stone church, Nederluleå Church, surrounded by 400+ cottages that are remarkably preserved (you can even stay in one overnight). 

4. Stockholm Archipelago

While the city of Stockholm itself is divided among 14 islands, there are more than 30,000 islands scattered further out in the Stockholm Archipelago. These islands and islets feature sandy and rocky beaches, abundant wildlife, and a chance to explore the natural side of Sweden in close proximity to its most bustling metropolis. 

Lighthouses, historic trails, and wildlife safaris make visiting the Stockholm Archipelago really fantastic. Go fishing, motor or sail into a secluded cove, take to a kayak to paddle the waters around the islands, or hop on horseback to explore the trails.

You’ll find fishing villages as old as time along with uninhabited islands that seem completely untouched by the modern world in the Stockholm Archipelago. Boating or sailing past, you’ll see palatial waterfront mansions and quaint wooden cottages on the shores of inhabited islands. 

One of the more remote islands, Fejan, has a special surprise: An upscale restaurant by the same name, founded and run by a successful Stockholm restauranteur. Enjoy cocktails and fresh seafood with scenic views, or head to Värmdö Island and its Artipelag art gallery, onsite restaurant, and bakery. 

Getting to the islands is easy during the warmer months of the year with the public ferry, Waxholmsbolaget, that can be taken from the city to reach near and remote islands in the archipelago. 

5. Helsingborg

Helsingborg sits on the south coast of Sweden and is the place to visit for that classic cozy, historic, and peaceful Swedish vibe set in a beautiful city with gorgeous old architecture. Gothic and Neo-Gothic towers, churches, and buildings stand proudly in the city center. 

Most people come here to experience fika, or a chance to enjoy coffee and pastries or cake with friends in a quaint cafe as people mill about outside. You’ll have plenty of chances to do so with eateries and cozy cafes lining the cobblestone streets here! 

But perhaps the biggest attraction in Helsingborg is its Old Town (Gamla Staden), where you’ll find Kullagatan (the oldest pedestrian street in the city), the medieval Kärnan Tower, the 12th-century Gothic St. Mary’s Church, and a beautiful Town Hall with a clock tower and stained glass windows. 

Standing nearly 115 feet (35 meters) tall since the 1300s, Kärnan Tower is the only remaining portion of a former Danish castle, Helsingborg Castle. Climb 146 steps up a spiral staircase to reach breathtaking views over the harbor and nearby Helsingør and Oresund. 

Sofiero Palace and its surrounding gardens and park are ideal to visit on a sunny day in Helsingborg. Grab beer and lunch at Barski afterward right in the heart of the city.

With other attractions like the Tropikariet Zoo, the open-air Fredriksdal Museum, and ferry rides to nearby Helsingør where the Kronborg Castle from Hamlet sits, this historic city is fascinating to visit. 

6. Abisko

Known as one of the world’s best spots to watch the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, Abisko is a tiny lakeside village ringed by snow-capped mountains and hiking trails. Sitting in the Aurora Oval, there are few places with better views of the dancing aurora than just outside this village.

Head just beyond the village of Abisko to the Abisko National Park if you’re here to explore the unique beauty of Sweden’s harshest and most picturesque mountain landscapes.

Trails in the park lead you through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer months (when you’ll experience the Midnight Sun from late May to July) and covered in snow and ice during the winter. There are forests teeming with reindeer and wildlife to explore on paths like the King’s Trail. 

The Aurora Sky Station is where you’ll discover the best views of the Northern Lights. The station sits high on Mount Nuolja within the national park. With inky-black skies overhead and no light pollution, your viewing chances are excellent from September to March.

If you’ve always wanted to see the dancing Northern Lights or experience the unending Midnight Sun, you want to be certain you’ll have a great vantage point. That’s why Abisko is one of the best place to visit in Sweden. 

7. Uppsala

Sweden’s own version of Cambridge, Uppsala is a university town with a significant history as the academic hub of the country and as a legendary site of Viking sacrifices. Uppsala University, founded in 1477, and Uppsala Castle, built in 1549, are the city’s claims to fame.

Rich history can be uncovered in the museums, cemeteries, architecture, and artifacts held here. Located under an hour north of Stockholm, Uppsala is Sweden’s 4th-largest city and boasts foodie-approved restaurants, many of them clustered along the banks of the Fyris River. 

Tour Gustavianum Museum, located inside the oldest original university building, to see artifacts and curiosities from the 17th century in the Augsburg Art Cabinet. A Silver Bible from the 6th century is displayed in the library nearby. 

Next, you can visit Scandinavia’s largest church, Uppsala Domkyrka, a beautiful Gothic cathedral where the Swedish king Gustav Vasa is buried alongside other notable people. Scientists and plant lovers will want to stroll through the lush Linnaeus Garden, named after Carl Linnaeus — the father of modern taxonomy. 

Finally, the sight of the 16th-century Uppsala Castle is certainly impressive, even though it’s been restored and modified over the centuries. Gamla Uppsala, the historic Old Town, is where ritual Viking sacrifices were performed before King Inge destroyed the temple there in 1080. 

8. Malmö

Sitting on the southern tip of Sweden, Malmö’s mild climate, youthful population, and extensive options for sightseeing, dining, and recreation make it a spectacular experience. From a Renaissance castle to lush parks and bike paths, this is always a favorite spot for travelers visiting Sweden.

Malmö is Sweden’s 3rd-largest city, packed with places to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy the nightlife. The central Old Town is where you’ll find the stately 16th-century Malmö Castle surrounded by a moat and gardens. It’s the oldest (preserved) Renaissance castle in the Scandinavian region.

Inside the castle, you can tour the Natural History Museum, an aquarium, and the Malmö Art Museum. Walk around Stortorget and Lilla Torg cobblestone plazas to see 16th-century buildings, churches, half-timbered houses, and museums in the area. There are some great restaurants and cafes in this part of town! 

Cross over into Copenhagen for a day trip or simply admire the Öresund Bridge on the east side of the city. You can rent a bike to explore the city along 300+ miles (515 kilometers) of bike paths in this thoughtfully-designed city. 

Museums and galleries abound within the city and you’ll find some unexpected spots to explore (like the Disgusting Food Museum) tucked among fine arts, history, and home museums in the heart of the city.

See it all with a bird’s eye view from Malmö’s Turning Torso, one of the tallest buildings in the region, located in the Western Harbour neighborhood where an old shipyard once thrived. 

9. Lund

Lund is just 40 minutes from Helsingborg by train, another of Sweden’s most interesting places to visit. It’s a delightful, walkable college town with historic attractions clustered around the small city center. It’s known for abundant cafes and restaurants, most concentrated downtown, and has a friendly, laid-back vibe. 

Within an hour or two, you can make your way from the bustling Bantorget square in front of the Grand Hotel down past a beautiful cathedral, and Lund University to see most of the iconic sights in a short period of time. 

In the heart of the city, the indoor/outdoor Kulturen Museum transports you to another time with art, design, and historic exhibits depicting Swedish life from the Middle Ages to the 1930s. Check out the Skissernas Museum (Museum of Sketches) and eat at the onsite restaurant to fuel up for the rest of your walking tour! 

The imposing Lund Cathedral is one of the highlights of the city, situated in the center of town with its 12th-century roots and historic altar inside. In the basement, stone pillars surrounded by the legend of a giant named Finn can be seen. Next door, you can explore Lund University’s beautiful campus. 

Stadsparken, the local park, comes alive with people picnicking and walking in the warmer months. Botanical gardens nearby are home to exotic and local flora, and a stroll through the city will lead you to dozens of wine bars, eateries, and shops to check out. 

10. Kosterhavet

Sweden’s southeastern coast is home to the popular Kosterhavet National Park, a marine park that encompasses part of the Skagerrak Sea and its Koster Islands. The islands are home to a massive resident colony of seals, Sweden’s most diverse marine life, and tons of rare species. 

You might come to snorkel or dive around coral reefs, eelgrass clusters, or kelp forests teeming with colorful fish (some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the country), visit the secluded islands and their sandy shorelines, or enjoy scenic boat rides around the park. 

Rossö island has excellent beaches and hiking trails, hilly Saltö island boasts sandy shoreline and deep, lush valleys, and Ursholmen island’s lighthouse and views of the distant Väderö islands make it a favorite spot for visitors to stay overnight.

Plan a visit to the small but incredibly cool Tjärnö Aquarium in Lovéncentret at Tjärnö island to see 200+ aquatic species, experience the touch tank, and engage in biologist-led presentations during the summer months. Getting to the park by boat from Strömstad takes around 45 minutes and you’ll enjoy fantastic sea views along the way.

11. Marstrand

Close to Gothenburg, the island of Marstrand is nestled along the western coast of Sweden. It’s the place where Swedes come to dine on fresh seafood, enjoy a laid-back weekend sailing and strolling the historic streets, and swim in the temperate waters. 

After arriving on a ferry, you’ll walk the car-free streets and look at incredible historic buildings, explore narrow alleys, and breathe in the salty, clean air as sailboats pass in the harbor. This is Sweden’s sailing capital and that’s clear from the moment you arrive!

Colorful buildings and homes dot the shoreline, but the imposing stone Carlstens Fästning (Carlsten Fortress) from 1658 stands above it all with its dominating presence.

Take a guided tour of its interior, historic prison cells, and secret tunnels, then witness some of the best views of the entire archipelago and the sea from its tower.

Shops, restaurants, cozy cafes, and bars line the harbor, providing endless hours of enjoyment on a warm, sunny day as you eat your fill of seafood and browse crafts and artwork in the boutiques. Sandy beaches on nearby islands, like Vrångö and Styrsö, are perfect for swimming. 

12. Kiruna

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot to spend your days in Sweden, check out the quiet, scenic town of Kiruna. It’s the northernmost city in the country, nestled in the Swedish Lapland and surrounded by mountains, dark forests, rivers, and lakes.

Boasting awesome views of the Northern Lights, a long mining history, and the beautiful landscapes that draw visitors to the city, Kiruna is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. It rests in the shadow of Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise. 

The town’s massive iron ore mine might interest you if you’re up for a tour deep under the ground. You’ll head almost 4,500 feet underground (1365 meters) in the LKAB’s Visitor Centre to learn about the history and mining operations there. 

The Gothic Revival Kiruna Church is wooden and has been named one of the most beautiful buildings in Sweden with its iconic bell tower. The tower is built in a style similar to that of the huts the indigenous Sami people built. 

For stunning aurora views, head to Camp Ripan Aurora Spa and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that contrasts the healing powers of snow and heat in its tranquil setting. 

13. Visby

Enter a true Swedish fairytale in the medieval town of Visby. Honored by UNESCO as one of the best-preserved cities from this period in the Scandinavian region, Visby sits on the island of Gotland off Sweden’s east coast.

Around the city center, the original medieval wall spans the edge and still features high defense towers from its beginnings in the 1200s. Imagine the battles, daily life, and history this wall has seen! 

The Gotland Museum houses Europe’s biggest collection of silver treasure and Viking artifacts. Around Visby, you’ll pass rows of churches, buildings, and homes that date back as early as the 12th century. Ruins of churches like St. Nicolai, St. Clemens, and Drotten are absolutely fascinating to see. 

Pay a special visit to the Sankta Maria Cathedral, where the main chapel is regarded as one of the most beautiful Gothic rooms in all of Europe. You might recognize the setting of the narrow streets and architecture from the Pippi Longstocking movies that were filmed here! 

Take time to wander around Stora Torget, a bustling plaza, to find seafood, pizza, and Swedish eats with local shops selling handicrafts. Visit the vast (and free!) Botanical Gardens to see thousands of roses and exotic plants in bloom. Beaches and jetties where you can swim are abundant on the island. 

Saffron pancakes are a local specialty. With ripe dewberries ladled over the top and whipped cream, this dessert-like delicacy is a must-try before you leave the island.

14. Dalarna County

Close to the Sweden-Norway border, the picturesque mountain landscapes of Dalarna County call to outdoor enthusiasts and skiers with rugged peaks, quaint alpine villages, and tranquil lakes with cozy little towns hugging their shores. 

This is the spot to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and seclusion of Sweden’s storybook-style towns. Cabins for rent in Sälen, Särna, and lakefront Rättvik are the perfect places for a little R&R, scenic hikes, and laid-back living. 

Come winter, the rolling green hills, mountains, and wild meadows are blanketed in fresh snow. Skiers from around the world hear the call and come to carve the slopes and cross country trails in this idyllic county. An annual long-distance ski race, Vasaloppet, takes place here. 

The red-colored houses and cottages that dot the landscape add to the charm with their Falu Rödfärg (Falun Red) — paint with rusty pigments taken from the county’s historic Falun Mine. Gardens, museums, shops, and restaurants round out your visit with plenty of things to see and do. 

Come to the county in June (usually sometime between the 19th and 25th) for a historic Midsummer party that any Swede would be proud of. 

15. Örebro

From mythical creatures in the forests to a mushroom-shaped water tower, the enchanting city of Örebro is conveniently sandwiched between Stockholm and Gothenburg. It offers rich experiences through historic streets, an iconic castle, and a vibrant Old Town that connects the modern day to the past. 

Örebro Castle is probably the highlight of the city. Built in the 14th century, its purpose has shifted over the years (prison, palace, museum) and is interesting to tour with a guide, a fun-filled “treasure hunt,” or a spooky ghost walk.

The Old Town, Wadköping, features rows of red cottages from centuries past, museums detailing the history of the city, and cute little cafes and art galleries for a satisfying stroll. 

Restaurants around the city are as varied and nice as you’d expect in this picturesque setting. You’ll find upscale cuisine from around the world using local ingredients for fresh flavors, as well as unique eateries (like the one atop the Svampen mushroom-shaped water tower). 

Tiveden National Park, the furthest-south forest in Sweden, is where mythical trolls and creatures are said to have lived. Walking its scenic trails, you’ll see why this myth is almost believable — sun-dappled paths, dense stands of trees, and surrounding mountains making you feel almost enclosed in wilderness. 

Things to Consider

You’ve got a great list of the best places to visit in Sweden, but you’ll find it easier to plan your trip when you keep the following travel tips and pointers in mind. 

• Figure out your travel goals. Laid-back trips on the waterfront, bustling city streets, or rustic getaways in the mountains — what appeals to you most about Sweden? Figure out your travel goals to immediately start narrowing down the list of the best places in the country to better suit your travel plans. 
• Dress for the weather. Sweden’s climate varies quite a bit by the region and season, so do your research and prepare accordingly with clothing that will be well-suited for the weather. Sweden’s winters can be mild in some areas (like southern Sweden) and very cold and snowy in others (mid- and northern Sweden).
• Familiarize yourself with the language. While many Swedes speak English, signage, menus, and more can give you trouble if you don’t know Swedish. Take the time to learn some key phrases or consult a translation app while abroad to make your experience easier. 
• Research seasonal closures. Sweden can be very seasonal, with some attractions and parks only open for certain months of the year. If you’re coming to ski, enjoy time on the water, or visit locations that receive a lot of snow and ice, you’ll want to make sure attractions are open during your visit ahead of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The prospect of visiting Sweden’s best places might leave you with a few questions that could affect your choices while you’re planning the trip. Take a look at the most common traveler questions below to learn more! 

So, Where Should You Visit When in Sweden?

Sweden unfolds before you like a fairytale, mixing the storied past with modern-day cities that brim with life and activity. The best places to visit in Sweden show you the many facades of this Scandinavian nation, promising everything from fast-paced urban exploration to cozy villages nestled in the mountains. 

With 15 incredible destinations to consider for your trip to Sweden, you’re sure to find places that embody the vibe, scenery, and historic significance you’re looking for when you come to visit.

And with such close proximity to other countries, like Norway and Finland, who’s to say that Sweden is where your travels will end?