Sweden

Sweden’s attractions are as varied as its landscape. In Stockholm, the capital sprawled across 14 islands, travelers can explore the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), admire royal artifacts at The Royal Palace, and dive into Scandinavian creativity at the Fotografiska photography museum and Vasa Museum, which houses a fully preserved 17th-century warship. In the west, Gothenburg blends coastal charm with culture, featuring the Universeum Science Center, Feskekôrka fish market, and the leafy canals of Haga. Malmö, in the south, impresses with the modern Turning Torso skyscraper and easy access to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge. For nature lovers, the Swedish Lapland is a dream — home to the indigenous Sámi people, vast pine forests, and the Aurora Borealis in winter. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi offers a truly unique stay, while in summer, the midnight sun transforms hiking routes like Kungsleden into otherworldly adventures. Coastal getaways abound on the Bohuslän archipelago, and the island of Gotland enchants with medieval ruins, sun-bleached beaches, and storybook towns like Visby.

Swedish cuisine is rooted in simplicity and seasonality, with a strong emphasis on fish, wild game, and berries. A classic experience is the smörgåsbord, a buffet of pickled herring, cured salmon, meatballs, cheeses, and rye crispbread. Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) served with lingonberry sauce and creamy potatoes are a national staple and comfort food favorite. Seafood is abundant along the coasts — dishes like gravlax (cured salmon with dill), räksmörgås (open-faced shrimp sandwich), and surströmming (fermented herring, best eaten outdoors) reflect Sweden’s maritime traditions. In the north, you’ll find reindeer meat, cloudberries, and traditional Sámi stews. For a sweet treat, kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) are central to Sweden’s beloved fika — the daily ritual of coffee and pastry shared among friends. Other desserts include semlor (cream-filled cardamom buns) and princess cake, a sponge cake layered with jam, cream, and marzipan.

Sweden has one of Europe’s most efficient, clean, and reliable transportation systems. Trains, operated by SJ (Swedish Railways), connect major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö with fast, comfortable service. Booking tickets online in advance can yield significant discounts, especially for high-speed X2000 routes. In cities, public transport is excellent, with metro systems in Stockholm, trams in Gothenburg, and reliable buses and ferries in coastal areas. The SL card in Stockholm offers seamless access across all modes of transport. For exploring the countryside, national parks, or small villages, renting a car is recommended — roads are well-maintained and scenic, though winter conditions may require snow tires and caution. Domestic flights are available but often unnecessary unless traveling to far-north destinations like Kiruna. Sweden is also very bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling lanes in most urban centers.

Sweden is often seen as expensive, but smart travelers can find ways to explore on a budget. Public transportation passes, such as city day passes or the Eurail Scandinavia Pass, help reduce travel costs. Booking trains and long-distance buses like FlixBus or Vy in advance can save money. Accommodation can be affordable in hostels, which are clean, well-run, and often include kitchen access — great for self-catering. Couchsurfing, camping, and Airbnb also offer alternatives. In summer, Sweden’s allemansrätten (Right of Public Access) allows you to wild camp respectfully on most lands. Eating out frequently adds up, so opt for grocery stores, lunch specials (dagens rätt), or street food like korv (sausages). Many museums have free entry days, and exploring nature — from archipelagos to forests — is always free and endlessly rewarding.

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and public spaces are generally secure day and night. That said, as with any urban destination, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas or public transport in major cities like Stockholm. Healthcare is excellent, and emergency services are fast and responsive. Travelers should dial 112 in case of emergency. Water is safe to drink everywhere, and food hygiene standards are high. Sweden experiences long winters and can have icy roads or blizzards in the north, so travelers should dress appropriately and follow local weather alerts. Wildlife such as moose or reindeer may appear on rural roads — especially at dawn or dusk — so drivers should stay vigilant.

Swedes value modesty, privacy, and punctuality. Loud behavior, unsolicited personal questions, or interrupting are generally frowned upon. Greetings are typically a firm handshake with eye contact, and titles are not heavily used — most people prefer to be addressed by their first name. In social situations, it’s customary to remove shoes when entering someone’s home. When dining, always wait for the host to say “Smaklig måltid” (enjoy your meal) before eating. If you're invited for fika, it’s polite to bring something small like flowers or pastries. Sweden has strong environmental values — recycling is expected, and public littering is taken seriously. Queueing is organized and respected, even in casual settings, so always wait your turn.

Sweden is ideal for cultural travelers, nature lovers, and design enthusiasts who appreciate clean, organized travel experiences that balance adventure with comfort. It’s especially well-suited for solo travelers, families, and sustainable-minded explorers. Whether you’re kayaking through an archipelago, hiking under the midnight sun, or sipping coffee in a minimalist café, Sweden will delight those seeking tranquility, quality, and depth of experience.

Budget travelers will find a range of hostels and budget hotels in cities, such as City Backpackers Hostel in Stockholm or STF hostels throughout the country. Prices for dorm beds range from $30–50 USD, and these spots often include kitchens, saunas, or bike rentals. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Fridhemsplan, Scandic chain hotels, or Story Hotel offer comfortable rooms with breakfast and amenities in the $100–180 USD range. Many have sleek Nordic interiors and are centrally located. For luxury experiences, travelers can book historic properties like the Grand Hôtel Stockholm, stay at countryside manor houses, or spend a night in the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, rebuilt from ice each winter. Lapland also offers glass-roofed igloos, where guests can watch the aurora from bed in unforgettable comfort.

Many visitors underestimate the high cost of dining and transport — opting for lunch specials, grocery stores, and regional train passes can help manage expenses. Some tourists also assume they can see all of Sweden in a week, not realizing how vast and diverse the country is — it’s better to focus on one region or theme per trip. Forgetting to book accommodations in advance during summer, especially around holidays like Midsummer, can lead to disappointment. Also, not dressing in layers, especially in winter or during unpredictable spring weather, can leave travelers unprepared for sudden shifts. Lastly, don’t skip nature — even if you’re a city traveler. The Swedes’ love for the outdoors is contagious, and even a short hike or swim in a forest lake will leave a lasting impression.

SL-Journey Planner and SJ Rail apps are essential for navigating public transit and long-distance train travel. Skånetrafiken serves the southern regions, and Västtrafik covers Gothenburg. For maps and hiking, Naturkartan and AllTrails are invaluable. Karma and Too Good To Go are fantastic apps for discounted meals and reducing food waste. Swish, a mobile payment app, is widely used by locals, though it requires a Swedish bank account — tourists can rely on Apple Pay or contactless cards instead. Google Translate, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com round out the essentials, while a local SIM card from Telia or Comviq ensures reliable coverage even in rural areas.

A 10-day itinerary might start with 3–4 days in Stockholm, exploring museums, Gamla Stan, Djurgården Island, and enjoying fika culture. Then, take the train west to Gothenburg for food markets, archipelago boat tours, and coastal walks. Add 2–3 days in Lapland or Dalarna depending on the season — in winter, chase the northern lights, go dogsledding or stay in an ice suite; in summer, hike through alpine valleys and enjoy Sweden’s pastoral heart. Wrap up with a night or two on Gotland or in a traditional Swedish countryside inn, soaking up the serene landscapes. This itinerary suits those who enjoy a blend of urban culture, natural beauty, and Scandinavian charm.

Sweden has over 100,000 lakes and nearly 270,000 islands, making it one of the most water-rich countries in the world. The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and houses a ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 — and was salvaged centuries later almost perfectly intact. The Swedish passport is one of the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free access to over 180 countries. Sweden also gave the world iconic global brands like IKEA, Volvo, Spotify, and ABBA, and it hosts the Nobel Prize ceremonies annually in Stockholm and Oslo.