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Sweden
Sweden offers stunning landscapes, from serene archipelagos to lush forests. Visitors can explore vibrant cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, enjoy the Northern Lights in Lapland, and experience rich cultural heritage and innovative design. Sweden's natural beauty and modern charm make it an enchanting destination.
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Summary
Overview
Months
08. August, 07. July, 03. March, 11. November, 06. June, 05. May, 01. January, 10. October, 02. February, 09. September, 12. December, 04. April
Vacation type
Couple, Family, Nature, Sightseeing, Hiking, Skiing, Mountains, Party
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
0-10°C, Under 0°C, 10-20°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Europe
Currency
Swedish krona
Languages
Swedish
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Sweden depends on what you want to experience:
- Summer (June to August): Offers the warmest temperatures and long daylight hours, especially in the north, where you can enjoy the Midnight Sun. This is ideal for exploring cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and archipelago tours.
- Spring (April to May): Features gradually warming temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it a great time to visit for sightseeing and experiencing the country's natural beauty as it comes back to life after winter.
- Autumn (September to October): Provides cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, ideal for enjoying the changing colors of the countryside and cultural events.
- Winter (November to March): Best for winter sports enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing the Northern Lights, particularly in the northern parts of Sweden. Winter can be cold and snowy, with shorter daylight hours, but offers unique seasonal activities and serene snowy landscapes. Each season offers a different perspective on Sweden’s diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: June-August (Summer)
Budget Vacation ($50-100/day)
Accommodation: $30-50/night (budget hostels, small hotels).
Food: $15-25/day (local cafes, street food).
Activities: $10-20/day (city tours, museums).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, local shopping).
Mid-Range Vacation ($100-250/day)
Accommodation: $50-120/night (mid-range hotels, guesthouses).
Food: $20-40/day (restaurants, bistros).
Activities: $20-50/day (museum tours, boat rides).
Transportation: $10-20/day (local taxis, car rentals).
Other Costs: $10-20/day (souvenirs, experiences).
Luxury Vacation ($250+/day)
Accommodation: $120+/night (luxury hotels, resorts).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining, exclusive restaurants).
Activities: $50+/day (private tours, luxury experiences).
Transportation: $20+/day (private car, taxi).
Other Costs: $20+/day (high-end shopping).
Off-Peak Season: November-April (Winter)
Budget Vacation ($40-80/day)
Accommodation: $20-40/night (budget accommodations, hostels).
Food: $10-20/day (local food, cafes).
Activities: $5-15/day (winter sports, sightseeing).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($80-200/day)
Accommodation: $30-80/night (mid-range stays, boutique hotels).
Food: $15-30/day (restaurants, casual dining).
Activities: $10-30/day (winter tours, museums, skiing).
Transportation: $5-15/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($200+/day)
Accommodation: $80+/night (luxury hotels, resorts).
Food: $20+/day (fine dining, exclusive meals).
Activities: $30+/day (private guided tours, skiing).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Stockholm
- The capital city, known for its stunning archipelago, historic sites like the Royal Palace, and vibrant cultural scene. Attractions include Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Vasa Museum, and Skansen.
2. Gothenburg
- Sweden's second-largest city, famous for its picturesque canals, lively food scene, and attractions such as Liseberg amusement park and Universeum science center.
3. Malmö
- Located in southern Sweden, known for its modern architecture, beautiful parks, and the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper. It's also well-connected to Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. Uppsala
- Known for its prestigious university, historical sites, and botanical gardens. Uppsala Cathedral and the Gustavianum museum are notable landmarks.
5. Linköping
- A city known for its historic buildings, including Linköping Cathedral, and its role as a center for technology and innovation. It’s also home to the Swedish Air Force Museum.
6. Visby
- A medieval town on the island of Gotland, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and annual Medieval Week.
Stockholm
Islands
1. Gotland
- The largest island in the Baltic Sea, known for its medieval architecture in Visby, picturesque landscapes, and historical sites.
2. Öland
- Famous for its unique landscapes, including sandy beaches and ancient ruins. The island also has a large number of windmills and is known for its biodiversity.
3. Värmdö
- Located near Stockholm, this island offers beautiful archipelago scenery, charming villages, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
4. Hönö
- Part of the Gothenburg archipelago, known for its charming small-town feel, scenic coastal views, and seafood restaurants.
5. Fårö
- A small island north of Gotland, renowned for its unique raukar (rock formations), beautiful beaches, and tranquil atmosphere.
6. Tjörn
- Located in the Bohuslän region, Tjörn is known for its artistic community, quaint villages, and stunning coastal landscapes.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Abisko National Park
- Explore this park in Swedish Lapland, known for its stunning northern lights, vast wilderness, and excellent opportunities for winter sports and hiking.
2. Gotland
- Visit this picturesque island in the Baltic Sea, known for its medieval architecture, scenic coastal landscapes, and unique rock formations like the rauks.
3. Kungsleden
- Hike along this famous long-distance trail in northern Sweden, offering breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and lakes across a diverse landscape.
4. Sarek National Park
- Experience this remote and rugged park in Swedish Lapland, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, peaks, and pristine wilderness.
5. Visby
- Wander through this historic town on Gotland, known for its well-preserved medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and charming buildings.
6. Åre
- Enjoy outdoor activities in this popular ski resort town, offering excellent skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, along with stunning alpine scenery.
Cultural Attractions
1. Vasa Museum
- Visit this museum in Stockholm, home to the Vasa ship, a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was recovered and restored for display.
2. Skansen
- Explore this open-air museum in Stockholm, showcasing traditional Swedish life with historical buildings, crafts, and live demonstrations of folk traditions.
3. Gamla Stan
- Stroll through Stockholm’s historic old town, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Stortorget Square.
4. Drottningholm Palace
- Tour this well-preserved royal palace near Stockholm, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring beautiful gardens, a theater, and lavish interiors.
5. Swedish Institute of Traditional Art and Crafts
- Discover Sweden’s cultural heritage through exhibits and demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and woodwork.
6. Uppsala Cathedral
- Visit this impressive Gothic cathedral in Uppsala, known for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and the final resting place of notable figures like Carl Linnaeus.
How to get around
1. Trains
- Trains are an efficient way to travel between cities and regions. The Swedish State Railways (SJ) operates high-speed trains connecting major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Regional trains cover smaller towns, and the scenic routes through Lapland and the Stockholm Archipelago are popular.
2. Domestic Flights
- Domestic flights are useful for covering long distances quickly, especially between Stockholm and northern Sweden. Airlines like SAS and Norwegian offer flights connecting cities such as Kiruna, Luleå, and Umeå.
3. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is ideal for exploring Sweden’s countryside, coastal regions, and remote areas. It’s particularly useful for visiting Småland, Gotland, and the Swedish Lapland. Be mindful of parking fees in cities and winter driving conditions if you visit during colder months.
4. Buses
- Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option for travel between cities and towns. Companies like FlixBus and Swebus offer comfortable services with various amenities. Local buses are available within cities and towns.
5. Metro and Trams
- In Stockholm, the Tunnelbana (Metro) is the most efficient way to get around the city. It covers the entire urban area, and many stations are famous for their artistic designs. Trams operate in Gothenburg, offering a convenient way to travel around the city.
6. Ferries
- Ferries are essential for exploring Sweden’s vast archipelagos and coastal regions. Ferries connect Stockholm with nearby islands, and longer routes operate to Gotland and the Åland Islands. International ferry services to Finland and Denmark are also available.
7. Bike Rentals
- Bike rentals are popular in Swedish cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. The cities are bike-friendly, with many dedicated lanes. Biking is also a great way to explore the countryside during the summer months.
8. Walking
- Walking is ideal for exploring city centers and parks. Stockholm and other cities like Malmö and Uppsala are pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
9. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are widely available, especially in urban areas. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, offering convenient transportation.
For the best experience, use trains for intercity travel, domestic flights for long distances, and car rentals for flexibility in rural areas. Buses and metros are great for urban travel, while ferries are ideal for island exploration. Bike rentals and walking are perfect for exploring cities and scenic routes.
What to eat
1. Köttbullar
- Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
2. Gravlax
- Cured salmon served with mustard sauce and bread.
3. Janssons Frestelse
- A creamy potato casserole with anchovies, often enjoyed during holidays.
4. Surströmming
- Fermented herring, often served with flatbread and potatoes, a traditional dish.
5. Kanelbullar
- Cinnamon buns enjoyed as a sweet treat.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €50 to €200.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $900 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $700.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business.
2. Schengen Visa
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Schengen visa at a Swedish embassy or consulate before traveling.
3. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Valid for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days.
4. Processing Time
- Visa processing typically takes 15 working days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
5. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders should refer to their specific visa for duration.
6. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended.
7. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 230V, and plug types C and F are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is not customary but appreciated.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Telia and Telenor.
6. Driving Side
- In Sweden, people drive on the right side of the road.