Top places to visit in Sweden
Many of the best places to visit in Sweden can be found in Stockholm, a city with a rich cultural scene, opulent architecture, and breath-taking nature.
Let's start with Djurgården. A central island in Stockholm that has everything from the ABBA Museum to the world's oldest open-air museum, a wildlife park, and an aquarium.
For thrill-seekers after Sweden's theme parks, Liseberg is a must-visit attraction, and boasts the most rides of any amusement park in Sweden.
In Gothenburg, you'll want to visit Haga for its quaint cobbled streets, cafes, and wooden buildings. If you're an Ingmar Berman fan, visit the Bergman Center on Fårö island. Cinephiles will also find the Göteborg Film Festival fascinating, so if you're visiting in January, make sure to check it out.
Top things to do in Sweden
On your list of where to go and things to do in Sweden, you should include the Royal Palace at Drottningholm, the former Viking Birka archaeological site and the Skogskyrkogården - three UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Inspired by the palace of Versailles, Drottningholm is situated on Lovön island, about a 25-minute drive away from central Stockholm. Home to Swedish royals, Drottningholm has a manicured park and 17th-century palace open to public visits. Skogskyrkogården is known for its architectural grandeur having been designed by legendary architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz.
If you're more drawn to natural landscapes, Sweden won't disappoint. 70% of the country is covered in woods, and you'll find over 100,000 lakes and 30,000 islands – making it the perfect location for outdoor activities.
Hiking enthusiasts will find the Kungsleden, or King's Trail, in the north of Sweden. This famous hiking route meanders through forests, lakes, and mountains and is one of Sweden's most famous routes. You can fly into Luleå Airport and rent a car from our Luleå Airport Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch and take a scenic 4 hour drive to the trail.
Alternatively, visit Tiveden National Park, an enchanting area with serene lakes, woodlands, and cycling paths. This park is a 3-hour drive away from either Stockholm or Gothenburg.v
Swedish Food & Drinks
Nordic cooking is often characterised by hearty dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients and simple but moreish flavour profiles.
One of the Sweden's most famed dishes is meatballs - or Köttbullar - served in a creamy umami-rich gravy. If you've had the recipe dished up authentically, you'll also have tried the mashed potato, pickled cucumbers, and tangy lingonberry jam usually served on the side.
Swedish food features a lot of pickling and preserving, including one of their favourite fish: herring. You'll find pickled herring – or Sill – everywhere in Sweden, but sour herring – or Surströmming – is only served summertime outside due to its pungent aroma.
As for drinks, Sweden is famous for its fika culture – essentially a coffee or tea break, where slowing down and de-stressing is encouraged.v
Visitors can also indulge in the many local alcoholic beverages which include Snaps, a spice-infused vodka; Punsch, a sweet and sour drink dating back to 1733; or Glögg, Sweden's take on mulled wine.
Best time of year to visit Sweden
The best time to visit Sweden depends on what you're planning to experience.
If you're after the coveted northern lights, you should visit between September and March. The best place to see this breath-taking phenomenon is in the north of the country in the Swedish Lapland.
If you want to join the summer celebrations of Midsummer, one of the most famous festivals in Sweden, then make sure to arrive by June. The Midsummer festival in Sweden celebrates the longest day of the year, which sees over 18 hours of daylight in a day!
