Unforgettable Things to Do in Sweden
Sweden is a land of striking contrasts. It is where minimalist design meets wild, untamed nature, and where the midnight sun dances over the archipelagos in summer, giving way to the magical Northern Lights in winter.
There are countless things to do in Sweden that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Whether you are a lover of urban culture, a hiker seeking solitude, or a history buff ready to explore Viking pasts, Sweden offers a unique blend of experiences. Here is your guide to the best things to do in Sweden, from the bustling streets of Stockholm to the icy reaches of Lapland.
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, the list of things to do in Sweden is extensive and diverse.
Exciting Things to Do in Sweden
1. Explore the “City Between the Bridges”: Gamla Stan (Stockholm)
No trip to Sweden is complete without wandering through Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm. With its cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings, it feels like stepping into a 17th-century fairy tale.
- What to do: Walk the narrow alleys, visit the Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guard, and grab a “fika” (coffee break) at a cozy café.
- Hidden Gem: Find Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alleyway in Stockholm, which is only 90 centimeters wide at its tightest point.
2. Chase the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park
Another one of the wonderful things to do in Sweden is to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.
While Kiruna is famous, serious aurora hunters head to Abisko. Thanks to a unique microclimate and the “blue hole” effect over Lake Torneträsk, this area has more clear nights than almost anywhere else in the Arctic Circle.
- Best time: September to March.
- The Experience: Take the chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station for an unobstructed view of the dancing green and purple lights.
3. Go Island Hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago
Island hopping is one of the top things to do in Sweden, especially during the warmer months.
Just outside Stockholm lies an ocean of islands—29,000 of them to be exact. The Stockholm Archipelago (Skärgården) is a paradise for boaters, kayakers, and nature lovers.
- Vaxholm: A colorful seaside town perfect for a day trip.
- Sandhamn: A sailing hub that feels worlds away from the city, even though it’s only an hour by ferry.
- Outdoor Adventure: Rent a kayak or camp on a deserted island for the ultimate “Allemansrätten” experience (Sweden’s right to roam).
4. Step Back in Time at Gotland’s Medieval City
The island of Gotland, located in the Baltic Sea, is Sweden’s medieval crown jewel. Its main town, Visby, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts the best-preserved medieval city wall in Northern Europe.
Exploring the medieval history is one of the fascinating things to do in Sweden.
- Don’t Miss: The Gotland Museum for Viking treasures, and the St. Mary’s Cathedral (Sankt Maria kyrka), built in the 12th century.
- Summer Tip: Visit in July to catch Medeltidsveckan (Medieval Week), where locals dress in period costume and the town comes alive with jousting and markets.
5. Experience the High Coast (Höga Kusten)
For hikers and nature enthusiasts, the High Coast is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. The land here is still rising from the sea due to post-glacial rebound, creating a unique and dramatic landscape.
For nature lovers, hiking in the High Coast is among the most rewarding things to do in Sweden.
- The Activity: Hike the Skuleskogen National Park trail. The view from the Slåttkläppen lookout offers a stunning panorama of the Baltic Sea meeting the rugged cliffs and forest.
6. Taste Swedish Flavors (From Meatballs to Surströmming)
Swedish cuisine is more than just IKEA meatballs (though those are delicious, too!). You must dive into the local food culture.
Embarking on a culinary journey is one of the must-do things to do in Sweden.
- Classic: Enjoy a plate of köttbullar with lingonberries and creamy potatoes at a traditional restaurant.
- Adventurous: If you dare, try Surströmming (fermented herring). Be warned: it smells intense! Eat it outdoors with tunnbröd (flatbread), onions, and sour cream.
- Sweet: Don’t leave without trying a Semla, a cardamom bun filled with almond paste and cream (best eaten during Lent) or a classic cinnamon bun (Kanelbulle).
7. Visit the Home of ABBA in Gothenburg
Gothenburg (Göteborg) is Sweden’s second city and the gateway to the west coast. It is known for its friendly locals and maritime history.
Fans of music and culture will find that visiting Gothenburg offers unique things to do in Sweden.
- Music Lovers: Visit ABBA The Museum, where you can virtually “join the band” and see iconic costumes.
- The Archipelago: Take the tram and ferry to the Southern Archipelago (Styrsö, Vrångö) for car-free island life and fresh seafood.
- Liseberg: If you visit in summer or winter, stop by Liseberg, one of Scandinavia’s best amusement parks.
8. Relax in a Traditional Sauna (and Jump in a Frozen Lake)
The sauna is a sacred institution in Sweden. It’s not just about heat; it’s a social and cleansing ritual.
Experiencing a traditional sauna is one of the relaxing things to do in Sweden.
- The Culture: Most Swedes believe in the “tillbad” (heat + cold) method. Sit in the sauna until you’re steaming, then run outside and jump into a lake, the sea, or roll in the snow.
- Where to go: You can find public saunas in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, or rent a lakeside cabin (stuga) for the authentic experience.
9. Discover the Kingdom of Crystal (Kristallriket)
In the deep forests of Småland lies a glassmaking region known as the Kingdom of Glass. Historic glassworks like Kosta Boda, Orrefors, and Målerås have been crafting art here for centuries.
Discovering the Kingdom of Crystal is one of the artistic things to do in Sweden.
- The Experience: Visit a glassworks to watch master blowers at work. In the summer, you can often see “flameworking” demonstrations and buy unique pieces directly from the studio.
10. Walk the Canals of Gothenburg or Uppsala
While Stockholm is built on islands, other cities offer beautiful waterways.
Taking canal tours is another one of the scenic things to do in Sweden.
- Gothenburg: Take a Paddan Canal Tour to see the city from the water, passing under low bridges and past old industrial buildings turned into trendy apartments.
- Uppsala: This university town has a small but charming canal system (Ångkvarnskanalen) that is lovely for a summer stroll, lined with weeping willows and students.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sweden
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK). Note that Sweden is largely a cashless society; credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
- Language: English is spoken fluently by almost everyone, so communication is easy.
- The “Right to Roam” (Allemansrätten): You are free to walk, cycle, or camp on almost any land as long as you don’t disturb or destroy nature. Just be respectful!
- Seasons:
- Summer (June-August): Warm, long days, perfect for archipelagos and festivals.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and dark, but magical for skiing, Northern Lights, and cozy “mys” (hygge) culture.
Final Thoughts
Sweden is a country that invites you to slow down. Whether you are watching the sunset over the red cottages of Dalarna, sipping a warm coffee during a rainy Stockholm afternoon, or breathing in the crisp Arctic air, you’ll find a sense of peace here.
So, pack your layers, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to explore the land of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. Tack för besöket! (Thanks for visiting!)
Ultimately, there are endless things to do in Sweden that await your discovery.
