Why choose holidays in Sweden?
Holidays in Sweden offer a striking contrast of sleek city design and vast, silent wilderness. As Scandinavia's largest country, it presents two distinct characters. In the south, you'll find dynamic cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, set among rolling farmland and thousands of lakes. Head north into Swedish Lapland, and you'll discover one of Europe's last great wildernesses, a place of arctic plains and forests under the glow of the Northern Lights. With an excellent train network connecting its regions, you can easily move between urban culture and serene nature, all in one trip.
Where to go in Sweden
From the medieval lanes of its capital to the arctic landscapes of the north, Sweden's destinations are wonderfully diverse. You can hop between islands, explore cutting-edge cities, or seek out blissful silence in a national park.
Stockholm
Built across fourteen islands connected by more than 50 bridges, Stockholm is a city that lives on the water. The best place to start is in Gamla Stan, the city's old town. Here, you can wander through cobblestone streets lined with colourful 17th-century buildings, bakeries and independent shops. For a dose of culture, visit the Vasa Museum to see a remarkably preserved ship, or celebrate the country's most famous musical export at ABBA The Museum. In the summer, you can join the locals by taking a ferry out to the Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of thousands of serene islands.
Gothenburg
On Sweden's west coast, Gothenburg has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Its historic canals, green parks and impressive food scene make it a fantastic city break destination. You can explore the old Haga district with its wooden houses and cosy cafés, or for a bit more excitement, spend a day at Liseberg, one of Scandinavia's largest amusement parks. The city also serves as a gateway to the Bohuslän coast, known for its smooth granite rocks and picturesque fishing villages.
Malmö
Sweden's third-largest city, Malmö, is a forward-thinking hub of modern architecture and international culture. You can't miss the Turning Torso, a unique residential skyscraper that twists towards the sky. The city is very walkable, with plenty of parks and a popular city beach, Ribersborg. Thanks to the impressive Öresund Bridge, you can even take a day trip by train across the water to Copenhagen in Denmark.
Swedish Lapland
For a true arctic adventure, Swedish Lapland is the place to go. This huge region in the far north is a world of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and the traditional lands of the Sami people. The town of Kiruna is a popular base, and from here you can visit the world-famous Icehotel. Further north, Abisko National Park is considered one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its clear skies and lack of light pollution.
Things to do in Sweden
Whether you're visiting in the endless light of summer or the deep snow of winter, Sweden is packed with memorable activities that connect you to its culture and landscape.
Summer sights and sounds
Summer in Sweden is a celebration of light and nature. Above the Arctic Circle, you can witness the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where it remains visible 24 hours a day. It's the perfect season for hiking, wild swimming in the country's many lakes, or hopping between islands in the archipelagos. The most cherished celebration is Midsommar, a festival marking the summer solstice where locals dance around maypoles, wear flower crowns and enjoy traditional food with friends and family.
Winter wonders
Winter transforms Sweden into a snowy paradise. The main draw is the chance to see the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, dancing across the night sky between September and March. You can also try classic arctic activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Afterwards, warming up in a traditional wood-panelled sauna is a popular local pastime.
Swedish culture and cuisine
A key part of daily life in Sweden is fika – a social coffee break. It's an essential part of the day, a moment to pause and chat over a coffee and a pastry, such as a fresh cinnamon bun. When it comes to dining, be sure to try the national dish of meatballs, traditionally served with mashed potatoes, cream sauce and lingonberry jam. You'll find delicious modern and meat-free versions in most cities, too.
When is the best time to visit Sweden?
Your ideal time to visit really depends on what you want to do. For warm weather, long, light-filled evenings and outdoor festivals like National Day on 6 June, aim for the summer months between June and August. This is when the cities are full of life and the countryside is lush and accessible. If your dream is to see the Northern Lights and enjoy a snowy landscape, the best time to travel is between December and March. Make sure you put time aside to browse the charming Christmas markets that pop up in cities and towns in late November and December.
From its stylish cities to its vast arctic wilderness, Sweden offers a fresh and invigorating holiday destination with unique experiences that'll be treasured for years to come.
