SWEDEN

Welcome to Sweden! A land of vast forests, countless lakes, and a striking coastline, where modern design meets ancient traditions. From the vibrant city life of Stockholm to the serene beauty of Lapland, prepare to discover a country renowned for its innovation, sustainability, and stunning natural wonders.

Region: Northern Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula

Capital: Stockholm

Official Language: Swedish

Level of Travel Safety: Generally very safe. Crime rates are low, but be mindful of petty crime, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

A map of Europe with Sweden highlighted in green.

Why Visit Sweden?

Natural Beauty Year-Round: Archipelagos, lush forests, and snowy Lapland offer serene escapes in every season.

Midnight Sun & Northern Lights: Visit Lapland in summer for 24-hour daylight, or in winter for magical aurora borealis displays.

Vibrant Cities: Explore Stockholm’s waterfront charm, Gothenburg’s café culture, and Malmö’s innovation and diversity.

A colorful city skyline with historical buildings reflected in a calm body of water.

Scandinavian Design & Architecture: Sleek, functional, and beautiful—witness it everywhere from IKEA to the Stockholm City Library.

Cultural Depth: From Viking history and royal palaces to cutting-edge fashion and tech.

Fika Culture: Experience Sweden’s beloved tradition of taking a coffee break with pastries like kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).

A lone figure walking across a vast, snow-covered landscape with sparse trees.

Essential Trip Information

Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. Travelers from many countries (e.g., EU, U.S., Canada, Australia) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen zone.

Proof of sufficient funds, onward travel, and travel insurance may be required at the border.

Travelers not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a Schengen visa.

For official, up-to-date requirements by nationality, visit the Swedish Migration Agency.

Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Common bills: 20–1000 SEK. Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 SEK.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Bring a small amount of SEK for emergencies.

  • During Your Trip: Sweden is largely cashless—use debit/credit cards almost everywhere (including bathrooms and bakeries!). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

  • What to Avoid: Currency exchanges (especially at airports); many businesses do not accept cash at all.

Swedish is the official language.

English is widely spoken, especially in cities, hotels, restaurants, and among younger Swedes.

Helpful phrases:

  • Hej! (Hi!)
  • Tack! (Thank you)
  • Ursäkta mig (Excuse me)
  • Var är…? (Where is…?)

Sweden is very safe with low crime rates.

Exercise normal precautions; pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas (especially Stockholm Central Station, Gamla Stan).

Emergency number: 112

No vaccinations are required for entry.

Public healthcare is excellent, but non-EU visitors will pay out of pocket—travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Tap water is safe and clean.

Pharmacies (Apoteket) are available in all towns and cities.

Public Transport: Extensive, punctual, and well-connected. Major cities have subways, buses, and trams.

Trains: Comfortable intercity trains link Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and beyond.

Domestic Flights: Efficient but not always necessary due to great rail service.

Taxis/Uber: Widely available but expensive—confirm fare beforehand.

Cycling: Cities like Malmö and Uppsala are bike-friendly with dedicated lanes.

Sweden is generally expensive, especially in Stockholm or Gothenburg.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels, guesthouses (US$40–90/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels, boutique stays (US$120–200/night)

  • Luxury: High-end hotels (US$250+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats: Cafés, kebab shops, convenience store meals (US$8–15)

  • Casual dining: Swedish bistros, international restaurants (US$20–40/person)

  • Fine dining: Michelin-level or modern Nordic cuisine (US$70+/person)

Drinks

  • Beer: US$6–10 (bars), US$2–4 (stores)

  • Cocktails: US$12–18

  • Alcohol is taxed heavily—most wine and spirits are only sold at Systembolaget (government liquor stores).

Transportation

  • Metro/trams/buses: US$3–5/ride, day passes: US$13–18

  • Intercity trains: Stockholm–Gothenburg (~3 hrs): US$35–80

  • Taxis: US$20–40 for short trips; Uber available in big cities.

  • E-scooters & bikes: US$1–2 to unlock, plus per-minute fee.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Take advantage of city passes (e.g., Stockholm Pass for museums and transport).

  • Shop at ICA or Coop supermarkets for snacks and lunches.

  • Enjoy free nature—forests, lakes, and public parks are open to everyone thanks to Sweden’s “Allemansrätten” (Right of Public Access).

Explore Sweden

Sweden’s captivating capital, built on 14 islands, boasts a stunning Old Town (Gamla Stan), royal palaces, and world-class museums. It’s located on the country’s southeast coast, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea.

Experience the Arctic wilderness with its Northern Lights, Sami culture, and unique ice hotels. This vast region covers the northernmost part of Sweden, extending above the Arctic Circle.

A charming city on the west coast, known for its picturesque canals, vibrant culinary scene, and Liseberg amusement park. It’s located on the southwest coast, at the mouth of the Göta älv river.

A modern, multicultural city connected to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge, featuring cutting-edge architecture and diverse cuisine. It’s situated in the southernmost province of Skåne.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval walled city on the island of Gotland offers cobbled streets, ancient ruins, and a vibrant summer atmosphere. Gotland is an island in the Baltic Sea, southeast of mainland Sweden.

The northernmost city in Sweden, a mining town that’s home to the famous Icehotel, rebuilt annually from ice and snow. It’s located deep within Swedish Lapland.

Embrace traditional Swedish culture with folk art, red wooden cottages, and picturesque lakes. This region is centrally located in Sweden, known for its scenic beauty.

Discover charming fishing villages, apple orchards, and a thriving art scene in this beautiful southeastern corner of Skåne province. It’s located in the southeastern part of Sweden’s southernmost region.

One of the world’s most famous long-distance hiking trails, offering stunning Arctic landscapes and challenging treks. It stretches approximately 270 miles (440 km) through the Scandinavian mountains in northern Sweden.

A breathtaking collection of over 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries, perfect for island hopping, kayaking, and enjoying summer houses. It’s located just off the coast of Stockholm in the Baltic Sea.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures (often below 32ºF/0ºC)
  • Shorter Days (very limited daylight in the north)
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Stockholm: Enjoy festive markets and a tranquil city without the summer crowds.
  • Swedish Lapland: Experience the Northern Lights and winter activities without peak season prices.
  • Gothenburg: Explore museums and cozy cafes in a charming, less bustling city.
  • Malmö: Discover a multicultural city and its culinary scene in a relaxed setting.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (milder temperatures, less extreme)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events (e.g., Walpurgis Night)
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn can still be cool or rainy)
  • Some attractions may have reduced hours in early spring/late autumn
  • Spring can be muddy in some rural areas as snow melts

Key Regions:

  • Stockholm Archipelago: Ideal for island hopping and enjoying the scenic beauty before peak season.
  • Southern Sweden (Skåne): Picturesque landscapes and charming towns, perfect for cycling or driving tours.
  • Swedish West Coast: Explore fishing villages and enjoy fresh seafood in a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Lake Siljan Region (Dalarna): Experience traditional Swedish culture amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Österlen (Skåne): Artistic community and rolling hills, beautiful in spring blossoms or autumn colors.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Peak Ski Season (February-March, especially school holidays)

Planning Your Trip

Lagom: The Swedish “not too much, not too little” ethos—avoid loud behavior.

Tipping: Not expected (service included), but rounding up or 10% for great service.

Shoes Off: Common in homes and some lodges.

Fika: Join the coffee-and-pastry break ritual (try a kanelbulle).

Queuing: Swedes value order—wait your turn.

Sweden isn’t cheap, but it offers great value—especially for lovers of nature and design.

Accommodation:

  • Hostels (US$30–70), hotels (US$130–250+), luxury stays (US$350+).

Food:

  • Cafés or lunch buffets (“dagens lunch”) ~US$12–20.
  • Casual dinner ~US$20–35. Fine dining ~US$80+.

Transport:

  • Local transit pass ~US$10/day; trains ~US$25–70 between cities.
  • Long-distance flights to the north ~US$100–200.

Activities:

  • Museums (US$10–20), guided tours (US$30–60).
  • Nature is mostly free—national parks, forests, and lakes.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$90–130 (hostels, supermarket meals, transit pass).

  • Mid-range: US$180–300 (3-star hotels, meals out, some tours).

  • Luxury: US$400+ (design hotels, fine dining, private excursions).

Free Wi-Fi: Ubiquitous in cafes, hotels, stations, and museums.

SIM Cards: Comviq, Telia, and Telenor offer prepaid SIMs (~US$15–30 for 10–20GB).

eSIMs: Widely supported—Airalo and Holafly are good options.

Recommended for: Medical emergencies, trip delays, and winter activities.

Healthcare: High-quality but expensive for non-EU visitors.

Outdoor Activities: Make sure your policy covers skiing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding in Lapland.

From chic design hotels to rustic cabins:

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi).
  • Mid-range: Scandic or Elite chains (city centers, ~US$100–200/night).

Hostels:

  • STF Vandrarhem (budget-friendly, locations nationwide).

Airbnb/Cabins:

  • Wilderness stays: Glass igloos (Kakslauttanen) or red cottages (~US$80–150/night).

Unique Stays:

  • Treehotel (Harads), or historic ships in Gothenburg.

Tip: Book Arctic lodges 6+ months ahead for northern lights season.

Sweden’s efficient transport system makes travel easy:

Trains (SJ Rail):

  • Fast and scenic (Stockholm→Gothenburg in 3h; Stockholm→Kiruna overnight).
  • Book early for discounts (from ~US$25).

Buses (FlixBus, regional):

  • Affordable for intercity travel (e.g., Stockholm→Malmö for ~US$20).

Domestic Flights:

  • SAS/Norwegian connect major cities (useful for far north; ~US$50–100).

Biking/Walking:

  • Cities like Stockholm and Malmö are bike-friendly (rentals ~US$10/day).

Car Rental:

  • Recommended for remote areas (e.g., Lapland, countryside). Expect ~US$50–80/day.
  • Winter driving requires snow tires (studded tires legal Dec–Mar).

Ferries/Archipelago Boats:

  • Stockholm’s archipelago has frequent routes (SL Access card covers some).

Handy Tips

Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). While the symbol is “kr”, prices may also be marked as “SEK”. As a rough guide, US$1 ≈ 10 SEK, but rates vary—check before you travel.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks due to poor exchange rates. Use ATMs or local banks for better value.

Using Cards: Sweden is nearly cashless. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Amex is less common. Carry a small amount of cash for emergencies or small-town shops.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Sweden.

  • Restaurants/Bars: Round up or add 5–10% if service was great.
  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest 10 SEK.
  • Hotel Staff: Not customary, but appreciated (e.g., US$1–2 per bag for porters).
  • Tour Guides: Tip around US$5–10 per person on guided tours if you’re satisfied.

Swedish is the official language, but almost everyone speaks fluent English, especially in urban areas. Helpful phrases to know:

  • “Hej!” = Hi

  • “Talar du engelska?” = Do you speak English?

  • “Tack” = Thank you

  • “Ursäkta mig” = Excuse me

  • Pro Tip: Swedes are polite but reserved—don’t interrupt, and avoid being overly loud in public.

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Still, stay alert in busy tourist areas (e.g., Stockholm Central Station) for pickpockets.

  • 112: All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

  • 114 14: Police (non-emergency).

  • 1177: Medical advice hotline (nurses available in English).

  • Your Embassy: Most are located in Stockholm—keep contact info handy.

Sweden uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins).

Bring a universal adapter with surge protection.

Converters aren’t needed for most modern electronics like phones or laptops.

Tap water in Sweden is among the cleanest in the world—drink freely!

Restaurants will usually offer it for free, but always ask: “Bara kranvatten, tack” (Just tap water, please).

Most businesses close or operate on limited hours during national holidays.

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 6 Jan: Epiphany

  • Good Friday & Easter Monday (varies by year)

  • 1 May: May Day

  • 6 Jun: National Day

  • Midsummer Eve (Friday closest to 24 Jun): Major celebration—expect closures

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Note: Midsummer is like a second Christmas in Sweden—book accommodation early if visiting in late June.

Shops: Typically open 10:00–18:00 (weekdays), close earlier weekends.

Supermarkets: Open daily until 20:00–22:00 (e.g., ICA, Coop).

Pharmacies (Apoteket): Open 09:00–18:00; some central ones are open late.

Systembolaget (alcohol shop): Strictly controlled—open weekdays and Sat till 15:00, closed Sundays.

Gravadlax: Swedish-style cured salmon served with mustard sauce and bread.

Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.

Surströmming: Fermented herring, often considered an acquired taste.

Räkmacka: Open-faced shrimp sandwich with mayonnaise, eggs, and dill.

Smörgåstårta: A savory Swedish sandwich cake filled with layers of cold cuts, eggs, and shrimp.

Toast Skagen: A shrimp and mayonnaise mixture on toast, served as a starter.

Kanelbullar: Swedish cinnamon buns, often enjoyed with coffee.

Prinsesstårta: A green marzipan-covered princess cake, popular for celebrations.

Semlor: Cream-filled buns enjoyed in the winter, traditionally before Lent.

Blåbärspaj: Blueberry pie, a Swedish favorite, often served with vanilla sauce.

Alcoholic:

  • Swedish Vodka: Famous for its smoothness and versatility in cocktails.

  • Aquavit: A caraway-flavored spirit, often sipped during festive occasions.

  • Mikkeller Beer: Craft beer from Denmark, popular in Sweden’s bars and restaurants.

  • Swedish Cider: Apple cider made with Swedish apples, often crisp and refreshing.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Kaffebröd (Coffee and Swedish Pastries): Coffee culture is strong in Sweden, usually paired with a cinnamon bun.

  • Lingonberry Juice: A sweet-tart drink made from wild lingonberries.

  • Elderflower Cordial: A floral, refreshing drink made from elderflower, often served chilled.

  • Swedish Lemonade: A zesty, citrusy refreshment that’s sweet and sour in all the right ways.

Lagom: The Swedish philosophy of “not too little, not too much”—embrace it while visiting.

Royal Palace Changing of the Guard: Daily ceremony with military flair.

Sami Culture: Learn about Sweden’s Indigenous people in Lapland (e.g., Jokkmokk).

Folk Art & Dalarna Horses: Visit Dalarna for traditional red-painted houses and crafts.

Lucia Day (13 Dec): Candlelit processions, saffron buns, and choir songs.

Design Stores: Sweden is a design capital—check out Svenskt Tenn and Nordiska Galleriet.

Modern Art at Fotografiska: Top museum for photography with skyline views.

UNESCO Sites: Drottningholm Palace and the rock carvings of Tanum are must-sees.

Nordic Museums: Rich history from Viking ships to IKEA’s rise.

Hidden Gem: Rosendal Garden (Djurgården) – stroll through organic gardens, enjoy fika in a greenhouse café.

Gamla Stan (Old Town): Wander cobbled streets, visit the Royal Palace and Nobel Museum.

ABBA The Museum: Fun, interactive exhibits about Sweden’s most famous pop group.

Skansen: Open-air museum/zoo featuring traditional Swedish houses and native animals.

Vasa Museum: Home to a 17th-century warship salvaged nearly intact.

Archipelago Boat Trips: Explore Stockholm’s 30,000 islands on a scenic cruise.

Ice Hotel (Jukkasjärvi): Stay in a hotel made entirely of ice (winter only).

Northern Lights Tours: Head north to Abisko for the best aurora chances (Sep–Mar).

Outdoor Saunas: Dip into icy lakes after a steaming sauna session—very Nordic!

Midnight Sun Adventures: In summer, the sun barely sets above the Arctic Circle.

Midsummer Festivals: Dance around the maypole, flower crowns, and endless daylight.

Södra Teatern: A historic venue in Stockholm offering live music, theater, and a fantastic view of the city.

Vete-Katten: A historic café in Stockholm, famous for its pastries and charming ambiance.

Mosebacke Etablissement: A cozy Stockholm spot with great cocktails and live performances.

Bondegatan Bars: A bustling area in Södermalm, known for its trendy bars and vibrant nightlife.

Twelve South: A stylish cocktail bar in Stockholm with expertly crafted drinks.

Fjäderholmarnas Brewery: A scenic brewery on an island near Stockholm with unique local beers.

Bondegatan Bars: A lively nightlife hub in Stockholm with a range of cool cocktail bars.

Under Bron: A legendary Stockholm underground club for electronic music lovers.

Snaps: A Swedish spirit often enjoyed in shots with pickled herring and potatoes.

Gondolen: A high-rise bar with panoramic views of Stockholm and signature cocktails.