last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Sweden
Location Map of Sweden
Sweden
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Not counting the Struve Geodetic Arc, Sweden has 14 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Southern Region
Karlskrona (1998)
Built in the late 17th century, this military port has preserved its period urban layout, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beaches and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area.
Built in the late 17th century, this military port has preserved its period urban layout, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beaches and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area.
Oland Island (2000)
It is the second-largest island in Sweden. Visitors come mainly for its beaches and to cycle among the windmills and agricultural landscapes of the southern part of the island, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The small historic town of Borgholm, with its ruined castle, is also well worth a visit.
It is the second-largest island in Sweden. Visitors come mainly for its beaches and to cycle among the windmills and agricultural landscapes of the southern part of the island, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The small historic town of Borgholm, with its ruined castle, is also well worth a visit.
Rock Carvings of Tanum (1994)
On the west coast, not far from the Norwegian border, a UNESCO-listed collection of rock carvings. The region is generally rich in prehistoric remains (dolmens, menhirs, burial sites...).
On the west coast, not far from the Norwegian border, a UNESCO-listed collection of rock carvings. The region is generally rich in prehistoric remains (dolmens, menhirs, burial sites...).
Varberg Radio Station (2004)
The site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to the early days of wireless transatlantic communication.
The site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to the early days of wireless transatlantic communication.
Visby (1995)
The main town on Gotland is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities. With its ramparts, it has preserved its medieval Hanseatic appearance, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The main town on Gotland is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities. With its ramparts, it has preserved its medieval Hanseatic appearance, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Central Region
Birka and Hovgården (1993)
These are two UNESCO-listed Viking archaeological sites located near Stockholm on two adjacent islands in Lake Mälaren (Adelsö and Björkö).
These are two UNESCO-listed Viking archaeological sites located near Stockholm on two adjacent islands in Lake Mälaren (Adelsö and Björkö).
Drottningholm Palace (1991)
This village on the outskirts of Stockholm is where you can see the stunning 17th-century royal Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This village on the outskirts of Stockholm is where you can see the stunning 17th-century royal Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Engelsberg Ironworks (1993)
These traditional 17th-century ironworks, built in the Bergslagen mining region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These traditional 17th-century ironworks, built in the Bergslagen mining region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Falun Mining Area (2001)
Falun is the capital of Dalarna. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO-listed mining area that you can visit.
Falun is the capital of Dalarna. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO-listed mining area that you can visit.
Skogskyrkogarden Cemetery in Stockholm (1994)
Built in the early 20th century, this cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural design and landscaping.
Built in the early 20th century, this cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural design and landscaping.
Northern Region/Lapland
Gammelstad (1996)
This "church village" just outside Lulea is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture, featuring 420 small wooden houses clustered around its church.
This "church village" just outside Lulea is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture, featuring 420 small wooden houses clustered around its church.
Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland (2012)
This province in Norrland is known for its traditional decorated farms, which are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
This province in Norrland is known for its traditional decorated farms, which are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
High Coast Isostatic Phenomenon (2000)
While this part of the Gulf of Bothnia is a UNESCO site for its isostasy phenomenon, it’s also renowned for hiking, with 130 km of coastal trails.
While this part of the Gulf of Bothnia is a UNESCO site for its isostasy phenomenon, it’s also renowned for hiking, with 130 km of coastal trails.
Swedish Lapland (1996)
The northernmost province of the country is a UNESCO-listed region for its national parks and the still-thriving Sámi culture. It offers countless trekking opportunities (including the Kungsleden trail and its 450 km of paths), winter activities (skiing, sledding), stunning wild tundra landscapes, and rich flora and fauna (reindeer, wolves, bears...). It’s also the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights.
The northernmost province of the country is a UNESCO-listed region for its national parks and the still-thriving Sámi culture. It offers countless trekking opportunities (including the Kungsleden trail and its 450 km of paths), winter activities (skiing, sledding), stunning wild tundra landscapes, and rich flora and fauna (reindeer, wolves, bears...). It’s also the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights.
Gothenburg and the South
Ängelholm
This small coastal town between Malmö and Gothenburg draws quite a crowd in summer thanks to its very long sandy beach.
This small coastal town between Malmö and Gothenburg draws quite a crowd in summer thanks to its very long sandy beach.
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second-largest city is a lively university town with several museums, a 17th-century fortress, a few historic buildings, a wooden-house district, and Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park (Liseberg). There are plenty of opportunities for boat or canoe trips in the city or its surroundings, including the Gothenburg archipelago.
Sweden’s second-largest city is a lively university town with several museums, a 17th-century fortress, a few historic buildings, a wooden-house district, and Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park (Liseberg). There are plenty of opportunities for boat or canoe trips in the city or its surroundings, including the Gothenburg archipelago.
Gotland
It is a province but also the largest island in Sweden. It is a sought-after destination for its climate, beaches, impressive cliffs, and its many churches and medieval remains, such as in its "capital", Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also enjoy beautiful walks on foot or by bike.
It is a province but also the largest island in Sweden. It is a sought-after destination for its climate, beaches, impressive cliffs, and its many churches and medieval remains, such as in its "capital", Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also enjoy beautiful walks on foot or by bike.
Visby
The main town on Gotland is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities. With its ramparts, it has preserved its medieval Hanseatic appearance, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The main town on Gotland is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities. With its ramparts, it has preserved its medieval Hanseatic appearance, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Halmstad
A seaside resort on the west coast known for its long Tylosand beach and lively atmosphere.
A seaside resort on the west coast known for its long Tylosand beach and lively atmosphere.
Helsingborg
North of Malmö, the city is primarily a departure point for the many ferries heading to nearby Denmark. For tourism, Helsingborg has a few beautiful historic buildings and an eco-museum.
North of Malmö, the city is primarily a departure point for the many ferries heading to nearby Denmark. For tourism, Helsingborg has a few beautiful historic buildings and an eco-museum.
Kalmar
One of the country’s historic towns, Kalmar features remnants of old ramparts, a cathedral, and a medieval castle. It sits directly opposite Öland Island, to which it is connected by a bridge.
One of the country’s historic towns, Kalmar features remnants of old ramparts, a cathedral, and a medieval castle. It sits directly opposite Öland Island, to which it is connected by a bridge.
Karlskrona
Built in the late 17th century, this military port has preserved its period urban layout, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beaches and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area.
Built in the late 17th century, this military port has preserved its period urban layout, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beaches and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area.
Lund
This town, just a few kilometres from Malmö, is home to one of the country’s oldest universities, several museums, a 12th-century cathedral, and various medieval buildings.
This town, just a few kilometres from Malmö, is home to one of the country’s oldest universities, several museums, a 12th-century cathedral, and various medieval buildings.
Malmö
This is the major urban area opposite Copenhagen, connected by the Øresund Bridge-Tunnel. Malmö has preserved many traces of its past in its old town, making it quite a tourist destination.
This is the major urban area opposite Copenhagen, connected by the Øresund Bridge-Tunnel. Malmö has preserved many traces of its past in its old town, making it quite a tourist destination.
Ale Megaliths
With around sixty standing stones, this is the most significant megalithic site in Scandinavia. It is located near Ystad.
With around sixty standing stones, this is the most significant megalithic site in Scandinavia. It is located near Ystad.
Mölle
A charming little fishing port in western Scania. You can go diving, climbing, and hiking in the nearby Kullaberg Nature Reserve.
A charming little fishing port in western Scania. You can go diving, climbing, and hiking in the nearby Kullaberg Nature Reserve.
Öland
It is the second-largest island in Sweden. Visitors come mainly for its beaches and to cycle among the windmills and agricultural landscapes of the southern part of the island, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The small historic town of Borgholm, with its ruined castle, is also well worth a visit.
It is the second-largest island in Sweden. Visitors come mainly for its beaches and to cycle among the windmills and agricultural landscapes of the southern part of the island, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The small historic town of Borgholm, with its ruined castle, is also well worth a visit.
Øresund Bridge-Tunnel
Between Copenhagen and Sweden, this is one of the world's most significant engineering feats of its kind.
Between Copenhagen and Sweden, this is one of the world's most significant engineering feats of its kind.
Simrishamn
A charming small coastal town in the south, quite touristy like the rest of the Österlen region. You can see runestones in the surrounding area.
A charming small coastal town in the south, quite touristy like the rest of the Österlen region. You can see runestones in the surrounding area.
Rock Carvings of Tanum
On the west coast, not far from the Norwegian border, a UNESCO-listed collection of rock carvings. The region is generally rich in prehistoric remains (dolmens, menhirs, burial sites...).
On the west coast, not far from the Norwegian border, a UNESCO-listed collection of rock carvings. The region is generally rich in prehistoric remains (dolmens, menhirs, burial sites...).
Vadstena
A large town on the shores of Lake Vättern, offering a historic centre with a castle, a church, and medieval houses.
A large town on the shores of Lake Vättern, offering a historic centre with a castle, a church, and medieval houses.
Varberg
This coastal municipality is home to a 13th-century fortress, beaches, and a UNESCO-listed radio station from the early days of transatlantic communications.
This coastal municipality is home to a 13th-century fortress, beaches, and a UNESCO-listed radio station from the early days of transatlantic communications.
Ystad
This port town in Scania is now (almost) as well known for its old streets, half-timbered houses, and beaches as it is for being the setting of Henning Mankell’s crime novels.
This port town in Scania is now (almost) as well known for its old streets, half-timbered houses, and beaches as it is for being the setting of Henning Mankell’s crime novels.
Natural Heritage
Dalsland Canal
It's a navigable canal that begins on the vast Lake Vänern and has become a tourist attraction, particularly around the Haverud passage.
It's a navigable canal that begins on the vast Lake Vänern and has become a tourist attraction, particularly around the Haverud passage.
Göta Canal
This 19th-century canal crosses the country from west to east, from Gothenburg to Söderköping. Like the Canal du Midi in France, you can take small-boat cruises and pass through numerous locks. Its banks are equipped for cycling.
This 19th-century canal crosses the country from west to east, from Gothenburg to Söderköping. Like the Canal du Midi in France, you can take small-boat cruises and pass through numerous locks. Its banks are equipped for cycling.
Lake Vänern
One of the largest lakes in Europe, it draws visitors in season for its landscapes and water-based activities.
One of the largest lakes in Europe, it draws visitors in season for its landscapes and water-based activities.
Stenshuvud National Park
Easily accessible and close to several towns, this small coastal forest park is one of Sweden’s most popular. It’s especially known for hiking.
Easily accessible and close to several towns, this small coastal forest park is one of Sweden’s most popular. It’s especially known for hiking.
Stockholm and the Centre
Birka and Hovgården
These are two UNESCO-listed Viking archaeological sites located near Stockholm on two adjacent islands in Lake Mälaren (Adelsö and Björkö).
These are two UNESCO-listed Viking archaeological sites located near Stockholm on two adjacent islands in Lake Mälaren (Adelsö and Björkö).
Drottningholm Palace
This village on the outskirts of Stockholm is where you can see the stunning 17th-century royal Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This village on the outskirts of Stockholm is where you can see the stunning 17th-century royal Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gripsholm Castle
One of Sweden’s most famous landmarks, built by a lake starting in the 14th century. It is located in the municipality of Mariefred near Stockholm.
One of Sweden’s most famous landmarks, built by a lake starting in the 14th century. It is located in the municipality of Mariefred near Stockholm.
Engelsberg Ironworks
These traditional 17th-century ironworks, built in the Bergslagen mining region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These traditional 17th-century ironworks, built in the Bergslagen mining region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Falun
Falun is the capital of Dalarna. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO-listed mining area that you can visit.
Falun is the capital of Dalarna. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO-listed mining area that you can visit.
Sigtuna
This town in the northern suburbs of Stockholm is one of the oldest in the country. Its medieval centre and the ruins of its old church attract quite a few visitors. It is also home to Arlanda, Stockholm’s international airport.
This town in the northern suburbs of Stockholm is one of the oldest in the country. Its medieval centre and the ruins of its old church attract quite a few visitors. It is also home to Arlanda, Stockholm’s international airport.
Stockholm
The capital and largest urban area of Sweden is a pleasant city with its islands, canals, and lakes. It also offers numerous museums, an old town, modern districts, and a lively atmosphere.
The capital and largest urban area of Sweden is a pleasant city with its islands, canals, and lakes. It also offers numerous museums, an old town, modern districts, and a lively atmosphere.
Uppsala
A lively university city north of Stockholm, with a beautiful cathedral and a 16th-century castle.
A lively university city north of Stockholm, with a beautiful cathedral and a 16th-century castle.
Natural Heritage
Stockholm Archipelago
A group of 30,000 islands (!) with varied landscapes located east of the capital. Sparsely populated, the area is nonetheless a major tourist destination for its countless opportunities for holiday stays and walks on foot, by bike, canoe, or boat. Several ferry companies and water taxis make it possible to explore.
A group of 30,000 islands (!) with varied landscapes located east of the capital. Sparsely populated, the area is nonetheless a major tourist destination for its countless opportunities for holiday stays and walks on foot, by bike, canoe, or boat. Several ferry companies and water taxis make it possible to explore.
Färnebofjärden National Park
Many visitors explore this park near Uppsala by boat or canoe. You can also hike, fish, and observe birds here.
Many visitors explore this park near Uppsala by boat or canoe. You can also hike, fish, and observe birds here.
Fulufjället National Park
This mountain park bordering the Norwegian border offers stunning landscapes and a fairly rich wildlife (lynx, bears, etc.). You can ski or hike here (including via the Södra Kungsleden trail) and see the Njupeskär waterfall, which, at 93 m, is the tallest in Sweden (it can be climbed in winter).
This mountain park bordering the Norwegian border offers stunning landscapes and a fairly rich wildlife (lynx, bears, etc.). You can ski or hike here (including via the Södra Kungsleden trail) and see the Njupeskär waterfall, which, at 93 m, is the tallest in Sweden (it can be climbed in winter).
Kungsleden
This is the name of a 440 km hiking trail/cross-country ski track in the west-central part of the country, running from Abisko (in the north) to Hemavan (in the south).
This is the name of a 440 km hiking trail/cross-country ski track in the west-central part of the country, running from Abisko (in the north) to Hemavan (in the south).
Värmland
This pretty, fairly forested part of Sweden, between Norway and the large Lake Vänern, is a region for outdoor sports. You can hike on foot, by bike, or on horseback, ski, fish, or go canoeing, rafting, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers.
This pretty, fairly forested part of Sweden, between Norway and the large Lake Vänern, is a region for outdoor sports. You can hike on foot, by bike, or on horseback, ski, fish, or go canoeing, rafting, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers.
Swedish Lapland and the North
Gammelstad
This "church village" just outside Lulea is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture, featuring 420 small wooden houses clustered around its church.
This "church village" just outside Lulea is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture, featuring 420 small wooden houses clustered around its church.
Gävle
It’s the oldest city in Norrland, not far from Stockholm. It has a charming old quarter with beautiful wooden houses. You can go canoeing in the many lakes around the area.
It’s the oldest city in Norrland, not far from Stockholm. It has a charming old quarter with beautiful wooden houses. You can go canoeing in the many lakes around the area.
Hälsingland
This province in Norrland is known for its traditional decorated farms, which are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
This province in Norrland is known for its traditional decorated farms, which are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
Jokkmokk
This large village in the far north holds a special place in Sámi society. Every year, on the first Thursday of February, it hosts the most important Sámi cultural event in Scandinavia. It is also home to Sweden’s main museum dedicated to this culture.
This large village in the far north holds a special place in Sámi society. Every year, on the first Thursday of February, it hosts the most important Sámi cultural event in Scandinavia. It is also home to Sweden’s main museum dedicated to this culture.
Kiruna
Known for its iron mines, which you can visit, Kiruna is the main town in Swedish Lapland and the northernmost in the country. It’s also a base for enjoying outdoor activities in the surrounding area (fishing, sledding, skiing, rafting, trekking...) or discovering Sami culture. In winter, people come for its northern lights and, incidentally, to sleep in the ice hotel in the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi.
Known for its iron mines, which you can visit, Kiruna is the main town in Swedish Lapland and the northernmost in the country. It’s also a base for enjoying outdoor activities in the surrounding area (fishing, sledding, skiing, rafting, trekking...) or discovering Sami culture. In winter, people come for its northern lights and, incidentally, to sleep in the ice hotel in the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi.
Swedish Lapland
The northernmost province of the country is a UNESCO-listed region for its national parks and the still-thriving Sámi culture. It offers countless trekking opportunities (including the Kungsleden trail and its 450 km of paths), winter activities (skiing, sledding), stunning wild tundra landscapes, and rich flora and fauna (reindeer, wolves, bears...). It’s also the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights.
The northernmost province of the country is a UNESCO-listed region for its national parks and the still-thriving Sámi culture. It offers countless trekking opportunities (including the Kungsleden trail and its 450 km of paths), winter activities (skiing, sledding), stunning wild tundra landscapes, and rich flora and fauna (reindeer, wolves, bears...). It’s also the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights.
Luleå
A port city on the Gulf of Bothnia. You can enjoy pleasant summer walks in the small archipelago facing the city. The UNESCO-listed church village of Gammelstad is very close by.
A port city on the Gulf of Bothnia. You can enjoy pleasant summer walks in the small archipelago facing the city. The UNESCO-listed church village of Gammelstad is very close by.
Östersund
Though it has fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, Östersund is the largest city in the north-central part of the country. Its appeal lies primarily in its winter sports opportunities and summer walks along the large lake that borders it.
Though it has fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, Östersund is the largest city in the north-central part of the country. Its appeal lies primarily in its winter sports opportunities and summer walks along the large lake that borders it.
Umeå
A university city on the Gulf of Bothnia, primarily known for its cultural and musical scene. You can go rafting in the surrounding area on the Vindel River.
A university city on the Gulf of Bothnia, primarily known for its cultural and musical scene. You can go rafting in the surrounding area on the Vindel River.
Natural Heritage
High Coast
While this part of the Gulf of Bothnia is a UNESCO site for its isostasy phenomenon, it’s also renowned for hiking, with 130 km of coastal trails.
While this part of the Gulf of Bothnia is a UNESCO site for its isostasy phenomenon, it’s also renowned for hiking, with 130 km of coastal trails.
Kungsleden
This is the name of a 440 km hiking trail/cross-country ski track in the west-central part of the country, running from Abisko (in the north) to Hemavan (in the south).
This is the name of a 440 km hiking trail/cross-country ski track in the west-central part of the country, running from Abisko (in the north) to Hemavan (in the south).
Abisko National Park
This small park in the far north, near Norway, is a premier hiking destination, notably featuring the terminus of the Kungsleden trail. It offers stunning landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife.
This small park in the far north, near Norway, is a premier hiking destination, notably featuring the terminus of the Kungsleden trail. It offers stunning landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife.
Muddus National Park
A region of peat bogs, forests, and a few canyons with waterfalls. It sees very few visitors despite excellent hiking opportunities.
A region of peat bogs, forests, and a few canyons with waterfalls. It sees very few visitors despite excellent hiking opportunities.
Sarek National Park
Together with the adjacent Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet national parks, it forms the largest protected area in Sweden. This is a region of mountains, valleys, glaciers, and lakes, and one of the most beautiful in the country for hiking. However, it remains very little visited due to its difficult access and lack of on-site infrastructure.
Together with the adjacent Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet national parks, it forms the largest protected area in Sweden. This is a region of mountains, valleys, glaciers, and lakes, and one of the most beautiful in the country for hiking. However, it remains very little visited due to its difficult access and lack of on-site infrastructure.
Must-see & highly recommended
Stockholm Archipelago
★★★★ A group of 30,000 islands (!) with varied landscapes located east of the capital. Sparsely populated, the area is nonetheless a major…
Abisko National Park
★★★★ This small park in the far north, near Norway, is a premier hiking destination, notably featuring the terminus of the Kungsleden trail. It…
Stockholm
★★★★ The capital and largest urban area of Sweden is a pleasant city with its islands, canals, and lakes. It also offers numerous museums, an…
Recommended
Drottningholm Palace
★★★ This village on the outskirts of Stockholm is where you can see the stunning 17th-century royal Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World…
Gotland
★★★ It is a province but also the largest island in Sweden. It is a sought-after destination for its climate, beaches, impressive cliffs, and…
Gothenburg
★★★ Sweden’s second-largest city is a lively university town with several museums, a 17th-century fortress, a few historic buildings, a…
Swedish Lapland
★★★ The northernmost province of the country is a UNESCO-listed region for its national parks and the still-thriving Sámi culture. It offers…
Öland
★★★ It is the second-largest island in Sweden. Visitors come mainly for its beaches and to cycle among the windmills and agricultural…
Sarek National Park
★★★ Together with the adjacent Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet national parks, it forms the largest protected area in Sweden. This is a region…
Visby
★★★ The main town on Gotland is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities. With its ramparts, it has preserved its medieval Hanseatic…
Worth a look / Other
Göta Canal
★★ This 19th-century canal crosses the country from west to east, from Gothenburg to Söderköping. Like the Canal du Midi in France, you can…
Gripsholm Castle
★★ One of Sweden’s most famous landmarks, built by a lake starting in the 14th century. It is located in the municipality of Mariefred…
Gammelstad
★★ This "church village" just outside Lulea is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture, featuring 420 small wooden…
Kalmar
★★ One of the country’s historic towns, Kalmar features remnants of old ramparts, a cathedral, and a medieval castle. It sits directly…
Karlskrona
★★ Built in the late 17th century, this military port has preserved its period urban layout, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beaches…
Lund
★★ This town, just a few kilometres from Malmö, is home to one of the country’s oldest universities, several museums, a 12th-century…
Malmö
★★ This is the major urban area opposite Copenhagen, connected by the Øresund Bridge-Tunnel. Malmö has preserved many traces of its past in…
Ale Megaliths
★★ With around sixty standing stones, this is the most significant megalithic site in Scandinavia. It is located near Ystad.
Fulufjället National Park
★★ This mountain park bordering the Norwegian border offers stunning landscapes and a fairly rich wildlife (lynx, bears, etc.). You can ski or…
Färnebofjärden National Park
★★ Many visitors explore this park near Uppsala by boat or canoe. You can also hike, fish, and observe birds here.
Muddus National Park
★★ A region of peat bogs, forests, and a few canyons with waterfalls. It sees very few visitors despite excellent hiking opportunities.
Stenshuvud National Park
★★ Easily accessible and close to several towns, this small coastal forest park is one of Sweden’s most popular. It’s especially…
Sigtuna
★★ This town in the northern suburbs of Stockholm is one of the oldest in the country. Its medieval centre and the ruins of its old church…
Uppsala
★★ A lively university city north of Stockholm, with a beautiful cathedral and a 16th-century castle.
Vadstena
★★ A large town on the shores of Lake Vättern, offering a historic centre with a castle, a church, and medieval houses.
Varberg
★★ This coastal municipality is home to a 13th-century fortress, beaches, and a UNESCO-listed radio station from the early days of…
Värmland
★★ This pretty, fairly forested part of Sweden, between Norway and the large Lake Vänern, is a region for outdoor sports. You can hike on…
Ystad
★★ This port town in Scania is now (almost) as well known for its old streets, half-timbered houses, and beaches as it is for being the…
Ängelholm
★ This small coastal town between Malmö and Gothenburg draws quite a crowd in summer thanks to its very long sandy beach.
Arboga
★ A large town near Stockholm with a small medieval charm.
Åre
★ Sweden’s oldest and largest ski resort, located about a hundred kilometres west of Östersund.
Birka and Hovgården
★ These are two UNESCO-listed Viking archaeological sites located near Stockholm on two adjacent islands in Lake Mälaren (Adelsö and Björkö).
Dalsland Canal
★ It's a navigable canal that begins on the vast Lake Vänern and has become a tourist attraction, particularly around the Haverud passage.
Skogskyrkogården Cemetery
★ Built in the early 20th century, this cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural design and landscaping.
Falun
★ Falun is the capital of Dalarna. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO-listed mining area that you can visit.
Engelsberg Ironworks
★ These traditional 17th-century ironworks, built in the Bergslagen mining region, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gävle
★ It’s the oldest city in Norrland, not far from Stockholm. It has a charming old quarter with beautiful wooden houses. You can go…
Rock Carvings of Tanum
★ On the west coast, not far from the Norwegian border, a UNESCO-listed collection of rock carvings. The region is generally rich in…
Halmstad
★ A seaside resort on the west coast known for its long Tylosand beach and lively atmosphere.
High Coast
★ While this part of the Gulf of Bothnia is a UNESCO site for its isostasy phenomenon, it’s also renowned for hiking, with 130 km of…
Helsingborg
★ North of Malmö, the city is primarily a departure point for the many ferries heading to nearby Denmark. For tourism, Helsingborg has a few…
Hälsingland
★ This province in Norrland is known for its traditional decorated farms, which are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
Jokkmokk
★ This large village in the far north holds a special place in Sámi society. Every year, on the first Thursday of February, it hosts the most…
Jönköping
★ The city built near Lake Vättern has quite a few churches and a lakeside beach.
Kiruna
★ Known for its iron mines, which you can visit, Kiruna is the main town in Swedish Lapland and the northernmost in the country. It’s…
Kungsleden
★ This is the name of a 440 km hiking trail/cross-country ski track in the west-central part of the country, running from Abisko (in the…
Lake Vänern
★ One of the largest lakes in Europe, it draws visitors in season for its landscapes and water-based activities.
Landskrona
★ A medium-sized town north of Malmö with a citadel and urban parks.
Luleå
★ A port city on the Gulf of Bothnia. You can enjoy pleasant summer walks in the small archipelago facing the city. The UNESCO-listed church…
Mölle
★ A charming little fishing port in western Scania. You can go diving, climbing, and hiking in the nearby Kullaberg Nature Reserve.
Norrköping
★ A fairly large city on the way to Stockholm with some beautiful 18th-century buildings.
Örebro
★ A major city known for its 14th-century castle.
Östersund
★ Though it has fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, Östersund is the largest city in the north-central part of the country. Its appeal lies…
Söderåsen National Park
★ This is a forested area with valleys that is quite popular with hikers.
Øresund Bridge-Tunnel
★ Between Copenhagen and Sweden, this is one of the world's most significant engineering feats of its kind.
Simrishamn
★ A charming small coastal town in the south, quite touristy like the rest of the Österlen region. You can see runestones in the surrounding…
Varberg Radio Station
★ The site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to the early days of wireless transatlantic communication.
Trelleborg
★ The southernmost city in Sweden with ferry connections to Germany and Poland.
Umeå
★ A university city on the Gulf of Bothnia, primarily known for its cultural and musical scene. You can go rafting in the surrounding area on…
Västerås
★ One of Sweden's oldest cities, Västerås still has many historic buildings.