Things to Do in Sweden

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Water Activities

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Canoeing and Kayaking

On Canals and Rivers

Sweden is a country of lakes and rivers, but also canals. So, during the warm months between June and September, it’s possible to leisurely explore several of them with your own boat (or kayak) or aboard small tourist boats.

• Dalsland Canal: This navigable canal, which begins on the vast Lake Vänern, has become a tourist attraction.

• Göta Canal: This 19th-century canal crosses the country from Gothenburg to Söderköping; it’s also the most famous. You can take cruises on small boats and pass through numerous locks. Its banks are equipped for cycling.

• Stockholm Archipelago: A group of 30,000 islands (!) with varied landscapes located east of the capital. Sparsely populated, the area is a major tourist hotspot for its countless opportunities for holidays and walks on foot, by bike, canoe, or boat. Several ferry companies and water taxis make it easy to explore.

Sailing

With its coasts, islands, and abundant lakes, Sweden is a prime sailing destination, with numerous marinas and pleasure ports along the coastline. Though the season only runs from June to September, it’s intense and attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts every summer—whether on the southern coast, in the north in the Gulf of Bothnia, or especially in the vast Stockholm archipelago.

Thalassotherapy, Spas, and Wellness

Hiking

Hiking

Even if Sweden isn’t the first place that comes to mind for hiking, the country’s vastness offers a wide range of treks for all levels, guided or not, and of all durations. There are around 400 hiking trails in the country, some stretching hundreds of kilometres. The vast majority are marked, with huts or youth hostels available for accommodation.

Beyond the national parks in the north, like those of Swedish Lapland, and the south, Sweden has two renowned trails: the Södra Kungsleden (350 km in the central west) and especially the Kungsleden, or "Royal Trail" in English. The latter is a nearly 450 km hiking trail in northern Sweden between Abisko and Hemavan. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes, the country’s highest peak (Kebnekaise: 2,111 m), as well as the wildlife (reindeer, foxes, bears...) and flora of Lapland.

Cycling

Given its size, Sweden naturally offers countless cycling or mountain biking routes. For all levels, durations, and difficulties—whether in cities, the countryside, along canals, or in parks in the south or Lapland—the options are endless. Generally, the best season for cycling runs from April to late October, though the further north you go, the shorter this ideal period becomes.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is well-established in the country. You can do it anywhere—whether in the vast expanses or mountains of Swedish Lapland, the forests of the centre or south, or along the beaches of Scania and the surrounding areas.

Winter Sports

Skiing

Other Winter Activities

Ice Skating: Since many lakes and rivers freeze in winter, Sweden has countless skating spots. While you can try it for a few hours, experienced skaters can also embark on multi-day skating treks, covering up to 200 km a day. Naturally, especially if skating unsupervised, it’s essential to check ice conditions at the start and end of winter, depending on where you’re skating.

Snowmobiling: The Swedish Lapland is an excellent terrain for snowmobiling across vast spaces. It’s also a popular winter activity offered by travel agencies, whether for beginners or multi-day expeditions for experienced riders.

Dog Sledding: Like snowmobiling, dog sledding is primarily practised at ski resorts in the Swedish mountains or in Lapland. There are options for all levels and durations, with daily distances ranging from 15 to 40 km.

Nights in Igloos and Ice Hotels:

Outdoor and Nature Sports

Golf

Sweden has over three hundred golf courses, usually set in beautiful seaside or forest locations. The only downside is the relatively short season due to the Swedish climate.

Hunting and Fishing

Whitewater Activities

Canyoning:

Rafting:

Rafting (on calm waters): More common on calm waters than whitewater, river rafting on wooden rafts (to build or rent) is a "local specialty." It’s practised in summer, especially in the beautiful forested region of Värmland, located between Norway and the large Lake Vänern. As usual, you can try it for a few hours or embark on multi-day trips.

Other Activities

Paragliding and Aerial Sports:

Climbing and Mountaineering:

Caving:

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out