Sweden holidays

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Sweden holidays

Best hotels in Sweden

Holidays to Sweden offer the perfect blend of wild nature, vibrant culture, and modern cities. Around 70% of Sweden is covered in forests, setting the scene for endless outdoor adventures and moments of pure relaxation. The country's biggest cities - Stockholm and Gothenburg - each bring their own unique character, from historic Old Towns to buzzing cultural hubs.​

 

Top Attractions for Adults

Vasa ship
  • Gamla Stan: Wander the atmospheric streets of Stockholm's magical Old Town and maybe wander into The Dala (Wooden Horse) Museum - a local icon.
  • Vasa Museum: Marvel at this 17th-century wonder in Stockholm, and discover the tale of the king’s beautiful but terrifying ship.
  • Nobel Prize Museum: Discover the stories behind the world's most famous awards. Located on the ground floor of the former Stockholm Stock Exchange - the same building as the Swedish Academy that chooses the laureates for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for times of guided tours.
  • Hiking in Dalarna: Explore scenic trails framed by Sweden's lush forests. Look out for wild blueberries - you’re welcome to pick and eat them!
  • Carl Larsson-gården: Located in rural Sundborn. Step into the home and studio of one of Sweden's most beloved artists, still providing inspiration for IKEA’s designers today.

 

Top Attractions for Families

Siberian huskies
  • Liseberg Amusement Park: Experience thrilling rides in Gothenburg's family-friendly fun zone.
  • Skansen: Visit Stockholm's hilltop open-air museum and zoo, which also offers great views of the city’s skyline. There’s enough to keep the little ones entertained for the whole day.
  • Husky Experiences: Dash through snowy landscapes on a husky sled adventure. Huskies aren’t just for Christmas though - so if you travel in summer look out for alternatives like husky wagons and hikes.
  • ABBA The Museum: Get your groove on with interactive music fun in Stockholm. You don’t need to be an ABBA fan or have lived in the 70s to enjoy it.
  • Falun Coppermine: Located in the former mining town of Falun. Head underground for a day filled with history and adventure, complete with an interactive hands-on museum. You’ll also learn how the byproduct isn’t wasted, but used in the red paint you’ll see on buildings throughout the region.

 

Food & Drink

Swedish reindeer with vegetables

Sweden's food scene is all about comfort, coffee breaks, and a big love for the land's natural treasures. Fika - Sweden's chilled coffee break - is more than a daily ritual; it's a social highlight. Expect to find busy cafés serving up rich coffee alongside cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), cardamom rolls, and seasonal blueberry pies made using wild, handpicked berries.​

When it comes to main courses, classics range from meatballs (köttbullar) with lingonberry jam to reindeer, succulent salmon, creamy potato casseroles, and hearty root vegetable stews. Light open sandwiches topped with shrimp or gravlax are popular lunch staples, along with crispbreads always on the side. Sweden also makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a meal, with lactose-free milks and yoghurts, as well as oat milk widely available as standard, even in remote locations. 

For further ideas check out our Forests, Fika and Northern Lights: 5 Reasons to Love Sweden blog.

Map of Sweden

world_map
-15 to 25°C

Those seeking warm, mild days should visit Sweden between May and September. Come winter you’ll need to pack your woolies with subzero temperatures lasting until at least March. 

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2 - 3 hours

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is located around 40km north of Stockholm. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is around 25km east of Gothenburg. Sälen (Scandinavian Mountains) Airport has a remote location in the Dalarna region, close to the border with Norway.

Sweden is best for...

Forests: Lose yourself under the canopy - Sweden's wild forests are your playground. Glide behind huskies on a snowy trail, set out hiking with just the sounds of the pines, breathe deep with a spot of outdoor meditation, or pause for a classic fika surrounded by nature.

Art & culture: Follow in the footsteps of Sweden's creative greats. Take a trip through galleries and museums dedicated to iconic artists like Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn, and discover colourful corners where folklore and tradition feel very much alive.

Foodies: Bring an appetite. From crispbreads fresh out of the oven to unique local treats like reindeer, Sweden's food scene is full of surprises. Snack on classics during your adventures, or settle in at a cosy spot and let new flavours steal the show.

Fast facts for Sweden

Language: The official language of Sweden is Swedish, which is spoken by the majority of the country’s population. However, minority languages also exist, such as Sami. Many Swedes speak excellent English, but it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases. 

Currency: The Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency 

Local time: Sweden is one hour ahead of UK time. 

Fly to: Stockholm Arlanda Airport is located around 40km north of Stockholm. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is around 25km east of Gothenburg. Sälen (Scandinavian Mountains) Airport has a remote location in the Dalarna region, close to the border with Norway.

Flight time from the UK: 2 - 3 hours 

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Visit Sweden. While regional sites, such as Visit Stockholm, Gothenburg.com and Visit Dalarna provide additional local insights.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Getting around Sweden

By hire car: With a combination of high-quality roads and less traffic than the UK, driving in Sweden is a great way to get from A to B. And to make things even easier, you can always pre-book your rental before you travel courtesy of our car hire partners. 

By bus: For a budget-friendly transport option, purchase a bus ticket and discover a new corner of the country. There are plenty of routes and local services readily available too. Buses aren’t always slower than trains, and for certain journeys they can actually be a bit faster.

By train: Sweden boasts a network of local and long distance trains. The famous Öresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmo allows international services to Denmark. On Intercity trains you’ll automatically be issued with a seat reservation. The on board refreshments aren’t badly priced - they’re actually cheaper than cafe prices in central Stockholm.

Events in Sweden

National Day (6th June) celebrates Sweden's birth as a nation with flag ceremonies and traditional dress in squares and parks.

Midsummer, held on the longest day in late June, fills towns and countryside with maypole dancing, flower wreaths, and communal feasts - book early, as hotels fill up fast!

Sweden’s music scene boasts diversity, with major events like Sweden Rock Festival (held in Blekinge in early June), Stockholm Jazz Festival (held in October), Malmöfestivalen and Gothenburg's Way Out West (both held every August) drawing international and local acts for all tastes - from pop and rock to jazz and electronic

Sweden safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Sweden, please visit the FCDO website.
 

Sweden weather

Sweden’s geographical position means it sees warm summers and harsh winters. For those seeking 20°C temperatures, July is the warmest month - this is also a great time to see the midnight sun, which means the sun shines until 11pm in the south and never fully sets in the north. 
 
Spring is ideal for sightseeing without the crowds, not to mention the perfect time to witness the first flowers bloom. As autumn approaches so does the colder weather and snowfall is highly likely, particularly in the north. February generally witnesses the coldest temperatures but the daylight hours are longer.

 

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FAQs

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Sweden?

The best time to visit Sweden depends on the activities you want to experience. Summer (June - August) is ideal for long days, city exploring and hiking, while winter (December - March) is perfect for snow sports and Northern Lights viewing.​

Where can I view the Northern Lights in Sweden?

Swedish Lapland is the top spot to see the Northern Lights, especially around Kiruna and Abisko. For a quieter experience, try Dalarna, which is less crowded and still offers atmospheric northern skies.​ If you want to learn more about when, where and how to see the aurora then check out our Northern Lights Tips blog.

Is Sweden expensive as a holiday destination?

Sweden is generally more expensive than the European average, especially for hotels and eating out, but it is usually cheaper than Norway and Switzerland.

What should I know about celebrating Midsummer in Sweden?

Midsummer is Sweden's most iconic festival, celebrated across the country with music, dancing around the maypole, flower wreath making, and traditional foods like herring, new potatoes, and the show-stopping Jordgubbstårta (strawberry cream cake). Hotels can sell out early, so plan well in advance if you want to join the festivities. For those visiting outside Midsummer, some tour providers now offer year-round experiences where you can make flower wreaths, try maypole dancing, and taste classic treats - no need to miss out on the magic!

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