Sweden Travel Guide

The land of the ancient Vikings and the birthplace of Nordic crime fiction, Sweden shows two faces throughout the year. In the summer, idyllic weather allows tourists and locals alike to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming late into the evening, as the Midnight Sun shines until nearly 11pm. However, winter is a time of tranquil stillness, crisp air and sparkling snow, when visitors can venture out for dog sledding, ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing.

The outdoors is only one aspect of the country's charm, though, as millions of visitors relish the sophisticated cultural delights of the cities, especially in the capital of Stockholm. With a proud history going back several millennia, the many museums and royal buildings around the city are fascinating to visit. Stockholm's modern attractions are just as engaging, with a lively nightlife, and a plethora of excellent restaurants and shops all on offer. Smaller towns such as Gothenburg, Malmo, Uppsala and the northern Kiruna all have their own unique attractions, which range from amusement parks to historical churches and boat tours of the archipelagos in the Baltic Sea.

Best time to visit Sweden

The best time to visit Sweden is during the mild summer months (May, June, and July), when the famous Midnight Sun shines until at least 10:30 at night and the weather is warm and pleasant. Travellers should keep in mind that July is peak tourist season, and popular areas can become crowded.

Travelling to Sweden in August is a good way to save money, as the flights and accommodation are slightly cheaper and the weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities. The weather varies dramatically, with bitterly cold winter months (November to March), although Stockholm stays fairly temperate due to coastal currents.

What to see in Sweden

-Witness Sweden's famous Midnight Sun in Kiruna.

-Visit the historic open-air museum at Skansen.

-Venture north to see the Northern Lights.

-Explore the island of Gotland.

What to do in Sweden

-Learn about the millennia of history at the open-air museum, Skansen.

-Take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago.

-Ride the rollercoasters at Liseberg Amusement Park.

-Join in on the festivities at the Summer Solstice.

Getting to Sweden

Getting to Sweden from the UK is easy due to a large number of direct, cheap flights to Stockholm from London and other major UK cities. There are also direct flights from a few US cities to Stockholm. Most flights to Sweden land at Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, 28 miles (45km) north of Stockholm.

Read

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, and Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren.

Listen

Fred Akerstrom, Daniel Norgren, ABBA, and Swedish House Mafia.

Watch

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009).

Drink

Snapps, and Glogg (mulled wine).

Eat

Gravlax (salt-cured salmon), lutefisk (fish cured in lye), and surdegsbrod (Sourdough bread).

What to buy

Dala Horse statuettes, Swedish brands such as Acne, La Bruket, and Stutterheim.

What to pack

Very warm clothes, including boots, a hat, and thick gloves are needed for a winter holiday in Sweden. A Summer holiday usually requires sturdy walking or hiking shoes, light, breathable clothing for the day and a light jacket for the evenings.

What's on in Sweden

Stockholm celebrates Nobel Prize Day each December, and the awards are presented to outstanding scientists, authors and peacekeepers, while all over Sweden, people take the time to enjoy idyllic summer weather and have a party on Midsummer's Eve.

Did you know?

-The population of Sweden is about 9.5 million, which is marginally more than the population of New York City.

-Swedes have the longest life expectancy in Europe.

-On Easter, children in Sweden dress up as witches and go trick-or-treating.

A final word

With different personalities in each season, a holiday in Sweden offers something new with each visit.