Sweden offers far more than just the (very welcome) delights of IKEA and ABBA. Its rich culture, nature and cuisine provide unforgettable experiences, whether during winter in Lapland or summer in Stockholm. Read on for a list of our favourite things to do in Sweden, whatever the season…
1. Things to do in Dalarna
2. Things to do in Gothenburg and the West Coast of Sweden
3. Things to do in Stockholm
4. Things to do in Swedish Lapland
Things to do in Dalarna
Visit Falun Copper Mine
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating place for history buffs to explore. In operation until 1992, the mine reached peak production during the 17th century, when it supplied as much as two-thirds of the western world’s copper. Today, you can discover the 1,000-year history of the colossal mine on an underground tour. Above ground, there’s also an interactive museum and plenty of historic buildings to peep into.
Embark on a moose safari
Fancy getting up close and personal with Sweden’s resident wildlife? Meet Dalarna’s majestic moose population on a safari in one of the world’s most moose-rich wildernesses. At dusk (when they’re at their most active), hike on foot in search of Sweden’s famed national animal with the help of a trusty guide, who’ll teach you all there is to know about the forest-dwelling creatures.
Discover the region’s national parks
From chasing waterfalls (including one of Sweden’s tallest at over 500ft) in Fulufjallet National Park to getting lost in the pine forests of Tofsingdalen National Park, Dalarna has no shortage of luscious landscapes to explore. Whether you hike through ancient woodlands, canoe down gushing rivers or search for diverse flora and fauna, Dalarna’s national parks will bring you back in touch with nature.
Things to do in Gothenburg and the West Coast of Sweden
Explore Gothenburg’s Haga district
Sweden’s second city has no shortage of delights to discover. Gothenburg’s picturesque Haga district is a great place to begin, brimming with cosy cafes, independent boutiques and historic buildings built in the landshovdingehus architectural style (buildings with one brick storey and two wooden storeys). As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, it’s the perfect spot for a fika (Swedish coffee break).
Savour a seafood safari
West Sweden is the ideal destination for seafood-lovers (and particularly shellfish fans). From the harbour town of?Lyckorna, on the west coast, head out with local fisherman aboard their boat on a mussel safari. Travel to the vast mussel farms in the Swedish fjords to learn about the life cycle of blue mussels and help haul in the mollusc-covered chains, harvesting the (hopefully) thousands of mussels you’ll have lugged up from the waters. If possible, the fishermen will then cook the mussels for you on board, or back on dry land on a local beach.
Tour Fjallbacka
Explore the tiny village of Fjallbacka through the eyes of the famous crime fiction writer Camilla Lackberg. Join the ‘Cosy Crime Walk’ for an insight into the scenes and characters that appear in her books and fascinating tales about the village. For a touch of Hollywood glamour, walk the Ingrid Bergman tour to learn about the actress's love for the remote area she called her ‘earthly paradise’ and the events she organised for the community.
Go sea kayaking
Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life as you embark on a kayaking expedition in the Tjorn Archipelago with its hundreds of islands and shallow straits. Sail on the calm waters, gently rocked by the salty breeze and discover the traditional fishing villages dotted along the coast. For a truly memorable experience, opt for an evening kayaking tour complete with a swim and a sensational sunset.
Things to do in Stockholm
Wander Gamla Stan (Old Town)
One of the top things to do in the Swedish capital is wander the charming Gamla Stan. Dating back to the 13th century, it boasts a collection of burnt orange, crimson and mustard-hued buildings, complete with cobbled alleyways and market squares. Pop into the Nobel Prize Museum or the Post Museum, and don’t miss the changing of the guard during summer outside the Baroque-style Royal Palace.
Visit the Vasa Museum
The?Vasa Museum, home to the impressive Vasa ship that spent 333 years hidden on the seabed, is a must-visit. Designed as a powerful warship with a grand total of 64 cannons on board, this is the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world. Its career was short-lived, however, as Vasa's maiden voyage in 1628 also turned out to be its last (thanks to some major design faults). Unfortunately, it capsized and sank to the seabed within sight of the shipyard it was built in, lying here until April 1961, when it was finally brought to the surface. Today, the Vasa Museum proudly features among the world's top ten museums and is one of the best things to do in Sweden.
Kayak in the Stockholm Archipelago
Stockholm is one of the most attractive cities in Europe, but to visit without making a trip to the nearby archipelago would be to miss out on a major part of Stockholmers' lives.
In summer, the 25,000 islands that comprise the archipelago are an (extremely beautiful) adventure playground for city dwellers to enjoy. Some of the bigger, inhabited islands host regular sailing regattas, and colourful clapboard houses dotted around the secluded bays are weekend retreats.
One particularly lovely way to explore the islands is by kayak. This activity is ideal in the calm waters that stretch between islands, whether on a day trip or an overnight camping adventure on remote islands, with a guide, or without.
Things to do in Swedish Lapland
Enjoy a Sami reindeer experience
Experience Sami culture?in Lapland by spending time with a local family to learn about their traditional way of life. Historically, the indigenous Sami people were nomadic reindeer herders. Reindeer husbandry is still a big part of their culture, both for food and to make handicrafts, although today, most people supplement their income with other forms of employment. Good luck trying to pick up the Sami language, however, as there are multiple dialects and more than 300 ways of saying the word ‘snow’.
Go skiing
Devotees of the Alps, your attention, please. When planning a snowy getaway, don't rule out skiing in Sweden.
Why? Well, the season runs well into May thanks to the northerly longitude of the ski resorts and the extensive daylight hours as summer approaches. Then there are the elegant hotels, the excellent (if expensive) nightlife, the delicious food, the slick service and the amazing array of activities like dog sledding. And the skiing's not bad either.
Riksgransen is best suited to skiers who are bored with conventional piste skiing and want a post-Alpine season hit, while Dundret Lapland is the perfect family-friendly option.
Try snowmobiling
Driving a snowmobile is a must-do in Lapland (if not simply for an adrenaline fix). Fully equipped with thermal overalls, helmets, gloves and balaclavas, qualified guides will talk guests through the ins and outs of riding a snowmobile. Once clued up on the art of driving, head towards the frozen archipelago, first passing the fishing harbour on Hinderson, before enjoying a much-deserved pit stop for coffee and waffles.
Driving an ordinary car on the ice is another option; with over 15 miles of ice tracks, Ebbenjarka Lake is the perfect setting for racing around in your chosen vehicle.
Dog sled through the snow
Dog sledding through the snow-frosted forests and mountains of Swedish Lapland is an experience like no other (and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sweden). Pulled by Siberian huskies, woosh through beautiful winter landscapes, keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including moose, red fox and reindeer. Stay overnight in private log cabins and eat traditional Lapp delicacies such as reindeer stew with cloudberries. Of course, don't expect to see much sun here during the winter months, but that's all part of the appeal…
See the Northern Lights
Thanks to a lack of light pollution, Swedish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see this surreal natural phenomenon. Plus, the region’s remoteness makes the whole experience even more special. However, as much as we wish we had the power to control nature, there's never a guarantee of seeing the ethereal natural light show, even if you visit at prime time in the depths of winter. This one's in nature’s hands.
Fish, kayak and hike in the summer months
Swedish Lapland might be synonymous with snow, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in the summer months, too. Ice-fishing becomes fishing, kayaking replaces ice-driving, and the mountains provide fantastic walking trails. You can even experience the magical Midnight Sun – 24 hours of daylight – during the summer, which means more time for all things outdoors.
