‘Autumn in Sweden. Why does it seem so inviting?’ If you allow us just the slightest bit of creative license, this is how we’d have the opening lines of Ella Fitzgerald’s autumnal classic sung (not that we don’t also love autumn in New York…). Because, well, autumn in Sweden really is quite inviting. The mad months of midsummer festivities and overcrowded beaches draw to a close and Swedes get back to what they’re best at: enjoying fika in cosy bistros, setting out for long walks in the heart of nature and making the most of the last mild, sunny days before the long winter sets in. And from Halloween celebrations and jazz festivals to admiring the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, we have you sorted for a memorable autumnal Swedish getaway.
- Fall Fikas
- Stockholm Jazz Festival
- Country Forest Walks in Dalarna
- Watch the Midnight Sun in Abisko National Park
- Witness the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland
- Island Hopping in Stockholm
- Halloween in Gothenburg
Enjoy Fika like a Swede Anywhere and Everywhere
If there’s one thing that Swedes love to plan their day around in the chillier autumnal days it’s fika - an untranslatable word, or concept, that basically involves a warm cup of coffee, an indulgent sweet treat and good conversation. And whether you’re island-hopping on the wild west coast of Sweden or sauntering down the elegant boulevards of Gothenburg, it’s easy enough to stumble across a cosy, inviting cafe or a sweet-smelling bakery in the land of cafe obsessives. And remember, fika is all about slowing down, enjoying the moment and having a good conversation, so leave your phone tucked away and discuss the sights and sounds of your day with your travel companions.
Get Your Groove on at the Stockholm Jazz Festival
Mid-October is the time of year when Swedes get dressed up in their jazziest attire and flock to the island of Skeppsholmen to soak in the deep, dramatic tunes of both local and international jazz and blues musicians. There are over 60 venues spread across the city, hosting jazz giants like Jamie Cullum, Wayne Shorter Quartet and Stan Getz. If you want to rest your ears and discover more of Stockholm, make sure to head over to Gamla Stan to soak in the autumnal hues of the medieval buildings, or better yet, let us arrange for you to enjoy an exclusive tour across the rooftops of the old town to get a more panoramic view of the town below, the glittering cityscape and the surrounding harbour.
Admire the Autumnal Colours in the Countryside
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the spirited southern cities is Dalarna, a mountainous region which easily makes its way onto our roundup of the best places to spend autumn in Sweden. And while the countryside is beautiful at any time of year, we’d argue that it puts on its best show in autumn. This is a time when the mustard yellow and pumpkin orange of the trees sets the backdrop for red-clapboard houses perched on the teal waters of alpine lakes. And what better way to soak in as much beauty as possible than to get lost in the wilderness? We can arrange for you to enjoy guided safari walks through the Bergslagen Forest, canoe trips to secluded lake islands and rustic dinners by cosy campfires.
Experience the Midnight Sun in September….
The long sunny days of Sweden are mindbogglingly long - at times 24-hours long. That means nothing but sun, for 24 hours. The northern regions of Swedish Lapland experience these brilliantly bright days well after the summer solstice festivities have ended, making it possible to admire the autumnal colours of the wilderness bathed in a golden light at any time of day. The Abisko National Park is particularly beautiful in autumn, thanks to its acres and acres of auburn alpine meadows, majestic mountains and crisp, blue lakes.
… and the Northern Lights in November
You can stay put in Swedish Lapland to experience our second natural phenomenon during autumn in Sweden: the Northern Lights. As the long summer days shorten, it becomes more and more likely that you may catch a glimpse of the magical sheets of green and purple lights dancing across the dark night’s sky. And Sweden’s portion of the Arctic Circle is home to some truly exceptional places to admire the natural light show: in Lassbyn, we can arrange for you to spend a few nights glamping in the Aurora Safari Camp, which is surrounded by Arctic wilderness, far from any glimmerings of light pollution; in Lulea, we can whisk you off for a Northern Lights safari on a snowmobile; and in the in Abisko National Park we can have you chair-lifted up to the Aurora Sky Station to enjoy a gourmet meal in one of the best observation centres in the country.
Island Hop Away from the Summer Crowds
The unimaginably beautiful west coast of Sweden is bursting at the seams with idyllic islands that are, understandably, a huge tourist destination… in the summer. But travellers with the knee-jerk reaction to shy away from an autumnal coastal trip for fear of chilly temperatures should think again - the salty breeze is mild, the sun is warm and the usual crowds have all but disappeared. This is the time to take advantage of all the fun touristy activities in peace and quiet - we’re talking boat trips out to remote islands, seafood safaris with local experts and kayaking tours on tranquil azure waters.
Celebrate Halloween in Gothenburg
Despite only being celebrated since the 1990s, and not being a particularly big deal in the rest of the country, Halloween in Gothenburg is a full-on, fast and furious celebration. And at the centre of all the action is the excellent Liseberg Amusement Park, a (sometimes frighteningly) immersive setting to celebrate all things spooky. Families with little ones can enjoy magic shows and (tame) scare zones, while those wanting a more heart-thumping, palms-sweating experience can head to one of the truly thrilling scare mazes. For those keen to see the decorations without the fear of a heart attack, not to worry, simply wandering around the park, with its scores of pumpkins, scarecrows and all things Halloween, is enough to get in the mood.