From its fairy-tale-like landscapes to its vibrant cities and otherworldly Northern Lights displays, Sweden is an easy country to fall in love with. Beauty abounds in this Nordic nation, and you’ll find plenty to point your camera at, whether it’s the colourful buildings and cobblestone streets of Stockholm, the frozen lakes and sugar-dusted mountains of Swedish Lapland or sweeping wildernesses and sandy beaches of Gotland. If this dreamy destination is on your radar, here are some of the best and most beautiful places in Sweden to visit next...
- Stockholm's Old Town
- The Stockholm Archipelago
- Swedish Lapland
- The High Coast
- Kosterhavet National Park
- Dalarna
- Gothenburg Archipelago
- Gotland
- Malmo
1
Stockholm's Old Town
Best for: old-world charm
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, happens to be one of the most stunning cities in the world. Much of this beauty can be found in Gamla Stan, the city's Old Town, an area packed with museums and historical sites such as the Parliament building and the Opera House. The most famous attraction is the 18th-century Royal Palace – one of the largest palaces in Europe. The grand building, made of brick and sandstone, is the King of Sweden’s official residence and is just a stone’s throw away from the fantastic Storkyrkan cathedral, which was originally constructed in the 13th century.
If the weather is good, make your way to the waterfront and hop on a boat or into a kayak to see the centre from a different perspective. You’ll be spoilt for choice come evening, when stylish bistros serve new Nordic cuisine and atmospheric pubs and chic cocktail bars burst into life.
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Image by Natalia Kurzova/Everest/stock.adobe.com.
2
The Stockholm Archipelago
Best for: island hopping
Stretching eastward from Stockholm into the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm Archipelago is made up of over 30,000 tiny islands and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Sweden. Take a quick ferry from Stockholm to the likes of Vaxholm for cobblestone streets and historic forts, or to Grinda for Nouveau architecture and cutesy cabins.
If you have more time on your hands, visit Svartso, the greenest island in the archipelago. Here you’ll find cycling trails, a gorgeous lake to swim in and pure secluded bliss (there are fewer than 100 residents). As with most of Sweden, the best time to visit is between June and September to make the most of the sun-soaked landscapes.
Image by Adam Höglund / Getty Images.
3
Swedish Lapland
Best for: outdoor adventures
If you’re planning a winter getaway, Swedish Lapland has it all, and then some. Topped with the dancing lights of the aurora borealis, the region offers snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, frozen lakes and scenic archipelagos. Along with this unparalleled natural beauty, you can enjoy a range of exhilarating experiences such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing.
Abisko National Park, in the far north, covers an area of 30 square miles and is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places in Sweden. Stay in an ice hotel, spot reindeer, swim in the Arctic circle, learn about Sami culture and taste delicious authentic cuisine.
Swedish Lapland is no one-season wonder though; head here in summer and you’ll have a totally different experience. The snow and ice give way to flower-filled valleys and endless daylight – a phenomenon known as the ‘Midnight Sun’ – and visitors can enjoy hiking and trekking in the sublime scenery all day (and night) long.
Image by Justin Reznick Photography / Getty Images.
4
The High Coast
Best for: scenic hikes
The High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site prized for its iconic seascape. Part of the Gulf of Bothnia in the Angermanland province of northeast Sweden, it comprises steep red granite cliffs and sharp rocky islands formed more than 9,000 years ago.
The High Coast is also home to Kungsleden (the ‘King's Trail’), the longest hiking trail in Sweden. It stretches around 275 miles from Abisko to Hemavan and attracts travellers from all over the world. Along the trail, you’ll find unusual architecture – not to mention numerous elk and reindeer – that showcases the allure of this region.
Image by Bjorn Forenius.
5
Kosterhavet National Park
Best for: underwater exploration
Just a two-hour drive from Gothenburg, the Koster Islands are home to Kosterhavet, Sweden’s first national marine park. Here you can dive or snorkel in eelgrass meadows and say hello to the myriad underwater creatures who call these waters home.
Other popular activities here include kayaking, hiking, cycling swimming and music festivals. Visit from May to September to enjoy the colourful spring blooms, the midsummer festivals and the late-season lobster parties and shellfish safaris that end in delicious feasts.
Image by Dreamnordno / Getty Images.
6
Dalarna
Best for: mountain scenery
Dalarna means 'valleys' in Swedish, which is an apt name for this mountainous region, where winding roads connect lush forests and lakes to old-world villages. Soak up the scenery with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Falun Mine and nearby Elsborg, where the cottages are painted with rust-red pigment drawn from underground. Or you can stay on the banks of Lake Siljan, the largest and most famous lake in the area, known for its sparkling waters.
In summer, the beautiful surroundings offer outdoor activities including horse riding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking. Hikers can lace up their boots and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the area from the top of Gesunda Mountain. Want a dose of culture? Art lovers can make a pilgrimage to the family home of creatives Carl and Karin Larsson in Sundborn for interior design inspiration and a cultural heritage fix.
Image by Susanne Walstrom / Getty Images.
7
The Gothenburg Archipelago
Best for: charming fishing villages
The Gothenburg Archipelago stretches up the west coast of Sweden and is, if possible, even more beautiful than its Stockholm counterpart. Made up of more than 20 islands, the archipelago is easy to reach from the city, making it the perfect addition to any Gothenburg break. Each island has its own character and charm, but all of them offer a peaceful respite from city life, with charming fishing villages, beaches, seals, fishing and more.
As you might expect, the food here is wonderful. We recommend sampling everything from modern gastronomy to traditional seafood restaurants as well as getting involved in the charming coffee break custom of fika.
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Image by Fredrik Ohlander / Unsplash.
8
Gotland
Best for: fascinating rock formations
Gotland is a peaceful island province in the Baltic Sea, characterised by sweeping wilderness and a coastline of sandy beaches. Although best known for its sea stacks – dramatic rock columns like those at Langhammars, on the neighboring island of Faro – Gotland is home to numerous beautiful towns and remarkable sights. The main town, Visby, is a medieval wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its medieval walls.
For those interested in geology, Lummelunda Cave offers an underground adventure filled with stalagmites, stalactites and ancient fossils. The Gotland Museum provides a window into 8,000 years of history, with exhibits featuring rare picture stones, and gold and silver treasures. For an added touch of heritage, the island is also home to over 90 medieval churches, each with its own intriguing story.
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Image by SilvanBachmann / Getty Images.
9
Malmo
Best for: sightseeing
Last on our list of scenic places in Sweden is Malmo. Situated at the eastern end of the iconic Oresund Bridge, Malmo is the largest city in the southernmost county of Skane and the third largest in all of Sweden. This coastal city beautifully combines old world charm and culture with all the attractions of a modern metropolis. At its heart lies the Old Town, which is rich in art, history and 16th-century architecture.
Stortorget, Malmo’s main square, is filled with lively restaurants, cafes and shops. It’s also home to Malmo’s oldest building, the 14th-century St Peter’s Church, which is covered with magnificent late-medieval paintings.
Image by Kentaroo Tryman / Getty Images.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Getty Images.
