Welcome To Sweden Truth be told, Sweden is best known for its natural assets. Indeed, to really appreciate this country’s magnetism, take time to leave the city behind. Whether you’re sailing across an archipelago to a lonely island or trekking […]
Welcome To Sweden
Truth be told, Sweden is best known for its natural assets. Indeed, to really appreciate this country’s magnetism, take time to leave the city behind. Whether you’re sailing across an archipelago to a lonely island or trekking along a kingly trail flanked by snowcapped mountains, few corners of Western Europe match the sense of space, solitude, and freedom here in Sweden.
The Medieval Old Town
Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Founded in 1252, it’s no wonder that it is a stunning, atmospheric part of the city, steeped in history, with narrow streets and grand buildings.
Stockholm Archipelago
Just a few minutes away from the city of Stockholm, the archipelago begins. With nearly 30,000 islands, islets and rocks – from Öregrund in the north to Landsort in the south – each with its own character. Rugged nature blends with wooded islands, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. Enjoy tranquil coves or the open sea where waves can go high. Explore uninhabited islets as well as islands with new communities and ancient villages, where large houses and small cottages stand side by side. The most popular way to see the Stockholm Archipelago is by ferry
Car-Free Koster Island
Right at the border of Norway and Sweden lies the Koster Island, the car-free island is a place to go for Nature & Peace. The only Marine National Park in Sweden. Since there are no cars allowed the best way to explore the island is on bicycle. There are not many places on Earth that catch matches the level of serenity offered by the island. Once at the island do not forget to visit the Koster Garden for some fresh organic vegan meal
The Fish Church
Located at Gothenburg the fish market hall Feskekôrka, (‘fish church’ in Swedish) built-in 1874 is an indoor fish and shellfish market where you can buy all kinds of seafood delicacies caught on the day and is a must-go if you are really into seafood.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, appear around the beginning of September in and around Kiruna to around the end of March all over Swedish Lapland. The best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is at the Aurora Sky Station at Abisko National Park. There are no guarantees, but being surrounded by mountains, Abisko is known for its clear skies, so there’s a good chance.
When to go and weather
High Season (Mid-Jun–Aug)
- High season starts at midsummer; expect warm weather. Most sights and accommodation will be open.
- Some restaurants and shops close in July or August as Swedes take their own holidays.
Shoulder (Sep.–Oct.)
- Weather is still good, even if no one’s around to enjoy it.
- Many tourist spots are closed, but you’ll have the rest all to yourself.
- Hotel rates return to normal but drop at weekends.
Low Season (Nov–May)
- Best season for winter-sports adventures, the Northern Lights and holiday markets.
- Book accommodation and winter activities in advance.
- Many campsites and hostels close for the winter.
Sample Itinerary – 7 Days
Stockholm, where mandatory attractions include the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace), Gamla Stan (the lovely Old Town) and Skansen (a family-friendly open-air museum that’s basically Sweden in miniature). Kick-off with a short boat tour of the city’s waterways. You can do all of those in a couple of days, which leaves an evening for enjoying some nightlife in Södermalm – try the clubs and bars in the SoFo district. On day three, visit a museum or two. The next day, check out the cathedral and palace at Uppsala and delve into early Swedish history via the burial mounds and museum at Gamla Uppsala. On the way back, explore Sigtuna, with its old-fashioned buildings, adorable cafes and atmospheric church ruins. The following day, visit the sculpture museum at Millesgården or make a pilgrimage to Greta Garbo’s memorial at Unesco-recognised cemetery Skogskyrkogården. Finally, take a leisurely boat ride out into the Stockholm archipelago, hopping off to explore one of the islands or even staying overnight if time allows.
Fast Facts
Capital: Stockholm
Currency: Swedish krona
Language: Swedish , Finnish , Yiddish, Romani and Sami
Recommendations: Kungliga Slottet, Vasamuseet, Visby Sankta Maria Domkyrka