Sweden – Destination Guide

Sweden is a land of serene beauty, where sleek Scandinavian design meets vast forests, shimmering lakes, and a coastline dotted with thousands of islands. From the cosmopolitan charm of Stockholm to the wild expanses of Lapland, Sweden offers a mix of vibrant city life, rich history, and pristine nature. It’s a country that embraces every season – long summer days for island-hopping and winter nights for chasing the Northern Lights.

Whether you’re exploring medieval towns, hiking through national parks, or enjoying fika (the Swedish coffee break) in a cosy café, Sweden delivers an experience that’s stylish, sustainable, and refreshingly calm.

🏞️ Regions to Explore

Stockholm & Archipelago

• Sweden’s capital, spread across 14 islands linked by bridges and ferries
• Explore the old town Gamla Stan, royal palaces, and modern museums
• Ferry trips to the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago

Gothenburg & West Coast

• Sweden’s second-largest city with a laid-back vibe
• Known for canals, seafood, and innovative restaurants
• Picturesque fishing villages and rocky coastal landscapes nearby

Malmö & Skåne

• Southern Sweden’s cultural hub with a mix of historic squares and modern architecture
• Beautiful countryside, beaches, and castles in the Skåne region
• Easy cross-border trips via the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen

Swedish Lapland

• Vast wilderness above the Arctic Circle
• Home to the Sami people, reindeer herding, and winter adventures
• Best place for Northern Lights in winter and Midnight Sun in summer

Gotland & Öland

• Baltic islands with medieval towns, sandy beaches, and unique geology
• UNESCO-listed Visby on Gotland is a summer highlight

🧭 Top Experiences

• Wander the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan in Stockholm
• Stay in the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi
• Hike the Kungsleden Trail in Swedish Lapland
• Enjoy a seafood feast on Sweden’s West Coast
• Experience the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights
• Cycle through rolling fields in Öland
• Visit Vasa Museum and ABBA The Museum in Stockholm
• Relax in a lakeside sauna followed by a refreshing dip

🛂 Visa Requirements

• Sweden is part of the Schengen Area
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens – no visa required
• Many other nationalities (including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK) – visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
• Other nationalities may require a Schengen visa – apply in advance via the Swedish embassy or consulate
• Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date

👉 Check official visa requirements here

🛬 Getting There

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

• Main international gateway, 40 km north of Stockholm
• Express train to city in 20 minutes; buses and taxis available

Other Major Airports

• Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) – West Coast
• Malmö Airport (MMX) – South Sweden, close to Copenhagen
• Kiruna Airport (KRN) – Gateway to Swedish Lapland

🚗 Getting Around

• Excellent rail network connecting cities and regions
• Domestic flights for long distances (e.g., Stockholm to Kiruna)
• Well-maintained roads – car rental is ideal for rural and coastal exploration
• Extensive ferry services to islands and across the Baltic
• Cycling-friendly infrastructure in cities and countryside

🍛 Food & Drink

• Famous for fresh seafood, cinnamon buns, and innovative Nordic cuisine
• Must-try dishes include:

  • Gravlax – cured salmon with dill

  • Köttbullar – Swedish meatballs

  • Smörgåsbord – buffet-style meal with cold and hot dishes

• Fika culture – coffee and pastries enjoyed with friends
• Aquavit, local craft beers, and berry-based desserts are popular

🛍️ What to Buy

• Swedish design homeware and textiles (Iittala, Marimekko)
• Sami handicrafts from Lapland
• Lingonberry and cloudberry jams
• Woollen sweaters and scarves
• Traditional Dala horses

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Apr – Jun) – Blooming landscapes, mild weather
• Summer (Jun – Aug) – Warmest months, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals
• Autumn (Sep – Oct) – Colourful foliage, mushroom foraging
• Winter (Nov – Mar) – Northern Lights, skiing, and winter sports

⚠️ Practical Info

• Electricity – 230V | Plug types C and F
• Water – Safe to drink from the tap
• Internet – Excellent, fast connections nationwide
• Vaccinations – Routine vaccinations recommended; tick-borne encephalitis for rural summer stays
• Travel Insurance – Strongly recommended for all visitors
• Money – Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Tipping – Not obligatory; rounding up the bill or 5–10% appreciated
• Cultural Tips – Remove shoes when entering homes; be punctual; respect quiet public spaces
• Safety – Sweden is very safe for travellers, with low crime rates; use normal precautions in busy areas
• LGBTQIA+ Friendliness – Highly inclusive and welcoming; Sweden is one of the most progressive countries for LGBTQIA+ rights
• Connectivity – SIM cards available at airports and convenience stores (Telia, Tele2, Telenor).
• Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🎒 What to Pack

Clothing

• Layers for changeable weather
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Warm clothing for winter (thermal base layers, insulated coat)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Swimwear for lakes, spas, and saunas
• Light clothing for summer’s warm days

Travel Essentials

• Daypack for city exploring or hiking
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat (yes, even in Sweden)
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal toiletries
• Umbrella or rain cover

Health & Safety

• Prescription medications
• Basic first-aid kit
• Insect repellent for summer

Tech & Documents

• Universal power adapter (Type C/F)
• Camera or smartphone with charger
• Travel insurance documents
• Passport and any required visa
• Copies of key documents (digital and printed)

Optional Extras

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Picnic blanket for summer outings
• Ice cleats for winter walking in icy areas

🌟 Why Visit Sweden?

Sweden offers an effortless mix of nature, culture, and style. Its cities are clean and creative, its countryside wild and beautiful, and its traditions warm and inviting. From kayaking in the archipelago to skiing under the Northern Lights, every season brings its own magic — all delivered with Scandinavian charm and sustainability at heart.