Top 6 Things to Do in Sweden

Each city in Sweden boasts a quaint and sometimes quirky old town or gamia, as it is referred to in Sweden.

Cobblestone streets run between old buildings that look like they have stood for centuries, while cafés and restaurants invite you in for a taste of traditional delights.

Each old town and historic village has its own fascinating story to share through landmarks and legends depicted on doorways and in museums.

Best Old Towns and Villages to Visit: Stockholm • Malmö • Visby  • Uppsala • Norrboda Village

From hiking and cross-country skiing trails to the magic of Swedish Lapland, outdoor adventures provide phenomenal sightings throughout the country.

Unveil a magnificent night sky, where the northern lights dance in winter and the sun shines at midnight in summer.

Amble through mystical forests and grassy parks, or take time to watch the surrounding waters from quiet boardwalks, antique bridges, and immersive hiking trails.

Best Places for Outdoor Experiences: Swedish Lapland • Kiruna • Padjelanta National Forest • Kungsleden Trails • Abisko and Torneträsk Lake • Sarek • Trolls Goten Forest

From hands-on experiences to virtual-reality battles, outdoor museums to indoor displays, you can learn about the rich history of the Vikings through captivating artifacts or immersive experiences across Sweden.

Wander burial grounds and cultural villages, gain an understanding of how the Vikings’ valued tools were made, and partake in traditional celebrations that let you engage in Viking games and delicious feasts.

Cities highlight prominent Vikings throughout history by way of statues and monuments. No matter where you go, you can sample culture and heritage guided by the Viking past.

Best Places for Viking History: Gamla Uppsala • Björkö Island • Stockholm Viking Museum • Rättvik House • Anu Hög • Sigtuna

Travel back to the Renaissance period to discover magnificent castles and fortresses in Sweden.

Palaces stand as modern-day homes for current royalty, while other strongholds remain as a memory of the old Swedish military. Fortified towns with walls that extend for miles and dramatic castles only accessible by barge can create unique ambiances or hold one of Europe’s greatest art galleries.

Relive the medieval past through exhibitions and displays across the country in city castles or at the top of hiking trails, as you discover preserved fortresses and castle ruins.

Best Castles and Palaces to Visit: Drottningholm Palace • Gripsholm Castle • Birka • Gothenburg • Örebro Castle • Bohus Fortress

Sweden is crafted around, between, and on thousands of islands, with the Stockholm archipelago being the most famous.

Coastal gems can be found way up north and hugging the southern shoreline, with cities, parks, and other incredible discoveries that can capture your imagination. Inviting beaches and quaint villages nestled on the water’s edge all add to the tranquil setting.

From Viking museums to memorabilia, mystical sculptures to atmospheric traditions, the islands of Sweden provide an uncompromising perspective of past and present wonders.

Best Islands to Visit: Lidingö Island • Gotland • Öland • Fårö • Torso

Historical Lilla Torg in Malmö is a small town square famed for its picturesque buildings and noted as the perfect place to stop for a rest.

The tradition of fika, gathering with friends in city squares to relax, drink coffee, and connect, embodies the contemporary culture that you can enjoy across the museums, markets, and squares.

Discover Swedish culture through town-square monuments and visit markets full of local delights in major cities and quaint villages as you indulge in the authentic traditions enjoyed across the country.

Best Museums, Markets, and Squares: Stortorget Square in Malmö • Lilla Torg in Malmö • Gustaf Adolf Square in Gothenburg • Visby Town Square • Hötorget Square in Stockholm

Whether you prefer exploring endless vistas, mountains, and waterways or enjoying the inviting ambiance of a city’s old-town square to bask in classic architecture and cultural delights, Sweden exudes an unparalleled beauty that sweeps from land and sea.

Relive a Viking past or relax on tranquil waterways as you capture the spirit of Sweden at your pace. Find out more in our Sweden travel guide or explore our Sweden tours and vacations.