Sweden Travel Guide & Tourism (2025)

Sweden Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring Stockholm, Gothenburg, and the Swedish countryside; 2 weeks for a more comprehensive exploration including the northern regions

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

Best Time: May to September (Warmer months) Read More

Visa Policy for Indians:
Schengen Visa required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $20-40
Budget: $60-100
Mid-range: $120-200
Luxury: $250 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
Budget: $15-30
Mid-range: $40-70

Getting In Sweden:
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) Read More

Getting Around Sweden:
Trains, buses, Stockholm Metro, ferries Read More

"For the experimental traveller"

Sweden Tourism

Sweden, the largest country in Scandinavia, is known for its beautiful nature, thousands of lakes, and long coastline. The country has over 30,000 islands, with the Stockholm Archipelago offering scenic boat trips and summer retreats. In the north, Lapland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in winter and experience the Midnight Sun in summer. Sweden is also famous for its forests, national parks, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and dog sledding.

The country has many unique attractions. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is rebuilt every year with ice from a river. The Vasa Museum in Stockholm displays a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship. The Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO site, is home to Sweden’s royal family. Visitors can experience Sami culture and reindeer sledding in the Arctic north or enjoy traditional fika (coffee and pastries) in cozy cafés.

The capital, Stockholm, is built on 14 islands and offers a mix of historic palaces, waterfront views, and world-class museums, including the Vasa Museum, home to a preserved 17th-century warship. The west coast city of Gothenburg is famous for its harbor, seafood, and canals, giving it a relaxed charm.

Tourist Places to Visit In Sweden

4.1

Stockholm

Packages from $2,263

Gothenburg

Malmo

Uppsala

Lund

Arlanda

All Tourist Places In Sweden

Must Know Before You Travel to Sweden

Winter Darkness & Summer Light: In December, daylight lasts only 3-6 hours in northern Sweden, while in summer, the Midnight Sun keeps it light almost all night.
Alcohol Sales Are Strictly Controlled: Supermarkets sell only low-alcohol beer; for wine and spirits, you must visit Systembolaget, which has limited hours and is closed on Sundays.

Best time to visit Sweden

The best time to visit Sweden is from June to August for sightseeing and outdoor activities, and from November to March for northern lights viewing and winter experiences. Summer (June–August) offers long daylight hours, mild temperatures between 15–25°C, and Sweden’s lively outdoor culture, making ... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Sweden

What's Great about Travelling to Sweden?

Beautiful, surreal landscapes
Plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities
Progressive, open-minded and friendly people
Clean, hygienic with a high standard of living
Unique varieties of food

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Sweden?

Quite expensive, especially regarding food and accommodation
Very strict, stringent rules on drinking and staying out late
Inaccessible healthcare facilities for tourists
Extreme weather conditions can be challenging
For those hiking/trekking, wild animals are a huge threat

Who should Travel to Sweden?

For seasoned travellers with slightly big budgets who are willing to step outside their comfort zones and experience new things.

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Read More on Sweden Travel

Nightlife in Sweden

Sweden has a thriving and exciting nightlife with Stockholm being the best city to spend a fun night. Most international DJs originate from Sweden, making Stockholm clubs an ideal spot for live DJs and concerts to perform. Entry to a bar/club depends on its timings. Bars that close at 01:00 or earlier generally allow free entry whereas bars that remain open until 03:00 charge an entrance fee. Some clubs remain open until 05:00 and have varying charges. One needs to be at least 18-20 years old to enter these bars/clubs. Strict rules apply to the consumption of alcohol.Nightlife in Stockholm is concentrated in two main areas:stermalm: houses the most exclusive and elegant clubs. Guests are allowed selective entry and are expected to dress well.Sdermalm: houses several popular clubs and bars that are more easygoing. Entry is still largely selective. Popular clubs and discos: Sturecompagniet, Spy Bar, Hell's Kitchen, Rose Club and Solidaritet.

Shopping in Sweden

Popular souvenirs:

The Dala Horse. They cost about 100 SEK.
Swedish glass
Wines from Systembolaget
Unique, Swedish-designed furniture and jewellery
Eccentric everyday items - adjustable spanners, adjustable wrenches, safety matches and paraffin cooking stoves, for instance.

Places to go shopping:

Stockholm is the central hub for shopping.
Popular places include- Drottninggatan - ideal for small specialist shops and big showrooms Designtorget at Sergels Torg - for household objects
NK _ Nordiska Kompaniet- multi-level exclusively Swedish store for designer clothes, furniture and everyday items

Festivals of Sweden

Popular Festivals: New Year celebrations: 1st Jan, countrywide Easter celebrations: March-April, Easter hunts, delicious food and home decorations Walpurgis Night: April; bonfires to celebrate May Day: 1st May, national holiday, colorful parades Sweden's National Day: 6th June, national holiday Midsummer's Eve: June, people dance around a midsummer's pole covered in leaves and flowers while enjoying delicious treats Nobel Prize Day, Stockholm: November Christmas: December, traditional celebrations - decorating Christmas trees, exchanging presents, fancy dinner.

Tips for visiting Sweden

Sweden is usually freezing during winters so thick, warm clothes should be carried at all times.
Some areas in the bigger cities are considered unsafe because robberies and crimes are common here. Examples include Rinkeby in Stockholm or BiskopsgŒrden in Gothenburg. These areas should be avoided at night.
Weekends are generally crowded and the chances of crime are higher near pubs/clubs. Tourists should be extra cautious at such times.
Be sure to watch out for cars in the road junctions to avoid accidents, especially at night.
Do not get involved in unnecessary arguments and if you do, try to leave before the person becomes aggressive. If you witness people fighting in the street, especially young, intoxicated people, keep a safe distance and dial the European emergency number 112.

Food of Sweden

Traditional Swedish cuisine mostly includes meat or fish with potatoes, while the modern cuisine is more bread-based. Everyday traditional dishes are called husmanskost and they include - hash made of meat, onions and potatoes, Gravlax, Falukorv, Blodpudding, pea soup, pickled herring and meatballs. Sweden is also known for its caviar, soft whey butter and coffee (kaffe).

Photos of Sweden

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FAQs on Sweden

How to reach Sweden from India?

Sweden can be reached from four countries by train: Norway: mainly connects Oslo and Stockholm and Gothenburg. Denmark: Trains depart Copenhagen for Malm_ every 20 minutes, reaching Sweden in less than 30 minutes. There are also direct trains from Copenhagen to Stockholm. Germany: Malm_ can be reached from Berlin thanks to the "Berlin Night Express". There are also several day-trains from Hamburg to Copenhagen. Finland: Travel via Kemi-Tornio-Haparanda-Lule and then take a bus.

What Sweden is known for?

Sweden is known for its stunning natural landscapes, progressive society, and rich Viking heritage. The country is home to vast forests, thousands of lakes, and a dramatic coastline dotted with islands. Sweden is famous for the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, and its picturesque archipelagos. Sweden’s history of Vikings and medieval towns, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Visby, attracts travelers interested in history.

What is the best time of year to visit Sweden?

The best time to visit Sweden depends on what you want to experience. Summer (June to August) is ideal for warm weather, outdoor activities, and exploring cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. The days are long, with almost 24 hours of daylight in the north due to the Midnight Sun. It’s also the best season for enjoying Sweden’s beautiful archipelagos, national parks, and countryside.

For Northern Lights and winter activities, December to March is the best period. This is when Sweden’s north, including Kiruna and Abisko, is covered in snow, offering great opportunities for dog sledding, skiing, and ice hotel experiences. Autumn (September to November) is perfect for hiking and enjoying Sweden’s colorful landscapes, while spring (April to May) is a great time to visit for milder weather and fewer crowds.

What is the most beautiful area in Sweden?

Sweden is full of breathtaking landscapes, but some areas stand out for their extraordinary beauty. The Swedish Lapland, in the far north, is one of the most stunning regions, offering snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and magical Northern Lights displays. The Stockholm Archipelago, with its 30,000 islands, small fishing villages, and stunning coastal scenery, is another must-visit. Göta Canal and Lake Vänern provide a mix of charming countryside, castles, and historic waterways, while Gotland and Visby showcase medieval architecture and beautiful Baltic Sea views.

What are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Sweden?

The best months to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Sweden are from September to March, when the nights are longest and darkest. The peak viewing period is between December and February, as this is when the skies are clearest in the north. The best places to see the aurora are in Swedish Lapland, particularly in Abisko National Park, which has some of the most consistent Northern Lights activity due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Other great locations include Kiruna, Jokkmokk, and Luleå. The best time of night to see the aurora is between 9 PM and 2 AM, and travelers should plan for at least a few nights in the Arctic region for a higher chance of seeing them.

Is Sweden expensive to visit for Indians?

Yes, Sweden is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and Indian travelers should budget accordingly. A budget traveler can expect to spend ₹8,000–₹12,000 per day, while mid-range travelers may need ₹15,000–₹20,000 per day. Accommodation, food, and transportation are costly, with hotels and dining out being particularly expensive. However, costs can be managed by staying in hostels, using public transport, cooking meals, and taking advantage of free attractions like nature hikes and city parks.

Public transport in Sweden is efficient but pricey, with trains and buses costing more than in India. Food can also be expensive, with restaurant meals averaging around ₹2,000–₹4,000 per person. However, street food, bakeries, and supermarket meals offer more affordable options. The best way to save money is by purchasing travel passes, using budget airlines for domestic travel, and exploring Sweden’s incredible nature, which is mostly free. Despite the high costs, Sweden’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences make it a worthwhile destination.

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