Best 8 Sweden Attractions For Tourists

Are you looking for some top Sweden attractions to visit on your next holiday? If so, you’re in luck, as this Scandinavian country has plenty of fantastic tourist destinations to offer. Sweden has something for everyone from scenic landscapes and quaint villages to vibrant cities and cultural landmarks. Here are just a few of the top sights and attractions that Sweden offers tourists.

Visitors to Sweden will want to take advantage of the country’s many locations. The top places in Sweden that every visitor should see are Stockholm, the capital city; Gothenburg, a port town and entertainment area; and Drottningholm Palace, the royal family’s home.

Other popular sites for visitors include Skelleftea, a small village in the north near a famous lake; Trollhattan, a smaller town with both water and land-based attractions; Gotland, an island with castles and beaches. 

Best 10 Sweden Attractions For Tourists

This list was made to give tourists ideas on what Sweden attractions would be best for them based on their preferences. 

The following Sweden attractions are some of Sweden’s best

Sweden is a trendy travel destination, and there are many Sweden attractions that people choose to see when they visit Sweden. 

  • The Vasa Museum
  • The Ice Hotel
  • The Abisko National Park
  • The Gamla Stan District
  • The Drottningholm Palace
  • Kiruna – The northernmost city in Sweden and home to the world’s largest iron mine
  • Stockholm Archipelago has over 30,000 islands in the south; and Åre Björnen, a ski area in the north that is popular for skiing and snowboarding.
  • Gamla Stan – This historic district in Stockholm is home to charming cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. It’s a great place to wander around and take in the traditional Swedish atmosphere.
  • The Göta Canal – This artificial canal stretches for nearly 190 miles, making it one of the longest in Europe.

Stockholm

The capital city with a rich history and vibrant culture. If you are planning a trip to the Nordic region, you might want to include Stockholm in your list of tourist spots. The capital city of Sweden is popular with tourists and attracts expats looking for cities that offer an excellent quality of life and job opportunities.

If you’re wondering what motivated us to write this blog post about top Sweden attractions, wonder no more. We saw a need to compile a list of the best places in Stockholm that tourists and expats alike should check out.

Before we go on, let us give you a little background information about Sweden. The country is part of the Nordic region, which consists of the following countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. All these countries are located next to each other geographically with similar characteristics that make it easy for people from one country to relocate to another quickly.

You might start by visiting Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, located in the Ostermalm district. The city is home to much of the country’s attractions. Many expats find themselves settling around this area to benefit from its excellent public transport system and other conveniences, such as grocery stores and well-stocked supermarkets.

According to the official Stockholm tourism website, there are over 60 museums and 100 galleries you can choose from when visiting this vibrant city. It is best to list your priorities before starting your visit to avoid missing out on the main attractions. This will help you plan and maximize your time in Stockholm.

We have chosen the top Sweden attractions for you to get a good idea of what to expect when visiting the Nordic region’s capital city. Some of these attractions are meant for tourists, while others might be suitable for expats looking to live near Stockholm.

Imagine living in this beautifully adorned place, where deeply rooted history and culture. Schools, hospitals, shops, and grocery stores are all within reach.

The Swedish Countryside

With its rolling hills and pristine lakes, Sweden is famous for its cuisine, design, and architecture, to name a few. Sweden also has an incredible natural beauty which includes the Swedish countryside. Sweden’s impressive landscape varies from rugged mountains in the north of Sweden to deep, pristine forests and rolling hills in central Sweden.

Sweden’s coastline boasts magnificent beaches and picturesque archipelagos, including the Stockholm archipelago. It is a large country with most of its population living in its south, close to the capital Stockholm. Sweden also has an extensive public transport system, making it easy to explore Sweden and enjoy the Swedish countryside.

Sweden also has many impressive Christian cathedrals, including Sweden’s second-largest cathedral, Uppsala cathedral. It is also famous for its castles, including Sweden’s most northern castle Haparanda Slott. Visitors has many natural attractions, such as Sweden’s national parks, ideal places to enjoy the Swedish countryside.

Sweden also has many impressive archipelagos, including largest most famous island Gotland. Sweden also has vast forests; Sweden’s north includes Sweden vast northern forests around the Arctic circle. Sweden’s central Sweden is highly forested and offers visitors a chance to enjoy Sweden’s lush green landscape.

You will find many islands scattered throughout its waters, making Sweden one of thr most maritime nations. Sweden also has many national treasures, which include Sweden’s rich Viking history and its impressive rock carvings. 

Oldest art museum Stockholm National museum, with over 200 years of Swedish art can be found here. 

Sweden offers visitors many of Sweden’s historical sites, including Sweden’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also has several Sweden’s open-air museums where visitors can enjoy Sweden’s Swedish history.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second city and the center of the western part of Sweden. Gothenburg has about 500,000 inhabitants, making it Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm. From Gothenburg, you can get to Sweden’s third-biggest city by train or take a ferry to Ockero, where there are several museums worth checking out.

The town is Sweden’s major port with inbound and outbound trade and Sweden’s busiest ferry harbor in the west. Gothenburg also has only natural harbor on the west coast, located at Lilla Bommen, an excellent location for recreational boating. Just south of Gothenburg is Sweden’s second most important house of entertainment, Goteborgs Operan.

On the south side of Gothenburg, you will also find Sweden’s largest amusement park; Liseberg. In addition to Sweden’s only large-scale amusement park, there are many other attractions and fun things to do in Gothenburg.

Facts about Gothenburg Sweden

Gothenburg Sweden’s largest house of entertainment, Goteborgs Operan. Sweden’s only large-scale amusement park, Liseberg. Sweden’s second-largest city and the center of the western part of Sweden. You will find most famous museum located at Ostermalm is The Rohsska Museum, busiest ferry harbor in the west, Sweden’s second-largest amusement park and many more. 

Uppsala

This Sweden attractions is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Please note that the dating of eras, events, and trends in Sweden may vary from other sources or websites. In Sweden, 2017 is a public holiday called Sweden National Day [Sveriges nationaldag].

Sweden National Day observes the anniversary of Gustav Vasa’s election as Sweden’s King in 1809 when Sweden’s Constitutional monarchy was established. Sweden National Day is celebrated on June 6 every year.

With Sweden being the third-largest country in Europe by area, and 9 million of Sweden’s population of 10 million living in or around Stockholm annex, Sweden’s capital city [Stockholm] alone is home to:

  • The Nobel Prize Museum – More than 80 museums and more than 30 art galleries – Sweden’s most famous Opera House, the Stockholm Opera House – Over 2,600 restaurants in Sweden with Michelin stars dining experiences
  • Sweden has over 64,000 kilometers of beautiful coastline and water areas along Sweden’s west coast called the “WEST COAST” are famous for their nature’s beauty.
  • Sweden National Day also serves as a Sweden tourism event.

The Sweden National Day celebration is celebrated with Sweden’s national flag, the Swedish flag [or Sverigekrona in Sweden]. The Sweden flag has a blue background base, a yellow circle in the center-left of Sweden’s flag, and this  crown is representing Sweden’s monarchy heritage on top of the flag. 

The Island of Gotland

It is known for its beaches, medieval villages, and stunning scenery. The island of Gotland is Sweden’s largest island and is located in the Baltic Sea.

It has a total area of 228 sq mi (583 km²) and is Sweden’s only member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list due to it containing one of Sweden’s 22 national parks or nature reserves.

Gotland Island is Sweden’s most important agricultural district. Its climate is a good deal milder than the mainland’s, and the soil better for grass or grain, so that cattle-breeding here is of high value.

Since World War II, many farms have been abandoned when most non-disabled men were called to arms, leaving only women and older men to work in the fields. In addition, Sweden has been importing grain from the Baltic States and Russia because of increased farming.

Today, however, Sweden’s high level of subsidies is making agriculture less profitable. There are no signs that Sweden will be able to fill the demand for imported agricultural products from Gotland Island alone. Few places being cultivated today have been given up or converted into meadowland.

But Gotland Island is Sweden’s most popular tourist destination, with over a million tourists coming every year from Sweden and abroad to visit its medieval city Visby. Visitors come to see the island itself and enjoy Sweden’s unique crescent-shaped ring road known as the “Göta highway,” for it is one of Sweden’s most popular attractions.

The island, of course, is Sweden’s most significant source of income today. Sweden has an active port in Visby, the central city of the island and where all ferry connections are anchored. The population of Gotland Island is estimated to be around 60 000 people – almost half of Sweden’s inhabitants live on the island.

The History of Sweden’s Gotland Island

According to tradition, the first human inhabitants date back to pre-historic times. However, since Sweden’s history was poorly explored before the Viking age, this has not been proven. Sweden started becoming Sweden in the 7th century AD when settlers from Norway came with Christianity as their religion. 

Sweden was one kingdom, which went on to become Sweden-Finland in the 13th century. Sweden had initially been united with Norway, but after Sweden became Protestant in 1523, it broke away from its relationship with the Roman Catholic Church in the rest of Europe. Sweden conquered its first overseas colony, which been held for about a century and a half – New Sweden, today known as Delaware.

Sweden also became one of the great powers in Europe after it defeated Denmark-Norway during a war between Sweden and Denmark-Norway from 1716 to 1718.

Sweden lost a part of its eastern territory to Russia during the Treaty of Nystad in 1721, and Sweden made peace with Denmark-Norway in 1720, becoming Sweden’s first significant loss as a great power. In 1809 Sweden became involved in a war against Denmark after Sweden’s ally France was attacked by Russia.

Sweden lost and had to cede large areas of its eastern Sweden (most of present Sweden), but became a great power once again after France was defeated in 1815. Sweden then expanded into Norway, and it was one country together with Sweden for over 100 years, until 1905 when Sweden broke away because of Norwegian independence.

Swedish neutrality during World War I helped Sweden to avoid the war. Sweden was able to stay out of World War II as well, but Sweden supported Norway’s secession from Sweden in 1905, and Sweden supports today’s peaceful relations between Sweden and Norway.

Skansen Open-Air Museum

It is where you can learn about Swedish history and culture. One of Sweden’s most famous attractions is the Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm. The museum is known for its extensive collection of historical structures that Sweden moved from around the country to be preserved and displayed in a wooded area just on the outskirts of town.

The main building at the entrance provides information and tickets for some of these buildings. It is here that visitors can buy entry to the different areas of Skansen. This ticket includes admission into all facilities and allows free entrance into certain other museums, churches, and zoos in Sweden.

It’s pretty cool to walk through Sweden’s history, taking it all in without having an actual tour guide talk at you. However, certain things are worth mentioning if you want to make the most of your time at Skansen.

One of Sweden’s more popular attractions is its zoo which lies within the museum grounds. There are only a few animals, like reindeer and bears, but they can be seen in an open-air enclosure or against the backdrop of Sweden’s gorgeous house. Sweden has a significant history with bears and reindeer, which makes visiting this zoo an adventure greater than the sum of its parts.

One thing to note about Sweden’s traditional culture is Sweden’s Christmas celebration, which many are familiar with because it has found its way into western traditions. Sweden displays their version of the living nativity at Skansen, complete with Sweden’s traditional clothing and Sweden’s Gulotta.

While Sweden does have romantic ideals about love, it is still a modern country, which means that Sweden has today’s version of dating. Sweden has many outdoor cafes where visitors can eat and drink along the outskirts of the main building. Skansen has an open-air market that sells Sweden’s traditional food and spices.

Around this time of year, many people begin thinking about Sweden, whether its rich history or simply its romantic ideals. Sweden’s Open-Air Museum is a perfect way to get a glimpse of Sweden and Sweden’s culture.

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Do you know that it is a hotel made entirely of ice and snow? Sweden is a great country filled with rich history and culture. Sweden is also known for its stunning landscapes, and this beauty extends to Sweden attractions as well. Attractions such as the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi are just one of many Sweden attractions that remain popular among tourists from all over the world.

If you haven’t heard about the Sweden attractions, you are missing out on plenty of Swedish travel opportunities. Sweden is a great place to visit for Swedish travel and tourism, and is home to numerous tourist sites that you can’t find anywhere else but in Sweden.

If you wanna know about the top hotels in the Switzerland, visit here!

Among the Sweden attractions are the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. You might wonder why this spot so popular as this is not located in Stockholm. Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, has its attractions, but none of them are as grand and impressive as Sweden attractions such as the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi.

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is one of Sweden attractions that has made Sweden’s tourism popular. Sweden travel packages have been designed to accommodate tourism and vacations as per needs so that you can enjoy Swedish trips without too much planning beforehand.

Abisko National Park

This is the place we usually see in movies, wallpapers, and the internet. Known as the home to the Northern Lights. Abisko National Park in Sweden is one of the largest national parks in Sweden, with 243,44 km ². The park includes Sweden’s highest mountain Sorfjakten (1497 m).

Here you will find Sweden’s most famous national park, Abisko National Park, which has all sorts of activities that you can engage in throughout the year.

There are several hotels near Abisko National Park. Sweden’s most famous national park lies just outside Sweden’s most renowned mountain village Abisko, an ideal base for walking, skiing, & snowshoe treks. The old Swedish hotel Mountain Station is most accessible to hotels, which you can reach by train.

Some Travel Packages you must know

The Swedish travel packages available for a range of travel destinations and can be availed to explore Sweden attractions such as destinations like the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi.

If you plan to visit Sweden, you will find travel packages that remain among some travel opportunities which you can pursue. Sweden travel remains a highlight of Swedish vacations, and its tourism is rapidly becoming a popular Swedish vacation activity.

Tourists interested in Sweden’s beautiful culture will want to visit Sweden for its tourist attractions. It is filled with unique sites to see. When traveling through Sweden, you will want to make sure that you check out the most popular Sweden attractions, if you have a limited time, of course.

These Sweden attractions are just the tip of Sweden’s heritage tour experiences, Sweden has many Swedish historic places to see and tours to take, so please visit ‘Sweden Attractions National Day’ for more details about Swedish tourist sites in Sweden. Thank you!