Best in May
Sweden
Gothenburg
Cool
From $113 /day
Sweden
Sweden offers a captivating blend of minimalist design, medieval history, and vast, untouched wilderness. From the trendy streets of Stockholm to the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic Circle, you will encounter a culture that deeply values balance, sustainability, and the art of having just enough. Whether you are exploring the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or chasing the Aurora Borealis in the far north, the country provides a sense of serene order and breathtaking natural beauty. It is a destination where modern innovation meets ancient Viking heritage, all set against a backdrop of deep forests and crystal-clear lakes.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$113 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Stockholm
Languages
Swedish
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
1 $ ≈ 9.06 kr
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+46
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Emergency
112 (Police/Fire/Ambulance); 114 14 (Police non-emergency)
Why Visit Sweden
The Magic of the Seasons
Experience the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun during the height of summer or the dancing ribbons of the Northern Lights during the crisp winter months.
The Stockholm Archipelago
Navigate a maritime wonderland of over 30,000 islands, offering everything from bustling resort towns to secluded rocky outcrops and traditional wooden cottages.
Scandinavian Design and Style
Discover why Sweden is a global leader in aesthetics through its world-class museums, sleek architecture, and functional fashion found in every city center.
Swedish Lapland
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Sámi people and enjoy bucket-list adventures like dog sledding or staying in a hotel made entirely of ice.
Sustainable Urban Living
Explore cities like Gothenburg and Stockholm, which are world leaders in eco-friendly transport, expansive green spaces, and clean, efficient living.
The Right of Public Access
Benefit from Allemansrätten, a unique law that allows anyone to roam freely in nature, camp, and forage as long as you respect the environment.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Sweden
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Stockholm and the Archipelago
This region serves as the cultural heart of the nation, featuring the historic Gamla Stan, the world-famous Vasa Museum, and an expansive network of islands accessible by ferry.
Swedish Lapland
Located in the far north, this Arctic wilderness is the primary destination for northern lights viewing, indigenous Sámi culture, and extreme winter sports.
Gothenburg and the West Coast
Known for its vibrant food scene and the stunning Bohuslän archipelago, this region is a haven for seafood lovers, kayakers, and those seeking picturesque fishing villages.
Skåne
Sweden's agricultural heartland offers rolling golden hills, white sandy beaches, and the cosmopolitan flair of Malmö, which is connected to Denmark by the Oresund Bridge.
Gotland
A Baltic Sea island famous for the medieval walled town of Visby, unique limestone sea stacks, and a distinct, slower pace of island life that is popular in summer.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The most favorable time for a visit is between late May and early September, when the weather is mild and the days are exceptionally long due to the midnight sun. Winter is ideal for northern lights and snow sports, though it is dark and cold.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer brings temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F) and nearly 24 hours of daylight in the north. This is the busiest period for archipelago cruises, hiking, and the Midsummer festivals in late June.
Shoulder Season
May, Sep
May and September offer crisp air and changing foliage with fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 10–15°C (50–59°F), and most tourist attractions remain open with reduced queues.
Off-Peak
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Winter is characterized by short days and temperatures often falling below 0°C. However, this is the prime time for visiting ice hotels, skiing in Dalarna, and viewing the aurora borealis in Lapland.
Getting Around
Sweden boasts one of Europe's most efficient and clean transport networks, focusing heavily on sustainability and integrated ticketing via mobile apps. Major cities are connected by high-speed rail, while archipelagos are served by extensive ferry lines.
Train
SJ operates high-speed Snabbtåg, regional, and overnight trains; booking early is usually cheaper. Fast direct services between Stockholm and Gothenburg are typically around 3–3.5 hours, but check timetables—major track works and closures (especially around Gothenburg–Alingsås) can lengthen travel times and may involve replacement buses during parts of 2026.
Metro
Stockholm's Tunnelbana (T-bana) is world-renowned for its art-filled stations. Single journeys cost ~$4.71 / 43 kr and can be paid for by tapping a contactless bank card or using the SL app.
Bus
Intercity companies like FlixBus and Vy Bus4You offer affordable travel between cities. Regional networks like Västtrafik in Gothenburg and Skånetrafiken in the south provide seamless bus-to-train transfers.
Ferry
Ferries are essential for exploring the Stockholm and Gothenburg archipelagos. Note: SL travelcards valid for 30 days or more are temporarily accepted on all Waxholmsbolaget services until 29 April 2026—verify current rules before travel.
Food & Drink
Swedish cuisine is rooted in seasonal ingredients and traditional preservation methods like pickling and smoking. The culinary culture, often referred to as Husmanskost, emphasizes hearty, honest meals that celebrate the country's forests and seas.
Must Try
Köttbullar
Iconic Swedish meatballs typically served with creamy gravy, boiled potatoes, tart lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers.
Gravlax
Fresh salmon cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and plenty of dill, often served on crispbread or with a mustard-based sauce.
Smörgåsbord
A traditional buffet-style meal featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes, including pickled herring, cured meats, and cheeses.
Raggmunk
Savory potato pancakes fried until crispy and usually enjoyed with fried salt pork and a generous portion of lingonberry jam.
Kanelbulle
A beloved cinnamon bun spiced with cardamom and topped with pearl sugar, serving as the essential centerpiece of the daily fika ritual.
Västerbottensost
A sharp, nutty hard cheese from the north, frequently used to make the famous Västerbottenpaj, a savory cheese tart.
Prinsesstårta
A vibrant green celebration cake layered with sponge, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard, all encased in a thick layer of marzipan.
Money & Costs
Travelers should expect a mid-range daily budget of ~$113–$183 / 1,024 kr–1,654 kr. Sweden is a nearly cashless society where even small street vendors and public toilets prefer card or mobile payments over physical currency.
Tipping
Tipping is not culturally mandatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional table service is appreciated.
Cards
Card acceptance is near-universal; many cafes and shops are 'kontantfri' (cash-free) and do not accept banknotes at all.
ATMs
ATMs (Bankomat) are widely available in cities, though rarely needed; international transaction fees depend on your home bank.
Culture & Etiquette
Swedish culture is defined by egalitarianism, punctuality, and a deep respect for personal space. Social interactions are often guided by the concept of Lagom, which promotes moderation and consensus over individual excess.
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Embrace the fika culture by taking a mid-day break for coffee and a pastry to socialize and recharge.
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Remove your shoes when entering someone's home, as keeping indoor floors clean is a standard sign of respect.
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Be punctual for all appointments and social gatherings, as Swedes value time and consider lateness to be quite rude.
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Use integrated mobile apps for public transport, as many buses and trains no longer accept cash or physical tickets.
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Don't flaunt personal wealth or success excessively, adhering to the Jantelagen philosophy that emphasizes humility and equality.
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Don't address people by their titles; Sweden is highly egalitarian and most people use first names even in professional settings.
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Don't forget to recycle or litter, as Swedes are deeply environmentally conscious and have strict waste-sorting systems.
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Don't cut in line; queuing is a strictly followed social rule in shops, pharmacies, and even at bus stops.
Safety & Health
Sweden is extremely safe and ranks highly in global safety indexes, though travelers should exercise increased caution in crowded city centers regarding petty crime. Medical facilities are of world-class quality.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for entry. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Unregulated Taxi Pricing: Some independent taxis in Stockholm charge exorbitant rates; always use reputable firms like Taxi Stockholm or check the yellow price sticker on the window.
- ⚠ Pickpocketing in Gamla Stan: Crowded tourist areas in Stockholm's Old Town are hotspots for distraction-based theft.
- ⚠ Fake Police: Occasional reports of individuals posing as officers to 'inspect' wallets for counterfeit bills; genuine police rarely request this on the street.
- ⚠ Petition Scams: Individuals in busy squares may ask for signatures for fake charities as a distraction for theft.
Tap water is among the cleanest in the world and is safe to drink everywhere. For non-urgent medical advice, travelers can call the 1177 healthcare hotline.
Language
While Swedish is the official language, Swedes are among the world's most proficient non-native English speakers. Tourists will find that nearly everyone in the service industry and younger generations speak fluent English.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hej | Hey |
| Thank you | Tack | Tahck |
| Excuse me | Ursäkta | Oor-shek-tah |
| Yes | Ja | Yah |
| No | Nej | Nay |
| Do you speak English? | Pratar du engelska? | Prah-tahr doo eng-el-skah? |
| The bill, please | Notan, tack | No-tahn tahck |
| Goodbye | Hejdå | Hey-doh |
Visa & Entry
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 Oct 2025 with a gradual rollout at external borders. ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026 for visa-exempt travelers—check requirements for your nationality before booking.
Max Stay
90 days in any 180-day period
Passport Validity
Issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area
Visa-free for
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most EU/EEA citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Right of Public Access?
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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