Sweden is easily one of my favorite countries in Europe. Most people only make it to Stockholm, but beyond the capital lies a country where you can sleep under the northern lights, swim in lakes so clean you can drink from them, and explore islands where red cabins dot the coastline.
From the Arctic wilderness of Lapland to the golden archipelagos of the south, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Sweden. Don’t miss #12…I saved the best for last!
👉 Find Your Perfect Sweden Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Sweden
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Sweden
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Swedish adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Stockholm for just $350 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better! Use JON25 to save 25%.
- Food: Save by shopping at budget supermarkets like Lidl and Willys. For eating out, try local food courts and lunch spots offering “dagens lunch” (daily lunch specials) for around 95-120 SEK ($9-12). University areas often have better-priced options. Skip the restaurants in Gamla Stan – they’re often triple the price!
- Transport: Get an SL Access card in Stockholm or equivalent cards in other cities for public transport. For intercity travel, book SJ trains well in advance – they offer early bird tickets from 195 SEK. Using public transport and booking advance train deals have saved me hundreds of kronor on each trip.
Sweden has a reputation for being one of Europe’s most expensive countries. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this stunning Nordic nation for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Sweden:
The Prettiest Places in Sweden At a Glance
Planning a trip to Sweden? Here’s a quick look at the dreamiest destinations across the country…from Arctic adventures to medieval islands and seaside escapes. Tap any link below to jump to that section in the guide…
- Best Coastal Adventure: Stockholm Archipelago
- Coolest Place to Sleep on Ice: The Icehotel
- Top Medieval Island Escape: Gotland
- Best Urban-Design Combo: Malmö
- Most Reliable Spot for Northern Lights: Abisko National Park
- Top Car-Free Island Hopping: Gothenburg Archipelago
- Best City for Viking History Meets Student Life: Uppsala
- Most Fairytale Island Retreat: Visingsö Island
- Best Coastal Castle Town: Kalmar
- Sweden’s Only Marine National Park: Kosterhavet National Park
- Best Place for Arctic Culture + Aurora: Kiruna
- Ultimate Off-Grid Adventure: Sarek National Park
Here’s my advice: Start with Stockholm and its nearby islands, then head south to Gothenburg or Malmö for design and coastal charm. If you’re craving nature, go north to Lapland. Abisko and Sarek are once-in-a-lifetime wild escapes. Sweden’s beauty is deep and diverse, which is why I’m excited to share all my favorite beautiful destinations in Sweden in 2025.
1. Stockholm Archipelago
- 📍 Location: Eastern Sweden, outside Stockholm
- 🏆 Best For: 🛶 Coastal escapes + 🐚 island-hopping + 🌅 nature lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking around Vaxholm, ferry-hopping to Grinda, ice skating in winter
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for warm ferry rides and outdoor exploring ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Fredriksborg Hotell & Restaurang – Historic waterfront stay in Värmdö
The Stockholm Archipelago offers a peaceful escape just outside the capital. With over 30,000 islands scattered across the Baltic Sea, it’s one of the most unique coastal landscapes in Europe. Ferries connect many of the larger islands, making it easy to hop between fishing villages, nature trails, and scenic viewpoints.
In summer, spots like Grinda and Sandhamn fill with kayakers, hikers, and travelers looking to unwind by the water. The smaller, less populated islands give you space to slow down. Some places don’t have cars, only trails and boats, which makes them ideal if you’re chasing quiet, natural beauty.
Winter brings a different charm. When the sea freezes over, locals go skating between islands or explore the snowy woods. Whether you’re after adventure or calm, the archipelago delivers one of Sweden’s most refreshing experiences. It’s an especially popular place in Stockholm for young people!
2. The Icehotel
- 📍 Location: Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna
- 🏆 Best For: ❄️ Snow lovers + 🎨 ice art fans + 🌌 Northern Lights seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sleeping in an ice suite, witnessing the Aurora Borealis, touring ice sculptures
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February during the dry season for cooler temperatures 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Icehotel 365 – Year-round ice rooms with warm alternatives nearby
Tucked deep in Swedish Lapland, The Icehotel is one of the world’s most surreal stays. Every winter, artists sculpt it entirely from ice and snow sourced from the nearby Torne River. The result feels like walking into a frozen gallery where every room is different, from icy chandeliers to hand-carved beds.
While many visit to sleep on ice, others come just to explore the designs and sip cocktails in glasses made of ice. In winter, this is one of the best places in Sweden to catch the Northern Lights thanks to the clear skies and polar nights.
If you’re visiting in summer, the Icehotel 365 stays open with solar-powered cooling. Whether you stay overnight or just take a tour, this spot blends art, nature, and Arctic adventure like nowhere else.
3. Gotland
- 📍 Location: Baltic Sea, southeast of mainland Sweden
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 Medieval fans + 🏖️ beachgoers + 🎭 summer festival lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Visby, relaxing at Sudersand Beach, attending Medieval Week
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for warm beach days and festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotell Helgeand Wisby – Boutique rooms inside the medieval city walls
Sweden’s largest island, Gotland, is where cobbled streets and coastal vibes come together. Its capital, Visby, is a UNESCO-listed town full of towers, ruins, and roses climbing stone walls. Walking through its medieval gates feels like stepping back in time, especially in summer.
Beyond the city, Gotland’s countryside is dotted with windmills, farms, and hidden beaches. On the north coast, Fårö Island draws artists and dreamers with its raw limestone cliffs and cinematic seascapes. The island also has great biking trails and sea kayaking spots if you’re looking for something active.
Gotland shines brightest during the Medieval Week in August, when locals dress in full costume and fill the streets with music and markets. For history, nature, and a touch of magic, Gotland is one of Sweden’s most unforgettable escapes.
4. Malmö
- 📍 Location: Skåne County, southern Sweden
- 🏆 Best For: 🏙️ Urban explorers + 🎨 design lovers + 🌱 green spaces
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing the Turning Torso, strolling Gamla Staden, relaxing at Kungsparken
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for outdoor walks and festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: MJ’s Hotel – Eclectic boutique stay near the old town
Malmö blends edgy modern design with old-world charm in a way that feels distinctly Swedish. At the center of it all is the Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper that symbolizes the city’s forward-thinking energy. Right nearby, you’ll find cozy cobblestone squares and streets lined with half-timbered buildings.
The city is walkable, bike-friendly, and full of green spaces. Slottsparken and Kungsparken are perfect for picnics and lazy afternoon strolls. For coastal vibes, head to Ribersborg Beach, just a short walk from the city center.
Food here is diverse and affordable. From Nordic dishes to Middle Eastern street eats, the city serves flavor without fuss. Malmö is perfect if you want a laid-back, creative city that’s both compact and full of character. It’s less touristy than Stockholm but just as rewarding for curious travelers.
5. Abisko National Park
- 📍 Location: Swedish Lapland, near the Norwegian border
- 🏆 Best For: 🌌 Aurora hunters + 🥾 hikers + ❄️ winter sports
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the Northern Lights, hiking the Kungsleden Trail, visiting Abisko Canyon
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to March for Northern Lights and snow activities 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Abisko Mountain Lodge – Cozy base for hiking and aurora chasing
Abisko National Park is a remote, wild corner of Sweden where nature runs the show. It’s one of the most reliable places in the world to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its location above the Arctic Circle and clear skies almost every night in winter.
In colder months, people come for aurora spotting, snowshoeing, and skiing. But during summer, the sun barely sets and the Kungsleden Trail comes alive with hikers from around the world. The scenery is dramatic, with alpine peaks, frozen waterfalls, and deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers.
The Aurora Sky Station offers gear rentals, warm food, and guided experiences that increase your chances of catching the light show. Abisko’s raw and peaceful atmosphere makes it feel like a place that’s barely touched by civilization. It’s perfect for travelers who want to unplug and reconnect with the elements.
- Read next: Unique Travel Experiences to Try
6. Gothenburg Archipelago
- 📍 Location: Västra Götaland County, west coast of Sweden
- 🏆 Best For: ⛴️ Island hopping + 🧘♀️ peaceful escapes + 🥾 car-free adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Styrsö island, swimming in Brännö, ferry rides from Saltholmen
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for sunshine and open cafés 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Torslanda Studios – Modern rooms near the ferry terminal
The Gothenburg Archipelago is a mix of wild coastline, red boathouses, and stress-free island life. Just a short ferry ride from Gothenburg, these islands feel far removed from the city. Many are completely car-free, so it’s all about walking, cycling, and breathing in the salty sea breeze.
Each island has its own vibe. Styrsö is great for casual hikes and picnics, while Brännö offers traditional homes, sea bathing spots, and quiet cafés. Kayaking between islands is a local favorite, especially at sunset when the water turns gold.
You won’t need a car, just a public transport card and curiosity. The ferries run often, and you can easily hop across several islands in one day. It’s peaceful, low-key, and perfect if you want a local escape with beautiful views and no pressure to rush around.
7. Uppsala
- 📍 Location: Uppsala County, 45 minutes north of Stockholm
- 🏆 Best For: 📚 History lovers + 🎓 student culture + 🏰 architecture fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Uppsala Cathedral, walking around Gamla Uppsala, visiting the university museum
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for festivals and greenery 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotell Hörnan – Elegant stay near the cathedral
Uppsala is a university city with layers of history and a lively modern vibe. It’s home to Sweden’s oldest university, and that student energy shows up in its cafés, riverside hangouts, and bike-filled streets. The skyline is marked by Uppsala Cathedral, a gothic landmark that’s impossible to miss.
Not far from the city center is Gamla Uppsala, where ancient Viking burial mounds sit quietly on open grasslands. It’s a surreal contrast to the student bars and indie shops just a few kilometers away. Museums like the Gustavianum showcase everything from medical history to Viking artifacts.
Uppsala is walkable and friendly. Whether you’re grabbing fika by the river or catching live music on campus, it’s a city that mixes old stories with new ideas. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of history, culture, and good coffee without leaving a small-town feel.
8. Visingsö Island
- 📍 Location: Lake Vättern, Jönköping County
- 🏆 Best For: 🐴 Horse-drawn rides + 🏞️ quiet countryside + 🏰 castle ruins
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding a Remmalag, exploring Visingsborg Castle, hiking in Näs Forest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for ferry rides and green trails 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Visingsö Vandrarhem – Laid-back hostel with countryside views
Visingsö Island is a peaceful getaway in the middle of Lake Vättern, easily reached by a short ferry ride from Gränna. The moment you step off the boat, the pace shifts. Locals and visitors ride Remmalag horse-drawn carriages to tour the island, giving it a fairytale feel.
You’ll find ruins of the Visingsborg Castle, which once belonged to a powerful noble family. Now, ivy covers the stone walls and walking trails lead through what feels like a forgotten chapter of Swedish history. The Näs Forest at the island’s tip is thick and green, perfect for quiet hikes or birdwatching.
What makes Visingsö special is the lack of cars and the soft rhythm of daily life. You won’t need much more than a bike, a map, and some curiosity to make the most of this slow, scenic destination in the heart of Sweden.
9. Kalmar
- 📍 Location: Southeast coast of Sweden, Kalmar County
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 Castles + 🏙️ historical towns + 🌊 seaside escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Kalmar Castle, strolling the Old Town, day-tripping to Öland
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to early September for events and outdoor cafés 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Slottshotellet Kalmar – Charming boutique hotel near the castle
Kalmar is a city that blends seaside calm with centuries of rich history. Its main draw is the majestic Kalmar Castle, a Renaissance fortress surrounded by a moat and filled with historic rooms and exhibitions. Walking through it feels like stepping into a Swedish history book.
Just beyond the castle, Gamla Stan (Old Town) greets you with cobblestone alleys, pastel wooden homes, and cozy cafés that spill onto the sidewalks in summer. Locals recommend catching the city’s harbor breeze with a coffee in hand after a morning at the nearby art museum.
Kalmar is also your gateway to Öland, a narrow island filled with beaches, windmills, and Viking sites. A short bridge connects the city to this lesser-known paradise. Whether you’re into coastal road trips or castle interiors, Kalmar offers a quiet charm that sticks with you long after the visit.
10. Kosterhavet National Park
- 📍 Location: Koster Islands, Västra Götaland
- 🏆 Best For: 🐟 Marine life + 🚣 kayak adventures + 🐚 slow island travel
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling trails, biking around Sydkoster, boat trips from Strömstad
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for marine activities and ferry routes 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: STF Pårte Mountain Cabin – A rustic self-catering cabin operated by the Swedish Tourist Association
Kosterhavet National Park is Sweden’s first and only marine national park, home to over 6,000 underwater species you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Just off the coast from Strömstad, the park includes both the water and the Koster Islands, where charming villages meet protected sea beds.
Whether you dive, snorkel, or paddle through its crystal-clear waters, this park gives you a close-up view of rare marine life and colorful coral-like reefs. On land, Sydkoster offers scenic cycling paths and quiet cafés perfect for unwinding after a day in the water.
Boats are your main mode of transport here, which adds to the laid-back vibe. The lack of cars keeps everything peaceful. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to ditch your phone and just listen to waves while watching the sunset behind a row of red boathouses.
11. Kiruna
- 📍 Location: Norrbotten County, Swedish Lapland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌌 Northern Lights + 🧊 Icehotel stays + 🐕 Arctic adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Staying at the Icehotel, seeing Aurora Borealis, learning Sami traditions
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for snow and Northern Lights 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Camp Ripan – Cozy cabins with local dishes and aurora views
Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden and feels more like an Arctic expedition base than a typical town. It’s your jump-off point for snowy adventures, magical skies, and the iconic Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.
Even outside the hotel, this whole region is built around winter magic. Between dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer rides, there’s always a reason to head outside, especially when the Northern Lights start dancing overhead. From late fall through early spring, they show up more often here than almost anywhere else in Sweden.
Kiruna is also rooted in the Sami culture, and it’s easy to learn about their traditions, stories, and cuisine through local experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to sleep on ice and wake up to a glowing sky, Kiruna must be included in your itinerary.
12. Sarek National Park
- 📍 Location: Jokkmokk Municipality, Lapland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Wilderness treks + ⛰️ glacier hikes + 🦌 wildlife spotting
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking Kungsleden, spotting moose and lynx, camping near Rapa Valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September for hiking without deep snow 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Vuollerim – Rustic base with access to nearby trails
Sarek National Park is one of Europe’s last untouched wilderness areas, with no roads, no marked trails, and zero cellphone coverage. It’s not the easiest place to explore, but that’s exactly why adventurers love it. Located in Swedish Lapland, the park is raw, rugged, and filled with natural drama.
The park holds more than 200 peaks, including six of Sweden’s tallest mountains. Rapa Valley, with its glacial rivers and sharp ridges, feels like it belongs in a fantasy novel. If you’re lucky, you might spot brown bears, wolverines, or even golden eagles from a safe distance.
Sarek is not for beginners. You’ll need gear, skills, and self-reliance to make it in and out. But for experienced hikers and nature lovers, it offers one of the most authentic off-grid experiences in Europe. It’s where you go to feel small in the best possible way.
