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Sweden is every traveller’s dream destination not only because it has that charm of the European natural wonders but because of its age-old history and ancient legends too. Nestled in the northern parts of Europe, Sweden has its beauty spread across hills, streams, forests and more. It is also the place where the ancient Nordic culture resides. From exploring the Vikings era to coming across the spectacular Northern Lights, one can indulge in a lot of things while in Sweden, Scandinavia. Let’s take a look at the top 10 things to do in Sweden!
Top Things to do in Sweden
1. Explore the Old Town of Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, is packed with hundreds of beautiful attractions to offer its visitors. Its modern setting allures all the luxury travellers, while its ancient beauties grab the attention of the off trackers. The old town of Stockholm otherwise called Gamla Stan is one such place where tourists find themselves walking through time. This bustling town locality boasts of medieval world architecture and has incredible museums to look for history. The Royal Palace and Storkyrkan are must-visit here.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Ideal Timings: 07:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Do try the walking tour of the Old Town of Stockholm to explore it in the best way possible.
2. Witness the Historic Vasa Ship
A maritime museum in Stockholm that is often the talk of the town for its insanely beautiful ancient ship from the 17th century! The Vasa Ship displayed here was a 64-gun war ship that sank on its first-ever voyage. As the ship lies in its intact form, it is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Also, it is no surprise the museum is one of the most visited places in Scandinavia. Visit this intriguing part of history and marvel at its commendable structure.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Explorers
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Entry fee: $15.70 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Only 1600 visitors are allowed in the museum at once. So, make sure you visit it early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long queues.
3. Get Lost in the Majesty of Drottningholm Palace
How about a castle where royalty lurks from behind every wall? The gorgeous Drottningholm Palace is one of the most awesome places to visit in Sweden for it is the private residence of the royal family. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace replaced the original stone palace in the late 16th century. Today, this majestic beauty stands with utmost pride and radiates sheer artistry through its adorned exterior and well-designed interior. Exploring Dronttningholm Palace is definitely one of the best things to do in Sweden.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Photographers, Architecture Enthusiasts
Location: Drottningholm, Sweden
Entry fee: $16 per person $8 for students
Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: If you are visiting the palace by boat, booking your tickets in advance is recommended.
4. Bike Along or Sail down the Gota Canal
While in Sweden, sailing down the Gota Canal is a must! But if it doesn’t interest you, you can certainly bike as the canal has beautiful ways running alongside. The Gota Canal is a narrow waterway that stretches for about 190 km. Meandering its way through beautiful towns and cities and unexplored hidden territories, the canal offers a great deal of nature. Get a ride and create everlasting memories while staying afloat in the waters.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Photographers
Average Cost: $25 – $125 per night cruise
Pro Tip: Book your tickets online to get great deals.
5. Spend a Weekend at Visby away from the Crowd
Steeped in medieval history and brimming with ruined churches, Visby could be your best destination to chill out on a weekend away from the city bustle. The place has amazing nature to savour and an incredible past to dig into. Quaint cobblestone streets run around the town and hence, walking across them with a camera in your hand is a must for every explorer. Do explore this unexplored part of Sweden and lose in its untroubled charming atmosphere.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Location: Gotland, Sweden
Average Cost: $5 – $15 for exploring around per day
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Do try some Swedish meatballs while in Visby. They are insanely tasty!
6. Witness Magic at the Aurora Sky Station
Aurora Sky Station is the best place in Sweden to enjoy the picturesque views of the Northern Lights. Capture magical phenomenon on camera from this wonderful place. Also, enjoy the best mountain scenery in the country. The place also has a beautiful museum and a nice cafe. Get up the hill via chairlift and get ready to experience the vistas never seen. Aurora Sky Station is a great experience in itself.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers
Location: Abisko, Sweden
Entry Fee: $105 per person
Timings: 09:00 pm to 01:00 am
7. Fall in Love with Kungsleden
Also known as the King’s Trail, Kungsleden is Sweden’s longest and most well-known hiking trail and hence, it is often visited by travellers from around the world. The warmer months are the ideal time to make the journey through the Scandinavian mountain range. The entire trail is over 400km long and some sections, such as the one between Abisko and Kvikkjokk, are equipped with huts and cabins. So, are you up for an adventure?
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: If you are taking unexplored route in the mountain range, make sure you have a guide with you.
8. Visit the Are Village for Skiing and More
If skiing is your thing, the Are Village is the place for you. Its well-known slopes have been the site of countless world cup competitions. The place is often called a big city in miniature form with great restaurants, clubs and shops. Come here and enjoy night skiing with top-notch lighting. If you’re in Sweden during the summers, do try your hand at it. This is a popular hiking area and never runs out of ways to entertain visitors.
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers
Average Cost: $100 – $120 per person
9. Explore the Beauty of Abisko National Park
Witness the best of wildlife with the best of views at Abisko National Park. During summers, this is the land of the midnight sun with 24-hour daylight lasting several weeks. The park is spread across 77 square km and famous for its pristine natural beauty and Nordic wildlife. It’s a great place to visit for Scandinavian winter adventures and long summer hikes. No wonder, it is one of the great Sweden tourist attractions.
Recommended For: Wildlife Lovers
Location: Kiruna, Sweden
Entry fee: None
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Pro Tip: Summers make the best season here for hiking and other such adventures.
10. Head Towards the Oldest Town in Sweden
With a history of more than 1000 years, Sigtuna is the oldest town in Sweden. Today, it has a very well-preserved picturesque medieval town centre offering small shops as well as numerous restaurants and cafes. The age-old runic stones and old church ruins are a delight to explore. Wandering the tiny streets lined with old wooden houses would surely give you an idea of what Sweden was like many years ago. So, visiting this wondrous site is a must for every explorer.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, History Lovers, Explorers
Location: Stockholm County, Sweden
Entry fee: None
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: If you are using public transportation, then the best way to reach it is by taking a train to Marsta from Stockholm and then from there a bus to Sigtuna.
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