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Visiting Sweden for the first time can be an exhilarating experience, offering an array of sights, sounds, and tastes unique to the Nordic region. This Scandinavian country, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and innovative design, invites travelers into a world of stunning natural beauty and cultural depth.
Oct 17, 2024 · 2. Explore beyond Stockholm. There are 21 regions in Sweden, so there’s (of course) plenty to see outside of its capital Stockholm (famed for its historic and cultural offerings). Some popular picks include…. Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city and its archipelago with over 20 islands.
- Planning Your Trip to Sweden
- Etiquette in Sweden
- Health and Safety in Sweden
Figure out where to lay your head
If you want to get the best deals on accommodations in Sweden, you’ll need to book ahead, especially if you’re visiting at a busy time of year. Reliable hotel chains with hotels throughout Sweden include Scandic, Nordic Choice Hotels, Radisson and Best Western; there are also many independent hotels, some of them simpler properties with shared bathrooms, that may be worth considering if you want to save a bit of money. A diverse range of hostels provide some of the most budget-friendly accomm...
Sorry we’re closed: avoiding disappointment
While many attractions, restaurants and shops in major cities generally keep fairly consistent hours throughout the year, some tourist businesses, including sightseeing cruises and certain attractions, are more seasonal, with opening hours tailored to the traditional Swedish summer holiday period from Midsummer to mid-August. On the flip side, some restaurants have been known to close for up to six weeks in summer while staff go on vacation. Many museums are open daily during the summer high...
Cash is not king
Sweden has been moving steadily away from cash for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this already strong trend. While it’s helpful to carry some cash for emergencies, you can basically expect to rely on your credit or debit card for most transactions. Some places, including public transportation, no longer accept cash at all. If you have a contactless card, you can usually just tap it to pay, but if your card doesn’t have that option, you’ll generally need to be prepared t...
Small talk, what’s that?
A saying goes that Swedes are great friends, but poor strangers. Swedes are generally helpful and welcoming to tourists, but you’ll rarely find them engaging in small talk with people they don’t know. For visitors from more gregarious cultures, it can feel strange or uncomfortable to be waiting at a bus stop with a group of people who are all ignoring each other, or having someone avoid eye contact as they pass you on the street. Don’t take it personally. If you’re in Sweden long term, seekin...
Don’t be early, don’t be late
If you’re scheduled to meet with someone or invited to a private home, the time listed is when you’re expected to arrive. What might be considered fashionably late in other cultures is considered rude in Sweden. Likewise, arriving early may be awkward for your host and should be avoided. It’s also considered good form to bring a host gift along the lines of flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. If you choose to bring wine, you’ll need to pop into the nearest Systembolaget outlet:...
Dress up to go out, down for work
In many countries, people dress up for work and more casually to go out. In Sweden, it’s often the opposite. You’ll see business people in meetings wearing jeans and a blazer, with people dressed to the nines to go out for drinks or dinner. In general, smart-casual dress without ostentation will do fine in most situations. You must be 18 or older to order alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants, but at least 20 to shop at Systembolaget.
Stay safe in the urban jungle and the wild outdoors
Sweden is a very safe country, but as in any destination you should keep a watchful eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing does occur. Make sure to store valuables in your hotel safe, if there is one, or keep them locked in your luggage while you’re out and about. If you’re staying in hostels, bring a padlock so you can store things safely in a locker. Be aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit areas after dark. The chances of something bad happening are small, but it’s alwa...
Help, I need a doctor!
If you get sick or injured while in Sweden, never fear. The country’s healthcare system is top-notch, but figuring out how to access it as a visitor can be confusing. If you have a health insurance card from another European Economic Area (EEA) country, you’re eligible to receive care on the same terms as Swedes. If you’re from anywhere else, you’ll typically need to pay the full cost, so it’s important to have a decent travel insurance policy just in case. If you need health care while in Sw...
Watch out! Two-wheeled hazards are everywhere
Sweden is a pedestrian-friendly country, but you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for two-wheeled transport. Don’t jaywalk, and never step into a dedicated bike lane without first looking in both directions; if you do, you’re risking life and limb, since cars and cyclists won’t be prepared to stop. Watch your feet as well – in recent years, electric scooters have proliferated in cities and are often left haphazardly in places where they pose an obstacle to pedestrians. You might also like: The...
- Coffee is life. If you haven’t already heard of Fika, you’ll soon be very familiar with it. The concept is basically to take a break and have coffee, usually accompanied by a sweet, like a biscuit or cookie.
- The Swedes are hot. I was shocked and delighted to cast an eye over the Swedish locals and discover there is an abundance of hotties! In Australia, I’m lucky to spot two hot guys in one day.
- There’s an Ikea approach to life. Just like everyone’s favourite Swedish homewares store, the approach to life in Sweden is ‘do it yourself.’ This means you shouldn’t expect a doorman at a hotel or for anybody to take your bags up to your room for you (unless you’re staying in a really, really fancy hotel).
- Equality has already been addressed. The Swedes have already dealt with equality, in fact, they’re so far ahead they’ve moved on to making sure dogs have rights (it’s illegal for a dog to be left home alone for longer than 6 hours).
- You won’t be able to pronounce the names of places, but that’s okay. Every time we thought we had the pronunciation of a word correct, we still managed to butcher it when talking to locals.
- Island-hopping is a must. Sweden’s coast is dotted with thousands of islands that can either be reached by car or ferry. For many travelers, hopping through the islands is a great way to enjoy not only the amazing scenery but also to experience the quaint peace of the local hamlets.
- There is an alcohol monopoly. If you’re looking to buy alcohol (above about 3%) outside of a restaurant or bar, you’ll have to find the nearest Systembolaget — a government owned and run retail chain that is the only legal option for buying take-home booze in Sweden.
- Floating saunas are awesome! Not sure whether to go for a swim or head to the spa? Why not both? Sweden’s floating saunas are steam rooms built on pontoon-like barges, allowing you to spend a relaxing day on the lake, ocean, or river in style.
May 22, 2024 · Winter on Sweden's west coast. Photo: Per Pixel Peterson/imagebank.sweden.se Sweden's geography and nature. Sweden is so long that its northern parts may still be covered in snow when the southern end is in bloom. More than two-thirds of the land area is covered in forest and there are nearly 100,000 lakes. Longest north–south distance: 1,572 km
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Jan 29, 2024 · Day 6 – Malmo. For those continuing to enjoy Sweden in 7 days, days 6 and 7 of this itinerary will bring you to the city of Malmo. The city of Malmo dates back to the 13th century and is the third largest city in Sweden located about a 3-hour drive or train ride away from Gothenburg. Malmo is located in a unique location, on the southern tip ...
