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Scandinavia is home to some of the most incredible scenery on earth – think fairytale fjords, the sometimes elusive Northern Lights, historic cities and stunning seascapes – so it’s no wonder that the jewel of Northern Europe, the slender nation of Sweden, is also home to a host of jaw-droppingly beautiful spots.
Here are some highlights:
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The 11 most beautiful places in Sweden
1. Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Sweden’s beautiful capital, Stockholm, is a fascinating archipelago in the Baltic Sea. One of its main areas, and perhaps its most beautiful, is its Old Town, known as Gamla Stan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest and best-preserved urban areas in Europe, and is where Stockholm was founded in the 1200s. Today, Gamla Stan is home to spectacular attractions such as the Royal Palace, winding cobblestone walkways, and Stortorget.
Photo-seekers should check out the colorful houses on the square: four buildings in red, orange, yellow and green are said to be the most photographed spot in Stockholm.
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2. High Coast
This part of the Gulf of Bothnia is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its interesting glacial development. It’s a beautiful place dotted with rugged islands and steep cliffs that merge into the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea.
Tourists can explore these natural wonders by car, ferry (in summer), or boat (in summer).
The High Coast is also famous for hiking, with the famous High Coast Trail, a winding coastal path of about 25 miles. The High Coast Bridge at Adalen offers spectacular views over the river and valley.
3. Is
Located in the heart of the Scandinavian Alps, central Sweden’s famous ski resorts are another beautiful spot in this Nordic country. Although Åre is a popular tourist destination during the winter months, there is much more to see than just the ski slopes. The region offers a wide range of activities in all seasons, including fishing, hiking, water sports and health spas. Visit one of Sweden’s major resorts and enjoy the surreal mountain scenery.
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4. Gotland’s Sea Cliffs
The Swedish island of Gotland is the largest of the country’s more than 200,000 islands. Located east of the mainland in the Baltic Sea, around Gotland there are numerous limestone formations known as sea stacks. The rock formations are called Laukfalt or Laukar. Some of the best-known rocks have names like Hoburgsgubben (Gentlemen Hoburg).
The rock formations in the sea are a unique and beautiful sight that never fail to impress anyone who visits the region – after all, Gotland has been dubbed the Hawaii of limestone.
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5. Visby, Gotland
Another beautiful place on Gotland is the city of Visby, a small town known as the city of roses and the city of ruins.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the area are its ruins, and Visby is considered the best-preserved medieval city in all of Scandinavia. Its long walls and numerous ruined churches have earned Visby UNESCO World Heritage status, adding to the list of beautiful places in Sweden. The beautiful red rooftops and coastal views make this a very picturesque place.
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6. Lake Vänern
Sweden has more than 100,000 lakes, so we had to include at least one in this roundup of scenic spots. The central lake, Vänern, is the largest lake not only in Sweden but in the whole of the European Union. Its vast surface area makes it almost an ocean, and its shores offer many beautiful spots worth visiting.
Notable sights include Lacko Castle in Caransø and the two access points to the lake, the Göta Canal. This canal is Sweden’s longest, connecting the sea to the west coast via the country’s lakes and rivers. Lake Vänern is a popular recreational spot for swimming, fishing and water sports.
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7. The King’s Road
Sweden’s far north is less visited by tourists but is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The King’s Trail, which runs through four national parks, is a great way to experience the northern scenery.
Your visit will also give you the chance to see another part of Sweden’s UNESCO-designated region, Laponia, which, according to UNESCO, is “a spectacular natural wonder of high mountains, virgin forests, extensive wetlands, beautiful lakes and well-preserved river systems” and “contains areas of exceptional beauty such as the snow-capped mountains of Sarek, the large alpine lake of Padjelanta/Bajelanda and the vast river deltas of the Lapa Valley.”
The King’s Trail (Kungsleden in Swedish) is one of the few places in the world where you can hike above the Arctic Circle. The full route takes about a month to travel, but there are shorter sections of the trail that can be tackled for those who can’t commit that much time to the excursion.
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8. Smogen
Smogen is an island and cute summer town off the west coast of Sweden. It’s known as a well-preserved example of an old fishing village – in fact, tourists can buy souvenirs at the small fishing huts on the village’s long pier.
Not only is Smögen a beautiful seaside town, it’s also home to a popular photo spot called Smögenbryggan (The Deck of Smögen), a collection of colorful fishermen’s huts built right over the water as part of the town’s picturesque promenade.
9. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi
One of Sweden’s biggest tourist attractions is the ice hotel, the first of its kind in the world. It is designed and built differently every year, and acts as both accommodation and an art installation. The best time to experience it is in full winter, when the Northern Lights are sparkling, although you can access it in any season as there is a permanent structure on-site.
It’s clear that Sweden is a stunningly beautiful country with amazing trails, picturesque islands, historic cities, and more. Want to spend more time in Northern Europe? Start with our recommendations for Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn.
10. Swedish National Parks
Wherever you travel in Sweden, you’ll find a national park or outdoor recreation area. Even better, all Swedish national parks and Naturum visitor centres offer free entry all year round.
Spanning 30 square miles in the far north, Abisko National Park is one of Sweden’s most beautiful national parks for Northern Lights viewing and nature immersion. In summer, enjoy flower-filled meadows and the midnight sun. Abisko National Park is known for its stunning arctic scenery, including pristine forests, towering mountains and the iconic Northern Lights. Enjoy great hiking trails, wildlife watching and views of the famous Abisko Valley.
The Swedish High Coast is home to Sweden’s highest island, dramatic cliffs and dense virgin forests, and is surrounded by two hiker’s havens: Ulvån Island National Park and Skulskogen National Park.
11. Drottningholm Kingdom
Drottningholm, the home of the Swedish royal family, located on an island in Lake Mälar just outside Stockholm, was Sweden’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Drottningholm Palace’s design was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Baroque and Rococo styles of the time. The palace features lavish salons, beautiful parks, a unique palace theatre, a Chinese-style pavilion and impressive Baroque gardens.
Although it serves as a private residence for the Swedish royal family, visitors are free to explore some of its most important parts.
FAQ
Which part of Sweden is the best?
Sweden has many beautiful places to visit, whether you’re exploring the folk traditions of southern Sweden, the charming fishing villages and sandy beaches of Sweden’s west coast, the awe-inspiring Swedish Lapland region or venturing into northern Sweden.
What are the best hiking trails in Sweden?
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking trails all over Sweden. The longest stretches over 440 kilometres from Abisko to Hemavan. Sarek National Park and Skreskogen National Park are also great for hiking.
What are the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden?
Don’t miss out on sights like the Stockholm archipelago, the cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage of the Old Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Visby on the island of Gotland, the majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes Siljan and Vättern.
How many days in Sweden is enough?
If your only goal is to get into the Arctic Circle, enjoy some winter sports, and chase the Northern Lights, five days will be plenty, but your Sweden itinerary should be seven to ten days, because Sweden is much more than just a winter playground.
When is the best time to visit Sweden?
There is no bad time to visit Sweden. Although Sweden has a lot to offer tourists all year round, generally speaking, May to September is the best time to visit, especially if you are looking for warmer weather.
