Sweden
Destination Guide

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

Walk down the roads leading to beautiful lakes bordered by the tall trees and enjoy the mesmerizing spectacle of the Nordic beauty in the form of Sweden. Never ever you will find a country which is so close to nature and yet so cosmopolitan by all means. The vibrant cultural mixtures of Sweden will make you feel all welcomed as you will encounter people from different countries in the stores and the pickled herring restaurants. Savor your "fikas" (Coffee breaks in Swedish) and witness the liberal and open attitude of the people around there. Get overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the colossal Lake Vättern and walk past the enchanting Göta Canal and go on a mind-blowing cruise ride.

Attractions in Sweden

Pitted with wee islands and lakes in the south, and snow-clad mountains in the north, Sweden is all set to offer you some marvelous treats. Check out these amazing 8 attractions which will be a sin to miss for you as a tourist. From the palaces to the skiing resorts every destination is tempting here in Sweden.

Sarek National Park

Once you reach the Swedish Lapland of Jokkmokk you will encounter one of the oldest national parks of entire Europe. This national park has as many as six Swedish mountains and it s a paradise for the hikers. There are waterfalls and rivers along with various glaciers and mountain peaks in the national park. According to the latest records the area has over 100 peaks and 200 glaciers in this densely covered national park. Hikers can also encounter the various exotic Swedish flora and fauna whilst strolling down the mountains and walking pass the mountain banks.

Uppsala Domkyrka

The architecture of Domkyrka is also a famous cathedral, standing tall as one of the largest churches in enter Scandinavia. The cathedral was built back in the 13th century and since then many Swedish Royals have made it their final resting place. Whilst the exterior architecture is simply breathtaking the interior of this church is equally beautiful. Upon entering this cathedral you will get to know the various tales and history of the place. The entire church stands pretty tall with the spire reaching a height of 389 feet with an overall width of 148 feet.

Oresund Bridge

Also known as the Öresundsbron this bridge is a very vital bridge of Europe. This bridge covering miles of road over the sea, connects Sweden with Denmark. It is one of the busiest border crossing bridges in the world and it directly connects the Swedish city of Malmo with the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Though many people, mostly business-people and cross-border negotiators cross the bridge by driving in the cars, the good news is that the bridge is open for tourists and if your visa permits you then you can take a train or a bus and cross the bridge and visit Copenhagen for a day.

Are Ski Resort

If you are an adventure junkie then this charming ski resort located in the high altitudes of Jämtland region will offer you everything that you need. From cozy motels to fantastic eateries, from over 100 slopes to about 40 ski lifts, this place will trigger your wild side and will allow you to indulge in various snow-based fun. The area has three major skiing areas including the likes of Duved-Tegefjäll, the High Zone, and of course Björnen. If you are travelling with your family and not too much accustomed to skiing then Björnen will be your perfect choice because the slopes are bigger. The High Zone, however, is always crowded and it is preferred by the professionals.

Drottningholm Palace

Like any other classic European cities Stockholm is also a combination of cosmopolitan culture and well-preserved history. This palace is yet another example of how history is restored and maintained . This is the private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, and built in the 16th century the tour of this palace comes with a view of the garden.. Now considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites this destination has many mementos of Swedish glory. The trophies collected from the war are preserved carefully in certain areas of the museum. Like for instance you can witness some Bronze Statues from Denmark and Bohemia which the Swedish monarchs of the past have won and brought back home.

Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel at the city of Jukkasjärvi is certainly one of the major attractions in Sweden. It is in fact world's first Ice Hotel and it is entirely constructed from ice formation in the river Torne. The river is very close to few of Sweden's highest peaks including the likes of Kebnekaise. The Ice Hotel is not a monument but you can actually stay inside it. With full furnished rooms and other facilities it is all poised to offer you the perfect experience which you are sure to not enjoy anywhere else in this planet. Apart from living in such spectacular fairy-tale mansion a stay in the hotel will also allow you to go for many outdoor activities like canoeing, paddle boating and even fishing.

Gota Canal

This 19th Century canal at the heart of Sweden is one of the major tourist attractions in the country of Sweden. A beautiful cartel of over 47 bridges and more than 50 small canals this place has evolved into an enchanting spot for the tourists to come and enjoy the view. What is more fascinating is that there are cruises you can avail which will take you down for the canals and offer you a marvelous ride through the streaks of waterways. There are also some big and small lakes (as it is very common for a Nordic country like Sweden) where you can enjoy some boating and also fishing with permission.

Gisby

Yet another charming medieval Swedish town which is also enlisted amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Commonly known as the Pearl of the Baltic, and for good reasons, this 17th century town has a magnificent collection of timber houses and charming cobblestone paths. The walls situated inside the town dates back to more than 700 years and they reflect on to how the city used to be guarded against the ancient enemies. It is more like a historic tour and you will definitely feel like not going back to the harsh reality of a city life, once you enter the gates of this quaint little medieval town.

Sarek National Park

Uppsala Domkyrka

Oresund Bridge

Are Ski Resort

Drottningholm Palace

Ice Hotel

Gota Canal

Gisby

Sarek National Park

Uppsala Domkyrka

Oresund Bridge

Are Ski Resort

Gamla stan

Consisting of the island of Stadsholmen this old town of Stockholm is filled with memories of old Sweden and a fascinating view of the lakes. This is also the place where you can view the historic Stockholm Cathedral. This old town will allow you to embrace the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Sweden. Though the monarchy is no longer there but you can certainly savor the rich heritage of the place. The medieval set up will allow you to enter a different world, altogether. Read more You can see the famous Nobel Museum and also the medieval shops and churches, carefully restored with time. There is also the Post Museum along with Swedish Royal Coin Cabinet. Read less

Vasa Museum

Take a trip down the island of Djurgården in Stockholm to see the museum which has in its display all the salvaged ships from the 17th Century. The place is certain to give some shiver in your spine as you can witness the perfectly preserved ships from the times of the vikings and pirates and see the kind of ammunition they used to carry. Most famous among all the exhibits is certainly the mid-century Swedish battleship, the Vasa, which sank during its first trip. As luck would have it, the ship was undiscovered for two centuries, till the Swedes finally found it in the year 1961.

Stockholm Palace

Also known as the Royal Palace this Baroque-style palace is certainly worth a visit. The guided tour includes the visit to the various royal museums and the massive library. The tour is an absolute classic for the history lovers and the tourists who have a thing for books. Located in Stadsholmen in Gamla Stan, this palace has some exotic appeal and a marvelous history. The castle was built in the 18th century on the exact same spot where the “Tre Kronor” castle was once burnt down back in 1697.

Skansen

If you are already there in the island of Djurgården in Stockholm then it would be unwise on your part to miss out on this marvelous open air museum along with the zoo. The zoo has large exhibits containing all sorts of Nordic animals including the likes of arctic fox, moose, wolves, bear, and many more which you will never find in the zoos of India, mostly for climatic reasons. This open-air museum is perfect for the Indian families to rejoice. Read more

This place is like a small medieval town where you can find the old churches and mills, the shops and other factories which will make you feel like that you are in a movie theater. The charm of a medieval town will spellbound your senses. Read less

In the Spotlight

Sweden has plenty of Michelin Star restaurants and fine eateries for the tourists to come and enjoy. The traditional Swedish restaurants offer you a charming ambiance and decor whilst you can enjoy the various innovative recipes in those outlets. There is fine collection of exotic red meats and seafood in this Nordic paradise and then there is of course the fascinating wine collection.

Ekstedt : Visiting a restaurant is not just about going and ordering food, but it is also about witnessing the magic happening. This particular restaurant in Stockholm has practically started the trend of open-air cooking in entire Europe Read More

and you are bound to have a fabulous time witnessing your food being cooked. The restaurant is known for its experimental cuisines matched with typical Scandinavian interior designing. The place is famous for its outdoor cooking and the collection of red meat dishes. One of the most famous dishes here is of course the roe deer heart recipe with herb butter, onions, and mushrooms. The wine collection of this place is also mind-blowing and the ambiance is perfect for a couple to enjoy. Read less

Wedholms Fisk : Have a soft-corner for seafood? Then restaurant will definitely quench your hunger. Known for its superb collection of traditional Swedish and new seafood menus this place will leave you spellbound. Read More

You must try-out the pumpernickel bread along with the fresh oysters once you visit the place. Lobsters galore in this lake-side eatery as you will find various forms of preparation. The place is ideal for fine dinning as the wine selection is extraordinary and the sea-food platters will simply win you over. If you are on a romantic trip to Europe, then it is most definitely the place to dine. Read less

Frantzen: One of Stockhom's classic fine dinning destinations has been moved from Gamla stan to the main city of Stockholm back in 2017. Read More

You can find a blend of traditional Swedish food along with Japanese in this eatery and spanning for three-floors it is definitely one of the most visited restaurants in the country. The kitchen is really innovative as they introduce various menus from all the Nordic countries. The food served in this restaurant is a blend of both Swedish and Japanese cuisines and the seafood collection is truly enviable. Alongside the non-veg menus the restaurant is also known for its vegetarian items like red pepper dishes, roasted oats, macrons with pumpkins and many more. Read less

Operakallaren : Visiting Europe and yet not entering an oak-panel restaurant is really a shame. This particular restaurant is a classic Swedish dining destination with a cozy ambiance and awesome services. Read More

The food served here are mostly traditional Swedish along with other continental options. You can enjoy the view of the water whilst having your dinner in this place. This is a Michelin Star eatery and it has everything that you can imagine. There is also a private dinning room where you can have a romantic dinner and also have a party arranged at that place. Read less

Le Rouge: If you are up in the Nordic and yet feel like having some authentic West European cuisine, then you must definitely come to Le Rouge. The traditional Italian and French flavors of this place will surely overwhelm your senses. Read More

The decor reflects an authentic French appeal as the food items are equivalently scrumptious. The menu offers a wide variety of items including whole fish cooked in olive and other delicacies like for instance veal and foi gras. Along with the food the decor of this place is also simply mind-blowing. The turn-of-the-century French themed decor makes a subtle appeal as the velet cutrains and the table-cloths will make you feel like that you are in Paris during the 1920's. Read less

The currency of Sweden is Swedish Krona. As per the current market situation one Swedish Krona is equivalent to 8 Indian rupees. However, you might not need to carry a lot of cash because most of the restaurants and hotels accept credit card as a method of payment. The good news is that Sweden is practically cashless and only an international credit card will suffice. Even public transportation can be paid by your ATM card and even online. The fabulous part is that you can also tip the waiters in the Swedish restaurants online. However, if you are planning on going for shopping in some of the exotic markets then carry some Krones, but a little bit of cash is sufficient.

Special Tips

Since Sweden is completely cashless it is important that you carry the minimum cash with you.
Along with your international debit card you should also keep your international credit card handy.
Gain prior knowledge about the Western Union money transfer centers around your hotel.
Even if you are willing to pay anyone with Swedish Krones make sure that they return you the correct change.
Since Sweden is almost a cashless economy many people might not have changes to bigger denomination of the currency. That is why carry some small changes and notes with you, in case you need to pay someone by cash.

Entertainment & Event

The sea-food loving Swedes have a very liberal culture and great taste of festivals. The Nordic forests casts their own charm on the tourists.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Sweden has a wide variety of Nordic animals and perhaps a treasure-chest for animal lovers around the globe. Some of the animals including the white-tailed deer, certain variety of moose, along with the arctic foxes and wolves are only found in the country of Sweden. Apart from that, there are certain lynx and bear which have their safe habitat in the dense Nordic forests.

Apart from these, Sweden is full of good old deer collection. Never short of a good old game, the Swedes have plenty to choose from the different varieties of deer like the fallow deer, elk, red deer, reindeer, moose, antelopes, white-tailed deer and many other varieties of deer. Whilst some of the species of deer are protected by the government the Swedes are free to hunt and eat many other forms especially the ones which are available in abundance like the elk and the moose.
Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

Visit Sweden from June to August to see the hight of Swedish festivals. Midsummer Night is definitely a summer festival which is worth mentioning as both children and the adults get themselves covered in floral wreaths and indulge in a scrumptious dinner with herring, salmon, and newly bred sweet potatoes. The crayfish festival is also right after it in the month of August and the celebrations are similar in nature.

The crayfish festival or also known as the crayfish party is a mid-summer festival which gathers a huge crowd and plenty of open-air eating and drinking involved. Introduced back in the 1900's this festival is till date one of the most celebrated authentic Swedish festivals of all time. This is the only time the Swedes are allowed to catch the crayfish thereby making it once-in-a-year event for them.
culture

culture

Culture

Sweden is known for its inclusive and tolerant culture. It is in fact the Viking culture of maintaining communal harmony which has played a very essential role in shaping the current Swedish culture. The Swedes like to gather round within their community and they are not hesitant to welcome foreigners in their mix. They are well known for the little coffee breaks called the Fikas and there they get to know each other and exchange their thoughts. All the Swedish festivals are centered on the community and you, despite being a foreigner, can be a part of it.

The practices of the Viking culture are still prevalent in some parts of Sweden and it is something which makes them proud. However, you will hardly find a Swed boasting about anything because they are normally humble by nature. Swedes are very hospitable by nature and if you fail to thank them then they feel really offended.