Population
10,262,923
capital
Stockholm
Language
Swedish, Svenska, English, German, French, Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Italian
currency
Swedish Krona
Flight time
2 hours and 20 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +1 hours
best time to go
May-Sep
Introducing Sweden
Sweden vacations include stately spiral palaces in attractive cities, natural forests encircling towering mountains, and a jagged coast with a beautiful archipelago.
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a joy to wander on foot, spread across 14 islands connected by exquisite bridges. Stop for a traditional Fika coffee break with cinnamon buns in a pleasant café in Gamla Stan’s old town, or venture out into the wilderness to explore Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Further north, Lapland and the Arctic Circle provide wonderful opportunities to see the otherworldly Northern Lights and interact with amicable reindeer herders in a stunningly icy landscape.
Recommended Sweden Specialists
Recommended Experiences in Sweden
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Top Locations in Sweden
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, is a quaint town with tiny stone-paved alleyways and cobblestone streets around its squares, particularly the major one, Stortorget, which is encircled by historic merchants' houses, adds to its appeal.
In addition to numerous stores, restaurants, and cafés, the town is home to the Nobel Museum, the Post Museum, the Royal Coin Cabinet, and various churches, all worth a visit during your travels.
Indulge in Swedish Gastronomy
Of course, no trip to Sweden would be complete without indulging in their renowned Swedish meatballs. Sweden's national cuisine is popularly regarded as Köttbullar med gräddsås (Meatballs with cream sauce). Köttbullar are smaller than Italian meatballs and have a different flavour. They are almost often eaten with a cream sauce. The recipe first appeared in a cookbook by the great Cajsa Warg in 1755, and it has remained a fan favourite ever since.
Vasa Museum
The 64-gun battleship Vasa, the pride of the Swedish army, sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship had lain beneath the frigid seas for more than three centuries until an incredible salvage effort took place in 1961. Visitors from all over the world now flock to see this interesting time capsule.
Visit Drottningholm Palace
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott) on the island of Lovö is a magical tourist attraction. It is located approximately 11 kilometres west of Stockholm city centre, which makes it an ideal day trip from the city. The palace, which dates from the 17th century, is currently the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family.
Abisko National Park, Lapland
This is the Land of the Midnight Sun in the summer, with 24-hour daylight spanning many weeks. The 77-square-kilometer park is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and Nordic biodiversity. It's a fantastic destination for Scandinavian winter excursions and wonderful summer treks.