Sweden Attractions

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Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and home to a variety of attractions. From the cobblestone streets of the Gamla Stan or the old town to the modern and bustling district of Södermalm, there is something for everyone in Stockholm. So whether you are looking for museums, parks, restaurants, or nightlife, Stockholm has abundant activities available to explore.

Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions the city has to offer:

Gamla Stan

The heart and soul of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, known in English as the Old Town, is a picturesque island with fairytale-like alleys that makes for an unforgettable visit. Founded in 1252, it served as an essential trading center where merchants worldwide gathered to sell their goods.

Today, the cobbled streets are lined with colorful buildings featuring pastel facades, centuries-old churches, and markets full of souvenirs and local specialties. Among its highlights are the Royal Palace of Stockholm on Stortorget square – surrounded by outdoor cafés and home to centuries of Swedish history – and many old churches built between the 13th and 18th centuries.

Don’t miss:

  • Störshuset – one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings.
  • Riddarhuset – home to the nobility’s coat-of-arms exhibition.
  • Göta Huvudstånd  – a bright yellow palace located near Skeppsbron overlooking Gamla Stan.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum

 The Museum is one of Stockholm, Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions. It is located on the island of Djurgården in the center of Stockholm and was first opened in the 1990s.

The Museum focuses on the history of the Vasa warship, built in 1628 and later sunk in a naval accident during its maiden voyage. The ship remained at the seabed for almost 333 years before it was salvaged again.

The Museum has preserved many artifacts from Vasa’s period and showcased them to visitors with interactive media displays to add context to Vasa’s history and explain its salvage. As part of an interactive experience, visitors can also explore levels below the surface featuring life-sized models that show some aspects of daily life aboard a seventeenth-century warship. Other activities include trying out different 17th-century costumes if desired.

The Museum is open year-round and welcomes thousands of visitors each month, eager to learn more about this historical event and marvel at Vasa’s remarkable restoration efforts.

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace, situated on Lovon Island near the Swedish capital of Stockholm, is the Royal Family’s private residence. An outstanding example of a royal baroque palace, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Initially built in the mid-17th century by King John III, Drottningholm was extensively remodeled by King Adolf Fredrick between 1744 and 1759.

The classical facade hides beautiful interiors with magnificent rococo decorations and furnishings. Despite being designed as a summer residence for Swedish royalty and upper-class members of Swedish society over centuries, Drottningholm Palace still retains its intimate atmosphere and benefits from magnificent parkland and gardens which were created during the reigns of Queen Hedvig Eleonora (1636-1650) and King Carl XI (1672-1697).

The grounds now cover an area of around 780 acres with ornamental flower beds, terraces surrounded by oversized statues, and lush lawns which offer views over Lake Mälaren to Stockholm itself:

  • Ornamental flower beds
  • Terraces surrounded by giant statues
  • Lush lawns with views over Lake Mälaren to Stockholm

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, located on the country’s western coast. It’s an attractive city with its harbor, early 20th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and parks.

Many sites and attractions in the city of Gothenburg include old fortifications, museums, galleries, and lush parks. In addition, the city is home to a bustling nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs to explore.

Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions in Gothenburg:

Liseberg Amusement Park

Liseberg Amusement Park has been operating in Gothenburg, Sweden, since 1923 and is one of the most popular attractions in Scandinavia. Like many amusement parks, it hosts roller coaster rides, funhouse mazes, water rides, and arcade-style games. But Liseberg also features numerous live shows and performances and an elaborate landscape encompassing gardens, restaurants, and shops.

The park has something for all ages, including a “toddler’s park” with mini roller coasters and an area called Tiny Town that’s great for preschoolers. For older kids – or adults – there’s the world record-breaking Balder wooden coaster or the Kållerado raft ride with its thrilling dark ride tunnel full of special effects. Other top attractions include:

  • The Flying Whip roller coaster.
  • The 4D Vortex Gyro Swing ride.
  • The Sumerburst rotating observation tower overlooks the Gothenburg skyline.

As well as these adrenaline-fueled thrills, Liseberg offers plenty of other opportunities to enjoy a day out, including flower paradises with more than 950 varieties of plants from around the world! Every evening at 8:30 pm between April and October, you can enjoy a mesmerizing sound and light show with fountains that soar 30 feet in the air. In addition, a series of concerts are scheduled from May to October on selected dates, so check out the entertainment calendar before you go to take advantage of everything this fantastic park has to offer!

Gothenburg Botanical Garden

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful attractions in Sweden. Located in the heart of Gothenburg, it offers a variety of lush plants and trees from the tropics and stunning seasonal flowers. Visitors will find something for each season, from snowdrop blooms in the spring to colorful autumnal leaves.

The garden features a Japanese garden, a section dedicated to fruit trees worldwide, and a rock garden. There’s also a rose garden with hundreds of different species. In addition, there are plenty of paths for walking and outdoor cafés for light refreshments that provide stunning views across the gardens below.

Not only is this Museum admired for its historical architecture, but it provides educational tours which can teach visitors about climate change, conservation, and sustainability. In addition, the botanical garden is open year-round with free admission, making it an ideal outing whether you visit Gothenburg alone or with family and friends.

Gothenburg Museum of Art

The impressive Gothenburg Museum of Art is a must-see on any visit to Sweden. Housed in a dramatic five-story building in the city’s center, the Museum showcases an extensive collection of international art, spanning fourteen centuries and representing many cultures worldwide.

The Museum’s permanent exhibition consists of over 10,000 works in its diverse collection. European artists include Rembrandt and Botticelli; French Impressionists Monet and Degas; German expressionists Kirchner and Kokoschka; contemporary painter Francis Bacon; Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali; American modernists Lichtenstein and Warhol; Swedish Abstract Expressionist Öyvind Fahlström, and many more.

The Museum also offers temporary exhibitions year-round that explore broad aesthetic movements, usually within specific periods or cultural contexts. Additionally, visitors can view rotating works from the various study collections, such as classical sculptures from Greco-Roman antiquity, Asian ceramics, and jades from Chinese dynasties throughout the ages, Oceanic tribal artifacts dating to pre-historic times, Islamic calligraphy items ranging from manuscripts to textiles, Baroque paintings. All these were collected by renowned Swedish collectors Carl Gustaf Tessin and Nicodemus Tessin II – to name a few.

Besides its artwork exhibitions, visitors appreciate the Museum’s scenically located sculpture garden with water fountains and have lunch at their gourmet café while enjoying astounding views over the city center. Also, spend time at the library housing 300 000 books in all fields covered by the arts. With frequent events like guided tours or film screenings accompanied by gallery talks and specialist lectures–the Gothenburg Museum of Art is an enrichment for culture-loving minds and curators.

Malmö

Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden and is a charming destination for travelers looking to explore the Swedish countryside. This vibrant city is located in the south of Sweden and is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and abundant recreational activities. From historical museums and galleries to great restaurants and cafes, Malmö has something to offer everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at the attractions Malmö has to offer:

Malmöhus Castle

Malmöhus Castle is one of the oldest attractions in Malmö, Sweden, and holds architectural and historical importance. The Castle was built in the 1400s and is most prominently recognized for defending Southern Sweden against Denmark. When it was originally built, it served as a fortification site to protect potential besiegers. It was also used as a prison to hold the King’s enemies.

Though no longer used for defending Sweden, today Malmöhus Castle still preserves its magnificent past with many ruins and parts reconstructed or renovated over the decades. Visitors are welcome to explore and admire ornate decor left behind from past eras, as well as check out some of the museums located within, like the Kronan Museum (with famous artifacts from World War Two). In addition, the Castle is a cultural event space with official events happening throughout the year, like theater or musical performances, art exhibitions, and more. It symbolizes Malmö’s rich culture and beautiful landscape enhanced by its resilient history!

Turning Torso

Located in Sweden’s southeasternmost city of Malmö, Turning Torso is a striking landmark that overlooks the Öresund strait and Copenhagen. It was built in 1997. This skyscraper is a remarkable feat of engineering, boasting an impressive 190-meter-tall twisting structure that is one of Europe’s tallest residential buildings. Designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, Turning Torso offers spectacular views of the cityscape below, and its intricate design has attracted worldwide acclaim for its ingenuity.

The twisting skyscraper comprises nine five-story cubes that gradually turn 90 degrees from bottom to top, creating an optical illusion as you look up toward the building’s pinnacle. For visitors wanting to experience even more incredible views, the top few floors feature a public observation deck with truly stunning vistas. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibitions focused on architecture or partake in workshops or guided tours, allowing them to discover more about the iconic structure.

Turning Torso provides vibrant energy and beauty to Malmö’s skyline, so make sure you don’t miss the chance to check out this marvelous architectural gem during your visit!

Moderna Museet Malmö

Moderna Museet Malmö is a modern art museum located in Sweden’s bustling port city of Malmö. The Museum offers a variety of collections in modern and contemporary art, from painting to installation art, video, photography, and prints. Moderna Museet Malmö also has regular exhibitions on display throughout the year. The collections range from solo shows of famous Swedish and international artists to theme exhibitions focusing on particular movements or topics.

The museum building is an impressive architectural structure right next to the main street, along which many other attractions are located, including historic buildings and numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. In addition, it is close to the Central Station and the Turning Torso skyscraper, making it easy to visit while touring Malmö. Visitors can explore all building floors as part of their ticket, with guided tours available for a deeper look into some of Moderna Museet’s great artwork displays.

In addition to its regular exhibitions, Moderna Museet also organizes occasional events such as artist talks, debates, or workshops for kids interested in learning more about modern art.

Uppsala

Uppsala is located in the southeast of Sweden, about an hour from Stockholm. Uppsala is a university city with a long history, known for its beautiful architecture, parks, and surrounding nature. This charming city has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to explore the city’s landmarks, take a day trip to the nearby countryside, or relax in one of its many cafes.

Let’s look at some of the top attractions in Uppsala:

Uppsala Cathedral

Uppsala Cathedral is Sweden’s largest cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala. It was built in the 13th century and boasts a mix of medieval and baroque architecture and centuries-old royal coronation chairs and reliquary treasures. It is also home to choral concerts and weekly services for worshippers.

A landmark within the city, Uppsala Cathedral sits atop a hill in the very center of town. It also serves as an essential monument in Swedish history – since 1164, Uppsala Cathedral has served as the religious capital of Sweden. As such, several coronations that took place here have graced this site throughout its history – from King Erik IX’s (later made saint) coronation in 1273 to that of Carl XVI Gustaf (the current King) in 1973. Other famous crowning ceremonies include those of Queen Christina (1650), Charles XI (1672), Gustav III (1772), Charles XIII (1809), and Oscar II (1873).

The central part of the building dates back to 1270. However, some elements were added until 1809, when it was finished with new naval heroes on both towers and a University porch by architect Carl Hårleman. His father, Fredrik Magnus Herleman, and cousin Uno Troilus had worked on strengthening the building nearby beginning in 1806 due to risks caused by military fire weaponry having evolved. Special attention has been given over time to preserve its original Romanesque style from succeeding additions by neoclassical architects such as Guillaume Lejonet or Axel Frame via restoration efforts during 1911-1917 or later, 1960-1961. After the WWII bombings, damages were undone thanks to efforts at renovations conducted by Ake Larson between 1945-1951. Hence, remarkable gothic interiors like the choir or rose windows can still be admired today. Its exterior adds even greater appeal with multicolored brickwork featuring gargoyles placed around its walls amongst other distinctive figures on its rooftops. At the same time, additional attractions consist without doubt of royal tombs found inside, as visitors may note when journeying up towards its tallest spire tower, which reaches 111 m high into what are usually picturesque clear blue skies.

Uppsala Castle

Uppsala Castle is a 16th-century castle located in Uppsala, Sweden, and was once the home of the Swedish royal family. Built around 1549 and reconstructed by King Gustav Vasa of the House of Vasa in the latter half of the 16th century, this majestic fortification reminds Sweden’s turbulent history. The Castle features two large wings, joined together at one end to form a two-sided U-shape.

The castle grounds house several unique attractions, including:

  • Art displays from famous Swedish artists such as Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn, and Bruno Liljefors;
  • A historical museum detailing the trials and tribulations that Sweden faced throughout its history;
  • Impressive gardens covering 18 hectares (44 acres) and including old trees believed to have been planted by Gustav Vasa himself;
  • an open-air theater for summer performances;
  • seasonal exhibitions featuring traditional Swedish handicrafts;
  • And many more!

Uppsala Castle is especially famous for its Great Hall, where you can see all three kingdoms in Sweden – Uppland, Södermanland, and Östergötland. Other features include a grand Renaissance staircase that leads to museum galleries filled with artwork from some of Sweden’s greatest historical battles and rooms used by former royalty to host extravagant parties.

Thousands of people flock to Uppsala Castle every year to learn more about Swedish culture, admire its architecture or enjoy one of its many permanent attractions or seasonal events. A trip here will yield spectacular sights and a great insight into Sweden’s fascinating past!

Gustavianum Museum

Gustavianum Museum, located in Uppsala, Sweden, is the country’s oldest and most visited Museum. King Gustav III founded the Museum in 1778 as a public educational institution for research into Scandinavian antiquities. The building also serves as a host to several scholarly societies and cultural events.

This impressive building dates back to 1625 and contains an array of art and artifacts from multiple eras spanning the past four centuries. Visitors can explore archaeology, ethnography, art, science, botany, and numismatics collections. Some popular attractions include the anatomical theater built by Olof Rudbeck during the 17th century, Gustav III’s royal apartments, and the numismatic collection with nearly 64,000 coins on display.

Gustavianum Museum offers something for everyone interested in history or culture. Built on top of an old Viking burial mound that includes bronze-age finds from 3100 BC up to medieval times, visitors can connect with Sweden’s forgotten past under one roof at Uppsala’s most extensive Museum!

Other Attractions

While Stockholm might be one of the most popular cities in Sweden, there are many other attractions throughout the country. Sweden has plenty to explore from stunning natural landscapes and architectural wonders to inspiring museums and historical sites.

In this article, we’ll outline some of the best lesser-known attractions that are worth adding to your itinerary:

Abisko National Park

Abisko National Park is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations. Situated in the subarctic region of Northern Sweden near the Norwegian border, Abisko is renowned for its sweeping landscapes and stunning views of the nearby mountains. The park has a range of activities to suit all tastes, from leisurely day hikes to wilderness skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing adventures that take you deep into surrounding arctic forests and mountain ranges.

A great way to experience Abisko is with a guided tour. Guided tours will usually include stops for photography along some of the park’s most scenic routes before taking you further out into more remote areas that can only be explored on foot or by sled. Other attractions include Aurora Sky Station experiences where visitors can learn about the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, boat tours across Lake Torneträsk, and a host of winter activities such as ice fishing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Abisko National Park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. Choose trekking in summer when lush green meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers or viewing dazzling autumn sunsets over Lake Torneträsk. Frozen subarctic winters are perfect for thrilling outdoor pursuits like reindeer herding or ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. For nature lovers looking for an exciting adventure in an ever-changing winter wonderland, Abisko National Park should be among your top choices!

Skuleskogen National Park

Located in northern Sweden, Skuleskogen National Park is one of the country’s largest and most impressive parks. This nature reserve is home to wild animals, lush forests, and spectacular views from the coastline. Enjoy diverse activities such as hiking, skiing, rock climbing, fishing, and camping while surrounded by hundreds of miles of pristine wilderness.

Skuleskogen National Park also has many natural attractions, including some beautiful waterfalls. The waterfall at Skuleberget is particularly beautiful and known for its height and power. The park also offers spectacular views of both the lake and the ocean beyond it. There are several peaks throughout Skuleskogen National Park – most notably Hassela, which offers stunning views over the lake district below – so make sure to set aside some time to explore scenic overlooks while you’re here.

Other activities in Skuleskogen National Park include visiting Gudfinnsstugan Barrow – an old Viking barrow located near Svea village – and discovering Ullvi Cave – a secluded cave that opened up less than 20 years ago after thousands of years hidden underneath the surface! So whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventurous outing, Skuleskogen National Park has something for everyone.

Ystad Saltsjöbad

Ystad Saltsjöbad is a renowned spa and hotel in Ystad, situated in a stunning beachfront setting. It was built in 1912. The luxury spa offers an array of treatments and activities for visitors.

The resort features beach walks and relaxes by the pool area amid a beautiful garden surrounded by sea. Guests can also partake in a sauna at turns, solariums, and jacuzzis for an ultimate health-promoting experience. In addition, relaxing massages and beauty treatments using natural products such as extracts from seaweed, salt scrubs, and facial masks are offered in modern treatment rooms looking out to sea. Other activities include yoga classes or relaxing on the private beach with its warm white sand offering unbeatable views of Österlen green landscapes.

The hotel is also home to three restaurants serving traditional Swedish dishes alongside world flavors with locally sourced produce, including seafood, at their signature restaurant, By The Sea, located next to the beachfront terrace of the Kullen Beach Bar.