10 Things Sweden Is Famous For - Updated 2024

Sumit
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things sweden is famous for

The Scandinavian country of Sweden is officially known as the Kingdom of Sweden. It is the largest country in Northern Europe and is famous for the Northern Lights. The country attracts thousands of tourists each year from all over the world to view the spectacular lights and also be a part of the country’s other well-known activities. From music and food to fashion and tradition, this diverse country welcomes all with different types of views and backgrounds. Sweden is also known as one of the cleanest countries in the world. If you have a sweet tooth don’t forget to sample Swedish chocolates on your trip to Sweden. Be sure to book the best countryside hotels or Airbnb vacation rentals in the country, and have a look at the following things Sweden is famous for.

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1. The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel first opened in 1990 in the village of Jukkasjärvi, which is in the northern region of Sweden. This hotel is built with ice and snow, which was brought from the Torne River. This beautiful creation also features various rooms, including bedrooms, an ice chapel and a bar, which are designed by various artists invited from all around the globe. This place is maintained at a temperature of -5 °C, and it is rebuilt every year between December to April.

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2. Lovely landscapes

Sarek National Park, Jokkmokk, Sweden (Unsplash)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user wandervisions used under CC0

Sweden is popularly known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which makes it a vibrant tourist destination in the world. Sarek National Park is one of the many lovely landscapes of this region. It features six of the highest mountain peaks of Sweden and around 100 glaciers with turbulent streams intersecting the land. It is believed that the Sami people lived in this alpine region for a long time. Tourists can also enjoy hiking and mountaineering while enjoying the scenic views. If you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of creatures like bears, wolverines and large elks in the mountains.

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3. The coffee culture (Fika)

In Sweden we call it fika
Source: Photo by Flickr user Susanne Nilsson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Coffee culture, as it is known to all, is a behavioral instinct by an individual or a culture regarding coffee. Fika, on the other hand, is known as the Swedish coffee break, which is famous in the Nordic culture. During this break, you can enjoy open-faced sandwiches, fruit, or baked sweets along with coffee. Fika is a different type of tradition, which is followed only in Sweden. Here, you can find people enjoying or relaxing at cafes along with friends and families. If you are traveling with children, there is nothing to worry about as the coffee can be replaced with lemonade, juice or squash for them.

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4. Northern lights

Northern Lights Over Ontonagon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RomanKahler used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the best things to do in Sweden is to witness the the Northern lights or Aurora Borealis, a beautiful dazzling natural phenomenon. The magical display of lights in the sky entices many people from around the world. One of the best things about Sweden is that if you want to watch the Northern Lights, then you can pay a visit to Abisko National Park. The neighboring mountains have low pollution, which makes the skies clear. This, in turn, allows you to witness the blue, red and green light falling in the form of drapes in the sky. Scientifically, it is believed that this type of illuminating pattern is formed when the sun’s particles collide with other particles from the Earth’s atmosphere, thus creating kinetic energy which is converted into visible lights.

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Sweden Tour Guide

Fayez Tabbaa

Fayez Tabbaa

As an authorised guide for Stockholm, I am enthusiastic about imparting my expertise and excitement for this stunning city to tourists from all over the globe. I provide customised tours that are suited to your interests and needs. I have a degree in biology from the University of Stockholm and a strong interest in the natural and cultural legacy of the city. I can assist you in Finnish and Dut... Read more

Tours by Fayez

5. Clean cities

Riddarholmen from Stockholm City Hall tower
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Benoît Derrier used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Sweden is one of the first countries in the world that passed the Environmental Protection Act. The country has taken pollution seriously and the cities are very clean where you can breath clean air, which will enrich your energy level. Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, was the first city to be declared as European Green Capital in 2010 and it still maintains the title. The city has also set a goal to become fossil fuel free by 2050, by increasing biodiversity and bringing a change in public transport and waste disposal.

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6. The royal family

Ulriksdals Slott
Source: Photo by Flickr user Håkan Dahlström used under CC BY 2.0

The royal family of Sweden resides in the Royal House of Bernadotte and the members of the family are closely related to the King of Sweden. Earlier, the eldest son of the Swedish King became the heir to the throne but the country changed this law in 1980. Princess Victoria, who is King Carl’s eldest daughter, was crowned the heir to the throne, instead of her brother Prince Carl Philip. Entitled to royal titles by the Swedish government, they can perform religious and public duties and various ceremonial engagements of the country.

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7. Swedish food

Raggmunk med fläsk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mikaela Börjesson used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Swedish cuisine consists of very simple dishes. Fish, meat, potatoes and dairy products form an important part of traditional Swedish food. During various occasions and ceremonies, people of the country serve Swedish meatballs seasoned with gravy, boiled potatoes and lingonberry jam. A Swedish winter dish, known as Raggmunk, is a very popular food in the country, which is a potato pancake garnished with fried pork or lingonberries.

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Book Tours : Stockholm Food Tour

8. The wooden Dala horse

Dalecarlian horse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mysid used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The wooden Dala horse, also known as the Dalecarlian horse, was first introduced in the Swedish province of Dalarna. It is a wooden statue of a horse, which is carved and painted with great precision and has become a symbol of Sweden in the modern era. Formerly, it was popular among children as a toy, and it was a must-have among children of all ages. The body of the Wooden Dala Horse is painted in red and features a harness with white, yellow, blue and green colors.

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9. Swedish music

Swedish folk music with dancing
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter Isotalo used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Swedish music is a blend of both traditional and modern music. Nordic folk dance music originated in the Nordic countries and those who play this kind of sound are known as Spelman in Sweden. They play various kinds of folk instruments, and a few among those include the clarinet, fiddle, accordion and the nyckelharpa. Sweden has also become one of the top exporters of pop music in the world.

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10. IKEA

IKEA store just off the Ballymun Road
Source: Photo by Flickr user William Murphy used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You might be wondering, “What is Sweden famous for?” The quick answer: IKEA! This furniture company was invented in 1943 by a Swedish carpenter called Ingvar Kamprad. Over the years, IKEA has become a multinational company, which designs ready-to-assemble furniture, home accessories and kitchen appliances. IKEA is one of the largest furniture retailers in the world and Ingvar was listed in Forbes as one of the 10 richest people in the world in 2015. With modern design and eco-friendly items, IKEA has become a household name in a short span of time. The largest IKEA store has been located in Kungens Kurva in Sweden since 1965.

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Visit Sweden - one of the cleanest countries in the world

The clean cities, Northern Lights and beautiful landscapes make Sweden one of the best places to visit. When you are in the country, don’t forget to satisfy your taste buds and check out some regional delicacies such as Polkagris, Princesstårta, saltlakrits and more. Check out the castle hotels as well for a unique stay.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Sumit lived in the UK for 10 years and experienced the hustle and bustle of the urban life. However, the serene Scottish country side is where his heart lies. He is still unable to understand Welsh...Read more

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