13 Best Things To Do In Sweden - Updated 2024

things to do in sweden
Charmaine
Charmaine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Sweden is the epitome of royalty and wonderfully rich culture. It is also the home of rich tales of wins and fateful losses. Its richness of culture and historic past are represented by its many museums and enormous palaces. With thousands of tourists visiting the country every year, Sweden has proved its grandeur through the ages. With so many historic and awe-inspiring places to visit, we listed the best activities and places you can experience that will give you not only visual delights but also meaningful opportunities to learn. Check out our list of the best things to do in Sweden!

1. Discover the best of Malmo on a self-guided interactive experience (from USD 25.89)

things to do in sweden | discover the best of malmo on a self-guided interactive experience

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Malmö, you should try the interactive experience through an app! This immersive and engaging activity allows you to discover the historic center of Malmö at your own pace while learning about its rich history and culture. Don’t miss out on experiencing the city’s famous coffee culture and indulge in one of the many charming cafes dotting the streets.

Another must-see is the oldest park in the city, Kungsparken, where you can take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful greenery. For history buffs, a visit to Malmöhus Castle, where you can learn about the city’s fascinating past, is a must.

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Malmö: City Exploration Trail

Duration: 1.5 hour

2. Experience the beauty of the Swedish tundra with a hike (from USD 157.24)

things to do in sweden | experience the beauty of the swedish tundra with a hike

Experience the wonders of the snowy Arctic landscape with a hike and ice fishing tour. Strap on your snowshoes and embark on a guided hike through the Swedish tundra, where you will learn about the local culture and nature from your knowledgeable guide. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife as your guide points out the unique features of the landscape. Try your hand at ice fishing and catch some fresh fish from Sir Folke’s frozen lake.

After your adventure, you can warm up and relax in a Nordic tipi around an open fire, savoring hot soup and sandwiches. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a traditional Fika and light meal while soaking in the warmth of the flames.

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Kiruna: Snowshoe Hike & Ice fishing Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

25 reviews

3. Explore the Stockholm archipelago with a guided cruise (from USD 34.51)

things to do in sweden | explore the stockholm archipelago with a guided cruise

Experience the stunning beauty of the Stockholm archipelago with a sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable vessel, either M/S Östanå I or S/S Stockholm, and enjoy a relaxing journey while learning about the rich history of the various sights from your knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea as you pass by breathtaking landscapes. During the cruise, feel free to take a break and treat yourself to some refreshments available for purchase.

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Stockholm: City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hour

5198 reviews

4. Marvel at Stockholm Palace

Stockholm Palace at night
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abhijeet Vardhan used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Admire the architectural genius of the artisans and royals of 1697. Stockholm Palace or The Royal Palace houses over 600 rooms, all beautifully adorned to fit the ambiance. While visiting, do not miss the chance to see the silver throne made for Queen Kristine during her reign. The Ordenssalarna ( Halls of the Orders of Chivalry) is also a sight to behold. Some of the highlights are Gustav III’s Museum of Antiques, the treasury, and Tre Konor Museum. The changing of the guards is also a scenic event that most tourists wait for.

Stockholm Palace

Address: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Website: Stockholm Palace

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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 Dutch and speak Arabic, Swedish, and English with ease. As a seasoned tour guide with more than five years of expertise, my clients have given me great feedback because they value my approachable, educational, and engaging demeanour. I'll make sure you have an amazing day whether you want to discover Stockholm's art, architecture, history, or gastronomy."

Tours by Fayez

5. Solve the mystery of the gigantic boulders at Ales stenar

Things to do in Sweden
Source: Photo by Flickr user Susanne Nilsson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

About 1,400 years ago, something or someone arranged these boulders, seemingly forming a pattern amongst each other. Tourists seek to solve the mystery of this wonder and visit in the quest for beauty. The stones seem to be etched out of a painter’s most scenic memories, with Österlen’s hilly landscape and a view of the Baltic Sea complementing its existence. The mystery of it all seems to be bigger than the monuments themselves and tour guides help to explain the potential reasons why and how these structures were built and placed in such order.

Ales stenar

Address: 271 78 Löderup, Sweden

Website: Ales stenar

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Witness sanctity behind the doors of Storkyrkan

Storkyrkan
Source: Wikipedia

The humble cathedral walls of Storkyrkan have witnessed glorification from royals, and priesthood and silent prayers from the locals. It stood as a solemn witness to the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in 2010. This medieval-style cathedral, built in the year 1279, witnesses the reign of many kings and monarchs. Among the sights to behold here include Saint George and the Dragon (1489), Vädersoltavlan (1535), and Lena Lervik’s sculpture, ”Joseph and Mary” (2002). Truly, Storkyrkan not only tells tales of the country’s historical architecture but of its artistic beauty as well.

Storkyrkan

Address: Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

Website: Storkyrkan

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7. Walk Sweden’s last abbey, Riddarholmen

Stockholm Sweden Riddarholmen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CEphoto, Uwe Aranas used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Riddarholmen is the resting ground for the royals, Gustav II Adolf, Karl XII, Gustav V, and their consorts. Currently, it is open for tourists as a museum and houses many of the monarch’s artistic paintings and artifacts. The abbey was a generous donation by King Magnus III of Sweden. It first served its purpose as a monastery for monks. After the Great Reformation, it served as a hospital, then a theological school. To this day, Riddarholmen stands with all its greatness, bearing a rich history and housing striking art.

Riddarholmen

Address: Stockholm, Sweden

Website: Riddarholmen

Opening hours: Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

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8. Spend a day in the extravagance at Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Royal Palace Stockholm Sweden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brorsson used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Take a boat ride to experience the grandeur of Drottningholm Palace, from its Chinese Pavilion and court theater to the surrounding park. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in the 1600s as the summer residence of the Swedish royal court, who used it up until most of the 1800s. After the rise and fall of many Swedish kings, Drottningholm Palace stands as proof of the richness and the lavishness of Swedish royalty. Tourists visit the palace to learn more about the country’s history and art.

Drottningholm Palace

Address: 178 93 Drottningholm, Sweden

Website: Drottningholm Palace

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9. Take in the sights of Nordiska Museet

Nordiskamuseet
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ankara used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Popularly termed Nordic Museum, Nordiska Museet is famous for its wide array of historical artifacts, from textiles and furniture to china and glassware. The museum is also known for being the largest Swedish museum with displays of clothing worn by the royals and their day to day garments and trinkets. The museum is the go-to place for history buffs and also offers a gift shop and a restaurant that serves hearty and delicious classic Swedish meals.

Nordiska Museet

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden

Website: Nordiska Museet

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 17 USD

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10. Gaze at the heavenly northern lights at Abisko National Park

things to do in sweden | gaze at the heavenly northern lights at abisko national park
Source: www.klook.com

Home to Aurora Sky Station and Abisko Mountain Station, Abisko National Park is known for being the spot where you can take in the heavenly sight of the Aurora Borealis. The national park is one of the sought after places for tourists and adventure seekers from all over the world. Upon visiting, make sure you camp out and take in the views of polar lights and the night sky. There are also many other attractions in the park, which adults and kids will surely enjoy.

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Capture the Northern Lights in This Abisko National Park Nightly Aurora Photo Tour

Duration: 3hrs30 Min Duration

11. Relive the hype at ABBA The Museum

Sweden - Stockholm, ABBA Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user randreu used under CC BY 3.0

Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad formed the pop supergroup ABBA, which became famous not only in Sweden but also globally. The museum is home to plenty of memorabilia, with original costumes and copies of their albums. The Gold Room contains a well-preserved array of concert costumes and the museum also has interactive areas, where families and groups may indulge in ABBA-themed games. ABBA, during their time, influenced Sweden’s fashion and culture.

ABBA The Museum

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Website: ABBA The Museum

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12. Be inspired at Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Camelia.boban used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Nobel Prize Museum is a must-visit when in Sweden, as it emphasizes the importance of ideas and how these ideas can make the world a better place for humankind. Here, visitors can witness the creative works of several writers, scientists, filmmakers, and even firefighters, and the result of their courage, persistence, and dedication to their crafts. This museum showcases a unique combination of different fields, ranging from literature, the arts, natural sciences, lectures, dialogues, and much more! You will surely be amazed by how such amazing people have contributed so much to the benefit of mankind. Show your appreciation for their works by visiting the museum and commemorating their contributions to the world.

Nobel Prize Museum

Address: Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm, Sweden

Website: Nobel Prize Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Friday: 11am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 16 USD onwards

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13. Spend a day at Djurgården (from USD 261.33)

spend a day at djurgården

Tourists flock to Djurgården to check out the historical sites on the island. Famous for Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, Abba Museum, and Skansen, the island is full of attractions as well as opportunities for tourists who prefer a lazy stroll in the summer. The island was a game park for King John III in 1579. Now, it is an island for tourists who seek enjoyment and an escape from the busy bustling city. Djurgården is somewhat like a fantasyland, filled with excitement and fun-filled activities.

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Stockholm: Djurgården Segway Tour

Duration: 2.5 hour

6 reviews

Be amazed by Sweden's best tourist destinations

Among its many chapels, palaces, parks, and museums, Sweden is far more than just a country with a busy city and hectic workload schedule. It holds so much adventure and mystery for everyone to explore. So, consider visiting Sweden on your next trip and experience all of its glory!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Charmaine is a Filipino food and travel blogger who is in constant search for new adventures and experiences. Travelling around the world has given her a wider perspective about life and a deeper...Read more

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