Things to do in 

Sweden

Find alternative things to do and authentic activities across Sweden, from the Stockholm Archipelago to Dalarna’s workshops and the Bohuslän coast, at an easy pace between lake towns and islands.

Cultural experiences: In Nusnäs near Mora (north of Stockholm), paint a Dala Horse with a carver in a small riverside workshop that families and seniors find relaxing. In Jokkmokk near Kiruna, share a fireside meal with a Sámi herder and hear stories of reindeer routes across Swedish Lapland. Around Gothenburg, join an oyster farmer in Grebbestad on the Bohuslän coast for a boat-to-table tasting that couples and food lovers remember. In Malmö’s Möllevången, wander global food stalls and settle into a slow fika that suits unhurried travelers.

Day trip ideas: From Stockholm, ferry to Vaxholm for harborside walks, then continue to Grinda for an easy forest loop and a sauna by the jetty. From Stockholm, ride to Sigtuna via Märsta for medieval lanes, runestones, and a calm lakefront boardwalk. From Gothenburg, tram to Saltholmen and hop to Vrångö for car‑free paths and seal spotting along smooth granite. From Malmö, head to Kåseberga for Ale’s Stones and breezy clifftop trails, or cycle farm roads through Österlen via Ystad.

Explore Sweden's regions: In the Stockholm Archipelago, base in Vaxholm or Sandhamn for kayak routes and smokehouses tucked along piney inlets. Along the Bohuslän Coast north of Gothenburg, stroll boardwalks in Smögen and take a slow seafood lunch in Fjällbacka. Around Lake Siljan in Dalarna, browse folk art in Leksand and cycle lakeside lanes near Rättvik. In Swedish Lapland, start in Kiruna for tundra walks and cabin saunas, then continue to Abisko for wide valley trails. On Gotland, wander Visby’s walls and pedal quiet roads to limestone sea stacks near Fårö.

Travel tip: Plan 7–10 days for one region like Stockholm, Dalarna, and the Archipelago; allow 12–14 days if adding the West Coast or Swedish Lapland to keep travel between areas unhurried.

More places to see in Sweden

Stockholm gets most of the attention, but you’ll find a rich mix of coast, islands, and far north landscapes across Sweden. Head out and follow your nose; the trains and ferries make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Gothenburg: Start your morning with a cinnamon bun at Café Husaren in Haga, then wander the wooden lanes to see locals shopping for cheese and herring at Stora Saluhallen. In the afternoon, catch the tram to Saltholmen and hop the ferry to Brännö or Vrångö for quiet paths, smooth rocks, and a salty breeze before heading back for a relaxed seafood dinner.

Skåne: Grab lunch at Malmö Saluhall, then stroll the waterfront by the Turning Torso and plan a late-afternoon sauna-and-sea dip at Ribersborgs Kallbadhus. If you’ve got time, ride the train 15 minutes to Lund to watch the astronomical clock chime in the cathedral and wander its cobbled streets as students cycle past.

Gotland: Walk Visby’s medieval ring wall in the cool of the morning and duck into the Botaniska Trädgården to smell the roses and herbs. After lunch, take the short ferry to Fårö and stand among the sea-carved rauk stones at Langhammars, then return to town for saffranspannkaka dessert near Stora Torget as the evening settles in.

Swedish Lapland: Stretch your legs on the easy path through Abisko Canyon in the afternoon and listen to the Torne River rush below. Visit Jukkasjärvi by day to see the Icehotel’s art suites in winter or meet local guides and reindeer nearby, then, on a clear winter night, watch for the northern lights over Lake Torneträsk.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Watch Stockholm wake up as cherry blossoms burst in Kungsträdgården and café chairs spill onto sunlit sidewalks. Ferries return to the archipelago and Walpurgis Night on April 30 brings bonfires and choral songs to parks and university towns, a relaxed outing for families and seniors.

Summer: Lean into long days for island-hopping, lake swims and hikes under the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland. Join Midsummer festivities in late June with flower crowns and maypole dancing, while couples find quiet coves and luxury travellers retreat to chic seaside inns.

Fall: Walk forest paths glowing with autumn colour, then forage mushrooms and lingonberries with a guide before warming up over fika. City museums and design studios feel inviting after the summer rush, and the northern lights begin to shimmer over the Arctic from September onward.

Winter: Christmas in Sweden brings candlelit markets, Lucia processions on December 13 and the scent of glögg in historic squares. Skate city rinks, try cross-country skiing or ride a dogsled in Lapland, with December to March the best time to chase the aurora on clear, cold nights. Cosy hotels and slow itineraries suit couples and seniors alike.

Across the year, Sweden’s traditions set the rhythm: Walpurgis Night bonfires welcome spring, Midsummer in late June anchors the sunny season, and August’s kräftskiva crayfish parties keep evenings lively with songs and paper lanterns. December’s Lucia ceremonies and the Nobel Week lights in Stockholm add winter sparkle, while free city culture festivals in summer bring music and street performances to central squares.