Sweden travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Sweden travel information

• Official name: Kingdom of Sweden (Konungariket Sverige)
• Capital: Stockholm
• Population: About 10.4 million people
• Official language: Swedish
• Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Sweden's rich history: from Viking power to modern prosperity

Sweden has one of the most fascinating histories in Northern Europe. Here's a simple timeline:

Ancient and Viking times

The first human settlements in Sweden date back to around 12,000 BCE, following the retreat of the ice sheets. By 800 CE, Sweden became a center of Viking culture, with Swedish Vikings primarily heading eastward to Russia and the Byzantine Empire, establishing important trade routes. The town of Birka, founded in the 8th century, became an important trading center and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Medieval kingdom

Christianity arrived in the 11th century, gradually replacing Norse paganism. In 1397, Queen Margaret I formed the Kalmar Union, uniting Sweden with Denmark and Norway under a single monarch. Sweden eventually broke from this union under the leadership of Gustav Vasa, who became king in 1523, establishing the modern Swedish state. The 17th century marked Sweden's "Era of Great Power," when the country controlled much of the Baltic region.

Industrialization and neutrality

The 19th century brought significant industrialization to Sweden, transforming it from an agricultural society to an industrial one. Notable Swedish inventions from this period include dynamite (Alfred Nobel), the adjustable wrench, and safety matches. Sweden maintained neutrality during both World War I and World War II, allowing it to avoid the destruction experienced by much of Europe and to build its economy and welfare systems during the post-war period.

Modern Sweden

After World War II, Sweden developed one of the world's most comprehensive welfare states, combining high taxes with extensive social benefits. Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 but opted to keep its own currency. Today's Sweden is known for its progressive policies, innovation in technology and design, commitment to sustainability, and high standard of living. Swedish companies like IKEA, Volvo, Ericsson, and Spotify have become globally recognized brands.

Swedish culture & traditions every traveler should know

Swedish Language

Swedish belongs to the North Germanic language family and is closely related to Norwegian and Danish. While Swedish is the official language, almost all Swedes speak excellent English, making travel easy for international visitors. The Swedish language has contributed several words to English, including "smorgasbord," "ombudsman," and "tungsten." Regional dialects vary considerably across the country, particularly between north and south.

Art & literature in Swedish culture

Sweden has produced notable cultural figures across many fields. Writer Astrid Lindgren created beloved children's character Pippi Longstocking, while August Strindberg revolutionized modern drama. Filmmaker Ingmar Bergman created internationally acclaimed works exploring existential themes. In music, Sweden has produced global pop phenomena from ABBA to more recent acts like Robyn and Avicii. Contemporary Swedish culture is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic evident in design, architecture, and fashion, with brands like H&M and Acne Studios reflecting this sensibility worldwide.

Swedish cuisine: What to eat & drink

Swedish food emphasizes fresh, local ingredients with traditional preservation methods:

• Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce)
• Gravlax (cured salmon with dill)
• Smörgåstårta (savory sandwich cake)
• Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns)
• Surströmming (fermented Baltic herring, an acquired taste)

Fika, the Swedish coffee break, is more than just a pause for refreshment—it's a cultural institution. This daily ritual involves coffee and pastries, usually enjoyed with friends or colleagues, emphasizing the importance of taking time to socialize and relax. Sweden also has a growing craft beer scene and produces high-quality vodka and aquavit.

Lagom and the Swedish lifestyle

Central to Swedish culture is the concept of lagom—meaning "just the right amount," or moderation. This philosophy influences everything from design (functional, not flashy) to social behavior (cooperative, not competitive). Another important concept is allemansrätten (the right of public access), which gives everyone the freedom to roam in nature regardless of land ownership. Swedes embrace outdoor activities year-round, from ice skating and skiing in winter to hiking and swimming in summer. Sustainability is deeply embedded in everyday life, with Sweden consistently ranking among the world's most environmentally conscious nations.

Top places to visit in Sweden

Stockholm: Essential sights in Sweden's capital

The capital city, spread across 14 islands, offers a blend of history and innovation:

• Gamla Stan: The old town dates back to the 13th century, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the Royal Palace.
• Vasa Museum: Houses the almost fully intact 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged 333 years later.
• Skansen: The world's first open-air museum, featuring historical buildings from throughout Sweden and a zoo with Nordic animals.
• Stockholm Archipelago: A collection of over 30,000 islands and islets, offering endless opportunities for boat trips, kayaking, and island hopping.
• ABBA Museum: An interactive museum celebrating Sweden's most famous musical export.

Gothenburg: Sweden's west coast gem

Sweden's second-largest city offers a more relaxed alternative to Stockholm with distinctive charm. The city's canals, leafy boulevards, and vibrant cultural scene make it a favorite among visitors. Liseberg amusement park is one of Scandinavia's most popular attractions, while the city's location provides easy access to the beautiful archipelago of the west coast. Gothenburg's former shipyards have been transformed into creative hubs, and the city boasts a renowned culinary scene.

Malmö

Connected to Copenhagen, Denmark by the impressive Öresund Bridge, Malmö has transformed from an industrial center to a multicultural, sustainable city. The twisting Turning Torso skyscraper symbolizes this renaissance. The historic Gamla Staden (Old Town) features the 16th-century Malmöhus Castle, while Lilla Torg square offers cafés and restaurants in a charming setting. Malmö's position in the Öresund region makes it an ideal base for exploring both southern Sweden and Denmark.

Swedish Lapland

The northernmost region of Sweden offers some of Europe's last wilderness areas. In winter, visitors come for the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, constructed anew each winter from ice harvested from the Torne River. Summer brings the midnight sun, offering 24 hours of daylight for hiking in national parks like Abisko and Sarek. Lapland is also home to the Sami, Sweden's indigenous people, with opportunities to learn about their culture and traditional reindeer herding.

Gotland

Sweden's largest island features the remarkably preserved medieval town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by a 3.4-kilometer ring wall. With over 100 medieval churches, pristine beaches, and distinctive limestone formations called "raukar," Gotland offers a uniquely Swedish island experience. The island transforms in summer with markets, festivals, and Swedes flocking to vacation homes. Fårö, a smaller island to the north connected by ferry, was home to legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.

Natural wonders & landscapes of Sweden

• High Coast: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic coastline that's still rising from the sea due to post-glacial rebound.
• Kungsleden (The King's Trail): A 440-kilometer hiking trail through Sweden's untouched mountain landscapes, arctic tundra, and vast forests.
• Stora Sjöfallet National Park: One of Europe's oldest national parks with spectacular waterfalls, mountains, and pristine lakes.
• Sarek National Park: Often called Europe's last wilderness, this mountainous park has no marked trails or accommodations, offering true adventure.
• Lake Siljan: Sweden's sixth-largest lake was formed by a meteorite impact 377 million years ago, creating a distinctive circular landscape.

Fascinating Facts About Sweden

Sweden has the highest number of islands of any country in the world, with 267,570 islands, though only about 1,000 are inhabited.

The Nobel Prize ceremony is held annually in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.

Sweden recycles nearly 99% of its garbage, with less than 1% ending up in landfills.

The Swedish tradition of "lördagsgodis" (Saturday candy) encourages children to eat sweets only on Saturdays to promote dental health.

Swedish parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave per child, which can be shared between both parents.

Swedish contributions to world culture

• The Celsius temperature scale (created by Anders Celsius in 1742)
• The three-point seatbelt (invented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959)
• The pacemaker (developed by Rune Elmqvist and implanted by Åke Senning in 1958)
• The Tetra Pak (revolutionizing food packaging worldwide)
• Spotify (transforming how the world listens to music)