Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Sweden

A photograph of Sweden
Photograph · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sweden runs from 55°N to 69°N — long enough that its north and its south keep different weather and different daylight in the same week. Of its 450,295 km², built-up land accounts for 1.5 per cent, and 88 per cent of the 10,610,485 people counted in October 2025 live in towns concentrated in the south and the centre. That is the practical division for a visitor: the southern counties hold Stockholm and most of what fits into a weekend, while the rest of the 21 counties trade density for distance. Choose by how far you are willing to travel between two things.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Swedish
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+46
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Swedish krona (SEK)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Safe from the mains
Municipal drinking water is subject to Swedish food-safety controls

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Bergian botanic garden Bergian botanic garden
    02 1 hour

    Bergian botanic garden

    The Bergian Botanic Garden, known locally as Bergianska trädgården, is a botanical garden in Stockholm. It serves as a facility for botanical research and public education, operated in connection with Stockholm University.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  2. Mälaren Mälaren
    03 1 hour

    Mälaren

    Mälaren is the third-largest lake in Sweden and a defining geographical feature of the Stockholm region. The lake stretches westward from the capital, connecting Stockholm to inland areas through an extensive archipelago and numerous bays.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  3. Edsviken Edsviken
    04 1 hour

    Edsviken

    Edsviken is an inlet of the Baltic Sea located in northern Stockholm, forming part of the city's extensive archipelago landscape. The area represents a significant geographical feature within Stockholm's coastal environment, characterized by its marine setting and natural shoreline.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  4. Haga park Haga park
    05 1 hour

    Haga park

    Hagaparken is a historic park located in northern Stockholm, Sweden. The park forms part of the Royal National City Park and encompasses landscaped gardens, woodland areas, and several notable buildings.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  5. Norra Bantorget Norra Bantorget
    06 1 hour

    Norra Bantorget

    Norra Bantorget is a public square located in the Norrmalm district of central Stockholm, Sweden. The name translates to "Northern Haymarket Square," referencing its historical association with hay trading.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  6. Råstasjön Råstasjön
    07 1 hour

    Råstasjön

    Råstasjön is a lake in Stockholm, locally known as Råstasjön. The area functions as a recreational destination within the urban environment. The lake and its surrounding terrain represent a natural feature accessible to residents and visitors seeking outdoor experiences.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  7. Drevviken Drevviken
    08 1 hour

    Drevviken

    Drevviken is a lake located in Stockholm, Sweden. It forms part of the Stockholm archipelago's inland water system and is situated in the southern part of the city.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  8. Edsberg Castle Edsberg Castle
    09 1 hour

    Edsberg Castle

    Edsberg Castle is a historic castle located in Sollentuna Municipality, part of the Stockholm metropolitan area in Sweden. The castle dates to the 17th century and stands on the shores of Edsviken, a narrow inlet of the Baltic Sea.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  9. Willy Brandts Park Willy Brandts Park
    10 1 hour

    Willy Brandts Park

    Willy Brandts Park is a public green space in Stockholm, Sweden. Named after Willy Brandt, the former German chancellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the park serves as a commemorative urban space within the city.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  10. Karlaplan
    13 1 hour

    Karlaplan

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  11. Albysjön
    14 1 hour

    Albysjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  12. Långsjön
    15 1 hour

    Långsjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  13. Magelungen
    16 1 hour

    Magelungen

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  14. Ältasjön
    19 1 hour

    Ältasjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  15. Aspen
    20 1 hour

    Aspen

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  16. Flaten
    22 1 hour

    Flaten

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  17. Gömmaren
    23 1 hour

    Gömmaren

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  18. Kyrksjön
    26 1 hour

    Kyrksjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  19. Trekanten
    31 1 hour

    Trekanten

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  20. Ulvsjön
    33 1 hour

    Ulvsjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  21. Judarn
    35 1 hour

    Judarn

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  22. Laduviken
    36 1 hour

    Laduviken

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  23. Lillsjön
    37 1 hour

    Lillsjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  24. Lötsjön
    38 1 hour

    Lötsjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  25. Nytorget
    39 1 hour

    Nytorget

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  26. Luxparken
    47 1 hour

    Luxparken

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  27. Broparken
    69 1 hour

    Broparken

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  28. Ekebysjön
    73 1 hour

    Ekebysjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Sweden be?

Seven to ten days gives Stockholm three or four days and allows one rail-linked city, archipelago stay or northern extension. A journey into Swedish Lapland needs extra nights and should be planned as a distinct leg.

What entry documents are needed for Sweden?

The Swedish Migration Agency sets visitor and short-stay requirements. Check whether the passport needs a visa and which Schengen state should process an application for the complete itinerary.

What is the best way to travel around Sweden?

Stockholm Arlanda is the largest gateway; Gothenburg and the Copenhagen–Malmö route provide alternatives. Long-distance trains link the principal cities, while ferries, regional buses and domestic flights reach the wider country.

When is a practical time to visit Sweden?

May through August brings long daylight and the broadest summer access. Winter aurora or snow travel is a separate seasonal product, particularly in the north, with different transport and clothing requirements.

What money and payment basics apply in Sweden?

Sweden uses the krona (SEK), not the euro. Current cash and card acceptance is Not recorded in this file; check the operator’s stated payment method, particularly for unmanned or rural services.

What practical safety details should I save for Sweden?

Call 112 for emergencies in Sweden. Type C and F sockets operate at 230 V, and the recorded guidance says mains tap water is safe.