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. Riddarholm Church Riddarholm Church
    02 45 min

    Riddarholm Church

    Riddarholm Church, known locally as Riddarholmskyrkan, stands as a historic church on the island of Riddarholmen in central Stockholm. It serves as the burial church of Swedish monarchs and holds significant national importance.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  2. Storkyrkan Storkyrkan
    03 30 min

    Storkyrkan

    Storkyrkan, known in English as the Great Church, stands as the oldest church in Stockholm's Old Town. This medieval structure serves as the cathedral of Stockholm and holds significant status in Swedish royal traditions, having hosted coronations and royal weddings.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  3. Parliament House of Sweden (Riksdagshuset) Parliament House of Sweden (Riksdagshuset)
    04 45 min

    Parliament House of Sweden (Riksdagshuset)

    The Parliament House of Sweden, known locally as Riksdagshuset, serves as the seat of the Swedish Parliament. Located on the island of Helgeandsholmen in central Stockholm, the building houses the unicameral legislative assembly of Sweden.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  4. Kungsträdgården Kungsträdgården
    05 1 hour

    Kungsträdgården

    Kungsträdgården is a central public park in Stockholm, situated between Hamngatan and Strömgatan in the Norrmalm district. The name translates to King's Garden, reflecting its historical origins as a royal kitchen garden established in the fifteenth century.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  5. Royal Swedish Opera Royal Swedish Opera
    06 1 hour

    Royal Swedish Opera

    The Royal Swedish Opera, known locally as Kungliga Operan, stands as Sweden's national opera house and a prominent performing arts institution in Stockholm.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  6. Millesgården Millesgården
    07 45 min

    Millesgården

    Millesgården is an art museum and sculpture garden located on the island of Lidingö near Stockholm. It was the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles and his wife, artist Olga Milles.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  7. Junibacken Junibacken
    08 1 hour

    Junibacken

    Junibacken is a family cultural attraction on Djurgården built around children's literature, especially the story world associated with Astrid Lindgren and Pippi Longstocking.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
    • Stockholm
  8. Stockholm Olympic Stadium Stockholm Olympic Stadium
    09 45 min

    Stockholm Olympic Stadium

    Stockholms stadion is a historic sports arena in Stockholm, Sweden. Built for the 1912 Summer Olympics, it remains one of the world's oldest active Olympic stadiums.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  9. Drottningholm Palace Theatre Drottningholm Palace Theatre
    10 45 min

    Drottningholm Palace Theatre

    Drottningholm Palace Theatre is a historic court theatre located on the grounds of Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Stockholm. Built in 1766, it is one of the best-preserved 18th-century theatres in Europe.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  10. Bergian botanic garden Bergian botanic garden
    11 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
  11. Stockholm Observatory Stockholm Observatory
    12 45 min

    Stockholm Observatory

    Stockholm Observatory, known locally as Stockholms gamla observatorium, is a historic astronomical facility in Stockholm. The building represents an important era of scientific research in Sweden.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  12. Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm
    13 45 min

    Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm

    The Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm, known locally as Kina slott, is a royal pavilion located on the grounds of Drottningholm Palace on the island of Lovön near Stockholm.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  13. Rosendal Palace Rosendal Palace
    14 45 min

    Rosendal Palace

    Rosendal Palace, known locally as Rosendals slott, is a royal palace situated on Djurgården island in central Stockholm. The palace was constructed as a pleasure palace for King Karl XIV Johan in the 1820s.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  14. Stockholm Concert Hall Stockholm Concert Hall
    15 1 hour

    Stockholm Concert Hall

    Stockholm Concert Hall, known locally as Konserthuset, is a prominent concert venue in Sweden's capital. The building serves as the primary home of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  15. Mälaren Mälaren
    16 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
  16. Ulriksdal Palace Ulriksdal Palace
    17 45 min

    Ulriksdal Palace

    Ulriksdal Palace, known locally as Ulriksdals slott, is a royal palace situated in the Solna municipality north of Stockholm city centre.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  17. Saint John's Church Saint John's Church
    18 30 min

    Saint John's Church

    Saint John's Church, known locally as Sankt Johannes kyrka, is a place of worship in Stockholm. The building serves religious and community functions within the city.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  18. Katarina Elevator Katarina Elevator
    19 20 min

    Katarina Elevator

    Katarinahissen is a historic passenger elevator in Stockholm's Södermalm district. The structure connects the lower streets near Slussen to the heights of Mosebacke and Södermalm's upper terrain.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Stockholm
  19. The House of Culture The House of Culture
    20 45 min

    The House of Culture

    The House of Culture, known locally as Kulturhuset, is a prominent cultural centre located in central Stockholm. It occupies a significant position within the city's cultural infrastructure, serving as a multi-purpose venue for artistic and community activities.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  20. Berwald Hall Berwald Hall
    21 1 hour

    Berwald Hall

    Berwald Hall, known locally as Berwaldhallen, is a concert hall in Stockholm, Sweden. It serves as the primary venue for the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  21. Edsviken Edsviken
    22 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
  22. Theater Confidencen Theater Confidencen
    23 45 min

    Theater Confidencen

    Theater Confidencen, known locally as Confidencen, is a historic theater venue situated in Stockholm. It forms part of the city's cultural landscape and represents an established performing arts location within the Swedish capital.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  23. Adolf Fredrik Church Adolf Fredrik Church
    24 30 min

    Adolf Fredrik Church

    Adolf Fredrik Church, locally Adolf Fredriks kyrka, is a historic church in central Stockholm. The building stands as a notable religious and architectural landmark within the Swedish capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  24. Karlberg Palace Karlberg Palace
    25 45 min

    Karlberg Palace

    Karlberg Palace, known locally as Karlbergs slott, is a palace complex in Stockholm. The building holds historical significance as a military academy location and retains architectural importance within the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  25. Rydboholm Castle Rydboholm Castle
    26 45 min

    Rydboholm Castle

    Rydboholm Castle, known locally as Rydboholms slott, is a historic castle located in Sweden. The structure holds significance as a heritage site within the Stockholm region's broader historical landscape.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  26. Haga park Haga park
    27 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
  27. Haga Palace Haga Palace
    28 45 min

    Haga Palace

    Haga Palace, known in Swedish as Haga slott, is a palace located in Hagaparken, Solna Municipality, in the Stockholm metropolitan area of Sweden. The palace was constructed in the early 19th century and has served various purposes throughout its history.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  28. German Church German Church
    29 30 min

    German Church

    The German Church, known locally as Tyska kyrkan, stands in Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla stan. It serves the German-speaking congregation and holds status as a parish church within the Church of Sweden.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  29. af Chapman af Chapman
    30 45 min

    af Chapman

    Af Chapman is a full-rigged steel ship moored on the western shore of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm. Built in 1888 as the Dunboyne in Whitehaven, England, it later served as a training vessel before becoming a youth hostel in 1949.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  30. Sankt Erik Sankt Erik
    31 45 min

    Sankt Erik

    S/S Sankt Erik is an icebreaker ship preserved as a museum vessel in Stockholm, Sweden. Built in 1915 at Finnboda shipyard, she served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet for over six decades.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  31. Högalid Church Högalid Church
    32 30 min

    Högalid Church

    Högalidskyrkan, known in English as Högalid Church, stands as a prominent ecclesiastical landmark in Stockholm. The church occupies a commanding position in the Södermalm district, visible across substantial portions of the cityscape.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  32. Ekebyhov Castle Ekebyhov Castle
    33 45 min

    Ekebyhov Castle

    Ekebyhov Castle is a historic manor house located on the island of Ekerö in Lake Mälaren, west of Stockholm. The building dates to the 17th century and is one of the best-preserved wooden castles in Sweden.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  33. Oscarsteatern Oscarsteatern
    34 1 hour

    Oscarsteatern

    Oscarsteatern is a historic theatre located in Stockholm, Sweden. The venue occupies a prominent position in the city's cultural landscape and has served as a significant performance space since its establishment.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  34. Axel Oxenstierna Palace Axel Oxenstierna Palace
    35 45 min

    Axel Oxenstierna Palace

    Axel Oxenstierna Palace, known locally as Axel Oxenstiernas palats, stands as a historic building in Stockholm associated with one of Sweden's most influential statesmen.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  35. Norra Bantorget Norra Bantorget
    36 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
  36. Junibacken Junibacken
    37 45 min

    Junibacken

    Junibacken is a children's museum and cultural attraction on Djurgården island in Stockholm. It centres on Swedish children's literature, with particular emphasis on the works of Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  37. Liljevalchs konsthall Liljevalchs konsthall
    38 1 hour

    Liljevalchs konsthall

    Liljevalchs konsthall is an art gallery located on Djurgården in Stockholm. It was designed by architect Carl Bergsten and opened in 1916.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  38. Näsby Castle Näsby Castle
    39 45 min

    Näsby Castle

    Näsby Castle is a historic manor house located in Täby Municipality, north of Stockholm, Sweden. The building traces its origins to the 17th century, with significant reconstruction following a fire in 1897.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  39. Kastellet Kastellet
    40 45 min

    Kastellet

    Kastellet is a small citadel located on Kastellholmen, an islet in central Stockholm, Sweden. The structure was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of King Charles X Gustav, forming part of Stockholm's defensive system.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  40. Råstasjön Råstasjön
    41 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
  41. Bååtska palatset Bååtska palatset
    42 45 min

    Bååtska palatset

    Bååtska palatset is a palace building located in Stockholm, Sweden. The structure carries the name of the Bååt family, reflecting its historical associations. The building is recorded in OpenStreetMap as relation 2171352 and documented on Wikidata as Q10438659.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  42. Cepheus 25 Cepheus 25
    43 45 min

    Cepheus 25

    Cepheus 25, known locally as Lydert Bartels' hus, is a historic property in Stockholm. The building carries the name of its historical association with Lydert Bartels.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  43. SS Orion SS Orion
    44 45 min

    SS Orion

    SS Orion is a lightship and museum vessel moored in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally built as a lightvessel, it served in maritime navigation before being preserved as a heritage ship.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  44. Uppland Runic Inscription 53 Uppland Runic Inscription 53
    45 45 min

    Uppland Runic Inscription 53

    Uppland Runic Inscription 53 is a Viking Age runestone originally located in Stockholm, Sweden. The stone bears an inscription in the Younger Futhark runic alphabet, carved during the late Viking period.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  45. Katarina Church Stockholm Katarina Church Stockholm
    46 30 min

    Katarina Church Stockholm

    Katarina Church, known in Swedish as Katarina kyrka, is a church building in Stockholm, Sweden. The structure is situated in the Södermalm district of the city.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  46. Åkeshov Castle Åkeshov Castle
    47 45 min

    Åkeshov Castle

    Åkeshov Castle, known locally as Åkeshovs slott, is a historic castle situated in Stockholm, Sweden. The structure represents Swedish architectural heritage and stands as a notable landmark within the capital region.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  47. Stockholm Synagogue Stockholm Synagogue
    48 30 min

    Stockholm Synagogue

    The Stockholm Synagogue, known locally as Stora synagogan, stands as the largest synagogue in Sweden and a significant place of worship for the Jewish community in Stockholm.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  48. Hedvig Eleonora Church Hedvig Eleonora Church
    49 30 min

    Hedvig Eleonora Church

    Hedvig Eleonora Church is a parish church in Stockholm, Sweden, located in the Östermalm district. The church is named after Queen Hedvig Eleonora, wife of King Charles X Gustav of Sweden.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  49. Blue door Blue door
    50 45 min

    Blue door

    Blå porten, known in English as Blue Door, is a place of interest in Stockholm, Sweden.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  50. Flemingska palatset Flemingska palatset
    51 45 min

    Flemingska palatset

    Flemingska palatset is a historic palace located in Stockholm, Sweden. The building is recorded in Wikidata as an architectural structure with the identifier Q10496643. It is situated within the urban fabric of Sweden's capital city.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  51. Slagstaristningen Slagstaristningen
    52 45 min

    Slagstaristningen

    Slagsta hällristning is a rock carving site located in the Slagsta area of Stockholm Municipality, Sweden. The petroglyphs are designated as an archaeological monument and represent Bronze Age artistic and ritual expressions.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  52. Uppland Runic Inscription 130 Uppland Runic Inscription 130
    53 45 min

    Uppland Runic Inscription 130

    Uppland Runic Inscription 130 is a Viking Age runestone located in Stockholm, Sweden. The stone is known locally as Norahällen. It belongs to the corpus of runic inscriptions documented in Uppland, the historical province surrounding the Swedish capital.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  53. Uppland Runic Inscription 90 Uppland Runic Inscription 90
    54 45 min

    Uppland Runic Inscription 90

    Uppland Runic Inscription 90 is a Viking Age runestone located in Stockholm, Sweden. The stone bears an inscription in Old Norse using the Younger Futhark runic alphabet.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  54. Uppland Runic Inscription Fv1953;263
    55 45 min

    Uppland Runic Inscription Fv1953;263

    The Kummelbystenen, known academically as Uppland Runic Inscription Fv1953;263, is a Viking Age runestone originally discovered in Kummelby, Sollentuna Municipality, within Stockholm County. The stone bears an inscription in the Younger Futhark runic alphabet, carved during the late Viking period.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  55. Sofia Church Sofia Church
    56 30 min

    Sofia Church

    Sofia Church is a church building in Stockholm, Sweden. Its local name is Sofia kyrka. The church is identified in OpenStreetMap as way/1350868500. It has a corresponding entry on Wikidata with identifier Q1967885 and a Wikipedia article in English.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  56. Drevviken Drevviken
    57 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
  57. Orpheus' well Orpheus' well
    58 1 hour

    Orpheus' well

    Orpheus' Well, known locally as Orpheusgruppen, is a sculptural fountain installation in Stockholm. The work draws its name from the mythological figure Orpheus, the musician and poet of Greek legend.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  58. Engelbrecht Church Engelbrecht Church
    59 30 min

    Engelbrecht Church

    Engelbrekt Church, known locally as Engelbrektskyrkan, is a prominent church building in Stockholm. The structure is identifiable in OpenStreetMap data under way/21572801. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and serves as a parish church.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Stockholm
  59. Edsberg Castle Edsberg Castle
    60 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
  60. Willy Brandts Park Willy Brandts Park
    68 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
  61. Järnpojke
    71 1 hour

    Järnpojke

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  62. Karlaplan
    72 1 hour

    Karlaplan

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  63. Albysjön
    77 1 hour

    Albysjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  64. Långsjön
    78 1 hour

    Långsjön

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  65. Magelungen
    79 1 hour

    Magelungen

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Stockholm
  66. Lovö church
    84 45 min

    Lovö church

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Stockholm
  67. Vasa Theatre
    93 1 hour

    Vasa Theatre

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Stockholm
  68. Bromma Church Bromma Church
    96 30 min

    Bromma Church

    Bromma Church, locally known as Bromma kyrka, is a historic church building located in the Bromma district of Stockholm, Sweden.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • 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.