Sweden is home to a few of our favourite things: meatballs, minimalist design, Björn Borg, ABBA, Stockholm... We could go on, but let's start with the Swedish capital, which should be on every city slicker’s list thanks to its chic interiors, new-wave coffee shops, picture-perfect Hanseatic buildings and the famous 17th-century Vasa warship, wonderfully salvaged in all her glory. Aside from its dynamic capital, there’s natural wonder aplenty in Sweden, particularly in Swedish Lapland, where you can marvel at the breathtaking Northern Lights and mush your own team of huskies while dog-sledding through snow-clad forests. Elsewhere, the country’s wild west coast is home to simple pleasures; tiny clapboard fishing villages and craggy coasts to explore, and sensational seafood. Then there's ancient intrigue, such as the UNESCO-listed Bronze Age rock carvings in Tanum. These are just a few more things to enjoy on your Sweden holidays.

Sweden holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Sweden with Original Travel ?

Enthusiasm is contagious, and there’s no better way to get excited about a Swedish getaway than by talking to our travel consultants. Tap into the Swedish wilderness in a specially selected cabin (we’re constantly on the hunt for the best), or fika ‘til you drop in our favourite Stockholm cafes (which we’ve done the tough job of testing out for you). Along with our hands-on Concierge team, we can help you do as the locals do and organise the best activities for your trip, from overnight dog sledging to outdoor cooking.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Sweden

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Travel to Sweden by Region

Dalarna

On the west coast of Sweden, bordering with Norway, the region of Dalarna offers travellers an insight into traditional Swedish architecture and culture. You’ll see the red wooden houses that are so iconic of Sweden side by side with a background of lush green scenery that turns entirely white in winter as the area becomes a cross-country skier’s paradise. Without a doubt, Dalarna holidays should include a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Falun copper mine with its dramatic man-made ravines and vibrant red and orange earth. Outdoorsy types will be in heaven exploring the three national parks in this mountainous region. Whether it’s the depth of winter or the height of summer, there’s a variety of activities to enjoy; get wonderfully lost in deep forests and canoe or kayak on one of the lakes during the warmer months, or join the cross-country skiers as they make their way across the famous Vasaloppet track.

Gothenburg & the West Coast

There's a lot more to Sweden than Stockholm and Lapland. We particularly recommend the charms of holidays to Gothenburg, the country's second city, and the beautiful west coast archipelago of some 8,000 islands. To many outside Sweden this is secret Scandinavia, and long may that last - it's an area made special by its wide open spaces inhabited by a small population, the downright beautiful scenery and the range of wholesome activities on offer. Add in enough culinary highlights to sate the appetite of the most demanding of gastronauts and Gothenburg holidays are the perfect way to settle into a slower pace of life. Explore the second city, and then take off on a West Coast Sweden road trip. When the summer sun shines, spend your days hopping from one small fishing village to another, kayaking and wonderful seafood platters and traditional fish dishes from well-worn family recipes using freshly-caught-that-morning produce. Extending from the Norwegian border on the west coast, to Gothenburg in the south, this archipelago of Swedish islands offers a relaxed getaway to nature. From the upmarket resort of Marstrand to Sweden’s first marine national park - Kosterhavet - in the Koster Islands, these islands have something for everyone, alongside buckets of charm and a warm and lively atmosphere.

Stockholm

One of the most appealing cities in Europe, Stockholm has the added attraction of a vast archipelago of islands within easy striking distance of its centre. Stockholm is built on a series of islands, and in the depths of winter, when the sea is frozen solid, children can be seen ice skating to school past the enormous Royal Palace. There is a wide range of top class museums (check out the Vasa Museum - the perfectly preserved 17th century Swedish flagship - in particular) and attractions, stylish and luxurious hotels, and excellent restaurants showcasing the very best in what is a resurgent cuisine. Add a plethora of bars and some extremely chic clubs, and Stockholm holidays are as much fun when the sun goes down as they are during the days - which can be brief in the extreme during the deep winter months. In summer the beautiful and diverse islands of the archipelago come into their own, and city dwellers flock to their charming clapboard holiday homes and take to the crystal clear waters of the Baltic in yachts and kayaks. There are a number of excellent hotels out in the archipelago, but it is just as easy to take a day trip to the likes of Sandhamn Island, where there are often sailing regattas.

Swedish Lapland

The Northern Lights, dog-sledding and igloo-dwelling are just some of the things on offer on Swedish Lapland holidays. Pack a few extra layers and head north for a Swedish adventure in a true Narnia-esque landscape because Swedish Lapland holidays are ideal for anybody - families and couples alike - looking for a trip full of activities in nature. Made up of the northernmost quarter of Sweden, and covered by lakes, mountains and forests, this region feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. In summer, there is hiking and canoeing galore; but it's really in winter when Swedish Lapland takes centre stage, showcasing Abisko National Park, the Torne River and Lulea on the sea. These three are staging posts for all manner of arctic adventures, from dog-sledding and snowmobiling to ice fishing and Northern Lights spotting (mitten covered fingers crossed) and much, much more. We'd definitely recommend taking time to learn about indigenous Sami culture on a visit to a local reindeer herder, and in the Lulea region heading out on to the pack ice on a hovercraft safari. Sounds tiring, right? Come the end of the day Swedish Lapland holidays have one more ace to play - some of the most original (we like original) accommodation anywhere in the world, from enormous ice-sculpture filled igloos to treehouses designed like UFOs and remote cabins in snow-clad forests.

Our Sweden holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Sweden

Sweden Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Sweden Testimonials

5 reviews
4.7 / 5
"I have no doubt I will use your company again in the future. You provide wonderful holidays and excellent service. "
Caroline - London
Published on 8th January 2020
"Great service and advice. We had an amazing holiday to Sweden! "
Marco - Liverpool
Published on 11th September 2018
"We had the most amazing time in Sorbyn, the whole trip worked really well. Everyone went out of their way to make sure we were looked after. We really enjoyed our excursions; in addition to the ski mobile and huskies we went on an evening trip to see the Northern Lights (build a fire/cook suasages!), we went ice fishing (and actually caught a fish which they cooked for lunch!), saunas, sledding etc. I can’t thank you enough for organising this trip. "
Morgan - Colchester
Published on 6th August 2018

Our Sweden
specialists

From Stockholm to Swedish Lapland, our travel consultants know exactly where to go and when – how to avoid the midsummer crowds, the best place to go for lobster season and the optimum time and location to (hopefully) seek out the Northern Lights. You can’t put a price on that kind of intel. With the help of our hands-on Concierges and specialist guides, you can focus on whatever interests you: freshly caught seafood, art museums in Oslo, learning about the Sami culture... there’s something for everyone, come snow or shine.

Useful information for your Sweden holiday

What can I experience in Sweden?

Sweden is best known for its picturesque landscapes, love of sleek design and culture of taking things slowly and appreciating the small things in life. Viking myths and legends only add to the mystical allure of this collection of islands, with plenty of places to explore, such as the UNESCO-listed rock carvings at Tanum. Whether you’re interested in discovering the dynamic capital of Stockholm or want to go back in time to a small fishing village, there’s something for everyone here.

A trip to Sweden is all about being present, marvelling at the world around you and spending quality time with both your travel companions and the locals.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Sweden?

To see the Northern Lights, otherwise called the aurora borealis, you’ll need to travel to the northernmost part of Sweden – Swedish Lapland. Abisko, in particular, is considered to be one of the best spots in the world because of the lack of light pollution and its location right under the aurora oval.

The best month to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is in January, but they can be seen as early as the beginning of September and as late as the end of March in some places. The light show usually begins around 6pm, with the otherworldly display peaking around 10-11pm.

Who is Sweden best for?

Sweden is perfect for city lovers who will no doubt be wooed by Stockholm’s charm, making this the perfect city for a long weekend. This is a sophisticated, elegant, manageable and thoroughly civilised city with the added attraction of an archipelago which can be explored by boat. Design hotels and excellent restaurants abound, and Swedish hospitality is legendary. Head for the bohemian area around Rörstrandsgatan, in west Stockholm, where you'll find cosy cafés and cheapish antique shops. Beyond the capital, two other Swedish cities deserve recognition. Malmo, the country’s third largest city, features a highly strollable old town and buzzing waterfront scene while Gothenburg boasts cool cuisine, sea breezes and an impressive port. Visit in the summer for long sunny days, ideal for hiking in the wild countryside according to the admirable 'allemansratten': Swedish people's right to roam. Those who love to spend time in the great outdoors can enjoy Sweden holidays all year round; splashing about in kayaks and hiking picturesque coastal trails in the summer and dog-sledding through the snow-clad forests come winter.


What can you find in Sweden that you won’t find elsewhere?

The capital oozes urban cool thanks to its creative cafe culture and revered culinary scene. If you’ve already ticked Stockholm off your list, it’s worth a jaunt to some of Sweden’s other pretty towns such as Gotland, once a Viking settlement, or to the thousands of little islands in Bohuslan’s archipelago, renowned for their relaxed vibe and outstanding seafood – perfect for a summer holiday. Boasting 29 national parks, you can encounter some of the loveliest rural scenery imaginable on Sweden holidays, with mountains, enchanting lakes and excellent beaches lined with kelp forests and coral. Venture off-the-beaten track and look out for secret isles with clapboard houses and small fishing communities which tourists may never have known existed. Then of course there are the Northern Lights, one of earth’s greatest natural phenomena.


A special thing to do in Sweden:

Visit the winter wonderland that is Swedish Lapland for a true Narnia experience. Ever tried ice driving or ice fishing? This is the place to do it. And don’t forget to sample some of Sweden’s traditional delicacies, such as reindeer stew and sweet tasting cloudberries. Chase the Northern Lights, earth’s most spectacular light show, on a snowmobile, or look out for its shimmering aurora from a floating sauna. Aside from the Northern Lights, there are exhilarating winter activities including snowshoeing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Families can enjoy husky sledding through the powder-white snow and elk safaris in the forested parks. Or for cultural immersion, meet the ethnic Sami people who were traditionally semi-nomadic reindeer herders. While in their company, we can arrange three-course dinners (most probably including reindeer in various forms) by a frozen lake complete with candles and a crackling fire. No-one could accuse Sweden holidays of being run of the mill...

Even further north, right on the Norwegian border, lies the tiny ski resort of Riksgränsen. Skiing here starts in February, when the 24-hour darkness of mid-winter begins to lift; come May, you can head back out on to the slopes after supper to ski in a t-shirt under the midnight sun. More conventional skiing is available at the slick resort of Are (pronounced 'oar-e').

Best places to go in Sweden



100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges