Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Sweden

10. Gamla Stan

If you only have a day or two to explore the capital city of Stockholm, make sure you spent it in the area of Gamla Stan. This is the old town, and it offers beautiful waterfront views as well as countless historically significant landmarks and attractions. While visiting Gamla Stan, you can admire the 17th century Royal Palace, which is home to the King of Sweden. Or, you could tour the Stockholm Cathedral, see the House of Nobility and explore the collections and exhibits at the Museum of Medieval Stockholm.

9. Kalmar Castle

Dating back to the early 11th century, Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in all of Sweden. Kalmar Castle was constructed in 1160, but it is remarkably well preserved. The castle overlooks the Kalmar Strait, and the waterfront views make it look spectacular from afar. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Kalmar Castle is historically significant. It was in Kalmar Castle that Denmark, Norway and Sweden joined forces in the 14th century, and it is also the site of a major 17th century battle.

8. Lund Domkyrka

The university city of Lund, in Scania, is more than 1,000 years old. One of its oldest and most impressive structures that still stands is the Lund Domkyrka, or the Lund Cathedral. Built in 1103, the cathedral is the second oldest in the Nordic area. It is constructed from sandstone, and the entrance is formed by two stunning and oversized brass doors. Twice a day, the cathedral’s astronomical clock puts on quite a show that is worth checking out.

7. Jokkmokk Winter Market

The small town of Jokkmokk in Swedish Lapland comes alive every February thanks to the Jokkmokk Winter Market. The hosts are the indigenous Sámi people, but tourists from throughout Sweden and even around the world come for this incredible occasion. For three wonderful days, you can expect folk dancing, reindeer racing, traditional costumes and lots of vendors. You can buy souvenirs and soak up the incredible culture that bright color and vibrancy to the cold days of February.

6. Visby

The largest island in Sweden is Gotland, and the island’s capital is the town of Visby. This spot is a common vacation destination for Swedish residents on the mainland, because Visby boasts so much medieval architecture. The city’s 13th century ringwall still stands, and you can tour the 13th century church called Sankta Maria Kyrka, which is still in use to this day. Visby is packed with old church ruins, art galleries, museums and plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Swedish cuisine.


5. Ales Stenar

In the city of Ystad, in Southern Sweden, is Ales Stenar. This monument is known as the Stonehenge of Sweden, and it is easy to understand the comparison. Ales Stenar is an enormous stone ship created by 59 large sandstone boulders. The monument dates back to the Nordic Iron Age, which is approximately 600 AD and even before the Viking Age. Opt for a guided tour of Ales Stenar so you can get some history and context when admiring the incredible stone monument in Ystad.

4. Drottningholm Palace 

Although Sweden is home to countless castles and palaces, one of the most famous is found in Lovö island in the center of Lake Mälaren. Drottningholm Palace was constructed in the 16th century, and it is now a residence of the Swedish Royal Family. However, much of the palace and its grounds are open to the public. The baroque and English gardens, in particular, are immensely popular. The Chinese Pavilion in the gardens is beautiful, and it is considered to be one of Sweden’s top architectural attractions.

3. Abisko National Park

In the Lapland region of Northern Sweden, you’ll find the Abisko National Park. It is one of the northernmost parks in the country, and it is home to the Abisko Scientific Research Station. If you’re visiting the park, you’ll likely be interested in doing some hiking. The famous Kungsleden hiking trail is nearly 500 km (300 miles) long, and it starts right from Abisko. In the winter, there are also opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Be on the lookout for wildlife that includes moose, reindeer and bears.

2. Stockholm archipelago

Just minutes from the capital city of Stockholm, you’ll arrive at the Stockholm Archipelago. This is a staggering collection of more than 30,000 islands, some of which are large and inhabited and others that are mere rocks in the water. The archipelago is known for excellent sailing, incredible scenery and for being a retreat for many writers and artists in Scandinavia. If you want to stroll on a sandy beach or kayak in crystal clear water, but still be just a short distance from Stockholm, then the archipelago is absolutely worth visiting.

1. Icehotel

The small village of Jukkasjärvi in Northern Sweden is home to the incredible Icehotel. Every year, the entire hotel is rebuilt using snow and ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne River. The Icehotel is always under freezing temperature to ensure stability. Even the bar is carved from ice, and the glasses themselves are made from ice! Furs, animal skins and high-quality sleeping bags ensure comfortable temperatures for guests, and you can only stay in the Icehotel between December and April of each year.