Sweden: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Enchanting lakes and dense forests make the charm of a holiday in Sweden. On such a trip, you can fish, row, and swim in waters like Vänern and Vättern. The Baltic Sea with its archipelago islands also invites you to travel. In the north, you can see the Northern Lights in winter.
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Sweden - 8 most beautiful natural sights
Kosterhavet National Park
In Kosterhavet National Park, you can best explore the Skagerrak by boat and take a look at the picturesque coastal formations. You will also see Sweden's largest population of seals. Popular excursion destinations are the Koster Islands off the coast of Tanum and Strömstad. Those who fancy a varied active holiday in the national park can go fishing at sea. On guided tours, you can learn more about shrimp and Norwegian lobster. On land, excursions by bike or on foot are worthwhile. Such activities are ideal in the summer.
Abisko National Park
High in the mountains of Lapland, you can enjoy a vacation by Lake Torneträsk in Abisko National Park and hike through the picturesque Kärkevagge Valley in warm weather. During the summer season, many holidaymakers take the opportunity for fly fishing and cave climbing. As soon as it gets dark in the evenings from September, it's time for aurora hunting. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park is one of the best places in the world to discover the Northern Lights. The nearest train station is just a 10-minute walk away. Those who are interested can go skiing in the region's mountains. Ice fishing and dog sledding tours remain popular in winter.
The Virgin
You can find the rock formation Jungfrun near the small town of Lickershamn in the Grausne Källmyr nature reserve. From the harbor, you can take a hiking trail up to the cliffs. The rocks tower on the promontory and contrast picturesquely with the surrounding pine forests. In summer, the green landscapes are appealing. Many vacationers start their stay on Gotland in Visby and then head north to admire the rock formation Jungfrun. There is a parking lot nearby. You can also sit at the tables and have a picnic.
Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm archipelago consists of approximately 30,000 islands and skerries – these are small, rocky islands that were formed during the Ice Age. In addition to the large, inhabited islands known for their lively summer festivals, the many smaller skerries resemble rocky or grassy mounds, often occupied by seals. The Stockholm archipelago is only an hour's drive towards the Baltic Sea from the center of the Swedish capital and is a natural paradise for anglers, sailors, and active travelers who love life on and by the water. But there are also numerous beautiful routes for hikers and cyclists on the larger islands.
Vastenjávrre Lake
In summer, Lake Vastenjávrre is ideal for extensive hikes around the water. Those who feel like it can also hop on a bicycle and explore the nature of the taiga this way. Seasonally, it is possible to fish at or on the water. You can prepare your catches in your holiday apartment. Lake Vastenjávrre in Padjelanta National Park is located far in the north of Sweden on the border with Norway and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Laponia. Here, you can not only hike but also travel in the cold season to observe the Northern Lights. When it snows, tours with the Sami dog sled are exciting.
Lake Vänern
Located between Stockholm and Gothenburg, Lake Vänern delights with its picturesque landscapes that invite fishing, rowing, and sailing. Along the shore, you can take extensive hikes and observe rare bird species at strategically good spots. Many vacationers rent holiday homes in Mariestad, Lidköping, and Karlstad. The larger towns with good infrastructure on Lake Vänern include Mariestad, Mellerud, Karlstad, and Kristinehamn, from where various activities can be planned. Most people visit in the summer to get on or in the water. It can also be romantic in winter to spend the night in a log cabin on the shore.
Great Karlso
The island of Stora Karlsö, which is only 2.5 km² in size, is one of the oldest protected areas in Europe and is fascinating not only because of its nature. Artifacts such as ceramic fragments and harpoon tips from the early Viking period have been found. These originate from the many caves located on the coast. Those who explore Stora Karlsö on foot or by boat can look forward to a large population of seabirds. Particularly striking are the rare guillemots, which somewhat resemble the penguins of the north. In spring, the many orchids bloom on the island, transforming the land into a sea of vibrant colors.
Åreskutan
With a height of 1,420 meters, Åreskutan is perfect for enjoying fresh Swedish mountain air. In the warm season, the fell in Jämtland attracts with easy to challenging hiking routes. Those who want to reach its summit more comfortably can take the cable car from the marketplace in Åre – breathtaking views included. After a hike or mountain bike tour on Åreskutan, the Sweden-red painted mountain hut Toppstugan invites you to stop by. The café at lofty heights pampers you with cinnamon buns, homemade waffles, and a rustic atmosphere. This also applies in the snowy winter months, when Åreskutan offers a wide variety of slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding fun.
Sweden - Climate
Sweden can be visited at any time of the year. Most vacationers choose the warmer days between June and September. Temperatures then range from 20 to 22 °C from Malmö to Stockholm. It is significantly cooler in the far north in the Lapland region. For adventures with plenty of daylight, midsummer is ideal. From November to March, temperatures are below freezing and the Northern Lights appear. This also creates ideal conditions to use a vacation in Sweden for winter sports. Mountainous areas like Sälen and Idre are particularly recommended.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.