Travel to Sweden — everything you need to know
When to go to Sweden?
- June – August — Scandinavian summer : Near-constant daylight in Stockholm (17–21°C), lively archipelago, hiking in Lapland. Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. The best season.
- December – March — Arctic winter : Northern lights in Lapland (Abisko, the best spot in Europe), dog sledding, skiing, the Jukkasjärvi ice hotel. -20°C in Lapland, -5°C in Stockholm.
Weather in Sweden
Check the weather city by city, starting with Stockholm.
- Stockholm: daytime highs from 1 to 24 °C depending on the season, 46 mm of rain per month on average.
- Abisko (Laponie): daytime highs from -6 to 18 °C depending on the season, 29 mm of rain per month on average.
- Göteborg: daytime highs from 3 to 20 °C depending on the season, 76 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Sweden?
Sweden offers immense wild nature: the Stockholm archipelago (30,000 islands), Swedish Lapland with its northern lights and reindeer, endless pine forests, and inland lakes. Stockholm is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe — built across 14 islands. The land of IKEA, ABBA, design and fika (the ritual coffee break).
Stockholm — Capital on the water
Stockholm spans 14 islands between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea: Gamla Stan (13th-century medieval old town), the Vasa Museum (an intact 1628 warship), the Skansen Museum (the world's first open-air museum), and the trendy districts of Södermalm and Östermalm. A capital combining history, design and nature just a ferry ride away.
Highlights : Vasa Museum — an intact 17th-century warship, Gamla Stan — medieval old town and Royal Palace, Stockholm archipelago by ferry (30,000 islands), ABBA The Museum — interactive exhibition on ABBA.
Swedish Lapland — Northern lights and reindeer
Swedish Lapland is home to Laponia National Park (UNESCO), Sami reindeer herders, and Abisko — reputed to have the clearest skies in Europe for northern lights. The Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel is entirely rebuilt from ice every year since 1990. The Kungsleden trail (500km) is Scandinavia's most iconic trek.
Highlights : Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel — a room carved from ice, Northern lights from Abisko's Aurora Sky Station, Dog sledding in Lapland (2–3h excursion).
Gotland — Medieval island of the Baltic
Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic: Visby, its medieval capital (UNESCO), is surrounded by intact 13th-century ramparts. Wildflower fields, raukar (limestone pillars on the beaches), Romanesque church ruins and the annual medieval festival in August make Gotland a unique destination in Europe.
Highlights : Visby — UNESCO-listed fortified medieval town (13th century), Fårö raukar — natural limestone sculptures on the beach, Visby Medieval Week (August), Ruins of Gotland's 94 medieval churches.
West Coast — Gothenburg and Bohuslän
Gothenburg is Sweden's second city, known for its seafood (the best langoustines and shrimp in Scandinavia), its Dutch-style canals, and Liseberg (one of the most beloved amusement parks in Europe). The Bohuslän coast to the north: fishing villages on sea-polished granite rocks, and the Tanum rock carvings (UNESCO).
Highlights : Tanum rock carvings — Bronze Age art (UNESCO), Bohuslän archipelago — kayaking among the granite islets, Universeum — Scandinavia's great aquarium.
Åre & Sälen
Åre is Scandinavia's largest ski resort, prized for its alpine slopes and lively atmosphere. Further south, Sälen brings together four resorts perfect for families. Forests, frozen lakes and national parks round out this Nordic playground in both winter and summer.
Highlights : Åre — Scandinavia's largest resort, Sälen — 4 combined resorts, Fulufjället National Park, Östersund & Jamtli Museum.
Travel budget for Sweden
Sweden is expensive but less so than Norway. Everything is pricier for visitors, but supermarkets remain affordable. Transport is excellent and relatively cheap. Accommodation is the biggest expense.
- Backpacker : 100–160 €/j — Hostel + supermarket + public transport
- Comfort : 180–300 €/j — 3★ hotel + restaurants + excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Sweden
- Flight from Paris : ~2–2h30 (SAS, Norwegian, direct Air France CDG–Stockholm Arlanda). Also Ryanair via Skavsta/Västerås.
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area. A French ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Swedish krona (SEK). Cards accepted everywhere — Swedes almost exclusively use Swish (an app). Cash is rare.
- Language : Swedish. English spoken almost universally — excellent level throughout the country.
- Electricity : Type C/F (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : No particular precautions needed. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid. Pharmacies (Apoteket) are everywhere.
- Midnight sun : Midnight sun in Lapland from May to July. Polar night from December to January. Melatonin recommended to regulate sleep in summer.
- Right to roam : The Allemansrätten (everyman's right) allows free hiking and camping on all private or public land in Sweden. A fundamental rule.
Compare Sweden with other destinations