Sweden is abundant in natural attractions and quaint cities. I will introduce 16 wonderful Swedish places!
One of the Scandinavian countries, it boasts advanced infrastructure and high welfare. The largest country in Northern Europe is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the north.
Table of Contents
Sweden’s most beautiful places
Stockholm
Sweden’s capital is built on 14 islands connected by 53 bridges. Hence, it is also called the „City of Waters”.
The Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is the historical center, featuring medieval streets and squares, as well as the Royal Palace of Stockholm and the famous Stortorget square.
One of the city’s most significant museums is the Vasa Museum, the most visited non-art museum in Scandinavia. The decorations in the metro stations are renowned, often referred to as the world’s longest art gallery.
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second-largest city, located in Western Sweden on the Kattegat sea coast.
Founded in the 17th century, this port city is a vital cultural and economic hub. Known for its green spaces, modern art, and unique, friendly atmosphere.
One of its most popular attractions is the Liseberg amusement park, one of the largest in Scandinavia. The Gothenburg Art Museum has an impressive collection, including outstanding pieces of Scandinavian art.
Kalmar
The city has a medieval past and is famous for its well-preserved historical buildings and streets, as well as being an important cultural and educational center.
Its most significant attraction is the well-preserved 12th-century Renaissance castle, playing an essential role in Sweden’s history. Today, it serves as a museum where one can learn about Kalmar and the region’s history.
The Öland bridge, a modern symbol of the city, connects Kalmar to Öland island. The bridge, over 6 kilometers long, is a magnificent structure.
Kebnekaise
Sweden’s highest mountain in the Scandinavian range, located in the municipality of Kiruna.
The main mountain has two peaks, with the southern one being higher at 2102 meters, but due to melting ice, the northern peak has become the higher one. A popular hiking destination for its height and the beautiful views it offers.
A tourist hut at the base is where the summit treks begin. The southern peak can be reached via the slightly longer western route without special equipment for those accustomed to mountain hikes.
Gotland
Sweden’s and the Baltic Sea’s largest island, with a coastline approximately 800 km long.
One of the island’s most unique natural phenomena are the raukar, huge limestone pillars, especially in the Langhammars and Digerhuvud areas. These formations have evolved over millennia due to erosion. Another natural attraction is Lummelundagrottan, a vast stalactite cave system.
Its center, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Visby, is a very atmospheric small town with well-preserved city walls, beautiful church ruins, and winding streets.
Halmstad
Located in the south, on the Kattegat sea coast, the city is known for its beach.
Its historical center houses the 17th-century castle, now a venue for cultural events. The Norre Port is the only remaining city gate, evoking the medieval era.
The Tylösand beach is one of Sweden’s most popular beaches, known for its fine sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent surfing opportunities. It is especially popular during the summer season.
Ystad
A city on the Baltic Sea coast with medieval origins, it has preserved its historical ambiance over the centuries, characterized by well-preserved medieval buildings, narrow streets, and quaint squares.
The Gothic-style Saint Mary’s Church, built in the 13th century, boasts a magnificent interior worth visiting. The Ystad Monastery is one of the city’s most significant historical buildings, a well-preserved medieval monastery. Today, it functions as a museum.
Popular among crime fiction fans, thanks to the Wallander detective novels and films. A walking tour allows visitors to explore the locations.
Marstrand
A city near Gothenburg on an island is the Swedish center for sailing.
Marstrand is built around Carlstens Fortress, an imposing 17th-century fort. The walls offer beautiful views of the city and the sea.
The Match Cup Sweden, an international sailing competition, is held here annually. Maritime activities play a central role in island life: sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
Tännforsen Waterfall
Sweden’s largest waterfall is located on the Indalsälven river.
Its height is over 38 meters, and its width can reach up to 60 meters at some points. It freezes over several times in winter, offering an even more spectacular sight. It is especially worth visiting during the spring melt because of its large water flow.
It is easily accessible by a leisurely walk, and a visitor center has also been developed next to the waterfall.
Uppsala
One of Sweden’s oldest and most important cities, located near Stockholm on the northern part of Lake Mälaren.
The city holds a special place in the country’s history and cultural life, being home to one of the country’s oldest universities, Uppsala University, founded in 1477. Famous scientists and writers studied here, such as Carl Linnaeus and Anders Celsius.
It is home to Scandinavia’s largest church, the Uppsala Cathedral, which stands 118.7 meters tall. One of the church’s main attractions is the tomb of King Gustav I of Sweden in the apse.
Grundsund
This small fishing village is located on Sweden’s western coast, on the island of Skaftö, at the junction of Gullmarsfjorden and Skagerrak.
The traditional wooden houses are built closely together, reflecting the lifestyle of the historical fishing community. Boat tours offer the opportunity to explore the surrounding archipelago and fjords.
Helsingborg
The Swedish city closest to Denmark: the Danish city of Helsingør, located 5 km to the east, is clearly visible on the other side of the Öresund.
The historical Helsingborg, with its old houses, is a coastal city rich in attractions. The center combines old stone houses and modern commercial properties, wide boulevards, and small alleys.
Its symbol is the Kärnan. This medieval tower is a remnant of the fortress that once stood here. Beautiful views of the city, the Öresund Strait, and the shores of Denmark can be seen from here.
Skuleberget
Located in the northeastern part of Sweden, this area is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its special geological significance: at the end of the Ice Age, it was one of the world’s fastest land uplifts.
The mountain has several lookout points, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The highest point is over 290 meters high. Skuleberget and the surrounding High Coast area are a paradise for nature lovers and those interested in geosciences.
Near the mountain is Skuleskogen National Park, known for its ancient forests, clear lakes, and unique natural formations. The park features several marked hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties.
Malmö
The country’s 3rd largest city is located „opposite” Copenhagen. The two cities (and countries) are connected by the Øresund Bridge.
The defining building of the center is the Malmöhus Castle. The fortress built in the 15th century now operates as a museum, presenting the history, art, and natural science collections of Malmö and the Skåne region.
Malmö’s iconic building is the Turning Torso. The 54-story tower is 190 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Sweden and Scandinavia. The building is based on nine cubic sections, each section rotating ten degrees from the one below it.
Söderåsen National Park
The park opened in 2001 and covers approximately 1620 hectares, popular for hiking due to its topographical features, ancient forests, valleys, and rich biodiversity.
One of its most spectacular parts is a deep gorge offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Here is located the park’s visitor center, which serves as a starting point for numerous hiking trails. Another well-known natural formation is Klöva Hallar, a long, rocky crevice.
Gripsholm Castle
A late Renaissance castle that served as a royal residence, located 60 km from Stockholm.
It was commissioned by the first monarch of the House of Vasa, King Gustav I of Sweden, in the 16th century. It gained its final form by the 18th century and served as one of the royal family’s residences until then.
Today, it operates as a museum but is still available for the current Swedish monarch as one of the crown palaces. It houses the Swedish National Portrait Gallery, the largest portrait gallery in the world.
