Sweden
Welcome to “Scandinavian Escapes” – Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Land of Midnight Sun and Design!
Discover the Unexplored: Sweden, a land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Scandinavia, Sweden is a country that promises an array of unique experiences. From the picturesque lakes and forests of Lapland to the charming canals and architecture of Stockholm, our blog will guide you through this enchanting nation.
Why Sweden? Often associated with design, innovation, and social welfare, Sweden is a country that offers so much more. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Swedish wilderness to the vibrant cultural scenes of Gothenburg and Malmö, our blog will take you on a journey to uncover the hidden gems of this fascinating country.
What Sweden brings you: Discover Sweden’s hidden gems and local secrets with our off-the-beaten-path destinations. Immerse yourself in Sweden’s rich history, design, and traditions. From the best restaurants to cozy accommodations, we’ve got you covered. Our stunning photography gallery will inspire you with Sweden’s most picturesque spots. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or planning your first trip, “Scandinavian Escapes” is your ultimate resource for all things Sweden. Join us on this journey and uncover the wonders of this Scandinavian gem.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Mild temperatures (10°C–15°C), blooming flowers, and Northern Lights make this season perfect for nature lovers. Explore vibrant cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg without the crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug): With warm weather (above 20°C), long days, and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming, summer is ideal for families and beachgoers. Don’t miss Sweden’s traditional Midsummer celebrations.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable temperatures (10°C–15°C), harvest season, and stunning fall foliage make it great for foodies and nature enthusiasts. Explore the picturesque Lake District or enjoy cozy cities.
Winter (Dec–Feb): A winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and Northern Lights viewing in Lapland. Cities feature festive Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and a magical holiday atmosphere.
For a more in-depth look, Here are The Best Times to Visit Sweden.
What To Expect
Capital: Stockholm
Population: 10.555 million (2023)
Language: Sweden is a multilingual country, with Swedish being the official language. However, many Swedes also speak English fluently, making it easy for tourists to communicate and navigate the country.
Currency: The official currency in Sweden is called a Krona SEK. 1 USD is equivalent to about 10.25 SEK and 13.4 is around £1 GBP. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Most major credit and debit cars. You will also find you won’t need a lot of cash. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: In Sweden, they use power sockets (outlets) of type F. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Sweden is still mostly pretty safe, apart maybe from specific areas and less safe at night, obviously. Use common sense.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Sweden and reasons to visit Sweden
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sweden
1. Explore the Old Town of Stockholm:
The Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a charming and historic neighbourhood in the heart of Stockholm. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful buildings, visit the Royal Palace, and explore the narrow alleys and quaint shops.
2. Visit the Vasa Museum:
The Vasa Museum is home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship, the Vasa. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was recovered in the 20th century. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history and the ship’s intricate details.
3. Take a Hike in the Swedish Wilderness:
Sweden is home to vast wilderness areas, including the Abisko National Park and the Lapland region. Take a hike through the forests, mountains, and lakes, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country. You can also try dog sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing in the winter.
4. Visit the ABBA Museum:
The ABBA Museum is a unique attraction that celebrates the music and legacy of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. The museum features interactive exhibits, costumes, and memorabilia, as well as a chance to record your own ABBA-style song.
5. Experience the Midnight Sun in Lapland:
In the summer, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours in Lapland, offering a unique experience known as the Midnight Sun. Take a trip to Abisko National Park or Kiruna and enjoy the surreal beauty of the sunlit landscape at midnight. You can also try activities like hiking, fishing, or dog sledding under the midnight sun.
Sweden Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – SEK 250–500 / £19–38 / $23–46
- Hostel Private Rooms – SEK 600–1,200 / £46–92 / $55–110
- Budget Hotels – SEK 800–1,500 / £62–115 / $73–138
- Airbnb Private Rooms – SEK 500–1,000 / £38–77 / $46–92
- Airbnb Apartments – SEK 1,200+ / £92+ / $110+
- Campsites – SEK 200–500 / £15–38 / $18–46
Transportation
- Local Bus/Metro Ticket – SEK 30–45 / £2.30–3.50 / $2.75–4.10
- City Transport Day Pass – SEK 100–160 / £7.50–12 / $9–15
- Intercity Bus Ticket – SEK 200–450 / £15–35 / $18–42
- Train Ticket (Stockholm to Gothenburg, one-way) – SEK 250–800 / £19–62 / $23–74
- Taxi (per km) – SEK 15–25 / £1.20–2 / $1.40–2.30
- Car Rental (per day) – SEK 500–900 / £38–69 / $46–83
Food
- Budget Meal – SEK 100–150 / £7.50–11.50 / $9–14
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – SEK 200–350 / £15–27 / $18–32
- Coffee – SEK 30–50 / £2.30–3.80 / $2.75–4.60
- Beer (0.5L draft) – SEK 70–100 / £5.50–7.50 / $6.50–9.20
Activities
- Museum Entry – SEK 80–200 / £6–15 / $7.50–18
- Guided Tours – SEK 300–800 / £23–62 / $28–74
- Boat Tours (Stockholm, Gothenburg, archipelago tours) – SEK 250–700 / £19–54 / $23–64
- Guided Hiking Tours (Lapland, national parks) – SEK 500–1,200 / £38–92 / $46–110
Sweden Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – SEK 800 / €70 / £60 / $75 Per Day
A backpacking budget allows you to stay in hostel dorms, cook some meals, and use Sweden’s efficient public transportation. You can enjoy free and low-cost activities like hiking in national parks, strolling through Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, or visiting free museums and cultural sites.
- If you plan to drink, add an extra SEK 100–200 (€9–18 / £8–16 / $10–19) per day for alcohol expenses.
- To save even more, use Sweden’s public transport passes, eat at budget-friendly street food markets, and take advantage of supermarkets like Lidl and ICA.
Midrange – SEK 1,800 / €160 / £135 / $170 Per Day
A mid-range budget allows for a private room in a hostel, Airbnb, or budget hotel. You’ll have the flexibility to dine out at mid-range restaurants, enjoy a few drinks at bars, and explore Sweden’s museums, castles, and historic landmarks.
- This budget also includes day trips to places like the Stockholm Archipelago or Gothenburg’s islands, taxis for short rides, and guided tours.
- A mix of comfort and affordability while experiencing Sweden’s nature and culture.
Upscale – SEK 3,500+ / €310+ / £260+ / $330+ Per Day
A luxury budget in Sweden means staying in boutique hotels or high-end Airbnbs in major cities. You can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, indulge in fine Swedish cuisine and wine, and enjoy private tours to places like the Ice Hotel in Lapland or private boat cruises around Stockholm.
- This budget also covers seamless transport options, including taxis, rental cars, or domestic flights for travel to Sweden’s more remote regions.
- Experience Sweden’s top cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences with comfort and style.
Sweden Money-Saving Tips
Sweden is known for its high living costs, but with smart planning, you can experience its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities without breaking the bank. Here are some updated tips to help you save money during your trip:
1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water in Sweden is among the cleanest in the world and completely free, so refill your bottle instead of buying expensive bottled water.
2 – Take Free Walking Tours – Cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö offer free walking tours that provide insight into Swedish history and culture. Be sure to tip your guide as a thank you!
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Eating out in Sweden can be expensive, so shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl, Willys, or ICA and cook your own meals in hostels or Airbnb accommodations.
4 – Stay with Locals via Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing is a great way to find free accommodation while also getting insider tips from locals on budget-friendly places to visit.
5 – Bunk in Hostels – Sweden has high-quality hostels from Hostelworld that provide affordable dormitory-style accommodation. Book in advance to secure the best rates, especially in peak season. Use Booking.com for hotels.
6 – Walk Everywhere – Major Swedish cities are compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking one of the best ways to explore neighborhoods, parks, and waterfronts without spending on transport.
7 – Use Public Transport Passes – Instead of buying single tickets, get a SL Travel Card (Stockholm) or Västtrafik Card (Gothenburg), which offer unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metro at a discounted rate.
8 – Enjoy Free Outdoor Activities – Sweden has stunning free outdoor attractions, from hiking in Abisko National Park to exploring Stockholm’s Djurgården or enjoying the country’s scenic lakes and forests.
9 – Travel Off-Season – Visiting Sweden in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) means cheaper accommodations, fewer crowds, and lower prices on attractions and tours.
10 – Take Advantage of Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access) – Sweden’s “Right of Public Access” allows you to hike, camp, and explore nature freely, making it an excellent way to experience Sweden’s landscapes without costly tours.
How to Get Around in Sweden
Sweden has a well-developed, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation system, making it easy to travel between cities and explore the country’s scenic landscapes. Here’s a guide to navigating Sweden efficiently and affordably.
Walking
Most Swedish cities, including Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, have pedestrian-friendly centers with well-maintained sidewalks and green spaces. Walking is the best way to explore historic districts, scenic waterfronts, and cultural landmarks while saving money on transport.
Public Transportation
Sweden has an extensive public transport system that includes buses, trams, metros, and ferries, making it easy to get around cities and towns.
- Metro, Trams & Buses – Major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö have integrated transport networks. A single ride costs SEK 30–45 / €2.60–4.00 / £2.30–3.50 / $2.80–4.50, but day passes and multi-day travel cards offer better value.
- SL Travel Card (Stockholm) – For unlimited travel on buses, metro, and ferries, a 24-hour pass costs SEK 175 / €15.50 / £13.50 / $16.80, and a 7-day pass costs SEK 520 / €46 / £40 / $50.
- Västtrafik Card (Gothenburg) – Covers buses, trams, and ferries in western Sweden with similar pricing.
- Use BusBud for discounted fares.
Airport Transfers
- Stockholm Arlanda Airport to City Centre – The Arlanda Express Train takes 18 minutes and costs SEK 299 / €26 / £22 / $28 one way. Budget travelers can take the Flygbussarna Airport Coach for SEK 129 / €11 / £9.50 / $12.50.
- Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to City Centre – The Flygbussarna shuttle bus takes 30 minutes and costs SEK 139 / €12 / £10 / $13.
- Malmö Airport to City Centre – The airport shuttle bus takes 40 minutes and costs SEK 139 / €12 / £10 / $13.
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Taxis in Sweden are expensive, with base fares starting at SEK 50–75 / €4.50–7.00 / £4–6 / $5–7.50, plus SEK 15–25 per km / €1.30–2.20 / £1.10–2 / $1.40–2.30.
- Always check the price before entering a taxi as fares are not regulated.
- Uber & Bolt are available in major cities and are often more affordable than traditional taxis.
Trains and Intercity Travel
Sweden’s SJ trains provide fast and comfortable connections between cities, with scenic routes passing through forests, lakes, and mountains.
- Stockholm to Gothenburg – SEK 250–800 / €22–70 / £19–60 / $24–75 (3–4 hours).
- Stockholm to Malmö – SEK 300–900 / €26–79 / £23–68 / $28–85 (4–5 hours).
- Stockholm to Kiruna (Lapland) – SEK 700–1,200 / €61–105 / £52–90 / $65–110 (Night train).
Tips:
- Book train tickets in advance at sj.se for the lowest fares.
- Consider the Eurail Sweden Pass for unlimited train travel over several days.
Buses & Budget Travel
For cheaper travel between cities, long-distance buses like FlixBus and Nettbuss offer affordable options.
- Stockholm to Gothenburg – SEK 150–400 / €13–35 / £11–30 / $14–38 (6–7 hours).
- Malmö to Stockholm – SEK 250–500 / €22–44 / £19–38 / $24–50 (8–9 hours).
Car Rental
- Renting a car is useful for exploring rural Sweden, Lapland, and coastal regions, with prices starting at SEK 500–900 / €44–79 / £38–68 / $46–83 per day.
- Roads are well-maintained, but winter driving can be challenging. Snow tires are required in colder months.
- Be aware of E-road tolls and ferry crossings if driving between islands.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Sweden
Cycling
- Sweden is bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling paths in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala.
- Bike rentals start at SEK 100–200 / €9–18 / £8–16 / $10–19 per day.
- Popular cycling routes include the Göta Canal Route and the Kattegattleden coastal path.
Sweden’s transportation system is efficient, clean, and eco-friendly, making it easy to get around whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or ferry.
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