What to see in Sweden besides Stockholm: beautiful places and nature

Sweden is not just about stylish Stockholm. Beyond the capital lies a treasure trove of natural beauty and historic sites. From vast forests and crystal clear lakes to majestic castles and cozy medieval towns, every corner of the country is enchanting and inspiring. If you are looking for beautiful places in Sweden to explore the real Scandinavia, you should definitely leave the bustling metropolis. We will tell you about the most exciting destinations to include in your itinerary to see the best locations outside of Stockholm. And if you need to organize a business trip , be sure to use the services of a specialized business travel service .

Natural attractions of Sweden

Swedish nature is the quintessence of Scandinavian charm. Here you can spend hours admiring the mirror-like surface of lakes, wandering through dense forests, breathing in the fresh pine scent, or watching the northern lights dancing in the frosty sky. For lovers of active recreation, Sweden offers all the conditions for trekking and kayaking, as well as for leisurely walks along picturesque trails. The Swedish countryside will reveal itself to you in all its glory, offering unforgettable impressions and the opportunity to take a break from the bustle of the city.

The best national parks in Sweden

Sweden's national parks are true wilderness areas where you can experience the country's unique flora and fauna. Each offers its own unique characteristics and unique Scandinavian landscapes. The following three parks are free to visit at any time of year.

1. Söderåsen National Park. Situated in southern Sweden, this park is famous for its dense beech forests, steep cliffs and picturesque gorges. There are many hiking trails of varying difficulty.
2. Tiveden National Park: This park is a kingdom of cliffs, ancient forests and crystal clear lakes. Here you can go hiking along picturesque trails, go kayaking or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
3. Fullufjället National Park. This park is famous for its highest waterfall in Sweden, Njupesker, as well as its unique flora and fauna. Here you can see rare species of plants and animals, and enjoy breathtaking views.  

Abisko and Sarek

Abisko and Sarek are two national parks in Swedish Lapland, which are considered to be among the most beautiful and wild places in Europe.

Abisko is an ideal place to see the Northern Lights, especially in the winter months. You can also go hiking, skiing or snowmobiling. In the summer, Abisko becomes a paradise for trekkers and kayakers, offering many routes of varying difficulty. The best time to visit Abisko is from December to March for Northern Lights viewing and from June to September for hiking.

Sarek is a true wilderness area with no roads or tourist infrastructure. Experienced travelers who are ready for challenging hikes and overnight stays in tents come here. Sarek is known for its high mountains, glaciers and raging rivers. Visiting Sarek requires good physical fitness and experience. The best time to visit is from July to August.

Lakes and archipelagos

Sweden is also famous for its numerous lakes and picturesque archipelagos, which offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation.

1. Lake Vänern. This is the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest in Europe. Here you can go boating, fishing or just enjoy the peace and quiet on the shore.
2. Lake Vättern. This is the second largest lake in Sweden, known for its crystal clear water. Here you can go diving, sailing or visit one of the many islands.
3. Stockholm Archipelago. This is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, consisting of more than 30,000 islands, skerries and rocks. Here you can go boating, swimming, sunbathing or visit one of the many charming island towns.
4. West Coast Archipelago: Situated along the west coast of Sweden, this archipelago offers unique scenery with granite cliffs, quiet bays and picturesque fishing villages.

Sights of Sweden

In addition to natural beauty, Sweden is rich in historical and cultural attractions. Here you can visit ancient ruins, majestic castles, charming towns and museums that tell about the history and culture of the country. If you are looking for Instagrammable places in Stockholm, you should definitely visit the Old Town (Gamla Stan), the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum. Often, these locations can be visited as part of excursions that are included in tours to Sweden .

1. Uppsala. This ancient city, located near Stockholm, is one of the oldest and most important cities in Sweden. It is home to Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, and Uppsala University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. The cathedral is open to the public daily and admission is free.
2. Lund. This charming city in southern Sweden is known for its medieval cathedral and ancient university. You can also visit the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in Sweden.
3. Sigtuna. This small town on the shores of Lake Mälaren is one of the oldest towns in Sweden. Here you can see the ruins of ancient churches, old wooden houses and a picturesque embankment. Museums and attractions are open to visitors all year round, but you should check the opening hours before your trip.

Medieval castles

Sweden also boasts many medieval castles, each with its own unique history and architecture. These castles are witnesses of glorious battles, royal intrigues and secrets of the past.

1. Gripsholm Castle. Situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, this castle is one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Sweden. Here you can see a rich collection of portraits of Swedish kings and queens, as well as visit an ancient theater. The castle is open to visitors from May to September. The ticket price is about 140 SEK.
2. Kalmar Castle. Situated on the east coast of Sweden, this castle has played an important role in the country's history. The Kalmar Union was signed here, uniting Denmark, Norway and Sweden into one kingdom. The castle is open to visitors all year round. The entrance fee is around 120 SEK.
3. Örebro Castle. Situated on a small island in the middle of the Svartån River, this castle is one of the main attractions of Örebro. Here you can visit a museum dedicated to the history of the castle, as well as climb the observation tower, which offers a magnificent view of the city. The castle is open to visitors all year round. The entrance fee is about 100 SEK.

What to see in Gothenburg and Malmö, Gotland and Visby

No trip to Sweden would be complete without visiting these four unique locations.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, located on the west coast. Here you can visit the Liseberg amusement park, one of the largest in Scandinavia, stroll along the picturesque embankment and taste fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants. Don't miss the Haga district with its wooden houses and cozy cafes.

Malmo

Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, located in the south of the country. One of the most famous places in the city is the Turning Torso, a high-rise building that has an unusual design, as if it were twisting around its axis. Also worth visiting is the historic city center and the Malmöhus castle, and pay attention to the Øresund Bridge leading to Copenhagen.

Gotland

Gotland is the largest island in Sweden, located in the Baltic Sea. It offers unique landscapes with sandy beaches, rocky shores and picturesque villages. The island is known for its ancient ruins, medieval churches and rich history.

Visby

Visby is the capital of Gotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming medieval town is surrounded by a fortified wall built in the 13th century. Here you can stroll through narrow streets, visit ancient churches and museums, and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.

Best routes for photographers

Sweden is a photographer's paradise, offering countless opportunities to take stunning photos. Here are five of the best routes:

1. Stockholm Archipelago. Sail around the islands and capture the picturesque landscapes from boats and launches. The sunsets over the Baltic Sea are especially beautiful.
2. The King's Road (Kungsleden) This hiking route passes through the picturesque mountains of Lapland, offering breathtaking views of valleys, rivers and lakes.
3. West Coast: Explore the fishing villages and rocky shores of Sweden's west coast, capturing colourful scenes from the lives of locals.
4. Lake Siljan. Visit the Dalarna region and capture traditional Swedish villages with red houses and picturesque landscapes.
5. Skuleskogen National Park: Capture Sweden's wilderness on a hike through this park, which features cliffs, forests, and views of the Baltic Sea.

Sweden is a country that can surprise and charm even the most seasoned travelers. Take a trip to the Swedish countryside to discover its natural beauty, historical monuments, and cultural treasures. Be sure to book your flights to Sweden and hotels in Sweden in advance , and consider joining group tours to learn more about the history and culture of this amazing country. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or want to learn about the history and culture of Sweden, this country is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.