Tourist attractions in Sweden are numerous but, just like the Swedish people, never obtrusive. Don’t expect a country full of spectacular amusement parks or ancient churches. The country’s main attraction is its landscape. But fans of beautiful scenery are sure to have an unforgettable vacation here.
I made a top-10 of tourist attractions in Sweden. Here are the second five – in alphabetical order:
Bohuslän
Bohuslän is the area at the west-coast of Sweden, roughly located between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border. It is characterized by rocky fragmented islands and small fishing communities. Awesome scenery, and one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden according to the Swedes. Well, they should know.
Göta Canal
One of the most popular attractions in Sweden. Make a cruise from Gothenburg to Stockholm with an old ship, crossing one river, three canals, eight lakes, passing 66 locks and traveling on two seas. The Göta Canal is one of the most pleasant waterways in Sweden and has attracted thousands of people searching relaxation and pleasure. You can choose between 2-, 4- and 6-day cruises. You can order a free brochure for the Göta Canal cruise of your choice from this list.
Inlandsbanan
Or the Inland Railway. Great trip for fans of train journeys, across the Arctic circle. Inlandsbanan runs from Kristinehamn at the side of lake Vänern to the wilderness near Gällivare, Lapland. Distance: around 1300 km, but note that a bus has replaced the train on parts of the most southern track. Mora-Gällivare takes two days with forests, hills, wild rivers and sometimes a village. You can stop there, have lunch and get back on the train. Or spend the night - it’s all up to you. Inlandsbanan runs from June 13 until September 11.
Kungsleden
The most famous hiking trail of Sweden, 500 km long and leading from Abisko (in the north) to Hemavan (south). Well-marked and popular, with cabins along the trail that can be busy in the holiday season. You’ll pass Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain (2,078 m) and see some of Europe’s most beautiful nature with mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, valleys.
Storsjön
Storsjön (the Great Lake in Swedish) is the Nordic Loch Ness. Locals believe there lives a monster in its dark water – and typically Swedish, the monster is even protected by law! The area around Storsjön – 550 km northwest of Stockholm – has a lot to offer too. Östersund is a likable town and has a Skansen-like open-air museum called Jamtli. From there it’s not far to the mountain regions of Jämtland. Great for hiking in summer, perfect for skiing in winter. Not many foreigners here, but still one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden.
Tourist attractions in Sweden are numerous but, just like the Swedish people, never obtrusive. The country’s main attraction is its landscape. And beautiful sceneries are usually not compatible with busy souvenir shops and restaurants.
So you won’t find many amusement parks or palaces on my list. But I guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable vacation if you visit some (or all) of these spots.
I made a top-10 of tourist attractions in Sweden. Here are the first five – in alphabetical order:
Cities
Stockholm has it all:
unique location, great architecture, historical sights, museums, parks, nightlife, shops – and an archipelago of 24,000 islands just around the corner. If you haven’t seen Stockholm, you haven’t seen Sweden. Göteborg, Malmö and Uppsala are other attractive cities. Also interesting are Karlskrona (town center is a world heritage site), Kristianstad (historical town, boulevards in Parisian style), Lund (university town with famous cathedral) and Kalmar (beautiful location, old town and well-preserved Renaissance palace).
Gotland
Speaking of tourist attractions in Sweden, one wouldn’t expect to think of beaches. But there are beaches in Sweden. Some of the best are found on the Baltic island of Gotland, which is popular among Swedes and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The pleasant and surprisingly flat landscape is excellent for cycling. The walled medieval Hanseatic town Visby is on the World Heritage List of the Unesco and an attraction on its own.
Lake Siljan
Found in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, this lake is the center of folklore and tradition. Dalarna is a popular holiday destination in summer. Thousands of Swedes visit Leksand every year to see the midsummer pole set up. The nearby town of Rättvik is famous for its folk dancing. Also worth a visit is the bear park in Orsa. Or you can just enjoy the beautiful lake Siljan and the hilly fertile land surrounding it.
Mines
Mining has always had a special attraction. Mines make some of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sweden. Three are worth a visit. The copper mine of Falun, Dalarna (now on the World Heritage List), and the iron-ore mines of Kiruna and Gällivare in Lapland. You can book a guided tour and go down yourself.
National Parks
Sweden has dozens of national parks and nature reserves, ideal for long hiking tours. The most impressive scenery is found in Lapland in the North. Most popular is Abisko, a great spot with the famous Lapporten landmark.
Just a little to the south is the spectacular Sarek national park, Europe’s wildest place with dangerous rivers, deep valleys, high mountains and no facilities for tourists. For experienced hikers only! Friendlier but with some incredible scenery too are Padjelanta (home of the reindeer) and Muddus.
The Castles of Fussen
Like most of Europe, several castles are littered throughout Germany. It contains the other two of Ludwig's castles, the first one being the Neuschwanstein castle. This is a must-see for all those families who are travelling through Germany because the place literally looks like it's been torn out of a story book.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance is both a tourist spot and an essential source of life for the Germans. Several areas in the country rely on this very lake for their drinking water, and this large lake is also a great place to swim and to go bird watching. Indeed, if you're one for beautiful natural sceneries, then Lake Constance is not to be ignored.
The Black Forest
The name looks like it has been taken from one of the fairytales, doesn't it? The Black Forest - it sounds like a place where evil witches reside and cursed trees grow, but don't let that deter you though. If anything, the Black Forest can hardly be related to its name as it's a sunny forest with tall and sturdy firs. It's a great place to go hiking and a great place for picnics.
Cologne
When you hear the word, Cologne, what comes into your mind? A beautiful fragrance, right? Well, meet the town that's called Cologne for a reason, and indeed, the town of Cologne has its own peculiar fragrance that's very pleasing to the nose. Also, there you will find a beautiful view of the River Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral.
Dachau
Take a break from the fairytale castles and mystical forests and go to the place called Dachau. Dachau is a concentration camp - a remnant of Germany's dark past where you can just imagine the horrors that took place in this very spot. However, you will also find there a statue bearing the inscription, "Never Again", a solemn promise of the German people that they will 'never again' commit such unspeakable acts - another true victory for peace.
Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest - technically, it's not a place, but it's just too good a festival to leave out of any 'top ten list' that concerns tourism and Germany. This fun-filled festival in the town of Bavaria is guaranteed to leave you intoxicated and euphoric. You can spend days on end just drinking authentic German Ale and just letting yourself loose.
If you're looking for a place that's rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany's the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars. Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten.
Berlin Wall
There's no other place in Germany that's more suffused with charged up emotions than the Berlin Wall. You can just imagine the tears and the blood shed over this very wall. This remnant of the wars stands as one of the greatest monuments to democracy known to man - a sign that freedom will always come out victorious.
The Romantic Road
Driving through the Romantic road would be one of the most pleasant drives you'll experience in your whole life. This road is flanked by scenic landscapes on both sides. Occasionally, you'll pass through a picturesque town, a beautiful gothic church, and sometimes, a quaint countryside inn.
Augsburg
Passing through the Romantic Road will lead you to Augsburg, a town founded by the Roman Legions and named after the esteemed Roman emperor, Augustus. This picturesque town contains such historical places as St. Anne's Church, the place where Martin Luther took refuge, and Dom, a very unusual Cathedral. You can also find here the Renaissance Golden Room, a sight that will make you squint with its shine.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Did you know that Walt Disney used a castle found in Germany as his inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty? It's true, those alabaster walls and those high towers and wide parapets were all based on the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is now hailed as one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany.
