Sweden

Why Sweden? 

Those who love being outdoors quickly feel at home here. You step into a forest, suddenly find yourself at a lake or sit on a bench by the water in the city. The cities have neighbourhoods with bridges and quaysides where people love to sit as soon as the weather allows. Outside the cities, you come across villages with quiet roads winding through the forests. The distances are large, but the views keep changing along the way. 

What can you do in Sweden? 

Nature is never far away. Sometimes you follow a path through the forest, later in the day you sit by the water or drive through open landscape. In winter, many travellers head to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding. In areas like Sälen and Trysil you see wooden lodges, wide slopes and forests full of snow. In summer you pass lakes, small villages and spots where reindeer might cross the road. 

Highlights of Sweden 

These spots give a good sense of what Sweden looks like: 

• Gamla Stan: discover the old streets, narrow alleyways and houses in warm colours. 
• Gothenburg: harbour city with canals, fish markets, cosy shops and green parks. 
• Swedish lakes: rent a canoe, go for a swim or walk along the water. 
• Sälen: mountains with ski slopes in winter and hiking routes in summer. 

Regions to explore in Sweden 

The country changes with every kilometre. In the south you taste the influence of Denmark and old trade routes. In the middle you feel the calm of villages where traditions still live, and in the north you enter a world where silence is almost sacred. Every region is worth a visit.

• Skåne: gentle hills, long beaches and villages where half-timbered houses and apple orchards set the pace. 
• Dalarna: dark forests and mirror-like lakes that feel like the heart of traditional Sweden. 
• Lapland: mountains, tundra and a sky that can light up in green and purple in winter. 
• Coastal regions: authentic fishing harbours, wooden jetties and rocky coastlines where the sea always sounds close. 
• Lake region: waterways, quiet forests and trails that invite you to keep wandering further. 

Culture and highlights in Sweden 

Cities, villages and daily life 

Terraces fill with people enjoying fika, children jump into the water without hesitation and parks turn into meeting places. In villages you find small shops where everyone knows each other. Cities have quaysides and squares where music plays and there is plenty to see. 

• Villages: shop the local handicrafts in shops and town squares, such as in Tällberg, where every little street feels like it’s straight out of a postcard.
• Cities: atmospheric terraces and bustling waterfront promenades. Think of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, where you could easily spend hours just strolling around.
• Inland: drive along winding roads past forests and lakes. Along the way, stop at places like Njupeskär, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.

Nature in Sweden

Sometimes you see nothing but trees and water, then an open field or a small village. That variety makes every route different. 

• Forests: among the tall pine trees you sometimes hear nothing but the rustling of a moose somewhere ahead. 
• Mountains: on the summits it feels as if Sweden stretches out endlessly before you, in summer and winter alike. 
• Lakes: on warm days canoes are ready and the air smells of freshly baked kanelbullar. 
• Roads: take a long, quiet roadtrip and drive past small villages and unexpected fika stops. 

Eating and drinking in Sweden 

You see people coming together for coffee and something sweet, but also for fish, potatoes or game dishes. The food is often simple and local. 

• Fika: the well-known Swedish tradition of a pleasant break to drink coffee, eat something sweet (often cinnamon rolls), and catch up.
• Fish: salmon, herring and other fish dishes. 
• Köttbullar: Meatballs served with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam.

Places to slow down

Small moments along the way that make you stop and take in what is around you. 

• Wooden jetties: on a warm summer day, these are great spots to sit for a while and dangle your feet over the water.
• Lookout rocks: Sweden has several parks offering stunning views—from the high red cliffs of Kuleskogen National Park to the unique limestone formations sculpted by the sea at Fårö.
• Island bridges: Narrow bridges between small islands where you stop your car to watch the boats go by. 
• Wild camping: is permitted in Sweden, so bring your tent and go for a long hike through nature, sleeping under the stars and waking up to a morning dip in a lake.

Travel information for your flight to Sweden 

Sweden has distinct seasons. In summer it can get warm, especially in the south, with long days and plenty of light. In winter it is cold, particularly in the north, with snow and short days. 

What to pack? 

• Layers: the weather varies by region and season. 
• Walking shoes: handy for forests and nature trails. 
• Swimming gear: to enjoy the lakes and beaches in summer. 

Flight information 

From the Netherlands, the flight to the airport between Sälen and Trysil takes around 2 hours. 

Getting around 

• Train: handy for travelling between major cities and well-known regions. Trains run frequently and are comfortable. 
• Car: great if you want to reach lakes, forests or small villages. You can easily stop wherever you like along the way. 
• Bus: suitable for short distances or routes without a train connection. In many regions, buses run until late. 

Book your cheap flight to Sweden 

You walk through forests that smell of pine or sit with a cinnamon roll by a lake. The country also offers neighbourhoods full of cafés, markets and music. Every day brings something unexpected, even if you only travel a few kilometres further.