Tourist Attractions in Sweden

The land of ice and snow, saunas, northern lights, and the midnight sun is also a place of arts, culture and lively cities. Winter sports bring out locals and travelers who come to enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, while in summer hiking and watersports are popular past times. Stockholm and Gothenburg are home to some of the country's best museums and galleries, and offer a glimpse of the past through the architecture and streets of the Old Towns.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is set on islands and a mainland peninsula, on an inlet of the Baltic Sea. The waterfront setting combined with the surrounding woodlands makes this a particularly picturesque city. In the charming Old Town of Stockholm, known as Gamla Stan, is the Renaissance style Royal Palace and the Cathedral dating back to 1306. Another highlight is the Riddarholm Church with its landmark steeple. The Wasa Museum, home to the "Wasa" warship, and the Skansen Open-Air Museum which preserves some historic buildings, are both interesting stops.

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden and serves as a gateway to nearby natural attractions. Some of the main highlights in the city are the museums, particularly the Museum of Art and the Rohss Museum of Applied Art & Design. For a little more action there is the Liseberg Amusement Park, with thrill rides and other activities that make it a perfect stop for families. The Southern Gothenburg Archipelago, accessible only by boat, makes for a unique day trip. Ferries service the islands, which are home to small villages and a dramatic but desolate looking landscape.

In northern Sweden, Abisko is a good central base for nature lovers. The town is situated in the mountains, on the edge of Lake Torneträsk and can be reached by road or railway. Nearby Abisko National Park is the starting point of the well-known Kungsleden (Royal Trail), a popular hiking route. There are many other popular walking areas as well, including Mt Njula and Nuolja. The high season here is from mid-May to Mid-July, when travelers come to experience the Midnight Sun.