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Sweden

9 Things to Do in Sweden in Summer

Booking a vacation to Sweden can be the trip of a lifetime -especially in summer. While in country, there are many options for places to visit, things to see, and activities to do. Although each visitor may be into something different, Sweden truly has an activity to please everyone — especially in the summer months.

Visit Stockholm – Not only is this the capital city, Stockholm is full of more than government buildings. Museums, historical architecture, and friendly, open-minded residents make this city a must-see on any visit. Each section of the city has its own distinct vibe, and the buildings tell the story of the city throughout the years.

Sampling Local Cuisine – Although different by region, Swedish cuisine is world known. Breads, “exotic” meats like reindeer, dairy products, and many unique vegetable and fruit dishes like blåbärssoppa, or blueberry soup are common depending on the area. Of course, meatballs are a specialty in this country, as is fish, especially fermented herring.

Liseburg Amusement Park – One of the largest amusement parks in Europe, this attraction offers beautiful landscaping, holiday celebrations, and over 35 rides. Opened in 1923, this park has rides for every age group, as well as food choices to match. Also present in the park are games with various prize awards and a movie theater.

Beaches – In summer months, Swedish beach locations are not only a good relaxation spot, but nice to look at as well. The Gotland beach is easily accessible, and a perfect example of Swedish beach beauty.

Kingdom of Crystal – 15 different glassworks are present in this southern area, and it is a  great place to pick up a souvenir for someone at home, or even to keep. Museums, adjacent to the glassworks, offer visitors the chance to examine other glassblowing projects.

Viking Burial Mounds – These mounds in the Swedish countryside can be scoured for remnants of the country’s Viking leaders of long ago, and there is a museum called The Museum of National Antiquities filled with already found and preserved relics from these long-gone people.

Exploring by Boat – A long coastline and large number of lakes and rivers make Sweden an ideal place to explore by boat. From sightseeing tours and canals, visitors can get a glimpse of Swedish life. Boats and other water-faring vehicles can easily be rented, with a skipper for those unable to drive themselves.

Falu Kopparbergsgruva – This copper mine is what remains of one of Sweden’s earliest national treasures. From 1288 to 1992, the precious metal was mined from the grounds, and this location can boast that at one time, it was the world’s most important copper mine. From a giant pit (the result of a 17th century cave in) to various mining structures, and look out points, a trip to the copper mine in Falun is an ideal way to pass a day.

Explore the Parks and Canals – Visitors to Sweden can take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the country by walking or biking through the parks and traveling along the canals on foot or by boat. With extensive systems in each portion of the country, it is easy to see why this activity is such a practiced tradition.

Photo by Claudio.Ar

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Sweden Things to Do

Nude Beaches in Sweden

Swedes are open-minded and nude sunbathing has nothing to do with sex. The locals make it clear that the purpose of nude sunbathing is non-erotic and non-sexual. If you plan to visit a nude beach while you are in Sweden , your best bet is to ask at the hotel or hostel.

If you plan to do some research in advance, here is a list of the most popular nude beaches in the country:

Agesta Nude Beach, Stockholm

This is an official nude beach, with public facilities , picnic tables and a sandy area where you can soak up the sun. It’s a popular beach among locals and tourists alike. It can easily be reaches by bus or car.

This is considered one of the best options for nudists, if you are in the Stockholm area.

Tullan Nude Beach, Stockholm area

The beach is located about 30 min by bus from Stockholm. At the northern end of lake Tullan you’ll find the nude part of the beach. There are no public facilities and the beach is rather rocky (so bring something to sit on while you sunbath here). The sandy beach does not allow nudism (so, don’t forget to put your clothes on if you want to explore that part, too).

Svärdsön Nude Beach, Stockholm area

It’s a clothing optional beach but not an official nudist beach. It’s located about 15 km from Stockholm and can be reached by bus or car. This is one of the best nudist beaches in the Stockholm area , with lots of facilities.

Säbyträsk Nude Beach, Stockholm area

It’s located about 30 min by bus or car from the capital and is an official nude beach. It doesn’t offer any public facilities and it’s certainly an off the beaten path choice.

Truvebadet Nude Beach, Lidköping, Gothenburg area

You can easily find this nude beach, located just 5 km from Lake Vänern. There are two beaches here but only one is an official nude beach (so pay attention to signs). It’s a sandy beach, with lots of green area for sunbathing , a campground (clothing required) and public facilities.

Mollön peninsula, Uddevalla, Gothenburg area

There are two beaches here as well, one being clothes optional, but an unofficial nude beach. The scenery is amazing but there aren’t any public facilities. The peninsula is located close to Goteborg. It’s a good option if you are looking for some place not crowded.

Smitska Udden Nude Beach, Gothenburg

This is an official nude beach with also has a clothing required section. It’s a popular choice but the beach is rocky and quite steep (there are leaders leading to the water). The clothing required section has public facilities but the nude one doesn’t.

Tallparksbadet Nude Beach, Öregrund , Stockholm area

The beach is located 2 h north of Stockholm and is an official nude beach. It’s a popular place to practice nudism but the beach is rocky. There are public facilities and a camping near-by but clothing is required.

Herrfallet Nude Beach, Arboga, Stockholm area

Located in southern Sweden, this is a lovely sandy beach for nudists. There are public facilities available.

Photo via Flickr

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Sweden Things to Do

Top 7 beaches in Sweden

While Swedes are known to escape to winter sun destinations, during summer they often decide to stay put and enjoy the sun in their own back yard. Prices can be cheaper than in the Mediterranean and best of all, you won’t see exclusive five star resorts here.

Sweden offers a lot of sandy beaches and there are many activities available for everyone. Do remember though that pets aren’t allowed on all beaches in Sweden.

1. Böda Beach , Öland

The beach stretches for 20 km and has plenty of facilities. It’s one of the beaches which welcome pets. Watersports, cycling and golfing are available for those into more active days at the beach. Others might just love the saunas.

2. Långholmsbadet Beach, Stockholm

If you don’t plan to leave the capital, then the popular Långholmsbadet Beach is a good option for a day of soaking up the sun. There are facilities for swimmers, there are places to eat and recreational areas, but the beach tends to get crowded in the summer.

3. Smedsuddsbadet Beach, Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, Smedsuddsbadet Beach offers recreational areas , places to eat and facilities for those who want to swim. Just like the other beach in the capital, it gets crowded during summer.

4. Ribersborg Beach, Malmö

This is a real city beach with shallow water, ideal for families with children. You can eat in restaurants or make your own BBQ (in specialized areas). The beach has a nude section and welcomes pets.

5. The Sudersand Beaches, Gotland

It is the most popular and most beautiful beach in Gotland. There are plenty of recreational activities to try, including a mini golf course, there are restaurants and a kiosk.

6. Varamon Beach , Östergötland

It is the “Pearl of Vättern” and is blessed with 80 more hours of sun per year than the rest of Sweden. You can play various sports – windsurfing, volleyball -, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. It’s a good option for families with children.

7. Skutberget Beach, Karlstad

It is located on the northern shore of Lake Vänern and includes a campground. There is a playground for children and the activities you can try here range from hiking to mountain biking and playing football. There are restaurants and cafes available, too.

Photo credits: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ,7- A beach on Lake Vänern

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Sweden Things to Do

10 Days in Scandinavia: Itinerary Ideas

Scandinavia – comprising Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and often extended to Finland, Faroe Islands and Iceland – is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and certainly a major attraction in Europe. But Scandinavia is also home to the world’s most expensive city (Oslo) and traveling here is not a cheap affair.

Try to take advantage of free walking tours in cities and free museum entrances by doing some research in advance. Also, book your train ticket in advance, as you’ll be able to find better fares than if you booked them upon arrival in the area. It’s also a good idea to use bikes to explore Copenhagen and Oslo.

This itinerary visits Copenhagen –with a day trip to Odense -, Oslo – with a day trip on the mountain train line ‘Flambanen’-, Narvik, Kiruna and Stockholm.

Itinerary assumptions:

  • Fly into Copenhagen and fly out of Stockholm
  • Taking the trains and buses to travel between cities and countries is preferred over flying
  • Staying in budget hostels is preferred over hotels

Day 1 -2 Copenhagen , Denmark

A simple and efficient way to check out Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital is by bike. There are free public city-bikes which you can find in stands near major places. Just insert a 20 kr coin and use the bike in the inner part of the city (there’s a map on the bike).

Copenhagen is not a cheap city – neither is the rest of Scandinavia. So, try to cut down costs. For example, museums have one day a week when they offer free admittance. It’s usually Wednesday but it’s worth it to check in advance on the websites and plan your visit accordingly.

Start the first day with a free walking tour of Copenhagen . It starts at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Town Hall Square. The tour takes 3 hours and visits , among other places: Copenhagen Town Hall, The Marble Church, Strøget shopping mile, and the Royal Danish Theater.

Climb the unique Rundetårn (the Round tower) to get to the viewing platform. If you want to go higher, climb the steps of the Church of Our Saviour (standing about 100 m high).

Check out Rosenborg Palace, a small renaissance palace with its lively King’s Garden .The palace features the catacombs which are home to the crown jewels. And there’s also a Royal history museum on site.

Should you visit Copenhagen in June to August, head to two interesting beaches: Copencabana and Havnebadet.

Take some time and walk (or shop) on Strøget, a pedestrian mall starting at the City Hall. Or you can do some shopping in the Nørrebro Flea Market.

Day 3 Odense

Take the 9 a.m. train to Odense. It takes 1 ½ h and the fare starts at 116 kr / US$19.50 one way. (Orange ticket). The Standard fare starts at 288 kr / US$48.30 one way.

Odense is the largest city on the island of Funen and the third largest city in Denmark. Most of the attractions are easily accessible on foot. The main hostels and hotels are located close to the city center.

If you are passionate about photography, don’t miss the Museum of photographic arts. Also interesting is the Danish Railway Museum which features old trains, carriages and a large model train landscape. It’s a good choice if you travel with kids. The Hans Christian Andersen’s Garden is an ideal stop for a picnic and is located in the city center.

Egeskov Castle is one of Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating back from 1554. It’s located about 30 km from the city.

Day 4-5 Oslo , Norway

Go back to Copenhagen and take the overnight ferry to Oslo . You can book the ticket here . Single cabins start at £112 one way. It’s advisable to book in advance. The travel time is 17 h. The ferry departs Copenhagen at 4:45 pm and arrives in Oslo next morning at 9:45 a.m.

Oslo has been ranked (in 2010) as world’s most expensive city, so you’ve already got a clue what you’d be facing here. A good option is to get a bike for the day (80NOK at the tourist office) to explore the city. Don’t miss visiting the Royal Palace (if you want to book a tour , you need to do that in advance at the post office), Oslo Cathedral, the City Hall (Rådhuset), and the old bazaar (Kirkeristen). You should also consider visiting The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, an open-air museum featuring typical buildings from various periods in Norwegian history. A fun museum – for children and adults- is Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology & The Norwegian Telecommunications Museum.

Frogner Park is a good option for some time spent in nature or for a picnic.

>>read about Getting from Copenhagen to Oslo

Day 6 Day trip :the mountain train line ‘Flambanen

It’s a 20 km scenic ride on one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks. The mountain station of Myrdal is located 865 meters above sea level.

To board the train at Myrdal station, take a train from Oslo at 8:11 a.m. and you’ll get to Myrdal by 12:53 p.m. (4 h 42 min). Catch the 1:27 p.m. scenic train from Myrdal to Flam. A return ticket on the scenic railway is 360NOK/US$61.90 for adults.

Try to catch the 6:28 p.m train back from Myrdal to Oslo. Book in advance and you’ll be able to find tickets as low as 299 NOK/ US$51.40 one way.

Day 7-8 Narvik, Kiruna and the Northern Lights

Take the train from Oslo to Fauske . It takes between 16 and 17 h, depending on the transfers but fares start at 199 NOK / US$34.15 one way if you book in advance. To maximize your time spent traveling catch the night train (leaving Oslo at 11:05 p.m.). From Fauske take a bus to Narvik.

Spend the rest of the day in Narvik, checking out the museums or do some shopping. In the morning, catch the 9:35 a.m. train to Kiruna. The journey is 3h 21 min and the single non-rebookable ticket starts at 95 SEK/US$14.45.

During winter, you can visit the Icehotel (It functions as a museum from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m). Also during winter enjoy a northern lights tour or a dog sled tour. In the summer you can go hiking or kayaking.

Day 9-10 Stockholm , Sweden

You can travel to Stockholm by train (5 changes, 19 h, from 1014 SEK / US$154). Catch the night train to maximize your time spent traveling or the day train if you want to see the scenery along the way.

In Stockholm, start with a free walking tour https://www.freetourstockholm.com/ (of the city or of the old city). Explore the Gamla Stan (Old Town), take a guided tour of the City Hall (Stadshuset), the most well-known landmark in Stockholm and visit the Cathedral. You should also consider visiting the Vasa Museum , which is a salvaged ship , restored to its former beauty.

Read more about :
>>3 days in Stockholm
>>cheap hostels in Stockholm
>>things to do in Stockholm

Photo credits: Copenhagen , Odense , Oslo , Train , Northern lights , Stockholm

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Sweden Things to Do

3 Days in Stockholm: Itinerary Ideas

Known as the “Venice of the North”, today Stockholm offers glamour, beauty and rich history. Made up of 14 islands, Stockholm certainly deserves its nickname. Plus, the food is amazing and with a bit of research and planning you can even explore Stockholm on a Budget .

>>read more about the Things to do in Stockholm

Itinerary assumptions

  • You will be flying in and out of Stockholm or use the train to get here
  • You will be using the public transportation to get around the city
  • You will be staying in a budget hotel or cheap hostel with good connections but away from the Old Town

Day 1 Walking Tour and Old Town

Get to know the city with a free walking tour . You can choose among a quick glance at the main city area or a tour of the Old Town (or both as the first leaves at 10 a.m. and the other at 7 p.m.). The tours take 1 ½ h and they are free (tips are welcomed, though). Plus you don’t need a reservation. The tour leaves from Sergels Torg in central Stockholm.

Alternatively, download a self-guided tour in mp3 format and use it on any device which supports it. It visits 56 sights (about 2 hours of listening , in total). Just pay attention that you are required to pay a fee to download the file.

While Gamla Stan (Old Town) is not recommend to stay or shop (because of the prices), it offers excellent opportunities for photography. The Royal Palace, the Cathedral and several churches are worth your time. And you can also check out Nobel Museum.

And you shouldn’t miss a guided tour of the City Hall (Stadshuset), the most well-known landmark in Stockholm. End the day with a traditional Swedish meal. And , please, don’t leave the city without tasting the famous Lingonberry Jam.

Day 2 Stockholm Archipelago

Between April and September you can catch one of the ferries from downtown Stockholm to the islands in the archipelago. Most of the islands can be reached by bus, though (year round) and it’s cheaper than taking a ferry. You can plan to spend time soaking up the sun or hiking. The islands get more sunshine than the mainland, so you can enjoy a day with fewer clothes on. You can easily spend an entire day checking out some of the islands. In between checking out interesting place, get your coffee fix at one of the cafes.

Day 3 Theme park and Picnic / Museums and Picnic

If you travel with the kids, then plan to spend some time at Junibacken, a theme park dedicated Pipi Longstocking (a character created by Astrid Lindgren). The park is just as popular among the adults loving to revisit their childhood. You can ride a train through interesting landscapes.

In the afternoon, you can explore Djurgården. The royal grounds are an excellent choice for a picnic or just to spend some time in nature , walking, baking and soaking up the views.

Alternatively, you can visit Vasa Museum – a salvaged ship , which was restored to its former beauty – and the Nordic Museum – which is dedicated to the cultural history and ethnography of Sweden.

Photo credits: Gamla Stan , Stockholm archipelago , Picnic

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Sweden Things to Do

What to Eat in Sweden: Famous Swedish Foods

Due to Sweden’s location and north-south expanse, the cuisine has regional differences. In the north, game meats such as reindeer are eaten, while the south uses fresh vegetables. The foreign influences can also be seen pretty clearly in the country: French cuisine, sushi culture, and even pizza and kebab are common and loved here.

Swedish food is quite plain as they don’t cook with many spices. Kale, cabbage and potatoes are the most popular and most used vegetables. Pork , beef and seafood are very popular, too.

Smörgåsbord

This is the most renowned Swedish culinary tradition. It’s a meal served buffet-style which comprises various foods. Among the dishes served, you can find pickled herring and lox (gravlax), herring salad, homemade sausages, sliced cheese, Swedish meatballs (köttbullar), small fried hot dog sausages (prinskorv) and matchstick potatoes layered with cream.

A special Swedish type of smörgåsbord is the julbord, the standard Christmas dinner in Sweden and consists of three courses (the warm dishes are the 3rd course).

Blodkorv (blood sausage)

It’s one of the popular traditional Swedish foods and is made with pig blood, pork meat, raisins and spices.

Räkor (Swedish shrimp)

If you love sea food you’ll be hooked on these special shrimps. The variety is pandalus borealis and they are cooked directly on the boat.

Kroppkaka

It’s a potato dumpling and one of the traditional Swedish foods. The dumplings are filled with minced pork meat and onions. They are served with butter, cream and lingonberry jam.

Kanebullar (cinnamon buns)

You can find them pretty much anywhere in Sweden but for the best cinnamon buns head to a bakery and wait for a freshly baked batch.

Varmrökt lax (smoked salmon)

This is slow-smoked salmon. Eat it cold with boiled potatoes and sour cream sauce or warm in a pasta dish with spinach.

Raggmunk

These are grated, fried potatoes cakes, served with fried bacon and lingonberries.

Lingonberry Jam

It’s definitely a staple in the local cuisine and usually accompanies the potatoes cake and the black pudding (a sausage made with pig blood, among other ingredients).

Ostkaka

It’s the Swedish cheese cake made with milk, eggs, cream, almond and served with cloudberry or Lingonberry jam.

Surströmming (Fermented herring)

Welcome to the land of bizarre foods in Sweden. The herring is yes, literally, fermented and you’ll be able to smell that. And your neighbors , too, if you dare open it in the hotel or hostel.

Photo credits: Ostkaka , Lingonberry Jam , Raggmunk , smoked salmon , Räkor , Blodkorv , Smörgåsbord , Kroppkaka , cinnamon buns , Fermented herring

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in May

May starts to see warm weather and the locals welcome it with a summer-like picnic on Labor Day (May 1). The wildflowers are in bloom and it’s wonderful to visit the countryside. Also, many summer activities start to open but you can still take advantage o the off-season fares.

Weather

The month of May is much prettier than the Swedish summer because all the wildflowers burst into bloom now. The weather is getting warmer , but you must pack a light jacket for the day and a warmer one for the evenings. Layering is probably the best approach for spring weather. Don’t forget the comfortable shoes.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 15C/60F; avg low 6C/44F
Malmo avg high 15C/60F; avg low 6C/44F
Stockholm avg high 15C/60C; avg low 5C/41F
Uppsala avg temp 9C/48F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

May falls during the off season, so finding an affordable flight to Sweden is possible. However, please remember to book both the flight and accommodation in advance, although prices aren’t as high as during the summer.

Things to do

The month kicks off with Labor Day (May 1) , a public holiday celebrated with festivals and parades. It’s a day when the locals plan a summer-like picnic.

The best thing about May is that most of the summer activities are open – except for the scenic train rides – and the nature is absolutely amazing as the wildflowers are in bloom. It’s too cold though to consider camping or spending time on the beach – unless you plan to have a picnic – but otherwise you can enjoy other activities, such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing or horse riding.

Spend some time in the capital and try some of the things to do here, such as: exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in the parks. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago.

In late May, catch the Stockholm Archipelago Fair, an outdoor event with Swedish food and music. You can also buy traditional handicrafts.

By the last week of May, in Bjoürkliden, it’s possible to see one of the most impressive natural phenomenons in Sweden: the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights –hence is also known also as Polar Days – and it can only be seen from late May until mid July. Unfortunately, by May, it’s not possible to see the Aurora Borealis anymore.

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in August

Warm days, music festivals, outdoor activities – that’s Sweden in August. You can visit the cities, too but don’t be surprised to find some cultural venues closed unless there’s a special event taking place. However, traveling to Sweden in August also means the flights are expensive, so plan accordingly.

Weather

August offers pleasant weather , with warm, sunny days. But remember to pack a sweater for the evenings and nights out. The weather is great for exploring the outdoors and taking scenic rides. Short sleeves are perfect during the day and don’t forget the comfortable shoes.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 18C/66F; avg low 12C/55F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 20C/68C; avg low 11C/53F
Uppsala avg temp 15C/59F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

August is another popular month to visit Sweden, thanks to being able to explore the outdoors and attend festivals. However, flights to Sweden are expensive and booking in advance doesn’t solve the problem all the time. On the plus side, many hotels offer discounts, so accommodation won’t always break the budget. Make sure to book the flight and hotel / hostel in advance.

Things to do

While locals tend to abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax, travelers can experience the less crowded cities at a leisure pace. Some of the things to do in Stockholm include spending time in the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and exploring the parks . You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or soak up the sun on the two city beaches.

Also in early August, you can watch the Stockholm Pride, the largest GLBT event in Scandinavia.

Another interesting event takes place in mid-August in Växjö: The Emigration Festival. It focuses on the country’s most popular emigration area. Visiting the House of Migrants adds more historical facts to this interesting mix of cultures. Växjö can be easily reached both from Gothenburg and Malmo.

And while you are in the area, don’t miss the The Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg, taking place each year in mid-August. It’s not a very old music festival but it’s been called one of the best of its kind in Europe.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and try activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips and horse riding. You can also enjoy water sports.

A scenic ride on the Lapland train is an excellent way to see the country. The train runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway and takes you across the Arctic Circle. While in August you cannot see the Midnight Sun anymore, visiting this part of the world is an amazing adventure any time of the year. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Another interesting scenic ride is on the Islandsbanan which runs from Kristinehamn to Gällivare. The train operates between middle of June and the end of August. You can create your own itinerary as it’s possible to hop on/off the train as it makes some stops along its round. The Inland Railway Card is a great options for those planning the trip independently. Some examples of single fares are: Kristinehamn – Mora 306 SEK / €34; Östersund – Gällivare 962 SEK / €107.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Gothenburg to Stockholm

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, a university city which offers plenty of museums , an interesting hilltop fortification , historical buildings and parks.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and a major transportation hub. It’s scenic, located on 14 islands and offers plenty of things to do and see.

Summary

If you cannot score a cheap high speed train ticket – either by booking in advance or by getting a student/youngster discount – then the buses and regional trains are the best options. Airfare is not very high either, but you also need to take into account the transfer to/from the airport.

Flights from Gothenburg (airport code: GOT) to Stockholm

Gothenburg is served by two airports, but Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the main airport and the one operating flights to/from Stockholm. It is located 25 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by bus. It is hub for the following airlines: City Airline, Scandjet and TUIfly Nordic.

Stockholm is served by four airports but only two operate flights to/from Gothenburg:

  • Arlanda Airport (ARN): it is the main international airport serving Stockholm, located 37 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by express rail, regular rail, express buses, regular buses and taxis. It is hub for many airlines including: Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines and TUIfly Nordic. Flights to/from Gothenburg are operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Bromma Airport (BMA) : it is a small airport serving Stockholm, located just 10 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by buses. It is not hub for any airline. Flights to/from Gothenburg are operated by Malmö Aviation.

In mid-July 2012, expect to pay from €31 one way on Norwegian Air Shuttle, flying between Stockholm Arlanda and Landvetter Airport. The travel time is 55 min. A return flight during the same time of the year starts at €61 on the same airline. By mid-October 2012, expect to pay from €42 one way (same route). Remember that when you fly low-cost carriers, it’s cheaper to buy the ticket 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Gothenburg to Stockholm

SJ operates high speed trains, intercity trains and regional trains between the two cities. The high speed trains depart Stockholm daily at 8:10 a.m., 9:21 a.m. , 10:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m. , 2:10 p.m., 4:10 p.m and 6:10 p.m. The single fare starts at 316 SEK / €35.22 but depend on the time of departure and how far in advance you purchase the ticket. The travel time on the high speed train is 3h 15 min.

The single fare on the regional train is 335 SEK / €37.34 regardless when you travel (time of the day). The travel time on the regional train is 4 h 50 min.

On the way back, the single fare on the high speed train can cost as little as 145 SEK / €16.16 (because you are booking in advance) and do depend on the time of the day when you travel. The first high speed train departs Gothenburg at 5:07 a.m. daily.

Note: Remember to run the search between Göteborg and Stockholm (although when you type the name in English, the site automatically writes it in Swedish)

>>read more about Train Travel in Sweden

Buses from Gothenburg to Stockholm

The following bus companies operate between the two cities:

  • Swebus Express : operates 7 direct buses per day, with departures from Gothenburg between 7:50 a.m. and 11:15 pm . The travel time is between 7 h and 7 ½ h. The single adult fare starts at 359 SEK / €40 and depends on the day and time of travel. On the way back, catch the buses from Stockholm between 8:05 a.m. and 10:45 p.m.
  • GoByBus and Bus4You : together they operate 3 buses from Gothenburg (Göteborg Nils Ericson Terminal) to Stockholm and 9 buses on the way back. Buses depart Gothenburg at 7:40 a.m. , 10 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. The adult fare starts at 419 SEK / €46.70 and depends on the time of the day when you travel. The travel time is between 6h 15 min and 6 ½ h. On the way back, the cheapest fare is 379 SEK / €42.25 and you can catch buses between 7:50 a.m. and 5:30 p.m daily from Stockholm (Cityterminalen).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Sweden

Driving from Gothenburg to Stockholm

You can certainly rent a car and drive the 471 km (shortest route) between Gothenburg and Stockholm. The travel time is about 5 h 10 min on Route 40 and E4. There’s a slightly longer route on E20, which takes about 5h 45 min.

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in July

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sweden, thanks to the warm temperatures. Early summer – including July – is famous for the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, the reason for which both locals and travelers visit Northern Sweden. You can also plan to do some sightseeing in the cities, explore nature or try your luck at various sports.

Weather

Sweden’s climate is hard to classify because it is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country has a lot of sunny days but it never gets hot in the summer. July is the warmest month , making summer – June to August – the best time to visit the country.

The cafes, most attractions and museums are open. However, the major cultural venues are closed during summer, unless there’s a festival or special event. Most locals and tourists flock to the north of Sweden to see the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights – known also as Polar Days – and they only occur in early summer (May to July). Even in the South, daylight can last until 11 p.m. and the sun rises around 3 a.m. Although the daylight lasts almost through the night, it’s not as warm as during midday, so bring a sweater.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 19C/67F; avg low 12/55F
Kiruna – excellent to see the Polar Days: avg high 17C/63F; avg low 7C/46F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 21C/70C; avg low 12C/54F
Uppsala avg temp 16C/60F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

Summer – and July makes no exception – is the most expensive time to fly to Sweden. It’s high season and finding an affordable flight is impossible. To compensate, hotels have some discounts now. Do make sure to book the flights and accommodation in advance.

Things to do

Summer is the time when locals abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax and reconnect with nature (at least for a week). If you don’t like crowds , now it’s the time to visit the cities. However, certain cultural venues might be closed unless there’s a festival or special event taking place.

The things to do in Stockholm include exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in nature. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or enjoy the two city beaches.

But the reason travelers come to Sweden in early summer is the Midnight Sun. Also known as Polar Days, the natural phenomenon is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights. The further north you go, the shorter the nights are and in some places the sun never sets (for up to 6 weeks). Even in the south part of Sweden, the suns sets around 11 p.m. only to rise again at 3 a.m. In early July, head to Bjoürkliden, Abisko, Kiruna or Gällivare to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. All these places can be easily reached by public transportation.

You can take a scenic ride on the Lapland train , which runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway. It takes you across the Arctic Circle so you can experience the Midnight Sun. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and participate in activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips , horse riding or trying water sports. Camping in one of the national parks is a lovely way to experience nature.

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