For many Swedes, southern Sweden is synonymous with “vacation.” Comprising idyllic islands like Gotland and Öland, the windswept beaches of the Skåne province, and the kayak-friendly waters of the Bohuslän province’s vast archipelagos, the region looks like a postcard come to life. The best things to do in southern Sweden aren’t limited to waterfront relaxation. Home to the country’s 2nd- and 3rd-largest cities, Gothenburg and Malmö, the region is lively and dynamic. And with lush forests, national parks, and iconic red cottages, Southern Sweden’s inland landscapes are also worth it.
Summer is the high season in Southern Sweden when the crowds swell on Skåne’s beaches and across the region’s islands. It’s not hard to see why the near-midnight sun and languid pace are so appealing—especially if you combine your visit with a festive Midsommar celebration or August crayfish party. But it’s worth visiting at other times of year, too. Drop by Malmö in spring to attend Southern Sweden Design Days, or visit in winter for the Göteborg Film Festival.
Southern Sweden has several international airports, including Malmö and Gothenburg. Many visitors heading to the southernmost tip of Sweden also fly into Copenhagen International Airport, a quick trip away over the Öresund Bridge. Mainline trains offer good connections between the region’s main hubs, ferries serve the islands, and Southern Sweden’s cities generally have robust public transit networks. But if you’re looking to get out in nature, it may be helpful to travel by car.
Swedes take their time in nature seriously, and the country’s Right to Roam (allemansrätten) laws open up vast stretches of landscape to wanderers. They also enable one of the country’s most popular pastimes: foraging. Whether you go hunting for summery bilberries and lingonberries or seek out prized porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, the practice is culturally enshrined—and southern Sweden’s forests and parks are an ideal place to experience it.
