Sweden attractions

The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms Slott) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century palaces. The opulent structure, inspired by French styles with lush rococo interiors, has been renovated over the years by successive royal residents. The surrounding park features naturalistically styled landscapes, elaborate baroque gardens, a Chinese Pavilion, and more.

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.

Located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Tivoli Gröna Lund is Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Most of its structures are old commercial and residential buildings dating from the 19th century, giving it a uniquely historic look and feel. From roller coasters to rock concerts, Gröna Lund entertains visitors of all ages.

The island of Djurgården is one of the Stockholm archipelago’s most visited islands, dominated by scenic parklands and former royal hunting grounds stretching along the picturesque Djurgården Canal. A haven for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, Djurgården is also home to some of Stockholm’s top museums and cultural attractions.

Stockholm’s ABBA The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Featuring plenty of the group’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience being “the fifth member of ABBA.” Try on costumes, sing in the recording studio, and even go on stage with the band (in hologram form, naturally).

The Nordic Museum is one of Stockholm’s leading museums for exploring Swedish cultural heritage and everyday life. Located in an impressive Renaissance–style building on Djurgården, the museum’s collection features everything from fashion to folk art, furniture, jewelry, and textiles. Spanning around 500 years, the exhibits offer insights into Swedish life, traditions, celebrations, and how society has changed over time.

The Stockholm Concert Hall, a neoclassical building with a pale blue exterior reminiscent of a Greek temple, houses the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and famously hosts the annual Nobel Prize award ceremonies. Visit to catch the top classical concerts and plays in Stockholm throughout the year, or admire the architectural features inside and out on a guided tour.

Laid out in the 17th century, Haga is Gothenburg’s oldest district and it remains one of the city’s most atmospheric quarters. With its cobbled lanes, old wooden buildings, and abundance of small shops and cafés, it’s a scenic spot for a stroll or a mid-sightseeing coffee break.

From gravity-defying rollercoasters to classic carnival rides; Liseberg Amusement Park has been entertaining families in Gothenburg since 1923. Attracting over 3 million annual visitors; it consistently ranks among Europe’s favorite amusement parks, as well as being a popular music concert venue.

One of Stockholm’s oldest buildings, set in its historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is an instantly recognizable part of the city’s skyline. Built in the 13th century and best known as the final resting place for Sweden’s royals, it’s distinguished by a red-brick facade that’s now accompanied by a cast-iron spire.

The Stockholm Archipelago (Stockholms Skärgård) is a trove of natural wonders, with miles of glittering ocean dotted with thousands of islands, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. Extending roughly 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Stockholm, the vast archipelago offers ample opportunities for scenic cruises, day tours, and multi-day island-hopping tours.

Originally built in 1434, Malmö Castle (Malmöhus) was once an important strategic stronghold for Denmark. Having been rebuilt in the 16th century, Malmöhus is Scandinavia’s oldest surviving Renaissance castle and now encompasses the Malmö Museum, a complex dedicated to the natural history of Sweden.

With its landmark buildings, lively boat marina, and views along the Gota River; Lilla Bommen (Gothenburg Harbor is one of Gothenburg’s most scenic spots. At the mouth of the Baltic Sea, the small port welcomes pleasure boats and yachts, and is the starting point for sightseeing cruises.

Set along the Stora Hamnkanalen canal and home to some of Gothenburg’s most impressive buildings, Gustaf Adolf’s square (Gustav Adolfs torg) is one of the most visited in the city. Built in 1629 and known simply as Stortorget (Big Square) for two centuries, the square takes its name from the 17th-century King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus, whose statue stands at its heart.

The Nationalmuseum, Sweden’s most significant art museum, is located in central Stockholm and is home to an impressive collection of artworks from the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century, including the world’s most extensive collection of portrait miniatures. The museum also has an art library open to the public and academics alike.

As one of the oldest buildings in Malmö, the 14th-century St. Peter’s Church is a must-see sight for history buffs. Noted for its flying buttresses, the church also contains late medieval frescoes and a 17th-century altarpiece —one of the largest in the Nordic countries. The church’s interior walls were whitewashed during the Reformation but some elaborate fixtures remain.

Set on Lake Mälaren in Sweden’s scenic Lakeland region, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town and was originally populated by Vikings. While strong remnants of the town’s Viking origins remain, Sigtuna is now full of brightly painted wooden townhouses, narrow streets, restaurants, and hotels.

"The Islet of Ships," as Skeppsholmen is called in Swedish, is really an emporium of museums. The smallest of Stockholm's islands, Skeppsholme lures savvy travelers away from the more famous Djurgården with a clutch of first-rate museums—the Moderna Museet and Östasiatiska Museet are among them. There's also a historic shipyard where traditional boats are still made.

Since Oscar II established it in 1872, King's Park (Kungsparken) has been a favorite among Malmö locals. Covering more than 21 acres (8 hectares) in the center of the city, the park boasts 130 tree species—including a 95-foot (29-meter) Turkish oak and a 100-year-old chestnut tree—several ponds, and an artificial grotto.

Perched on the banks of the Gota River, Gothenburg Opera House is Gothenburg’s most prestigious arts venue, hosting more than 300 performances a year. The grand building is also among Gothenburg’s most notable landmarks, with its maritime-inspired façade and ship-like silhouette dominating the Lilla Bommen waterfront.

One of Sweden’s foremost cultural attractions, Millesgarden is the former home of artists Carl and Olga Milles; today, it functions as a sculpture garden and art museum. Constructed beginning in 1908, the property features exhibition spaces, innovative architecture, and vast grounds, where sculptures mingle with the Swedish landscape.

Sweden’s maritime history takes center stage at the Maritiman Maritime Museum, a floating museum with 13 vessels moored along the Gota River. Hop aboard to explore a 20th-century warship, go inside a submarine, and discover historic towboats, barges, and lightships.

Opened in 1787 by Sweden’s King Gustav III, the University of Uppsala Botanical Gardens are one of the city’s most popular destinations. In addition to outdoor gardens and a tropical greenhouse, the grounds house a café, special exhibition hall, and gift shop.

Founded in 1842 by King Charles XIV John, the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is one of Gothenburg’s most idyllic green spaces, located just a short walk from downtown Gothenburg. A popular meeting place and picnic spot, the park is known for its flower gardens, manicured lawns, and greenhouse filled with exotic plants.

An admirer of art rather than royal intrigue (and a painter himself), Sweden’s Prince Eugen collected a massive collection of paintings, sculptures, and art objects, now housed in his former palace: Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde. One of the country's most beautiful art museums, it is located on the southern tip of Djurgården island and surrounded by public gardens and Stockholm harbor.

Stockholm’s island of Kungsholmen is primarily residential and offers a laid-back escape from the tourist path and a chance to mix with locals. Here you’ll find lots of great restaurants, bars, and cafés, as well as opportunities for long strolls along the waterfront. Kungsholmen is home to Stockholm’s most prominent building, City Hall.

Running for more than half a mile (one kilometer through the heart of the city; Avenyn is Gothenburg’s central boulevard. Buzzing with activity at all hours of the day, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés; dotted with architectural landmarks; and home to a number of top museums and arts venues.

With more than 20 small islands dotted along the Kattegat sea coast, the southern archipelago is a fashionable retreat for Gothenburg locals, as well as a popular choice for boat cruises and day trips. The car-free islands offer a change of pace to mainland life, with traditional fishing villages, scenic footpaths, and picturesque landscapes.

Gothenburg’s biggest and most popular indoor food market is the buzzing epicenter of the city’s culinary scene. Housed in a 19th-century, barrel-roofed building designed by Swedish architect Hans Hedlund, the Saluhallen Market Hall (Stora Saluhallen) is brimming with artisan produce, lively restaurants, and old-fashioned charm.

One of Europe’s leading botanical gardens, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Goteborgs Botaniska Trädgård) opened in 1923 in celebration of Gothenburg’s 300th anniversary. Spread over 430 acres (175 hectares), the botanic gardens and arboretum host more than 12,000 species of plants, from American carnivorous plants to Himalayan flora.