Sweden is one of our favourite countries in the world. There’s a reason we moved here after searching for a country to live in for almost 1.5 years!
There are just so many beautiful places to visit in Sweden. And that’s true whether you’re someone who likes cities more than nature, or nature more than cities. You’ll find both beautiful places in nature to visit in Sweden, as well as beautiful cities in Sweden, like Stockholm.
Since we’re focused on outdoor Sweden here, we’ve put together a list of our favourite places to visit in Sweden.
Below, you’ll find our guide to the prettiest places in Sweden to visit including the archipelagos of both the West and Eastern coasts, discover the trails up in Swedish Lapland, or visit the coastal areas of the south in Skane and Ystad.
Below are some of the most beautiful places that make Sweden a must-visit destination for every traveller.
Table of Contents
Beautiful places in Sweden to visit
Stockholm’s Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago is one of the prettiest places in Sweden for sure but many people miss out on visiting it.
The city of Stockholm is where most visitors end up staying, but it’s so easy and worth while making it out to the archipelago.
Here you’ll find cute villages, plenty of amazing views, beautiful coves and islands to explore by kayak and a peaceful escape from the city.
You can also take an archipelago boat tour if you don’t want to kayak. It’s a great way to see the islands and learn more about them. But honestly, just using the ferries between the islands will give you the same views for less money.
The High Coast (Höga Kusten)
The High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Gulf of Bothnia is another worthwhile place to visit on Sweden’s west coast.
This area is known for its incredible glacial formations with rugged rocky islands, cliffs and views of the Baltic Sea. There’s also the Höga Kusten trail which is a great multi-day hiking route in Sweden I’d highly recommend checking out.
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and of Scandinavia as a whole. It’s a beautiful city spread across 14 islands so you’re never that far from beautiful water views. Plus, the architecture is definitely something to write home about!
Two of my favourite places to visit in Stockholm for beautiful views are Gamla Stan and Sodermalm. Gamla Stan is a UNESCO site and one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved city centres. Founded in the 1200s, it’s a maze of winding cobblestone streets and is home to the Royal Palace and the vibrant Stortorget Square.
Södermalm is known as the cool part of the city, and it’s well worth just wandering and seeing what you find. Take a Stockholm walking tour to learn more about the history.
You can also enjoy some of these lovely walks around Stockholm which will have you seeing why so many people love it here. Renting a bike to explore Stockholm is another great way to see the city.
Åreskutan
In central Sweden, you’ll find Åreskutan, the alpine heart of Scandinavia and a famous ski destination at Åre. But Åre isn’t just for winter sports; it’s a year-round destination in Sweden offering fishing, hiking, water sports, mountain biking and health spas.
If you love the Swedish outdoors, then you’ll love the area around Åre as it’s truly one of the top beautiful places in Sweden.
At 1,500 meters high, you’ll get some stunning mountain views. You can catch the night train from Stockholm to Åre which I highly recommend doing, it’s such a fun (and eco-friendly) way to travel!
Sarek National Park
Ready for a real adventure? Head to Sarek National Park in Swedish Lapland, one of Europe’s oldest national parks and one of the wildest national parks in Sweden.
It’s a wild, untouched paradise waiting for you. Picture towering mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers, and more than a hundred glaciers. And the wildlife? It’s like stepping into a nature documentary with brown bears, lynxes, and lots of moose all living here.
Sarek is a bit challenging to get to since there are no roads. And, once you’re inside the park boundary, there are no marked trails or cabins, so it’s perfect if you’re an experienced hiker looking for a true wilderness experience.
Hovs Hallar
Ever dreamt of exploring a rocky coastline with secret beaches and caves? Then you’ll love Hovs Hallar. Just a short trip from Torekov, this nature reserve is like something out of a fairy tale.
You can chill on a sun-warmed rock, explore jagged caves, or just take in the amazing views. The landscape here is wild and unique, shaped by ancient forces, and is home to some really special plants and animals in this location which is one of the best beautiful places in Sweden.
Visby Gotland
Visby on Gotland, known as the City of Roses and Ruins is the place to go to get your fix of Medieval history.
Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why – it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia. Here you’ll find a mix of historic ruins, charming red roofs, and the beautiful coastal setting that make Visby a truly special place to explore.
Gotland’s “Raukar”
The raukar on Gotland are towering limestone formations that are a symbol of the island (along with the medieval city of Visby and lots of sheep) and well worthy of being on this list of where to visit in Sweden.
During June and July, Gotland becomes a hotspot for tourists, both Swedes and foreigners so it’s a bit busier, but you’ll see why.
These stunning sea stacks, especially famous ones like the Hoburgsgubben, are a must-see on the largest island in Sweden.
You can fly to Gotland from cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, and in summer, there are even more flight options. Or, if you’re up for a road trip, catch a ferry from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn.
Lake Vanern
Did you know Sweden has over 100,000 lakes? And Lake Vänern is not just the largest in Sweden but in the whole EU! It’s so big that it feels more like an ocean. There are loads of beautiful spots along its shores where you can walk, go for a picnic and just enjoy the views.
Gothenburg’s Archipelago
Gothenburg’s archipelago was one of our first experiences of just how beautiful Sweden is. We’ve been several times to the Southern archipelago and can’t wait to explore more of the islands including those in the north.
It’s different from Stockholm’s archipelago, split into North and South, with lots of islands full of charm. The North Archipelago has no cars and is super peaceful and great for walking, cycling, and kayaking. The South Archipelago has more people and a mix of activities from swimming to exploring cute village shops, restaurants and cafes. Think sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lovely paths.
Each island is unique, and hopping between them by ferry is a fun adventure for sure!
Sigtuna
Step back in time to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town which was founded around 980 AD. Located on Lake Mälaren, north of Stockholm, it’s a historic and idyllic spot and easily one of the most beautiful places in Sweden to visit.
Despite its small size, it’s packed with cute things to do for a day trip as you explore Sweden – think craft shops, cosy cafés, and boutique stores. There are also Medieval churches, ruins, and rune stones. Don’t miss St Mary’s Church, a beautiful Gothic building, for a taste of history either!
Kungsleden and Abisko National Park
The King’s Trail, or Kungsleden, is a hiker’s dream. It stretches from Abisko in Lapland to Hemavan, passing through stunning landscapes like alpine scenery, birch forests, clear lakes, and small villages.
The trail runs through four national parks: Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, and Pieljekaise and takes you through the UNESCO Laponia area. You might even meet reindeer herders along the way since this area is where many Sami live.
The entire hike takes about a month, but you can tackle smaller sections if you’re short on time, suchas the first part which you can do in around a week.
Otherwise, just spend some time exploring Abisko National Park. There are huts and cabins you can stay in if you don’t want to camp. There are activities like biking, or you could hike Sweden’s highest mountain: Kebnekaise. Plus, who can say that experiencing the midnight sun isn’t on their bucket list?
Smogen
Smogen is a super cute seaside village on the West Coast. It’s an island with a well-preserved fishing village atmosphere.
Be sure to stroll along its famous long pier and explore unique fishing huts that now serve as charming souvenir shops, offering a glimpse into the town’s maritime heritage. The highlight of Smogen is undoubtedly Smogenbryggan, a vibrant boardwalk adorned with colourful fishermen’s huts that seem to float on water, creating a picturesque scene.
There’s more than the cute huts though. Beyond its scenic beauty, Smogen is a perfect spot to relax by the sea, enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, and immerse yourself in the tranquil coastal lifestyle.
Dalarna
In central Sweden, the region of Dalarna is one of the best places to visit in the entire country.
Dalarna offers a picturesque landscape of mountains, dense forests, and sparkling lakes, intertwined with quaint, old-fashioned villages. The area is steeped in history, as seen in the UNESCO-listed Falun Mine and the rustic, rust-red cottages of Elsborg, painted with the iconic pigment from the mine.
Lake Siljan is one of the most popular areas in Dalarna and is great for outdoor activities. The lake hosts the Musik vid Siljan festival, and you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
For art and culture aficionados, a visit to the family home of Carl and Karin Larsson offers a deep dive into Sweden’s artistic heritage.
And for wildlife lovers, Orsa Grönklitt, north of Lake Siljan, is home to Europe’s largest predator park, attracting thousands of visitors annually!
Marstrand
Marstrand is another of the scenic islands north of Gothenburg and it’s a perfect combination of historical intrigue and coastal charm. The island is famed for its 17th-century fortress, a major attraction where you can even try a Viking-themed dinner.
The island is great for seafood lovers too as there are loads of local eateries serving fresh, delicious seafood. And you can go boating, kayaking or just hang out by the coast too.
One of the best things about Marstrand is that it’s accessible by bus, boat, or car from Gothenburg so it’s easy to get to too.
Summing up Sweden’s most beautiful destinations
In short, Sweden is a place of amazing variety and stunning natural beauty. In the north, Abisko National Park shows off stunning wilderness and the magical Northern Lights.
Down on the west coast, Smogen is a cosy coastal town with pretty boardwalks and colourful fishing huts, perfect for relaxing by the sea. And in Dalarna, you get a real taste of Swedish traditions, with old mines, beautiful lakes, and red cottages.
These spots show just how special Sweden is, with its mix of wild nature, calm seaside towns, and rich history. Whether you’re up for an adventure, want to chill out, or are keen to learn about Swedish culture, there’s something in this part of northern Europe for everyone to remember.
Hannah is the owner and main writer of Outdoor Sweden. Having travelled the world and documented it on ThatAdventurer.co.uk, including 6 years living in Canada, Hannah and her husband have decided to make Sweden their home for the outdoors activities Sweden offers.