Sweden’s vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history offer endless opportunities for exploration. From Stockholm’s archipelago to the forests of the inland north, this itinerary provides the perfect blend of must-see destinations and hidden gems. Here’s how to spend two weeks discovering the best of Sweden.
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm
Touch down in Stockholm and get settled. If you’ve got some extra energy, take a gentle stroll through Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. The cobblestone streets are full of historic charm, cafes, and small shops. Grab a hearty Swedish meal at a local restaurant to fuel up for the days ahead.
Day 2: Explore Stockholm’s Museums and History
Spend today immersing yourself in the cultural heart of Sweden. Start at the Vasa Museum, where you can see a 17th-century warship recovered from the sea. Then head to the Moderna Museet for contemporary Swedish art or the Skansen open-air museum to take a walk through Swedish history.
For lunch, visit the Östermalms Saluhall, an indoor market full of fresh seafood, Swedish cheeses, and pastries. In the afternoon, relax at the parks around Djurgården or take a boat ride out into the Stockholm Archipelago for fresh air and city views.
Day 3: Day Trip to Drottningholm Palace
Take a half-day trip to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. The palace is just 40 minutes from Stockholm, and you can stroll through the gardens and explore the ornate interior. Marriage ceremonies or other royal events are sometimes held here, so it’s a great glimpse into Swedish regal life.
Day 4: Southern Stockholm and Södermalm
Today, explore one of Stockholm’s coolest districts: Södermalm. Once a working-class area, it’s now filled with cafes, bars, vintage stores, and art galleries. Spend your morning walking around, then visit the Fotografiska Museum, whose exhibitions rival some of the best photography museums in the world.
End your day with a sunset along Monteliusvägen, which offers panoramic views of Stockholm’s cityscape and waterfront.
Day 5: Travel to Gothenburg
Hop on a train or take a 4-hour drive to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. It’s located on the west coast and is known for its relaxed vibe. Once in Gothenburg, stretch your legs with a walk around Haga, a charming neighborhood full of cafes and wooden houses. Don’t forget to try the famous cinnamon rolls here!
Day 6: Gothenburg City Exploration
Start your day by wandering down the canals of the city. Gothenburg’s Dutch-inspired architecture is unique compared to Stockholm. Visit the Feskekôrka, a seafood market where you can try some of the finest fresh fish Sweden has to offer.
In the afternoon, head to Liseberg, one of Europe’s best amusement parks. Even if you aren’t into roller coasters, the gardens, music performances, and food festivals here are worth it.
Day 7: Day Trip to the Archipelago
Take a boat from Gothenburg out to the Bohuslän Archipelago. The islands here are less touristy and perfect for a peaceful escape from the city. Spend the day walking or renting a bike to explore islands like Styrsö or Vrångö. Pack a picnic or find a cozy waterside restaurant for a real Swedish fika.
Day 8: Head to Malmö
Travel from Gothenburg to Malmö, located in the southern tip of Sweden. Malmö is close to Denmark and has a unique mix of cultures. After you arrive, check out the Turning Torso, which is the tallest building in Scandinavia.
Spend the evening relaxing by the waterfront or take a walk in Folkets Park, one of the oldest public parks in Sweden.
Day 9: Malmö City and Lund
Spend the first half of the day exploring Malmö’s old town and Lilla Torg. The city square here is great for people-watching and grabbing some lunch at an outdoor cafe. From Malmö, it’s just a 10-minute train ride to Lund, famous for its university and cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
Wander the medieval streets and visit the Lund Cathedral’s crypt, which is the oldest part of the structure. If you have time, check out the Lund University Library with its ivy-covered walls.
Day 10: Österlen Countryside
Rent a car and take a day trip to Österlen, located about an hour from Malmö. This area is known for its rolling fields, orchards, and small fishing villages. Stop at pretty villages like Kivik or Simrishamn for some fresh seafood or locally made cider.
Österlen is one of the best spots in Sweden for nature lovers. Spend time hiking coastal trails or walking the beach at Sandhammaren.
Day 11: Climbing Kullaberg Nature Reserve
Today, head north to the coastal Kullaberg Nature Reserve. This rugged area has steep cliffs perfect for rock climbing or casual hiking. The views are spectacular, especially if you visit during sunset. It’s also a good spot to go lighthouse hunting or even whale watching if you’re lucky.
In nearby Mölle, you can grab lunch and then spend some time exploring small local harbors or even renting kayaks to paddle along the coast.
Day 12: Travel to Uppsala
Travel back north to Uppsala, a university town that’s perfect for a bit of laid-back exploration. Uppsala is just an hour by train from Stockholm, but it has a completely different vibe. The historic Uppsala Cathedral and the Swedish king Gustav Vasa’s burial place are must-sees.
Walk around Uppsala University’s old grounds or stroll along the Fyris River before enjoying a calm dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 13: Sigtuna, Sweden’s Oldest Town
Make a day trip to Sigtuna, a small lakeside town that claims to be the oldest in Sweden. It’s just 45 minutes from Uppsala and has a wonderfully preserved medieval center. Explore the ancient rune stones, narrow streets, and visit the Sigtuna Museum to learn about the Viking history of the area.
Slow things down here and take in the peaceful lake views before heading back to Uppsala for a relaxing evening.
Day 14: Departure from Stockholm
Take the morning to do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Stockholm, depending on your flight time. You can wander through any part of the city you missed in the first week or revisit a favorite coffee shop for one final fika.
Make your way to the airport for your departure, hopefully inspired to return to Sweden again!
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