Reisgids voor Zweden: essentiële tips

1. What are the top attractions in Stockholm?
Top attractions in Stockholm include Gamla Stan, the historic old town with cobblestone streets and the Royal Palace. Visit the Vasa Museum to see a preserved 17th-century ship, explore Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, and take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago. Don’t miss the ABBA Museum for music lovers.

2. What is the best time to visit Sweden?
The best time to visit Sweden is summer (June to August) for mild weather, long daylight hours, and events like Midsummer celebrations, ideal for exploring Stockholm and the countryside. Winter (December to February) is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, skiing in Åre, and enjoying Christmas markets in Gothenburg.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Sweden?
Sweden is part of the EU and Schengen Area. EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under Schengen rules. Other nationalities may need a Schengen visa—check with the Swedish embassy for specific requirements.

4. Where can I see the Northern Lights in Sweden?
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden are in Swedish Lapland, particularly Kiruna, Abisko, and the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. Abisko is renowned for its clear skies due to the “blue hole” microclimate. Visit between late September and March, with peak viewing in December to February, and book a guided tour for the best experience.

5. Is Sweden expensive to travel to?
Sweden can be pricey, with daily costs averaging $100–$200 per person for accommodation, food, and transport. A mid-range trip can cost $1,000–$1,800 for a week. Stockholm and Gothenburg are more expensive, but you can save by staying in hostels, eating at local markets, or visiting smaller towns like Visby.

6. What are traditional Swedish foods to try?
Try Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and gravlax, cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce. Savor smörgåsbord, a buffet of cold cuts, cheeses, and pickled herring, and for dessert, enjoy kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) with coffee during fika. Pair your meal with a shot of aquavit or a glass of Swedish craft beer.

7. What are the best natural attractions in Sweden?
Top natural attractions include the Stockholm Archipelago with over 30,000 islands for boating and kayaking, and the High Coast (Höga Kusten) for its dramatic cliffs and hiking trails. Visit Abisko National Park for the Northern Lights and hiking, Kosterhavet National Park for marine life, and the Göta Canal for scenic cruises.

8. What are the best things to do in Gothenburg?
In Gothenburg, explore the Liseberg amusement park, stroll along Avenyn Boulevard for shopping and dining, and visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art for Nordic masterpieces. Take a boat tour of the Gothenburg Archipelago, explore the Haga district for its cozy cafes, and visit Universeum, a science center with a rainforest exhibit.

9. What are the best festivals in Sweden?
Top festivals include Midsummer (June), a celebration of the longest day with dancing around maypoles and flower crowns, and the Stockholm Culture Festival (August) for music and art. The Kiruna Snow Festival (January) features ice sculpting, while Lucia Day (December 13) brings candlelit processions and saffron buns across the country.

10. How can I travel around Sweden?
Sweden has an efficient train network, with SJ connecting Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Kiruna. Buses like FlixBus cover smaller towns. Domestic flights are quick for long distances, such as Stockholm to Kiruna. Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas like Dalarna or the High Coast. In cities, Stockholm’s metro and Gothenburg’s trams are convenient.