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- You don’t need a tourist visa if you are visiting less than 90 days. U.S citizens under normal circumstances don’t require a visa to travel to Sweden for tourism purposes under 90 days.
- Most Swedes speak English. In Sweden, it is estimated around 80-90% of the population can speak English. So, you don’t have to worry about not able to communicate.
- The sun doesn’t really set in summer, but nowhere to be found in winter. Due to its geographical latitude location, the sun doesn’t completely set during summer.
- Debit and credit cards are king. There is no need for you to head to the bank or currency exchanges to get Swedish crowns (SEK) before your trip. Sweden is mostly a cash-free country.
Apr 26, 2024 · The following travel information will help you plan your trip to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway – such as best time to visit, the cost, which cities to include, and more: When is the best time to travel to Scandinavia. The best time to travel to Scandinavia depends on what you plan to do.
- Planning Your Trip to Sweden
- Etiquette in Sweden
- Health and Safety in Sweden
Figure out where to lay your head
If you want to get the best deals on accommodations in Sweden, you’ll need to book ahead, especially if you’re visiting at a busy time of year. Reliable hotel chains with hotels throughout Sweden include Scandic, Nordic Choice Hotels, Radisson and Best Western; there are also many independent hotels, some of them simpler properties with shared bathrooms, that may be worth considering if you want to save a bit of money. A diverse range of hostels provide some of the most budget-friendly accomm...
Sorry we’re closed: avoiding disappointment
While many attractions, restaurants and shops in major cities generally keep fairly consistent hours throughout the year, some tourist businesses, including sightseeing cruises and certain attractions, are more seasonal, with opening hours tailored to the traditional Swedish summer holiday period from Midsummer to mid-August. On the flip side, some restaurants have been known to close for up to six weeks in summer while staff go on vacation. Many museums are open daily during the summer high...
Cash is not king
Sweden has been moving steadily away from cash for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this already strong trend. While it’s helpful to carry some cash for emergencies, you can basically expect to rely on your credit or debit card for most transactions. Some places, including public transportation, no longer accept cash at all. If you have a contactless card, you can usually just tap it to pay, but if your card doesn’t have that option, you’ll generally need to be prepared t...
Small talk, what’s that?
A saying goes that Swedes are great friends, but poor strangers. Swedes are generally helpful and welcoming to tourists, but you’ll rarely find them engaging in small talk with people they don’t know. For visitors from more gregarious cultures, it can feel strange or uncomfortable to be waiting at a bus stop with a group of people who are all ignoring each other, or having someone avoid eye contact as they pass you on the street. Don’t take it personally. If you’re in Sweden long term, seekin...
Don’t be early, don’t be late
If you’re scheduled to meet with someone or invited to a private home, the time listed is when you’re expected to arrive. What might be considered fashionably late in other cultures is considered rude in Sweden. Likewise, arriving early may be awkward for your host and should be avoided. It’s also considered good form to bring a host gift along the lines of flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. If you choose to bring wine, you’ll need to pop into the nearest Systembolaget outlet:...
Dress up to go out, down for work
In many countries, people dress up for work and more casually to go out. In Sweden, it’s often the opposite. You’ll see business people in meetings wearing jeans and a blazer, with people dressed to the nines to go out for drinks or dinner. In general, smart-casual dress without ostentation will do fine in most situations. You must be 18 or older to order alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants, but at least 20 to shop at Systembolaget.
Stay safe in the urban jungle and the wild outdoors
Sweden is a very safe country, but as in any destination you should keep a watchful eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing does occur. Make sure to store valuables in your hotel safe, if there is one, or keep them locked in your luggage while you’re out and about. If you’re staying in hostels, bring a padlock so you can store things safely in a locker. Be aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit areas after dark. The chances of something bad happening are small, but it’s alwa...
Help, I need a doctor!
If you get sick or injured while in Sweden, never fear. The country’s healthcare system is top-notch, but figuring out how to access it as a visitor can be confusing. If you have a health insurance card from another European Economic Area (EEA) country, you’re eligible to receive care on the same terms as Swedes. If you’re from anywhere else, you’ll typically need to pay the full cost, so it’s important to have a decent travel insurance policy just in case. If you need health care while in Sw...
Watch out! Two-wheeled hazards are everywhere
Sweden is a pedestrian-friendly country, but you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for two-wheeled transport. Don’t jaywalk, and never step into a dedicated bike lane without first looking in both directions; if you do, you’re risking life and limb, since cars and cyclists won’t be prepared to stop. Watch your feet as well – in recent years, electric scooters have proliferated in cities and are often left haphazardly in places where they pose an obstacle to pedestrians. You might also like: The...
Find information on where to go, what to do, and where to stay in Sweden. Explore our map with activities and interest geographically.
To help you get started, I've listed my top picks for where to go in Scandinavia, and my plan for your best three-week trip, whether by car or train and boat. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographical proximity into account, here are my recommended priorities:
Sweden really comes to life during this time of the year: When to visit Sweden? What is the best month? Best months to travel to Sweden: mid/end of May to mid September (the big cities and the south of Sweden are great in summer, due to green landscapes, long, sunny days and smiling Swedes) and December (Christmas fairs and shopping).
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Feb 24, 2021 · Physical map of Sweden showing major cities, terrain, national parks, rivers, and surrounding countries with international borders and outline maps. Key facts about Sweden.
