VISIT Sweden

Sweden blends modern design, pristine nature, and deep-rooted history. From charming medieval towns and Viking relics to cutting-edge Scandinavian architecture, the country offers something for every type of traveler. It’s known for its high quality of life, efficient infrastructure, and spectacular natural beauty, from the Northern Lights in Lapland to the idyllic archipelagos around Stockholm and Gothenburg.

❄️ December – February: Winter is magical, especially in the north, with snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Popular winter activities include dog sledding, skiing, and ice hotel visits in Lapland. Temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F) in the far north, while Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F).

🌱 March – May: Spring is crisp but increasingly sunny, especially from late April. Flowers start to bloom, and the countryside awakens. It’s a quieter season, perfect for exploring cities or heading into nature as trails start reopening.

☀️ June – August: Summer is warm and bright, with long daylight hours and even midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. Stockholm sees temperatures between 13°C (55°F) and 23°C (73°F). It’s the peak tourist season, so popular destinations can get busy—especially during Midsummer celebrations.

🍂 September – November: Autumn is peaceful and colorful, with forests turning golden. September still offers mild temperatures, while November tends to be darker and colder. It’s a great time for museum visits and enjoying Swedish fika culture indoors.

Getting around Sweden is easy, thanks to its excellent infrastructure:

🚌 Buses: Regional and long-distance buses connect towns and rural areas. Services like Flixbus and Nettbuss offer affordable connections between major cities. Local buses are reliable and well-maintained, especially in urban areas.

🚂 Trains: Sweden has a comprehensive and efficient railway network. High-speed SJ trains connect major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Scenic regional routes, like the Inlandsbanan, offer slower but rewarding journeys through northern wilderness.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is a great option for exploring remote areas, including the Swedish countryside and Lapland. Roads are generally in excellent condition, though you should be cautious in winter due to icy conditions. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be useful depending on your home license.

Sweden is a largely cashless society. Most transactions are made using debit or credit cards, even for small amounts. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express is accepted in fewer places. In fact, some establishments do not accept cash at all, so carrying a working card is essential.

Sweden uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 5–10% is common if the service was good. For taxis or cafés, rounding up the bill is sufficient.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Sweden.

In Sweden, most stores are closed on Sundays. There are  9 national public holidays in Sweden:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• Ascension Day (date varies)
• National Day (June 06)
• Midsummer Day (late June)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Sweden, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
• 100 kph / 62 mph  on main roads outside built-up areas
• 120 kph / 75 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Hej
• Good day = God dag
• Goodbye = Hejdå
• Yes = Ja
• No = Nej
• Thank you = Tack
• Please = Snälla
• You’re welcome = Varsågod
• Excuse me = Ursäkta
• Day = Dag
• Night = Natt
• Good evening = God kväll
• Goodnight = God natt
• Mister = Herr
• Ma’am = Fru
• Street = Gata
• Road = Väg

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Swedish language to use it even offline!

Traveling in Sweden is very safe. The country is clean, well-organized, and has a low crime rate. However, as in any tourist destination, it’s wise to follow basic precautions:

• Secure Your Belongings: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially in major cities.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for all emergency services in Finland.