10 Best Things to Do in Sweden

One of the most popular museums in Scandinavia, the Vasa Museum houses the world’s best-preserved 17th-century warship. Salvaged in 1961, the ship lived at the bottom of the Stockholm harbour since it sank in 1628. Shockingly, more than 98 per cent of the ship you see today is the original, expertly restored.

The sheer size of Vasa is stunning. The entirety of the 69-metre ship (except its towering masts) is contained in its museum, with the hull towering over visitors' heads as they enter. Elaborate sculptures and carvings cover the sides, depicting figures from Greek mythology and Swedish royalty. Windows offer a peek into the interior, and exhibits give historical context and help to imagine life on board.

Sweden’s northern skies are a canvas for one of nature’s most spectacular shows – the Aurora Borealis. Making their most vivid appearances in the Swedish Lapland, the Northern Lights shimmer ethereal green and pink across the dark skies. It’s a magic that’s difficult to capture.

The period between late September and early April is when this natural phenomenon is most frequently sighted, as the long nights offer ideal conditions. If you spend at least a few days in northern Sweden, you’re highly likely to see them. Abisko National Park, with its unique microclimate, offers some of the clearest skies.

Drottningholm Palace is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. Still serving as the private residence of the Swedish royal family, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved palace complex that continues to serve its original purpose. Drottningholm is located just outside Stockholm on Lovön, a lush island that has long been a centre of royal and religious importance.

The palace was modelled after the Palace of Versailles and possesses the same grand design. Stately portraits of Swedish royalty adorn the walls of richly furnished rooms. Three distinct gardens spread over the expansive grounds. One jewel among the palace treasures is the 18th-century Palace Theatre, where historical operas are still performed using original stage machinery and sets.

ABBA the Museum is an homage to one of the most successful pop bands of all time. Fans can go on a nostalgic journey in the museum’s permanent exhibit, which displays their extensive collection of the band’s instruments, stage outfits and memorabilia.

The interactive exhibits are where this museum shines. Record one of your favourite songs in a studio-style karaoke booth and try your hand at mixing. Virtually try on iconic costumes. Perhaps the most fun of all: you’re invited to be a guest member of ABBA, dancing on stage alongside holograms of the band.

One of the most popular amusement parks in Scandinavia, Liseberg doesn’t disappoint. Open since 1923, the theme park is a mix of old-school and state-of-the-art. You’ll find carousels and other classic rides next to high-octane roller coasters, all surrounded by trees, flowerbeds, and green spaces. The park transforms with the seasons and is particularly charming around Christmastime.

Liseberg offers a wide variety of rides, many of which follow a Norse mythology theme. It’s home to Europe’s tallest free-fall tower. Helix, a twisty 1,400-metre steel coaster replete with its own soundtrack, has been described by fans as a nearly perfect ride.

Located far north in the Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park is 77 sq km of untouched wilderness. The park borders Lake Torneträsk and encompasses sweeping alpine valleys in the Scandinavian Mountains. Birch trees climb the mountainsides and rivers wind through the land. Hikers flock here in the summer months, many to traverse the famous Kungsleden, or King’s Trail.

In winter the park is blanketed in snow and draws cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Abisko is known as one of the best spots in the world to view the Northern Lights, which are most easily spotted on long winter nights.

Photography museum Fotografiska is one of Stockholm’s most popular attractions. Offering an ever-changing roster of exhibitions (the museum has no permanent collection) every visit is a unique experience. It’s housed in a historic building with modern interiors and is known for its innovative presentation and focus on social, environmental and political themes.

There are typically four major and 20 smaller exhibitions annually, encompassing everything from fine art and fashion photography to photojournalism. Once you’ve perused the diverse works on display, head to the top floor for lunch with a superb city view at the museum restaurant.

Wandering through Skansen is like wandering back in time. The world’s first open-air museum, it was established in 1891 to preserve and showcase the traditional Swedish way of life during a period of rapid modernization. The charming hilltop museum immerses visitors in Swedish history and culture and is famous for hosting beloved festivals and celebrations.

The museum takes hours to explore in its entirety. Over 150 historical homes and buildings were transported to Skansen from all over the country and arranged into period-perfect villages. Actors in traditional clothing demonstrate Swedish crafts. A great destination for families, the museum has a zoo that houses farm animals and native fauna like reindeer and Arctic foxes.

Sweden’s northernmost city, remote Kiruna is a gateway to the vast natural landscapes of the Lapland. Dense forests and thousands of lakes cover the land between snowy mountain peaks. A fisherman’s paradise, the region is home to schools of Arctic char, pike and salmon. Hike through marshlands or mountain paths and stay out after dark to catch sight of the Aurora Borealis.

Kiruna is located within Sápmi, home of the indigenous Sámi people, and Sámi influence is evident in local art and cuisine. One of the world’s largest iron ore mines operates in the town, or rather underneath it, and travellers can visit LKAB to learn about the industry and its crucial role in the city’s development.

The Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö invites visitors to consider why certain foods are reviled or revered. Exhibits showcase over 80 foods from around the world that many find unappetizing, including Cambodian fried tarantulas and Swedish fermented herring.

While daredevils will have their chance to sample some of these unusual dishes at the tasting bar, the museum doesn’t just offer shock value. It explores the origins and cultural significance of foods and emphasizes that our disgust depends heavily on our background. Vegetarians should note that much of the museum focuses on animal-derived foods, although it's an insightful window into international food culture, regardless of whether you care to have a bite.