Sweden is known for its dense forests (two thirds of Sweden is forested), its lakes (there’s over 90,000 lakes in the country) and its music (are you ready for ABBA’s comeback?)
But what many don’t know, is that thanks to the Right of Public Access (Allemansträtten), you can enjoy all outdoors activities like walking, cycling, skiing, camping and driving without restrictions, as long as there is no sign stating otherwise!
If bountiful nature and freedom are on your agenda, then book your Sweden trip with P&O Ferries. You’ll get the liberty of driving your own car, at your own pace, and be able to roam wherever you please.
So, take our ferry from Dover to Calais and drive up through Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark before crossing the famed Öresund bridge to Sweden.
Ready to go? Here’s our top list of things to do in Sweden:
Malmö: Malmöhus
After soaking in the majestic views from Öresund bridge, you’ll be greeted by Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö. This multicultural city has a lot to offer, from its bustling squares and famed art galleries to its 2.5km stretches of long sandy beaches.
But if there is one thing you should definitely see in Malmö, it’s Scandinavia’s oldest renaissance castle: Malmöhus. The castle dates back to the mid-1400s and offers a glimpse into Sweden’s past, from its Danish rule to its Swedish conquest!
So, explore this castle’s deep moat, blood-red fort and its museum galleries to discover more about Sweden’s history, the region’s geology as well as visit an amazing art collection.
Gothenburg: Haga District
From Malmö, take a scenic 3 hour drive up to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second biggest city and one of Scandinavia’s biggest fishing and shipping hubs.
In fact, Gothenburg is one of the best places to visit in Sweden if you love seafood, and there’s no better place to try out delicious Swedish delicacies like glasmästarsill (pickled herring) or gravlax (cured salmon) than in Gothenburg’s historic Haga district.
With its cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses called landshövdingehus, and plenty of cafés, independent artisanal shops and local fish eateries – Haga should definitely feature on your to-do list. For that all-important seafood, try Sjöbaren, a restaurant that specialises in seasonal dishes based on the fisherman’s daily catch.
Lakes: Vänern & Vättern
No road trips in Sweden would be complete without visiting some of the country’s most scenic lakes. Luckily, if you drive from Gothenburg towards Stockholm, you’re in for a treat.
Along the way you’ll be able to visit Lake Vänern, which steals the show both as Sweden’s biggest lake and as the European Union’s largest body of inland water.
Measuring 5,655km2 (2,183 sq mi), Vänern is a glacial lake that formed ~10,000 years ago when the ice melted. Top activities by Vänern lake include kayaking, boat tripping, hiking or visiting the picturesque towns along its shores.
If you simply can’t get enough of lakes, don’t forget to visit Lake Vättern too – it is renowned for its crystal clear waters and long sandy beaches.
Stockholm: Gamla Stan
Next on our list of best places to visit in Sweden is the capital city itself: Stockholm. There are plenty of things to do in Stockholm, from visiting the Vasa Museum and its warship relic, to walking up to Monteliusvagen to get a view over the city – there’s plenty to keep you busy!
But one Stockholm tourist attraction you can’t miss is an excursion through the city’s oldest district: Gamla Stan. This neighbourhood was founded way back in 1252 and still looks and feels medieval with its cobblestoned streets, colourful North Germanic architecture and imposing cathedrals like Storkyrkan.
Feeling peckish after all that sightseeing? Order some hausmanskost, Sweden’s answer to comfort food! One of the local delicacies is raggmunk, a savoury pancake made from ground potato, egg and flour which is then seasoned with onions, garlic, thick-cut bacon and local lingonberries.
Arctic: Abisko National Park
If you’re after the breath-taking northern lights in winter or the unique midnight sun in summer, then head north towards the Abisko National Park in the Lapland region of Sweden. It’s a long drive from Stockholm (about 12 hours) but with so many beautiful places to visit along the way, it’s definitely worth the road trip.
Driving in Sweden allows you to soak in the incredible scenery, giving you the freedom to stop wherever you please. Remember, thanks to the Right of Public Access, you can pitch up anywhere you please – so we recommend you pack camping gear to make the most of your Swedish adventure!
Once you get to the Abisko National Park, you’re in one of the best spots for seeing the northern lights. Head to the Aurora Sky Station, an observation centre and museum that sheds some light on this elusive phenomenon. Besides the aurora borealis, this national park also offers plenty of outdoor activities like dogsledding in winter or hiking up Sweden’s highest summit, Mount Kebnekaise, to see the midnight sun in summer.
Ready to see Sweden’s attractions? Visit this stunning Scandinavian country from the comfort of your own car – book with P&O Ferries today!
