Vacation in Sweden
Turn on the engine and let the road take you beyond Stockholm. A road trip through Sweden isn’t just a holiday – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Ferry to stockholmPhoto: Per Pixel Petersson / imagebank.sweden.se
Road trip in Sweden
Have you ever been on a road trip in Sweden? If not, you’re definitely missing out. With a car, you can go where you like. Drive through forests, along the coast, or to small towns you didn’t plan to visit. It is the kind of holiday where the journey is just as good as the destination.
Driving in Sweden
Photo: Alexander Hall / imagebank.sweden.se
Drive on the right
In Sweden, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left.
Headlights always on
Even during the day, it’s the law to keep your headlights on at all times.
Congestion charges
There are no general toll roads, but cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg charge a congestion fee.
Wild animals
When driving, keep an eye out for moose and deer, especially in rural areas. The warning signs are there for a reason!
Norrköping
Norrköping is one of those places that surprises you in the best way. Just under two hours from Stockholm, it’s a city where old factories have been turned into galleries, museums and cosy cafés. With the river running through it and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for a relaxed Swedish getaway.
Kolmården Zoo
Kolmården Zoo is one of the largest and most loved wildlife parks in Scandinavia. You can see animals from all over the world, enjoy exciting shows, and even ride a safari gondola over the enclosures. It’s a fun day out for both kids and adults.
Kolmården
Löfstad Castle
Löfstad Castle is a beautifully preserved 17th-century estate just outside Norrköping. Step inside and explore grand rooms filled with original furniture, artwork, and stories from centuries past. Outside, you’ll find peaceful gardens and walking trails.
Lövstad Slott, Norrköping
Photo: Fredrik Schlyter / imagebank.sweden.se
Norrköping Old Town
Norrköping’s Old Town is a lovely place to wander on a sunny day. The streets are quiet and full of character, with old wooden houses, little shops, and cafés where you can sit outside and watch the world go by.
Repslagaregatan, NorrköpingWonder around Småland
If you’re looking for a very Swedish place to visit, then Småland is the one. It’s also one of the country’s largest provinces.
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson / imagebank.sweden.se
Astrid Lindgrens World
Step into the magical world of Sweden’s most beloved author. At Astrid Lindgren’s World characters like Pippi Longstocking, Emil and Ronja come to life in charming settings pulled straight from the books. It’s playful, creative, and just as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids.
High Chaparral
Ready for a bit of the Wild West in the middle of Sweden? High Chaparral is a Western-themed park where you can pan for gold, watch cowboy shows and meet outlaws, bandits and sheriffs.
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
IKEA Museum
Ever wondered how a flat-pack empire was built? The IKEA Museum tells the story of one of Sweden’s most famous brands – from its roots in the countryside to global design icon. There’s nostalgia, design inspiration, and even a tasty Swedish café to top it off.
Grenna Polkagriskokeri
In the town of Gränna, the sweet scent of peppermint fills the air as traditional red and white peppermint sticks are handmade in cosy, old-fashioned sweet shops. You can watch the process up close, then take home a bag or two.
Photo: Malcolm Hanes & Johnér / imagebank.sweden.se
Kalmar city
Kalmar is a seaside town with a laid-back feel and plenty to explore. Visit one of the most well-preserved Renaissance castles in the Nordic countries, wander through cobbled streets, and enjoy a slow afternoon by the harbour.
A World of Dinosaurs
Step into the prehistoric past at A World of Dinosaurs, one of Europe’s largest dinosaur exhibitions. With life-size models, fossils and sound effects, it’s a fun and slightly wild experience for curious minds of all ages.
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson / imagebank.sweden.se
Öland island
Öland is Sweden’s second-largest island. It has long beaches, ancient ruins, windmills and wildflower fields. You can cycle through small villages or relax by the sea. It’s a peaceful place where you can slow down and enjoy the moment.
Photo: Destination Kalmar / Albin Ryland
International Sand Sculpture Festival
Each summer, artists from around the world gather to create stunning, larger-than-life sand sculptures at Kalmar. Seeing the skill and creativity up close is something you won’t forget.
Explore Gothenburg
Sweden’s second-largest city sits on the country’s beautiful west coast. Ride a tram through leafy neighbourhoods, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbour, or hop on a ferry to explore nearby islands. Gothenburg makes everyday moments feel like something special.
Universeum Science Museum
Universeum is Sweden’s national science centre, and it’s made for curious minds of all ages. You can wander through a rainforest, dive into the deep sea, explore space, and get hands-on in tech and chemistry labs. It’s fun, interactive, and filled with ideas that make you think about the future in a whole new way.
Photo: Peter Kvarnström / Göteborg & Co
Liseberg Amusement Park
Liseberg isn’t just Sweden’s biggest amusement park – it’s pure joy in motion. With heart-racing roller coasters, beautiful gardens, and live music in the summer air, it’s the kind of place where you can be a kid again, even if you’re not one anymore.
Gathenhielm Cultural Reserve
Gathenhielmska Kulturreservatet feels like stepping into another time. This 18th-century neighbourhood has cobbled streets, old wooden houses and peaceful courtyards. It is a quiet place that tells the story of old Gothenburg in the most beautiful way.
Carlsten Fortress
Carlsten Fortress sits high above the island of Marstrand and feels like something out of a storybook. It was once built to guard the west coast, but today it’s open for anyone to explore.
Ocean Bus
Why choose between a bus tour and a boat trip when you can do both? Ocean Bus takes you through the streets of Gothenburg before splashing straight into the water. It’s a bit unexpected, slightly quirky, and loads of fun.
Fall in love with Uppsala
Uppsala is a city where history, science and student life come together. With its grand cathedral, historic university and relaxed café culture, it has a special energy. If you’re coming from Kapellskär, you can stop in Norrtälje and even take a boat trip to nearby islands in the Roslagen archipelago. It’s a journey worth making.
The Museum of Evolution
Ever wanted to stand face to face with dinosaurs? At Uppsala University’s Museum of Evolution, you’ll find the largest dinosaur skeleton collection in Northern Europe. The museum is filled with fascinating fossils, minerals, and stories from Earth’s deep past. There’s over five million specimens to discover and more being added all the time.
Photo: Niklas Lundengård
Uppsala Art Museum
Uppsala Art Museum holds a collection of over 14,000 works, featuring both regional artists and well-known names from across Sweden. Set inside the castle, it’s a place where history and contemporary art meet in inspiring ways.
Photo: Mark Harris / imagebank.sweden.se
Uppsala Castle
With sweeping views over the city, Uppsala Castle is hard to miss. Once a royal residence, it now invites visitors to explore its dramatic history, art, and architecture – plus it’s a perfect spot for a photo.
Photo: Gustav Dalesjö
Botanical Garden
Uppsala’s Botanical Garden is right across the street from the castle. It is a green oasis filled with colourful blooms, quiet corners, and even a tropical greenhouse. It’s ideal for a peaceful walk or just sitting in the sun.
Photo: Malin Kellhorn
Cube of Art
Cube of Art is a modern museum that combines interactivity and AI. There’s also a restaurant you can visit first, and you’ll get a discount on your museum ticket afterwards. You can also buy a ticket to the Escape Cube and put your problem-solving skills to the test.
More ideas for a vacation in Sweden
Ski holiday in Sweden
Think snow-covered forests, quiet slopes, and the soft crunch of skis on fresh powder. Whether you’re gliding down the hills in Åre or warming up in a log cabin in Sälen, skiing in Sweden is about more than just the sport – it’s a full winter escape.
City break in Stockholm
Spend your days wandering cobbled streets in Gamla Stan, popping into design shops, or grabbing a fika by the sea. It’s a city that knows how to keep things interesting without ever feeling rushed.
Weekend getaway to Gotland
A trip to Gotland feels like hitting pause. Stroll through the storybook town of Visby, cycle past fields and stone walls, or just sit by the sea with nothing on your schedule. It’s the kind of weekend that leaves you feeling calm and a little sun-kissed.