Sweden Travel Guide

The northern part of Sweden is home to the indigenous Sami people, whose traditionally nomadic lifestyle is built around reindeer herding. Sami culture, including handicrafts, homes and villages, methods of transport and style of cooking, is one of the many things a visitor can become immersed in while spending time in Lappland. Dont miss the chance to learn about this unique group of people: spend a night or two in a Sami reindeer camp or take a dogsledding tour. If youre on a more limited schedule, have a meal in a Sami restaurant or pick up some handmade Sami woodwork or leather goods to take home as a souvenir.

Vikings & History

Ancient rune stones poke up out of the grass in parks all over Sweden; huge stone-ship settings and unobtrusive burial mounds are almost as common. Walled medieval cities and seaside fortresses are regular stops on the travellers circuit. Viking ruins and the stories surrounding them are very much a part of the modern Swedish landscape, and its easy to feel as if youre walking through history. In fact, you are.

Skrhamn, Tjrn Peter Adams / Getty Images

By Becky Ohlsen, Author

There's something so wholesome and healthy about Sweden. People here really know how to take advantage of their gorgeous country, from its scenic beauty to its edible bounty. My first trips here were to visit my grandparents, and no day was complete without a long walk on the forested trails around their apartments. Dinner was usually local fish and produce from one of Stockholm's market halls and for dessert, Swedish strawberries from a Htorget vendor. To this day, being in Sweden means being outdoors, camping or hiking or just happily wandering.