Top 10 cities to visit in Sweden! It’s not just Stockholm, but there are plenty of cities to discover, whether near the Norwegian, Danish or Finnish borders. There’s lots to do in this central Scandinavian country, and just as many cities to explore during your work placement in Sweden. Top 10 cities to visit in Sweden: here we go.
Stockholm
Here are a few reasons why you might want to go to Stockholm during your work placement in Sweden:
- Picturesque beauty: Stockholm is renowned for its natural and architectural beauty. The city is situated on an archipelago of 14 islands, giving it a unique and magnificent landscape. Colourful houses, lush green parks and clear stretches of water create a charming and soothing atmosphere.
- Culture and history: Stockholm is brimming with cultural and historical treasures. The Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a maze of cobbled streets, medieval buildings and lively squares. The city’s museums, such as the Vasa Museum, which houses a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, offer a fascinating insight into Swedish history.
- Nordic lifestyle: Stockholm’s quality of life is often cited as one of the best in the world. Swedes attach great importance to work-life balance, fostering an environment conducive to relaxation and personal satisfaction. Enjoying green spaces, cycling, strolling along the quays and relaxing in cafés are common activities for Stockholmers.
- Design and innovation: Stockholm is renowned for its design and innovative spirit. The city is home to many world-renowned companies, creative start-ups and leading arts institutions. If you’re interested in design, architecture or new technologies, Stockholm offers fertile ground for inspiration and learning.
- Dynamic cultural life: Stockholm is a hub of cultural life in Sweden. The city has a vibrant arts scene with festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances all year round. Whether you love art, music, film or dance, you’ll find plenty of cultural events and activities to explore.
Spirit of sustainability: Sweden is a world leader when it comes to sustainability and respect for the environment. Stockholm has many green initiatives, such as efficient public transport, extensive cycle paths and a comprehensive approach to waste management. If you are sensitive to environmental issues, Stockholm is a destination where you can discover and learn about sustainable practices.
Stockholm is a dynamic, modern city steeped in rich history. Its natural beauty, balanced lifestyle, diverse culture and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive destination to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature or innovation, Stockholm has a lot to offer.
Göteborg
Gothenburg is a lively Swedish city with much to offer students and young people. With several renowned universities and colleges, the city is a true centre of education and learning.
As a student in Gothenburg, you’ll have access to a rich and diverse student life. University campuses come alive with activities, student clubs, cultural events and parties. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand your social circle and get involved in exciting projects.
The city itself has a young and dynamic atmosphere. The streets are filled with lively cafés, trendy restaurants and fashionable boutiques. There’s a thriving arts and music scene, with regular concerts, festivals and exhibitions. Gothenburg is also known for its many theatres and internationally renowned productions.
As a port city, Gothenburg offers a unique combination of urban atmosphere and closeness to nature. The picturesque quays, green parks and open spaces will allow you to relax, do sport and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. You can also take a ferry to explore the islands of the Gothenburg archipelago and enjoy the sea.
Gothenburg is a welcoming city with a friendly atmosphere. The locals are warm, open-minded and ready to help you integrate. You can experience the famous Swedish hospitality and get to know the local culture by mingling with the locals at fikas (coffee breaks) or social events.
Finally, Göteborg also offers a wide range of professional and internship opportunities in a variety of industries, such as engineering, technology, design and life sciences. Local and international companies in the region are often on the lookout for young talent, offering good job prospects for graduates.
Malmö
Malmö, in southern Sweden, is a dynamic, multicultural city that is attracting more and more people thanks to its unique atmosphere.
One of Malmö’s most remarkable features is its innovative and creative spirit. The city has become a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting numerous start-ups and creative initiatives. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit or are interested in the creative industries, Malmö offers a favourable environment for developing your ideas and projects.
Malmö’s cultural diversity also makes it a fascinating place to visit. With over 180 different nationalities represented, the city offers a rich mosaic of cultures, traditions and cuisines from around the world. You’ll have the chance to discover new cultures, taste a variety of delicious dishes and make friends with people from different backgrounds.
Malmö is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability and ecology. The city is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and has many green initiatives in place, such as extensive cycling infrastructure, eco-friendly city parks and energy-efficient buildings. If you’re environmentally aware, Malmö is a great place to get involved and contribute to sustainable living.
The city also offers a rich and varied cultural life. Malmö is known for its festivals, concerts, art events and exhibitions. You can explore museums, art galleries and attend top-quality theatrical and musical performances. Whether you are interested in art, music, film or dance, Malmö offers a multitude of options to satisfy your cultural passions.
Malmö is also famous for its modern, avant-garde architecture. Iconic buildings such as the Turning Torso provide an interesting contrast to the city’s historic districts. Walking through the streets of Malmö is a unique visual experience, combining history and modernity.
Finally, Malmö is ideally located close to beautiful natural landscapes, such as the sandy beaches of Skåne and vast green spaces. You can escape city life and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty on walks, picnics and outdoor activities.
Top 10 cities to visit in Sweden: now that we’ve got past the 3 biggest cities, let’s get to the more interesting part of this top!
Björkliden
Björkliden is an incredible winter sports destination. Here’s why the resort is so popular:
- Breathtaking scenery : Björkliden is located in the mountainous region of Swedish Lapland, offering spectacular winter scenery. Snow-capped mountains, vast untouched expanses and pine forests create a breathtaking natural setting. Whether you’re an alpine skier, snowboarder or cross-country skier, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramas while practising your favourite sport.
- A variety of ski runs: Björkliden has a ski area to suit all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find pistes to suit your skill level. The resort has slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country trails for cross-country enthusiasts. What’s more, the absence of crowds often guarantees a skiing experience with no waiting at the lifts.
- Off-piste and ski touring: Björkliden is also renowned for its access to incredible off-piste terrain and ski touring opportunities. Off-piste skiing enthusiasts can explore the vast untouched expanses and enjoy thrilling powder runs. Ski touring enthusiasts will also find numerous routes offering breathtaking panoramas and stimulating challenges.
- Northern lights: Björkliden is the ideal place to admire the northern lights. Thanks to its location in the far north of Sweden, the resort offers fantastic opportunities to observe these spectacular light phenomena. Imagine skiing or snowboarding under a night sky illuminated by dancing auroras – a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
- Peaceful, intimate atmosphere: Unlike some of the larger, busier ski resorts, Björkliden offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. The resort is often less busy, which means you can enjoy less crowded pistes and a more relaxed atmosphere. This creates an ideal atmosphere in which to relax, recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
- Various winter activities: As well as skiing, Björkliden offers a range of other exciting winter activities. You can try your hand at dog-sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and even snowmobile safaris. These complementary activities will allow you to fully experience the beauty of the Swedish winter.
Haparanda
Haparanda is a small town in the far north of Sweden, on the border with Finland. The region is characterised by its wild and unspoilt nature, offering incredible scenery all year round.
Vast stretches of forest, sparkling rivers and frozen lakes create a breathtaking natural backdrop. Whether in summer or winter, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Summer offers bright days and white nights, while winter brings snowy landscapes and the chance to admire the Northern Lights.
The Haparanda region is also known for its many national parks and nature reserves. Among the most popular is Torne Träsk National Park, where you can explore wetlands, ancient forests and picturesque landscapes. The nearby Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in Finland also offers magnificent hiking trails and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Water is an important feature of the Haparanda region. The River Torne, which separates Sweden from Finland, offers picturesque boating and fishing opportunities. In summer, you can go canoeing or relax on the sandy beaches along the river. In winter, the river turns into a vast frozen expanse, offering opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Haparanda’s local culture is also fascinating. The region is influenced by both Swedish and Finnish cultures, creating a unique atmosphere. You can discover Sami culture, local traditions and folk festivals. The picturesque villages of Kukkola and Tornio are also well worth a visit, with their colourful houses and charming alleyways.
Finally, Haparanda is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, snowmobiling or wildlife watching, you’ll find plenty to do in this magnificent region. The vast natural areas offer a feeling of freedom and tranquillity, allowing you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature. Top 10 towns to visit in Sweden: it’s also nature and hiking tips, to vary your activities during your work placement in Scandinavia!
Visby (My favourite of the Top 10 towns to visit in Sweden)
The best way to get to Visby is to fly into Visby airport. Several airlines offer direct flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg and other Swedish cities. Flying time from Stockholm is around 40 minutes.
The cost of flights can vary depending on the time of year, the airline and whether you book in advance. On average, return flights from Stockholm to Visby can cost between €80 and €200, but it’s best to check current fares with the airlines.
Once you arrive in Visby, you can explore this charming medieval town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visby is famous for its well-preserved medieval ramparts, cobbled streets and colourful houses.
Here are a few things to do in Visby:
- A walk along the ramparts: Visby’s ramparts offer breathtaking views of the city and the Baltic Sea. A walk along the ramparts will allow you to admire the picturesque scenery and explore the historic watchtowers.
- Discover the old town: Get lost in the winding streets of Visby’s old town. You’ll find well-preserved medieval houses, ancient churches and charming squares. Don’t miss Visby Cathedral, one of the city’s main attractions.
- Visiting museums: Visby is home to several interesting museums. The Gotland Museum, for example, presents the history and culture of the island of Gotland. The Fornsalen museum is also not to be missed, with its exhibitions on the Viking and medieval history of the region.
- Enjoy the beaches: Visby is surrounded by magnificent beaches. You can relax on the sand, swim in the clear waters and soak up the sun. Popular beaches include Tofta Strand and Snäck.
- Taste the local cuisine: Visby offers a variety of restaurants and cafés where you can sample the local cuisine. Be sure to try the regional specialities, such as smoked salmon, pickled herring and dishes based on local produce.
- Take part in festivals and events: Visby hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The most famous is Visby Medieval Week, which takes place in August and features shows, parades and historical re-enactments.
Gunnarskär
Gunnarskär is a small island in the Gothenburg archipelago on the west coast of Sweden. The island is famous for its iconic lighthouse, which stands amidst the rocks and offers panoramic views of the sea. Gunnarskär is a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s the perfect place to relax, stroll along the coast and enjoy the natural surroundings. You can admire the magnificent seascapes, listen to the soothing sound of the waves and perhaps even spot seals basking on the rocks. Gunnarskär’s tranquillity and natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Lake Vänern is Sweden’s largest lake and Europe’s third largest. Located in the western part of Sweden, Lake Vänern offers a unique experience with its vast expanses of fresh water and picturesque scenery. The shores of the lake are dotted with sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and small islands. It’s the ideal place to enjoy water-based activities such as swimming, sailing, fishing and canoeing. You can also explore Lake Vänern’s many islands by boat or ferry, discovering secluded coves, charming villages and diverse wildlife. Sunsets over the lake are particularly spectacular, offering a striking display of colour. Whether you want to relax on a beach, go on an adventure by boat or simply enjoy the tranquillity of nature, Lake Vänern offers a memorable experience.
Whether you visit Gunnarskär with its picturesque lighthouse or explore the majestic waters of Lake Vänern, these two destinations offer magnificent natural landscapes and opportunities for relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, water activities or simply a moment to connect with nature, you’ll be delighted by the beauty of Gunnarskär and Lake Vänern.
Mora
Mora is a Swedish town famous for a number of reasons:
- Vasaloppet: Mora is world-famous as the start and finish of the famous Vasaloppet cross-country ski race. This is the longest and oldest mass cross-country ski race in the world, attracting thousands of skiers every year. The race covers 90 kilometres between Sälen and Mora, recalling the historic feat of King Gustav Vasa in 1520. Vasaloppet is an iconic event in Swedish culture, and Mora is its vibrant heart.
- Zornmuseet: Mora is also home to Zornmuseet, the museum dedicated to the famous Swedish artist Anders Zorn. Zorn was an internationally renowned painter and sculptor, and the museum houses a vast collection of his work, allowing visitors to discover his artistic talent and his impact on Swedish art.
- Dalahäst: Mora is also associated with the traditional Swedish symbol, the Dalahäst. These small, hand-painted wooden horses have been made in Mora for centuries and have become an emblematic symbol of Swedish culture. Visitors can visit Dalahäst workshops in Mora, learn about the history of these handcrafted objects and even buy some to take home as a unique souvenir.
- Lake Siljan: Mora is situated near the magnificent Lake Siljan, one of Sweden’s largest lakes. Lake Siljan is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, lush green forests and charming villages. Visitors to Mora can enjoy water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing and canoeing on the lake. The shores of the lake also offer sandy beaches for relaxing and swimming.
- Folk traditions: Mora preserves many Swedish folk traditions, including dances, songs and crafts. Folk festivals and events are organised throughout the year, offering visitors an immersive experience of Swedish culture and customs.
Gäddede
Gäddede is a picturesque village in the municipality of Strömsund in Sweden’s Jämtland region. It is a popular destination for its natural beauty and spectacular scenery.
One of Gäddede’s most remarkable attractions is its impressive waterfalls. The Gäddede waterfalls, also known as “Tännforsen”, are among the largest in Sweden. They are located around 30 kilometres north of the village, in a wooded valley. The waterfalls plunge from a height of over 35 metres, creating a majestic and captivating spectacle. In summer, you can get closer to the waterfalls on well-maintained hiking trails that offer magnificent views of the falls and the surrounding area.
Gäddede is also surrounded by unspoilt wilderness. The region offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes, including mountains, lakes, forests and green valleys. You can explore the Gäddede nature reserve, home to a wealth of flora and fauna, with opportunities for birdwatching and hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many activities available, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing.
The village of Gäddede itself has a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Take a stroll through the quiet streets, admire the typical wooden houses and discover the local way of life. The Gäddede region is also steeped in Sami culture, and you can learn more about the traditional way of life and crafts of this indigenous people.
In terms of seasonality, winter also offers exciting activities in Gäddede. The snow-covered landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. You can enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity of the snow-covered countryside while indulging in your favourite winter activities.
Top 10 places to visit in Sweden, last city: Piteå
Piteå is a Swedish town on the north coast of Sweden, in the Norrbotten region. This charming town offers a welcoming atmosphere and a wide variety of activities and sites to discover.
One of the special things about Piteå is its well-preserved historic architecture. Take a stroll through the city centre and you’ll be able to admire the buildings with their colourful facades that bear witness to the city’s history. Some of these buildings date back to the 18th century, adding a picturesque touch to Piteå.
The town is also known for its ideal location along the coast, offering magnificent coastal scenery and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby archipelagos and picturesque islands accessible by boat.
Piteå also offers a variety of outdoor activities. Nature lovers can wander through the surrounding forests, go cycling or hiking in nearby national parks such as Piteå-Roknäs National Park. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, fishing or kayaking along the coast.
The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Piteå hosts an annual music festival, Piteå Dansar och Ler, which showcases local and international artists. There are also theatres, art galleries and museums offering a variety of exhibitions and cultural events.
Top 10 cities to visit in Sweden: lots of incredible and diverse cities to enjoy during your work placement in Scandinavia. So, during your work placement in Sweden, go, travel and visit … it’s really fun! contact us: International horizons will find you the best internship abroad! Top 10 cities to visit in Sweden: see you soon 😀
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