Category: Visit Sweden

Sweden offers so many things for its visitors that you’ll be spoiled for choice while touring the country. Whether you’re a foodie or an adventure enthusiast, this nation has many exciting aspects you can explore. You’ll get to see fascinating palaces, ancient museums, and elegant shopping centers while getting around in Sweden. 

During your time spent in this part of the world, you’ll also get to taste some lip-smacking delicacies. With so much in store for visitors, the things that you can do in Sweden would be endless. However, these are the ones you must never miss:

1. Spend a night at the Icehotel

The Icehotel is quite a unique place to stay while on a tour of Sweden. It features beds that are made of ice and has massive ice sculptures. This hotel is located about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic and is known for its unique hospitality. Besides, it has a spellbinding ambience that would make you spend a night in the hotel. 

The temperature inside this hotel is usually kept around -5°C and -7°C. In order to give you the feel of winters, furs are provided by the hotel. You can visit this hotel at any time during the year. This makes spending a night at this hotel one of the best things to do while in this country.

2. Taste the traditional Swedish food

Sweden has its own traditional food specialities. So, your trip to this country won’t be complete without tasting some of them. Some of the most popular dishes are Semla, Vaffeldagen, Crayfish August, and marinated salmon with dill potatoes.

3. Savour a boat ride along the Gota Canal

The Gota Canal is a 19th-century waterway connecting a system of lakes and rivers across Sweden. The sights you’ll get to witness with a boat ride along this canal would be truly mesmerizing. You can explore it either by taking the regular boat service or hiring your own boat. 

You can pick the route you wish to take using the boat as the canal stretches to about 200 kilometers. The cost of the journey would depend on the boat and the route you’ve chosen.

4. Go shopping for gifts or souvenirs

No matter which country you’re exploring, shopping must always be on your list of things to do. Just like the other popular European destinations, Sweden also has some excellent places for shopaholics. The number of things you can buy in this country can be endless. 

As gifts or souvenirs, you can buy Scandinavian-style textiles and several other items. The best places for shopping include Sodermalm, Vasastan, and Ostermalm.

5. Gamble at Casino Cosmopol Gothenburg

A relatively large casino, Casino Cosmopol Gothenburg offers slot machines and classic table games for gamblers. You can try Poker, Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette during your visit to this casino. There are different timings for games and you have to adhere to its strict dress code. 

Only smart casuals with closed footwear are allowed. You must not wear shorts, sportswear, or hats when entering this casino. The establishment charges an entrance fee of 30 SEK and the minimum age of the visitor must be 20. Proof of identity is also required for entering this casino.

You might think that Sweden is a small country and won’t offer something unusual with regards to accommodations. Well, you’ll be amazed to know that the country has some awe-inspiring places that offer truly memorable stays. You’ll come to know about this when you begin traveling around in the country. There are some quirky hotels that will leave you stunned! 

However, you must know that they are certainly not the low-cost options. You’ll be able to book an accommodation in them only if you’re ready for the splurge. So, here we present the most extraordinary hotels in this charming European country:

1. Steam Hotel

On the shores of Lake Malaren is this fascinating 100-year-old hotel. It was earlier an 18-story steam plant, which later got converted into this unbelievably stylish hotel. You’ll get the vibes of pure luxury when you step inside this hotel and find a unique decor. 

Steam Hotel’s rooms provide wonderful views of the lake. In fact, it has an outdoor rooftop pool that overlooks the lake. You’ll be in for some pampering in its upmarket spa. Giant wooden beams, exposed pipes, and brickwork are all a part of this hotel. Of course, you’ll need a big budget to stay in it.

2. Treehotel

At a distance of 90 kilometers northwest of the city of Lulea is this incredible hotel. It is located in Harads, which is a remote northern village. The Treehotel has seven rooms near the Lule River, suspended among pine trees. 

All these rooms have been given pretty strange names. Dragonfly, UFO, Bird’s Nest, Cabin, Blue Cone, and Mirrorcube are the names of the hotel’s six rooms. The last one is the most luxurious. It is called the Seventh Room and has been built around a tree. 

All of these rooms have their own unique personalities. You have to be someone wealthy in order to stay in any of these rooms, particularly the Seventh Room. For those who can’t afford the stays, a guided tour of the Treehotel is available for an affordable fee.

3. Af Chapman

When you’re exploring the capital city of Sweden, you might get a glimpse of a large, white sailboat. You’ll be astonished to know that it is the most iconic of all floating hotels in Stockholm. The name of this magnificent hotel is Af Chapman. 

It had sailed the seven seas between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Later, it was used to provide accommodation to members of the Swedish navy. Today, it boasts of 77 rooms, which offer comfortable stays with a historic feel. The hotel also provides mesmerizing views of Gamla Stan and offers convenient access to central Stockholm.

4. Jumbo Stay

To get a good night’s sleep in a Boeing 747 is a rare happening. Now, you can live this experience by booking your accommodation in Jumbo Stay. A Boeing 747 was converted into this hotel and opened to guests in 2009. 

As expected, the hotel became an instant hit upon its opening. A double room has been housed on the flight deck. It has also been provided with an en-suite bathroom. The hotel also offers a wing-top observation deck for those who wish to enjoy some jaw-dropping views.

What was once a land of the Vikings is now a modern and prosperous nation. Sweden never fails to delight you with its magnificent Romanesque churches and other historic structures. During your visit to this beautiful country, you’ll get some interesting insights into the lives of its locals. 

They seem to lead a peaceful life, occasionally gathering around a traditional coffee called ‘fika’ with their loved ones. The Swedish people also love to dine on meatballs, potatoes, and herring. You’ll also get to explore some enchanting forests and trails during your time spent in this country. There are certain things you must consider while planning your trip to this fascinating nation:

Best time to visit Sweden

There are four distinct seasons in this part of the world. Some are characterized by ice-cold temperatures and some by a balmy climate. The best time to visit Sweden would depend on what you want from your tour. Everything depends on whether you’re looking forward to spending pleasant summer nights or snowy evenings. 

One of the unique experiences you’ll get to witness in the country is the midnight sun. For this phenomenon, the ideal time to visit would be the peak of summer in June and July. If you wish to enjoy the snow, plan your tour between late November and March. If you’re looking for sunshine and a warm weather, the best time would be between May and September.

Finding cheaper accommodation in the Swedish capital

The rates charged by the hostels and hotels in Stockholm might be a concern, but there’s a way out. Even though the city is expensive, you can still manage to find a cheaper and comfortable accommodation. 

If you just want to spend a couple of nights, you can consider the city’s budget hotels. Almost all of them are clean and cosy. The only compromise you’ll have to make would be on coffee machines and widescreen televisions. 

You can save even more if you’re willing to share a single bathroom with other guests. Another way to save more is to find better deals in places away from the main tourist area. You can try looking for budget hotels or hostels in Sodermalm, Norrmalm, or Kungsholmen.

Renting a car while exploring Sweden

Some of the world’s safest roads are found in Sweden. This makes it a great country to enjoy driving. You’ll surely have a pleasant driving experience as you’d get to enjoy endless views of forests and lakes. Renting a car can be an expensive affair in this European country, but you don’t need to worry. 

There’s a way to bring down your cost of renting a car. Instead of hiring cars from international companies like Avis, you can go for the local car rentals. There are service providers that would give you used cars on hire. You’ll just have to confirm the rates they charge.

Options in entertainment

You can plan your visit to some popular places of entertainment in this country for having loads of fun. Among them are live music venues that have become extremely popular in recent times. Some of the best live music venues are Debaser Medis located in central Sodermalm and Fasching near Stockholm’s Central Station. 

They’ve hosted some of the famous local and international talents over the years. Another great entertainment option to consider is casinos. Sweden is home to a few elegant casinos owned by a state-run establishment called Casino Cosmopol. They host regular poker tournaments and also have classic games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Slots.