Were you aware of the fact that Sweden, the land of captivating beauty, rich culture, and boundless adventure, is also home to the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)?
Lucky Swedish people!
From the bustling streets of Stockholm to the mystical wilderness of Lapland, this country has got something for everyone.
Whether you are an art lover, enjoy basking at the beach bank, or wish to witness the Northern Lights with your bare eyes, you will always say adieu with a heavy heart.
I dreamt of visiting Sweden at least once in my lifetime, for my never-ending love for the Aurora Borealis, which I finally did, and trust me, the whole process of watching the northern lights with a thermos filled with warm tea felt surreal.
Since Sweden has so much to do and watch, we always end up missing out on some things.
Therefore, here’s a comprehensive guide on what you must do while you are on your visit to Stockholm so you don’t miss out on the prominent destinations.
Contents
Exploring Stockholm
Built on 14 islands and connected by charming bridges and waterways, Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is your perfect destination for this vacation.
We have already picture-eyed all the tourist destinations on the internet, so why not try something new?
You can choose the vibrant alleys of Gamla Stan.
Here, you will find colorful buildings and charming cafes and will have the chance to uncover centuries of history and architecture while sipping tasty Swedish coffee.
Make time to visit the Vasa Museum to have a glimpse of Sweden’s naval history, and if you still have an appetite left from consuming so much history and beauty, head to local eateries and enjoy the Swedish cuisine of your choice.
Journey Northward: On the Road to Lapland
I know you don’t want to leave Stockholm yet, but remember that you set out for Sweden, and Sweden has Northern lights, too.
So, let’s begin our journey towards the North; you can either go via road trip or enjoy a scenic train ride, both have their charms.
Be it a road trip or a train journey, Sweden promises to make your journey memorable with its picturesque landscapes and views.
An exciting advantage that you will have if you choose a road journey over a train journey is that you can stop by the charming towns and villages, adding to the book of memories and giving your taste buds something new to try.
Embracing Sweden’s Natural Wonders
Sweden, again, has a lot to offer when it comes to national parks, each equipped with unique landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Abisko National Park, one of my favorite places, is a hiker’s paradise.
I had the best time hiking in this place, but one must be aware of the basic knowledge about these places, especially hiking.
For instance, the tools and equipment you need to carry, what type of tents and maps you will need because I faced a lack of real-time guidance and had to go through some difficulties, but sooner I found out friluftskoll, and it turned out to be the right kind of help one would need while hiking or if you are deciding to go on hiking anywhere.
Moving back to Sweden’s natural wonders, Sweden has crystal clear lakes, which are again my very favorite, it has dense forests if you want to wander around in nature.
Most importantly, it’s got the iconic ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi; it’s truly one of the best experiences you shouldn’t miss in Sweden.
The Enchantment of Lapland
Continuing our journey in the North, you’ll reach Lapalnd, a true Arctic pleasure.
This place is known for its unique appeal, characterized by endless snowy landscapes and fascinating traditions, and it has a mystical aura that often attracts visitors.
One of the main highlights of this place is the Aurora Borealis.
If you are lucky enough, you will witness the Lapland sky in mesmerizing purple, green, blue, and pink colors.
To increase your chances of seeing this, make sure that you plan your visit in the months between September and April.
Lapland is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
You can try your hands on cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
You can even go for a husky sledding adventure or a reindeer safari.
Travel Tips
The whole journey can be a disaster if you miss out on just one thing.
That can either be your medicines or maybe simply your headphones, so it’s always better to plan and make a list of things you should take into consideration while you are out of your home.
Here’s a list of tips that I wish someone would have given me while I was planning my journey.
But never mind, you can consider these so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Always book accommodations in advance since we are not the only fans of Aurora Borealis, and it will save you a lot of time.
Sweden has an efficient transportation system that you can utilize to explore the city.
However, renting a car is an even better option if you want an immersive experience.
Warm clothes, socks, woolens, waterproof gear, and hiking shoes are a must.
The currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona.
A wise suggestion would be to carry your credit card because they are widely accepted and also because Sweden is an expensive place.
Carry the medications prescribed to you, if any, and also keep some antibiotics or any medications that you might think may be necessary.
Conclusion
Well, I must conclude that you visit Sweden at your own risk because you will return not just with memories but with the never-ending urge to permanently move into the country.
As your journey comes to an end, I’m sure Sweden, with its captivating landscapes and beauty, has left an indelible mark on your mind, and I hope you have had tonnes of memories and pictures for your grandchildren while you are reflecting on your good times in Sweden.
Happy Journey!
Sweden Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sweden Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
