Sweden is a vast country, so I have divided this list into three sections: North, Central, and South. No matter where you are, there is a perfect weekend getaway waiting for you! Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures in the north, cultural experiences in the center, or coastal escapes in the south, there is something here to suit every taste and season.
Northern Sweden
Let us begin with Northern Sweden. The best time to visit is either summer, when the temperatures are mild, and the sun never sets, or winter, if you want to experience activities like skiing and visiting the famous Icehotel.
Photo: Abisko village in Norrland
- Abisko is a small village in Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle. Go in winter to experience the magic of the Northern lights, or summer for midnight sun hikes. Visit the Aurora Sky Station for a magical experience.
- Luleå Archipelago is a perfect place to go to experience the beautiful archipelago in summer. A serene getaway with kayaking, wildlife, and cultural excursions.
- Jukkasjärvi is a must for a winter weekend. Stay in the Ice Hotel and sleep in rooms made of ice, visit ice art galleries, and of course enjoy the Icebar.
Central Sweden
Central Sweden is best visited in summer, when the weather is warm and perfect for daily excursions. Explore Swedish heritage, history and culture in this natural landscape.
Photo: Dalarna Fulufjället National Park - press
- Dalarna is known for its red cottages and Dalahästar - the colorfully painted wooden horses. Go on a weekend trip to Dalarna to experience rich Swedish folklore, and experience the culture route to learn about Swedish traditions such as the red paint from Falu, traditional clothing at Dalarna museum, and wooden horses.
- Örebro is the 6th largest city in Sweden. Visit the iconic Örebro Castle and explore surrounding nature reserves.
Southern Sweden
The best time to visit Southern Sweden is during spring, summer, or autumn. Spring or early summer is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds while still benefiting from the summer opening hours in small towns.
Photo: Malmö Saluhall - André Phil, Wingårdhs
- Ystad & Österlen are perfect to visit in the warmer summer months. Explore charming coastal towns and art galleries, and take a break to go to the beach and enjoy delicious farm to table food.
- Malmö is the largest city in Skåne. Discover Malmö Castle, modern architecture, and a vibrant food scene with food from every corner of the world. I personally recommend Malmö saluhall for the perfect lunch stop (and do get some ice cream as well!).
- Copenhagen - bonus option! If you are visiting Malmö, why not take the train to Copenhagen and enjoy this beautiful city with lots of shops, cafes and entertainment.
There you have it! Eight different weekend destinations in Sweden for all seasons. Although our winters are long and dark, there are still plenty of things to enjoy during the colder months.
