Sweden is a big country mostly made up of lakes and forests. If you love nature or hiking, this is the place to be. There’s nothing better if you want to relax and breathe in some fresh air, just head out of the big cities and explore the endless lakes, national parks, and charming little villages. If you drive from the Est coat to the West coast, you’ll barely see anyone around, maybe just a random house in the middle of nowhere.
Top places outside of Stockholm
Stockholm is definitely a must-see city, but Sweden isn’t just about its capital. There are so many typical little villages that are totally worth the drive. If you want to really feel the Swedish charm, hit the road and explore beyond Stockholm!
Malmö
You can easily reach Malmö by train, whether you’re coming from Stockholm or Copenhagen. Malmö is best known for the iconic Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest building, standing at 190 meters. You can spot it from almost anywhere in the city!
When you’re ready to eat, head to Stortorget or Lilla Torg. Two historic squares in the heart of the city filled with great restaurants, outdoor seating, and a lively vibe.
Take a walk along the waterfront and don’t miss the impressive Øresund Bridge that connect Copenhagen to Malmo. Or hop on a canal boat tour for a relaxing way to explore Malmö from the water.
Be sure to check out Malmö Castle and the museums inside, then enjoy a stroll through the beautiful surrounding parks.
Two must-sees are Pildammsparken, the city’s largest park, and Folkets Park, known as the oldest folk park in the world! Both offer fun things to do like mini golf, playgrounds, cafés, and plenty of open green space to relax.
Gothenburg
Up North from Malmo that you get easily join by trin is Gothenburg. Explore the historic Haga District, one of the oldest parts of Gothenburg. Stroll along its cozy streets lined with charming 19th-century wooden houses, traditional artisan shops, and lots of cafés, perfect place to try the famous cinnamon buns!
Be sure to check out the Gothenburg Museum of Art on Götaplatsen. It features a strong Nordic collection and even includes works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh!
Walk by Sjölins Gymnasium, you won’t believe it’s actually a high school when you see the building! It looks more like a sleek modern office or museum than a typical gymnasium. Definitely worth a quick stop just to admire the architecture.
Don’t miss trying some fresh seafood and local specialties at the city’s famous fish market, Feskekörka, a must-visit for food lovers.
For a relaxing walk, head to Trädgårdsföreningen, a beautiful 19th-century park right in the heart of the city. There are many flower gardens, greenhouses, and peaceful paths.
Smögen
Smögen is one of the most charming coastal towns you’ll ever visit! Start by walking along the famous Smögenbryggan, a long wooden boardwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and those iconic colorful fishing huts.
When you’re ready to cool off, take a dip at one of the popular swimming spots like Vallevik, Flöjten, Makrillsviken, or Sandön. You can also try out some fun water activities like boat trip or jet skiing.
If you’re into hiking, Smögen is a great place. There’s a beautiful trail along the cliffs toward Makrillsviken with stunning ocean views. Or head over to Sandön Nature Reserve, where you’ll find a 1.5 km trail through seaside nature.
Fjaällbacka
Start your day with a stroll through the charming city center and harbor, the perfect explore the coastal vibes and colorful wooden houses. Then head up to Kungsklyftan, a gorge that leads to the top of Vetteberget. From there, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Fjällbacka and the surrounding sea!
If you have time, take a boat tour out to the remote Väderöarna islands, perfect place for nature lovers. If you’re up for more adventure, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails around the area with amazing views of the coast and islands.
While you’re exploring, stop by Fjällbacka Church, which you’ll spot from the top of Vetteberget. Check out the small local museum to learn the town’s fishing history. Fjällbacka is also a great place to try some traditional Swedish seafood dishes, don’t miss the shrimp sandwich or fresh-caught lobster at one of the local spots by the water.