Why Fly to Sweden
Sweden punches well above its weight for a country of 10 million people. You get medieval old towns, cutting-edge design, serious wilderness, and a quality of life that makes most other places look like they're not trying. Stockholm alone could keep you busy for a week — Gamla Stan's cobblestones, the Vasa Museum (a 17th-century warship pulled from the harbour floor), and ferry hops to the archipelago islands are all genuinely world-class. But Sweden rewards you for going further.
Gothenburg has the best seafood in Scandinavia and a laid-back coastal energy that Stockholm doesn't always have. Malmö is modern, multicultural, and five minutes from Copenhagen by train across the Öresund Bridge — handy if you're combining trips. Head north to Lapland and you're in a different world entirely: reindeer, the Sami culture, dog sledding, and if you time it right, the northern lights or the midnight sun. Sweden works as a city break, a road trip, or a wilderness adventure. Not many countries do all three well.
Best Time to Visit Sweden
Summer (June–August) is peak season for good reason. Days are long — impossibly long in the north, where the sun barely sets — and the whole country opens up for hiking, kayaking, and outdoor festivals. Expect higher prices and more crowds, especially in Stockholm and the national parks. Book accommodation early if you're travelling in July.
May and September are the smart choices for most travellers. Prices drop, the crowds thin out, and the weather is still reasonable. September in particular is excellent for the northern lights in Lapland. Winter (December–February) is cold and dark in the south but magical in the north — aurora borealis, ice hotels, snowmobile tours. Just come prepared for temperatures that can drop well below -20°C in Lapland. Stockholm in winter is perfectly manageable and often cheaper, with Christmas markets adding some charm.
Getting Around Sweden
Sweden has a solid rail network operated by SJ and several regional operators. The main Stockholm–Gothenburg–Malmö corridor is fast and comfortable by train, and scenic too. Book in advance for cheaper fares — last-minute train tickets in Sweden are expensive. For longer distances or Lapland, domestic flights save serious time; Arlanda (Stockholm), Landvetter (Gothenburg), and Kiruna airports are the main hubs. Renting a car makes sense if you're exploring the countryside, the west coast, or driving north — public transport gets thinner outside the cities. Within cities, public transport is excellent and largely cashless. Stockholm's metro, Gothenburg's trams, and Malmö's buses are all easy to navigate. Cycling is big everywhere and well-catered for.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU/EEA citizens can enter with a valid national ID card or passport — no visa needed. UK and US citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. From late 2026, US, UK, and other visa-exempt nationals will need an ETIAS authorisation before travelling — it's an online application, costs a small fee, and is valid for up to three years. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for biometric data collection is expected to be fully operational by April 2026. Don't overstay the 90-day Schengen limit — it can result in a ban from all Schengen countries for up to three years.
Money & Budget
Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). This is one of the most cashless countries on earth — cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafés and market stalls. Contactless is the norm. Still, notify your bank before you travel to avoid your card getting flagged. ATMs exist but you'll rarely need one.
Budget travellers staying in hostels and self-catering can get by on around SEK 600–900 per day (~$55–85 USD). Mid-range — a decent hotel, sit-down meals, and a museum or two — runs SEK 1,000–2,000 per day (~$95–190 USD). Luxury travel starts at SEK 3,000+ per day ($280+ USD) and goes up fast in Stockholm. Alcohol is expensive and only sold in state-run Systembolaget stores, which close at 3pm on weekdays and have limited weekend hours — plan accordingly.
Top Cities to Visit in Sweden
- Stockholm — The capital spans 14 islands and blends history, design, and nature better than almost any city in Europe. Start in Gamla Stan, don't skip the Vasa Museum.
- Gothenburg — Sweden's second city has a more relaxed vibe, a great food scene built around the west coast's seafood, and Liseberg, one of Scandinavia's best amusement parks.
- Malmö — Compact, diverse, and architecturally interesting, with the iconic Turning Torso tower. Easy to pair with a day trip to Copenhagen.
- Uppsala — Just 40 minutes from Stockholm, this university city has Scandinavia's largest cathedral and a surprisingly good food and café scene.
- Kiruna — Gateway to Swedish Lapland. Come here for the northern lights, the ICEHOTEL, the midnight sun, and Sami culture. A long way north, but worth it.
- Visby — A medieval walled city on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. Best visited in summer; looks like something out of a fairy tale.
FAQ — Flights to Sweden
Which airport should I fly into for Stockholm?
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main international hub, about 40km north of the city centre. The Arlanda Express train gets you into Stockholm Central in around 20 minutes. Skavsta and Västerås airports are further out and used mostly by budget carriers — factor in the extra transfer time and cost before booking.
Can I fly directly to Lapland?
Yes. Kiruna Airport (KRN) has direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda year-round, with some seasonal international connections. The flight takes just under two hours from Stockholm. Luleå Airport is another option further south, with onward connections to Lapland by road or rail. Flying is by far the fastest way to reach the north.
Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen and travel to Sweden?
Sometimes, yes. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) has more international routes and can offer better fares, especially from the US and UK. From the airport, a direct train crosses the Öresund Bridge and reaches Malmö in about 20 minutes, with onward connections across Sweden. It's a legitimate option worth checking when you're comparing prices.