Best Places to Visit in Sweden
Sweden may be a small country, but it offers a rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of attractions you won’t want to miss. From wildlife parks and theme parks to museums, ancient monuments, and castles, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Sweden for families, kids, and first-time visitors.
Quick List: Top Sweden Attractions
Here are some of the best places to visit in Sweden:
- Nordic Ark (Åbyfjorden, Bohuslän) – endangered wildlife park
- Astrid Lindgren’s World (Vimmerby, Småland) – children’s theme park
- Liseberg (Gothenburg) – popular amusement park in Scandinavia
- Vasa Museum (Stockholm) – preserved 17th-century warship
- Ale’s Stones (Scania) – ancient stone ship monument
- Kalmar Castle (Kalmar, Småland) – best-preserved Renaissance castle
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sweden
Nordic Ark: Endangered Wildlife Park in Sweden
If you enjoy wildlife and nature, visiting a zoo that features animals adapted to the region can be a unique experience. Nordic Ark is a wildlife park dedicated to endangered species, located in a beautiful archipelago setting by Åbyfjorden in the Bohuslän province. The park is home to around 80 animal species adapted to the Swedish climate, including wolves, lynx, snow leopards, traditional Nordic farm animals, endangered birds, and rare frog species.
What to Do at Nordic Ark
- Meet zookeepers and learn about animal care
- Join scheduled animal feedings
- Visit behind-the-scenes areas like the animal kitchen
- Enjoy kids’ crafts, games, and seasonal activities
Nordic Ark focuses on breeding programs, research, and education, and some animals are eventually reintroduced into their natural habitats. For added convenience, guests can stay at Hotel Nordic Ark, which offers comfortable accommodations and on-site activities. Nordic Ark is open to visitors all year round.
Astrid Lindgren’s World: Theme Park for Kids in Sweden
Many children have grown up reading books by the famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, best known for creating Pippi Longstocking. Astrid Lindgren was born in Vimmerby, located in the Småland province. In the same town, visitors can explore Astrid Lindgren’s World, a popular theme park where children can meet characters from her books in immersive, storybook environments.
Why Families Love Astrid Lindgren’s World
- Live theater performances based on Astrid Lindgren’s stories
- Interactive scenes that often involve children from the audience
- Storybook settings that encourage imagination, reading, and writing
Astrid Lindgren’s World is open from May 9 to September 1, with special opening hours at other times of the year.
Liseberg: Amusement Park in Gothenburg
If you enjoy excitement and high-speed thrills, you should not miss Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg. Liseberg is one of the most visited amusement parks in Scandinavia and was named one of the world’s top ten amusement parks by Forbes Magazine in 2005. Its famous wooden roller coaster, Balder, was voted the best wooden roller coaster in the world in both 2003 and 2005.
What You’ll Find at Liseberg
- 30+ rides, from major roller coasters to kid-friendly attractions
- Stages for live shows and concerts
- Restaurants, dance halls, and arcade areas
- The haunted Gasten Ghost Hotel with live actors
Liseberg is typically open from April 27 to October 6, with a few seasonal exceptions.
Best Historical Attractions in Sweden
Vasa Museum: See a Famous 17th-Century Ship in Stockholm
History enthusiasts should visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, one of Sweden’s most famous museums. The warship Vasa was commissioned by King Gustav II Adolf as a symbol of Sweden’s military power. At the time of its construction, it was one of the largest warships in the world. Unfortunately, the ship sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm harbor on August 10, 1628, due to instability in strong winds.
Why the Vasa Museum Is Worth Visiting
- See the nearly intact, preserved Vasa warship
- Learn how and why the ship sank in 1628
- Explore exhibits about life and shipbuilding in 17th-century Sweden
After several failed recovery attempts, the Vasa was finally salvaged in 1961 and remarkably preserved. Today, visitors can see the ship up close, looking much the same as it did over 400 years ago. The Vasa Museum is open year round, with a few exceptions.
Ale’s Stones: Ancient Monument in Southern Sweden
If you enjoy ancient landmarks, Ale’s Stones is a must-see attraction in southern Sweden. Located in Scania, this impressive monument consists of a stone ship measuring approximately 67 by 56 meters, made from large sandstone boulders. According to folklore, the legendary King Ale is buried there. Although its exact origin remains uncertain, researchers believe Ale’s Stones date back to the late Nordic Iron Age.
Kalmar Castle: Swedish Renaissance History in Småland
Visitors interested in Swedish Renaissance history should explore Kalmar Castle, located in the city of Kalmar in Småland. Kalmar Castle is considered the best-preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has remained largely unchanged since 1592.
What to See at Kalmar Castle
- Guided tours and permanent exhibitions
- Dungeon visits and seasonal ghost tours
- Year-round events, including a medieval festival in summer
Kalmar Castle is open to visitors all year round.
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