Travel: Summer Like A Swede

July 09, 2024

Travel: Summer Like A Swede

Sweden is a beautiful country with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Summer is an amazing time to visit Sweden, as the country comes alive with festivals, outdoor activities, and long sunny days. Whether you are a nature lover, adrenaline seeker, or foodie, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Sweden during the summer months. So pack your bags, book your tickets and get ready for a Summer adventure.
 
Stay in a Summer House
Engrained into the Swedish psyche is the Summer House- sommarstuga . Before the days of easily accessible international travel, Swedes took full advantage of their plentiful land, building cosy cottages, dwelling and cabins to enjoy during the summer months. With many available as summer rentals, why not book yourself your own natural escape and take the summer slowly this year. Go wild swimming in the lakes, pick blueberries in the forests, amble along scenic pathways or grill food on an open fire at one of the thousands of picnic places across the forests in Sweden. You could even bury your head into a good book whilst fishing for your supper. Tempted yet?
 
Swimming in the Lakes
Sweden is home to thousands of pristine lakes, and swimming is a popular summer activity.  Whether you prefer to wild swim in a secluded lake in the countryside or visit a public beach in a city like Stockholm or Gothenburg, there are plenty of options to cool off on a hot summer day. Just don’t forget your towel!
 
Sampling Swedish cuisine
Sweden is well known for its delectable dishes and the summer is a great time to sample some of the local specialties. From fresh seafood like herring and salmon to traditional dishes like meatballs and smorgasbord, you will be spoilt for choice.
 
Catch the Midnight sun
Everyone is familiar with the Northern Lights, but how about the Midnight Sun? No Summer trip to Sweden would be complete without experiencing it – this is where to sun never sets in the Summer and can be seen above the Arctic Circle for 24 hours a day. The further North you travel, the brighter the Summer nights become. Amazingly, if you go all the way to the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set at all for a couple of months.
 
Sailing in the Archipelago
Sweden is home to one of the largest archipelagos in the world, and sailing is a popular pastime. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete novice, there are many options for sailing excursions in the archipelago. You can rent a sailboat or join a guided tour to explore the islands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
 
Exploring Stockholm
Sometimes a city excursion is the perfect juxtaposition when you’ve been immersed in nature. Stockholm is a vibrant city that is home to many attractions, including the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and the Vasa Museum. In the summer, you can take a boat tour of the archipelago, wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town, or visit one of the many parks and gardens in the city.

Hiking in the Swedish countryside
No matter your skill level or interest, Sweden will have a hike to suit. Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe (and often overlooked we might add) there are countless hiking trails to explore. From the Kungsleden trail in Lapland to the Skaneleden trail in Skåne, Summer hiking in Sweden is an absolute joy.

Biking in Gotland
Gotland is a picturesque island in the Baltic Sea, and one of the best ways to explore it is by bike. The island is home to many ancient ruins, medieval churches, and beautiful beaches, and there are numerous bike paths and trails to explore. You can also visit the town of Visby, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 
For more information and inspiration, go to Visit Sweden