Summer Weekend in Sweden – 5 Things to Do

Sweden’s nature is diverse, accessible and beautiful – with archipelagos, forests, mountains and beaches often just a few hours apart. Here, we reveal some of our Swedish gems for anyone eager to explore the country.

Boat Ride in the Stockholm Archipelago

Fjäderholmarna is just 30 minutes from the city and offers swimming, smokehouse lunches, and local craft beer. If you want to stay a bit longer, try Vaxholm – a charming small town with cafés, wooden villas, and boat trips to nearby islands. For more peace and quiet, Utö is perfect with bike-friendly roads, rocky beaches, old mines, and seaside dinners. Other favourites include Grinda, Möja, and Sandhamn.

Where? Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm, Grinda, Utö, Sandhamn
What to do? Swim, kayak, hike, bike, take a boat tour
Where to stay? Grinda Wärdshus, Vaxholm B&B, Utö Värdshus, Sandhamn Seglarhotell
Where to eat? Fjäderholmarnas Bryggeri, Grinda Wärdshus, Bistro Magasinet Vaxholm, Utö Värdshus

Seafood on the West Coast

On the Swedish west coast, you will find rocky shores, fishing huts and salty sea breezes. Here, seafood takes centre stage – fresh prawns, newly boiled crayfish, mussels and oysters straight from the sea. Stroll along the popular Smögen boardwalk, indulge in ice cream, swim from the rocks or take the boat to Hållö for a picnic and a view of the crystal-clear water. In Fjällbacka, you can hike up Vetteberget or take a boat to the Weather Islands. In Grebbestad, oyster safaris and evening sun in the harbour await.

These are just a few of the many places to explore. Tjörn, Orust, Klädesholmen, Koster and Mollösund are some more – and there are plenty of others.

Where? Smögen, Fjällbacka, Grebbestad, Tjörn, Orust
What to do? Swim, paddle, go on an oyster safari, boat trips to islands, hike
Where to stay? Smögens Hafsbad, Stora Hotellet in Fjällbacka, TanumStrand Resort, camping or private rentals
Where to eat? Falkeröd (Grebbestad), Mamsell (Fjällbacka), Peterson’s Krog (Käringön), Margaretas kök och skafferi (Tjörn)

Art, Food and Crafts in Österlen

In Österlen, you will find open landscapes, white beaches and a calm, creative atmosphere. Ceramic studios, artists’ ateliers and farm shops share the countryside with smokehouses, cideries and microbreweries.

Ystad offers half-timbered houses and a seaside promenade, Simrishamn charms with ceramics and a cosy harbour, and in Kivik, you will find apple orchards, cider tastings and sea views from Stenshuvud National Park.

Go for a swim at Sandhammaren, Knäbäckshusen or Vitemölla – some of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches.

Where? Ystad, Simrishamn, Kivik
What to do? Swim, visit farm shops, artist studios, art galleries
Where to stay? B&Bs in Kivik, hotels in Ystad, countryside farms, Talldungen Gårdshotell, Örum 119
Where to eat? Olof Viktors, Kiviks Musteri, Stjärnbryggeriet (Simrishamn), Pastafabriken (Ingelstorp), Tryffelsvinet (Ystad)

Forest Life in Småland – Tents, Silence and the Scent of Pine Needles

If you want to disconnect completely and just be, Småland is the place. Here you will find deep forests, peaceful nature, reserves, and the freedom to enjoy outdoor life at your own pace. Tent, rooftop tent, or vanlife – it is up to you. Around Åsnen, Store Mosse or Norra Kvill, there are shelters and simple campsites by the water. Go paddling, hiking, pick blueberries or mushrooms, cook with a camping stove or read a book by the lake.

With a stop in Vimmerby, you can visit filming locations from the Swedish idyll in Astrid Lindgren’s The Children of Noisy Village, Katthult from Emil of Lönneberga, and family-friendly experiences full of joy.

Where? Store Mosse National Park, Norra Kvill, Åsnen, Vimmerby
What to do? Hike, swim, paddle, pick berries and mushrooms, sleep in nature
Where to stay? Tent, rooftop tent, van, shelter, nature camping
Where to eat? Cook over open fire, have a fika at Naturum Store Mosse café, Linnaeus Kaffestuga (Åsnen), local farm shops – and much more to discover

Hiking in the Swedish Mountains

The mountain landscapes of Sweden offer breathtaking views – from the green hills of Jämtland to glacier-covered peaks in the far north. For beginners, Åre and the Jämtland mountains are ideal. Take the cable car up to Åreskutan or hike between Blåhammaren, Storulvån and Sylarna, enjoying dinner and a bed at the mountain stations along the way.

Looking for a bigger challenge? Head to Abisko and the Kungsleden trail. Here you will hike through towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and under the midnight sun. With a few extra days, you can also reach the summit of Kebnekaise – Sweden’s highest mountain.

Where? Åre, the Jämtland mountains, Abisko
What to do? Hike, go mountain biking, see waterfalls (Tännforsen is Sweden’s largest)
Where to stay? Rent mountain cabins, Fjällgården Åre, STF’s mountain stations (such as STF Abisko Turiststation), tent
Where to eat? Restaurant Enoks near Låktatjåkko, Buustamons Fjällgård Åre, Restaurant Kungsleden