Sweden has 31 national parks, open every day all year round. There are also places and traditions that bring very different chapters of the country’s history to life. Looking at nature and culture together reveals not just a collection of attractions, but different ways to shape a trip: outdoors on trails, among waters and islands, or while visiting a historic site.
From old-growth landscapes to a marine park
Tyresta National Park protects a landscape of rift valleys, old-growth forest, rocky outcrops and lakes. It is also the largest remaining area of old-growth forest south of the Dalälven River. By contrast, islands, forests and wetlands shape the lake archipelago of Åsnen National Park, where traces of early human settlement add to the landscape. These two examples show how nature experiences can also encompass different historical connections.
In Kosterhavet, Sweden’s first marine national park, habitats consist mainly of water and underwater environments. Visitors can dive or snorkel among kelp forests and seagrass meadows; swimming and snorkeling are also possible there in summer. The Kosterbåtarna connect Strömstad with the national park year-round, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. As timetables may vary, it is best to check departures for your visit.
Hiking trails and experiences on the water
Sweden has more than 400 marked hiking trails, ranging from short walks to long-distance routes. Many are well marked and equipped with boardwalks and clear signage. There is also general guidance for getting there: many trailheads in Sweden are accessible by public transport.
One specific example is the 220-kilometre Göta Canal Trail, divided into seven sections. Half of it runs along a car-free canal-side path, while the other half follows smaller paved country roads. The same route therefore alternates between two clearly defined types of surface. The towpaths along the Göta Canal also offer a hiking route beside the canal. Camping is permitted at rest areas, which also have dry toilets.
The Right of Public Access is also useful to know about when planning outdoor activities. It applies on land and on the water, and allows activities including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling. Local restrictions may apply in protected areas. If you include several activities in your trip, keep these restrictions in mind rather than assuming that the general right provides unrestricted access to every area.
History in many different forms
The Hanseatic town of Visby is a preserved medieval fortified trading town in Northern Europe, as well as a lively city. The Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland World Heritage property includes seven large wooden farmhouses with richly decorated interiors. Both examples tell the story of built places, but with different emphases: a medieval trading town in one case, and the elaborate interiors of farmhouses in the other.
In Falun, the vast mining excavation known as the Great Pit is part of the Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain World Heritage property. The landscape illustrates copper production in the region since at least the 13th century. The Great Pit and the historical importance of copper production give this World Heritage property a different focus from Visby’s urban history or the farmhouse interiors of Hälsingland.
Gammelstad Church Town is Sweden’s largest and best-preserved church town. Visitors can learn about its history through exhibitions, information boards, an audio guide and booked guided tours. If you are particularly interested in a guided tour or the audio guide, check what is currently available before your visit.
The Jokkmokk Winter Market takes place every February, with a history stretching back more than 400 years. Jokkmokk is also home to the Ájtte Mountain and Sámi Museum, Sweden’s leading museum and archive for Sámi culture. Sámi duodji is made from natural and surplus materials, including wood, bark, reindeer hide, antler and bone. Pickled and fermented foods remain part of the Swedish diet today. Suovas is smoked reindeer meat and became Sweden’s first Slow Food Presidia product in 2003.
A focus for planning your trip and hotel search
These examples range from hiking trails and marine habitats to urban history, crafts and food culture. Decide which destinations you want to visit, then tailor your hotel search to the destination you would like to explore.
Discover more destinations: Gotland, Stockholm, Blekinge, Halland, Skåne, Värmland, Västra Götaland, Öland, Östergötland, Jönköping, Uppsala, Södermanland, Kronoberg, Kalmar, Örebro, Västerbotten, Norrbotten, Västmanland, Dalarna County, Gävleborg, Västernorrland, Jämtland.
