While the delights of Stockholm and its archipelago are well known to travellers for good reason, it’s not the only part of Sweden worth exploring. Here are four other regions you may want to visit to make the most of your time in Sweden:
Gothenburg: visit Sweden’s most sustainable city and learn what it takes to top the Global Destination Sustainability Index four years in a row. From wind-powered hotels to a public transport system that run on over at least 65 per cent renewables, clean air and water is high on the city’s list of must-haves and restaurants have become closed-loop systems where power comes from kitchen waste converted to biogas. Local produce is championed, and sustainable innovation is seen everywhere from infrastructure to the fashion scene. There are pretty canals and leafy green streets, as well as brilliant art galleries and the country’s biggest botanical garden. Don’t forget to explore some of the islands off the coast!
Dalarna: this beautiful region is the place to go if you’re looking for classic Swedish countryside. Cycle through shady forests, picnic in wildflower meadows, and park up by a lake for the perfect sleep spot. It’s an amazing region to get out in nature with outdoor activities like horse riding or going on a foraging walk with a local guide, as well as the hiking that Sweden is so famous for.
Skåne: the southernmost tip of Sweden is a treasure trove for slow living, the perfect place to explore in a van. Relax on sandy beaches like Sandhammaren, where you’ll find 12 kilometres of golden sand, or hike part of the 1000-kilometre Skåneleden trail. As you drive through the region you see rolling fields and peaceful farmland, with plenty of seasonal produce for sale at farmstands. This produce is used liberally in the restaurants in towns like charming Ystad, where you’ll find cobbled streets and famous medieval architecture.
Arctic Lapland: explore Abisko National Park and try snowshoeing, skiing, and dogsledding amongst other Artic pastimes. It’s one of the best places in Sweden to catch the northern lights. Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city, a fantastic base for getting your bearings and stocking up on supplies, and the gorgeous town of Jokkmokk has a market that has been running for 400 years. Lapland is a great place to head in summer too, as the midnight sun means you’re never limited to daylight hours for your adventures!