7 Days in Sweden

A Great Itinerary for a Week in Sweden

Sweden is one of the most beautiful European countries you’ll ever visit, guaranteed. The landscape is stunning and the people welcoming. Make the most of your trip by seeing as much as you can. The best way to do this is by car. The Swedes are friendly and helpful people, in case you need help or insight on the best places to go and where to stay.

There are countless places of interest in Sweden, including the ice hotel up north. But because Sweden is big, we will focus on a more concentrated trip, taking you on a seven-day road trip through the southern half of Sweden and its most idyllic coastal towns.

Day 1: Arrival & Stockholm

Chances are you will be arriving in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. It is the ideal place to start your journey. The city is beautiful, but over Christmastime, it will take your breath away.

The Old Town part of Stockholm is called Gamla Stan, and if you only get to explore one area, this one has to be it. Dating back to the 13th century, cobblestone streets line medieval alleys and shops. The Royal Palace is also situated in the Old Town. There you can watch the Changing of the Guard and book a trip to the treasure chamber. Stockholm also boasts an impressive number of museums, including the famous Vasa Museum, home to a 17th-century royal warship.

Day 2: Kalmar / ?land

The 358 kilometer trip from Stockholm will be your longest driving stretch, while you are still fresh. Get an early start to properly explore Kalmar, also known as the Crystal Country. Quite self-explanatory, the area is famous for its rich crystal production.

The town itself reminds of a fairy tale village with its castles and cathedral. Don’t rush through, spend a day here and enjoy the delightful town. Kalmar is also joined to the Baltic island of ?land by a 6-kilometer bridge.

Day 3: Through Sk?ne to Malm?

Also known as Sk?ne, the southernmost part of Sweden is a unique experience, extending between golden sandy beaches and beautiful national parks. At 234 kilometers from Kalmar, the area combines tranquil country life in the gentle valleys of green forests with a vibrant city life. Major cities in this region include Helsingborg and Malm? and offer a wide selection of quality hotels at reasonable prices.

Day 4: G?teborg

Today, let's head north to G?teborg in the morning. It's about a three-hour drive. Some people prefer G?teborg over Stockholm simply because the city provides for a more authentic Swedish experience. It is a bustling metropolis while still maintaining that personal touch. Liseberg and Slottsskogen are the two major attractions. Liseberg is the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia, while Slottsskogen literally means "The Castle Forest". You'll find out what's behind the name as soon as you see it.

Instead of city sightseeing, you can also use G?teborg as a base while exploring the surrounding coastal towns today. Then, stay at one of the local hotels.

Day 5: ?rebro

Day 5 starts out with the last long drive of your journey: A scenic 4-hour route going north-east on the E20 to ?rebro. Another amazing city, but this one was blessed with one main attraction: Stadstr?dg?rden. It was voted as Sweden’s most beautiful national park and merges with Wadk?ping museum village, another highlight. Wadk?ping is more than a museum; it is a life, breathing part of the city. Very interesting.

Day 6: Uppsala

A friendly, famous college town 172 kilometers north-east from ?rebro, Uppsala used to be the capital of Sweden and the religious hub for Vikings. It was even voted one of the best cities in Sweden!

Visit Gamla Uppsala to follow in the Viking footsteps by visiting the grave mounds. Visit the impressive 1000-year-old church that still stands to this day and enjoys some mead in a Swedish pub before retiring to one of the many hotels in Uppsala. The city itself is filled with medieval creations and old tales of historic deeds and redemption. It is also home to the largest cathedral in Scandinavia.

Day 7: Stockholm

Uppsala is a mere 70 kilometers north of Stockholm, so you need not rush the last stretch of your trip. Enjoy a lazy breakfast, head back toward Stockholm and absorbs the sights one last time. If you still have a day or two to spare before your departure, use this time to thoroughly enjoy all the different sights in Stockholm to conclude your trip.