When people picture the Swedish dream, most don’t imagine the busy streets of Stockholm or sleek modern museums. Instead, they picture a traditional lakeside Sweden cabin rental — a little red wooden hut on the shore of a quiet lake. This escape from an over-technologised world draws thousands of travellers every summer, all longing for total peace, endless forests and a morning coffee on their own wooden jetty. Almost every Swedish family has access to a place like this, and in July, when the nationwide holidays begin, it feels like half the country moves out to them.

Renting one of these cabins — which locals only ever call a stuga — is hands down the best way to understand the Nordic mentality on a deeper level. But to enjoy this fairytale without unnecessary stress, you need to know the rules of the game, because the Swedish standard for accommodation in nature differs from the Central European one in many ways. The local cabin culture demands a great deal of self-reliance and respect for the unwritten laws of the rugged northern wilderness.

Where to look, what to watch out for and why you should always pack your own bed linen — you’ll find it all below. Just settle in comfortably and read on.

TL;DR

• Basic prices: Off-season you can rent a simple cabin from as little as 1,000 SEK (about €90) per week; in the summer peak expect anywhere between 5,000 and 12,000 SEK (roughly €450 to €1,080).
• Bed linen and towels: These are almost never included in the base price. Swedes bring their own or pay hefty extra fees for them in advance.
• Final cleaning: You have to hand the cabin over in absolutely perfect condition, or pay extra for professional cleaning, which can run to more than 1,000 SEK.
• When to book: For July and August I’d start looking as early as January — the best cabins with a boat by the lake vanish incredibly fast.
• Where to look: Besides the classic Airbnb, use local Swedish portals like Stugknuten or Stugguiden, or big agencies such as Novasol.
• Toilet facilities: Always check the type of toilet, because many older, more remote cabins only have a so-called mulltoa (a composting dry toilet).
• Drinks for the evening: Anything above 3.5% alcohol can only be bought at the state-run Systembolaget shops, which are strictly closed on Sundays.

14 Things You Must Know Before Your Sweden Cabin Rental

Renting a little cabin somewhere in the Scandinavian forests sounds like the easiest thing under the sun. You arrive, unlock the door, light a fire in the fireplace and enjoy the quiet. But Swedish cabin culture has its small yet crucial quirks. From missing bed linen to the need to clean up perfectly after yourself, there are a few things that can easily catch out an international visitor.

So that your dream holiday doesn’t end on day one with a misunderstanding with the owner or an unnecessarily pricey extra charge, I’ve put together the most important points for you. Let’s take a look together at what you should definitely know before hitting that booking button.

1. What a stuga is and why it’s a national phenomenon

The Swedish summer cabin, or sommarstuga, isn’t just an ordinary building — it’s a genuine national institution and a symbol of the Nordic way of life. When you think of Sweden, the first things that come to mind might be bustling Stockholm, the famous Vasa ship museum or the celebrated meatballs. But the real travel longing points somewhere else entirely. The strongest emotions and biggest dreams that draw people north don’t take the shape of a pulsing city. They look like a small, dark-red wooden cabin on the shore of a quiet lake, perfectly lost deep in the forest.

It’s estimated that there are more than 600,000 of these cabins scattered across the country, and locals retreat to them at every free opportunity. Almost every Swedish family owns one, or has access to one through relatives. For Swedes, the stuga is the perfect escape from everyday stress and a place to practise their beloved art of slowing down. This phenomenon is closely tied to the concept of slow living, which has produced more than one global social-media star. People all over the world eagerly devour videos about life in harmony with nature and about absolute silence.

A shining example is Jonna Jinton, who shares stunning footage of frozen lakes, the northern lights and the traditional herding call kulning from her remote northern-Swedish home to more than five million subscribers on YouTube. Equally fascinating is the story of eighteen-year-old Erik Grankvist, who built a log cabin deep in the forest using only an axe and hand tools, and whose videos have racked up tens of millions of views. Life at the cabin simply runs to a completely different rhythm.

The main event of the day here isn’t visiting a historic monument, but plain old chopping wood or watching the sun set over the calm water. If you rent a place like this, you’re not just buying a night’s sleep. Above all, you’re buying the chance to experience Swedish culture in its purest form. At a stuga, you’ll understand Sweden better than in any museum.

💡 Tip: Don’t be thrown off by the fact that you often won’t find any tourist attractions, promenades or ice cream shops near the cabin at all. The whole point of the stay is that you’re surrounded by nothing but forest and water.

2. Why every cabin glows the same shade of red

As you travel through the Swedish countryside, one thing hits you immediately: a striking visual uniformity, because nine out of ten rural buildings glow in an identical shade of dark red. This colour is called falu rödfärg (Falun red), and combined with white window frames it forms the best-known symbol of Swedish architecture. And it’s not some modern design fad dreamed up by a clever architect — it’s a deeply rooted centuries-old tradition.

This specific shade originated as a by-product of historic mining at the copper mine in the town of Falun, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As early as the sixteenth century, people discovered that the earthy pigment, rich in iron, copper and zinc, worked as an absolutely brilliant and cheap wood preservative. All you had to do was mix it with linseed oil and ordinary rye flour. Originally, only wealthy nobility painted their houses red, to imitate the expensive brick buildings of continental Europe.

Over time, though, this trend spread across the whole Swedish countryside and became universal. The miracle paint protected wooden façades from the harsh northern weather and rot so reliably that it spread to every corner of the country. Today it’s no longer just a matter of practicality but of tradition that simply won’t budge. A red cabin with white corners and window frames belongs in the Swedish landscape as naturally as granite boulders or tall pines. Any other colour would look downright out of place in the forest.

💡 Tip: If the history of this iconic colour fascinates you, I recommend you visit the copper mine in Falun itself, in the Dalarna region. A tour through the dark underground tunnels is a huge and very enlightening experience.

3. Where to look for a cabin and when to book it

Before you dive straight into Airbnb, stop and think — thanks to the service fees you’ll pay a lot more there for the same cabin than you need to. Instead, I recommend you explore the Swedish sites Stugknuten or Stugguiden, where owners advertise directly and you’ll find the most authentic gems at local prices. For those who prefer certainty, big agencies like Novasol, Stugsommar or Dansommar work wonderfully, keeping a high standard of quality and handling all the admin for you.

Prices change dramatically depending on the season and location, so timing plays an absolutely key role. While in May or September you can find a beautiful lakeside place even for 2,500 SEK (roughly €225) per week, in July the situation changes completely. During the so-called industrisemester (the nationwide Swedish holidays), prices shoot sharply upwards. A well-equipped family cabin on the shore of a lake can easily cost you 8,000 to 12,000 SEK (€720 to €1,080) per week in high season.

The summer months come with one crucial quirk. It’s not just the Swedes themselves who head to the lakes at this time, but also thousands of German and Dutch tourists, famous for their meticulous planning. If you dream of the perfect little cabin with its own jetty and sauna for summer, you have to be very quick, because the best spots disappear from the listings at an incredible pace.

💡 Tip: Never leave a summer-holiday booking to the last minute, because experienced travellers snap up the best cabins as early as January or February. If you want a cabin with a boat, ideally start looking six months ahead.

4. The big catch: bed linen and final cleaning

This is by far the biggest trap for international visitors used to full hotel service and taking certain things for granted. In Sweden it’s the absolute, unquestioned standard that you bring your own bed linen and towels to the cabin, because they simply aren’t included in the base rental price. If you’re travelling by plane and have no room in your suitcase, you’ll have to order this bedding from the owner in advance for an extra fee, usually around 150 to 250 SEK (€15 to €25) per set per person.

The second huge shock tends to be the final cleaning (slutstädning) — it’s almost never included in the rental price. You’re expected to grab a mop, cleaning products and a vacuum before you leave and hand the cabin over in absolutely flawless condition for the next guests. Swedes are extremely meticulous about this and used to scrubbing even the smallest details perfectly, including the oven and fridge.

You can of course simply pay for professional cleaning, but be prepared: this service often costs more than 1,000 SEK (€90). If you decide to clean yourself and the owner finds a dirty floor or crumbs on the table after you leave, they’ll very uncompromisingly charge you for the cleaning afterwards and deduct the money from the deposit blocked on your card.

💡 Tip: Read the terms in the booking form carefully and always double-check exactly what’s included in the price. Owners tend to be very strict about the quality of the final cleaning and really do pursue any outstanding charges relentlessly.

5. The reality of the facilities: from luxury to composting toilet

Swedish cabins cover an incredibly wide range of comfort, from modern glass villas with underfloor heating to rustic log cabins without mains electricity. You must pay close attention to the toilet description, because many older lakeside buildings don’t have a classic flush toilet. Instead, in a separate hut in the garden, you’ll find a so-called mulltoa — a modern and surprisingly odourless composting toilet that, for some people, can be a big step out of their comfort zone.

Another important thing to check is the source of drinking water and the method of heating. While the better cabins have a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and running mains water, the more remote ones rely on their own well or even an outdoor hand pump in the yard. In that case you’ll have to heat the washing-up water on the stove. The equipment tends to be very practical overall and adapted to the harsh natural setting. Inside you’ll almost always find a spacious drying rack for wet clothes and plenty of storage for muddy boots, because the whims of the weather are simply factored in.

Even the most basic little cabin won’t let you down — wooden panelling, comfy armchairs and plenty of little lamps in the evening are practically the law among Swedes. There’s always a filter coffee maker and lots of small lamps that create a magical atmosphere in the evening.

💡 Tip: If you strictly require a classic flush toilet and a hot shower inside the house, look for the word vattentoalett in the listing. That way you’ll spare yourself any disappointment at the rustic reality when you arrive.

6. Lake or sea? How to choose right

When planning your holiday, you face a fundamental decision: do you prefer the calm surface of a freshwater lake, or the wild coast of the Baltic or North Sea? Cabins on the west coast in the Bohuslän region offer breathtaking views of smooth granite cliffs and salt water, but you’ll have to reckon with significantly higher prices and stronger winds. It’s an absolute paradise for lovers of sea kayaks, fresh prawns and rougher Nordic romance, but for a peaceful family holiday it can be needlessly wild.

By contrast, the inland lakes — of which Sweden has an incredible hundred thousand — are an absolute oasis of peace and calm. Their water tends to be a little warmer in summer than the open sea, and the surrounding dense forests will shelter you perfectly from bad weather and strong winds. Lakeside cabins work out much more affordable and offer exactly that idyllic picture from Astrid Lindgren’s children’s books, which most travellers subconsciously seek in the north.

When choosing a specific cabin by the water, be very careful when reading listings. In practice, the phrase “close to the lake” can easily mean a kilometre-long walk through deep forest — not something you’ll want to tackle with your morning coffee in hand.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for accommodation right on the shore, hunt for the term sjötomt, which means a plot directly by the lake with its own access to the water. That’s the only way to secure the real cabin romance.

7. A guide to the regions: from Småland to wild Norrland

Choosing the right region will fundamentally shape the character of your holiday, because Sweden is a huge and varied country. The southern province of Småland is the archetype of the Swedish countryside, with stone walls and thousands of lakes, and you can reach it by car in a single day from Central Europe. It’s an absolutely ideal choice for families with children who want to experience the picturesque atmosphere of the famous Bullerbyn without exhausting multi-day journeys across the continent.

The cultural heart of the country is undoubtedly the Dalarna region, spread around the enormous Lake Siljan, where the strongest folk traditions survive to this day. This is where the famous wooden dalahäst horses are made, and the cabins often boast beautifully carved details. In contrast, the regions of Värmland and Dalsland, lying by the Norwegian border, are an absolute paradise for paddlers, laced with an endless network of canals and deep forests.

If you long for absolute solitude and don’t mind rawer scenery, head for the historic mining region of Bergslagen, northwest of Stockholm. The forests here are much darker and it’s one of the best places in the country for evening moose-spotting in the wild. For true wilderness, though, you’ll have to venture far north into rugged Norrland.

💡 Tip: For a first visit to Sweden, I recommend the happy medium of Småland or Värmland. They offer the perfect balance of wild nature, accessible services and a manageable driving distance.

8. Rituals of slowing down and how to shape your day

Life at the sommarstuga has its lovely, unwritten rules, which as a visitor you’ll slip into very quickly and gladly. Everything often begins right after arrival, at the flagpole. Many cabins have one in the garden, and as soon as Swedes reach the place, they run up the blue-and-yellow pennant, signalling to the surroundings that the cabin has come to life. The day then begins with a slow coffee on the wooden veranda, ideally with your gaze fixed on the morning mist drifting over the surface of the lake.

There’s no rushing anywhere, no hectic dashing between landmarks — in the morning you have just one task: chop wood for the evening fire. The afternoon is marked by the sacred ritual of fika, the traditional break for coffee and sweet pastries. Swedes observe it with iron regularity, usually at ten in the morning and three in the afternoon. The strong filter coffee inevitably comes with the famous cinnamon bun, kanelbulle, or its more fragrant cardamom cousin.

You can spend the rest of the day wandering the forest, where, thanks to the unique right of public access, you’re free to gather huge quantities of blueberries (blåbär). In autumn the forests become a paradise for mushroom pickers, who eagerly hunt above all for the beloved chanterelles (kantareller). It’s exactly these small joys that guarantee a perfect digital detox.

💡 Tip: Don’t plan day trips for every single day. Instead, allow yourself at least two days where you don’t leave the cabin grounds at all. Only then will you fully appreciate the healing power of Nordic silence and the art of doing absolutely nothing.

9. The Swedish sauna and the rules of winter bathing

A better summer cabin inevitably comes with its own sauna (bastu in Swedish), which often stands as a small separate hut right on the lakeshore. Heating it with wood, warming up properly and then leaping into the cold water with a shriek is one of the most powerful experiences of the whole holiday. The Swedish sauna isn’t as extremely hot as the Finnish one and works more like a very pleasant social occasion for the whole family or a group of friends.

Sauna etiquette has its clear rules. In purely male or purely female saunas, nudity is expected and you sit on your own towel, while at public mixed saunas on the beaches the rules for swimwear vary from place to place. In a private cabin, of course, you can do whatever you like. Just remember that in the sauna you traditionally speak quietly, or simply sit together in silence and enjoy the quiet.

While in summer a leap into the lake is refreshing, the real national sport is winter bathing, or vinterbad. Locals firmly believe that alternating hot steam and icy water cut from the frozen lake strengthens the immune system and releases a huge amount of endorphins. If you rent a cabin off-season, definitely try this ritual, because it’ll pour incredible energy into your veins.

💡 Tip: When using the sauna, make sure you only pour clean fresh water onto the stones, never salt water from the sea. Salt would very quickly destroy the heater and the owner would charge you a hefty fine.

10. The boat, permits and the secrets of Swedish lakes

A holiday by the water wouldn’t be complete without the chance to set out and explore the surrounding bays and deserted islands. With many of the better rentals, you’ll find a classic aluminium or wooden rowing boat with oars included in the price, or you can rent a small outboard motor for a small fee. The view of the red cabin from the middle of the lake, with the evening sun beating down on it, is one of the most iconic images of all Sweden — something you simply have to photograph.

The lakes invite all sorts of activities, and an afternoon row will quickly become your favourite ritual: locals spend hours calmly gazing at the water and fishing, but if you’re not into fishing, take a book into the boat and let yourself drift. While on Sweden’s five largest lakes (such as Vänern or Vättern) rod fishing is completely free, on all other bodies of water you need a permit called a fiskekort. These days you can easily get one online or at the nearest petrol station for a few dozen Swedish kronor.

When you do head out onto the water, be very careful of sudden changes in the weather. The surface can be treacherous and the wind can pick up in a matter of minutes.

💡 Tip: If you go out on the water, always wear a life jacket, which the cabin owner should provide along with the boat. Swedish lakes can be very deep and their water stays icy even in the middle of a scorching summer.

11. The cabin with kids: endless freedom and what to watch out for

For families with children, renting a stuga is an absolutely brilliant holiday solution that also gives your tight budget considerable relief. You don’t have to spend a fortune on pricey admission to amusement parks, because the surrounding forest and water work as the best playground in the world. Kids can build dens out of branches, splash in the shallows and, in the evening, roast potatoes or cheese with you over the campfire.

Thanks to your own fully equipped kitchen, you’ll also save huge amounts of money on Swedish restaurants, which otherwise drain a family budget very quickly. You can cook at leisure from local ingredients bought in cheaper supermarkets like Willys or Lidl, or from whatever you’ve brought in the boot from home. Grilled vegetables, a mushroom sauce from your own foraging or vegetarian sausages will please every diner.

Safety in Swedish nature is at a very high level; you just need to make sure the smallest children don’t wander unsupervised close to deep water. Wooden jetties tend to be very slippery after the morning dew.

💡 Tip: Pack the children good wellies and waterproof clothing, because the Swedish summer weather can be very changeable. With good gear, not even an afternoon shower will put them off, and you won’t have to deal with piles of muddy laundry.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Sweden

4 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Orbaden Spa & Resort

Luxurious wooden villas with a magnificent sauna world right by the water in the Hälsingland region.

★★★★ Check prices

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Kosta Lodge

Beautiful cabins in the deep forests of Småland, private pools and excellent facilities for families with children.

★★★★ Check prices

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Camp wilderness Värmland

Classic wooden stuga by a crystal-clear lake, absolute silence and a perfect base for mushroom picking and fishing.

★★★★ Check prices

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View all accommodations in Sweden

Explore all available accommodation options in Sweden and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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12. Winter at the stuga: polar nights, cross-country skiing and heating

Although the stuga is seen primarily as a summer thing, renting one in the winter months brings an utterly fascinating, if somewhat rougher, kind of romance. The snow-covered landscape, the frozen lake and the total silence create an unrepeatable atmosphere of being cut off from the world. In the more northern areas you’ll also get a unique chance to watch the northern lights straight from the warmth of your own veranda, while during the day you can set out cross-country skiing right from the cabin door.

You do, however, have to prepare for the specifics of winter operation, because the short days and biting frosts will test your readiness to the limit. Heating becomes a major budget item, because electricity isn’t the cheapest in Sweden and owners often bill the energy consumed in winter separately at the end of the stay. Check in advance whether the cabin has enough firewood (that’ll keep the electricity bill bearable), and don’t forget to ask whether the access road is regularly ploughed: getting your car stuck a kilometre from the main road in the dark and the cold is really not something you want.

💡 Tip: If you’re going in winter, pack plenty of good woollen socks and warm indoor clothing, because the floors in older wooden cabins tend to be quite cold despite the heating, and the insulation may not be perfect.

13. Mosquitoes and knott midges: how to survive by the water

The Swedish summer has one dark side that promotional materials don’t talk about much, but which can reliably ruin your evening sit-down. From mid-June to August, the inland and especially the northern areas of Lapland turn into a paradise for biting insects. Besides the classic mosquitoes, you’ll be plagued by tiny, very aggressive midges called knott (black flies), which can get through even an ordinary mosquito net and leave unpleasantly itchy bites all over your body.

The intensity of this problem is extremely local, though, and depends a lot on the current weather. Both mosquitoes and midges absolutely hate wind, so in open spots by large lakes you’ll mostly be left in peace, whereas in boggy inlets and deep forest they’ll attack you the moment you step out of the car. Fortunately, in the south of the country, around Stockholm and on the west coast, the situation is no different from an ordinary summer by a pond back home, so there’s no need to fear an invasion there.

In the north, however, good protection is an absolute must, and it’s best not to venture into the forest at all without a mosquito net over your head.

💡 Tip: Don’t bring repellents from home, because they often don’t work on the northern insects at all. Buy local brands on the spot instead (such as Mygga or US Djungelolja) with a high content of the active ingredient DEET, which will protect you far more reliably.

14. Allemansrätten: what you’re allowed to do around the cabin

A stay in Swedish nature is defined by the unique law of allemansrätten, or the right of public access to the countryside. This right guarantees you enormous freedom of movement, so you’re free to walk through the forests, swim in the lakes and pitch a tent for a night or two, even if the land belongs to someone else. But it works on a delicate balance and absolute trust that you won’t damage nature in any way. The basic rule is simple: “inte störa, inte förstöra” (don’t disturb, don’t destroy).

You must, however, guarantee your neighbours’ privacy, protected by the so-called hemfridszon, a quiet zone around the house. Even though Swedish cabins often have no fences at all, you must not take a shortcut across someone’s manicured lawn or sit on a neighbour’s wooden jetty without permission. If you’re unsure where exactly the private space ends, it’s always better to give the house a wide berth and behave as considerately as possible.

Watch out for another common mistake. Allemansrätten in no way applies to motor vehicles. You must not drive your car or camper off the road and park it in the middle of the forest or on a beach — that’s covered by the strict off-road driving law.

💡 Tip: When picking mushrooms and blueberries, you don’t need to worry that someone will chase you out of the forest behind the cabin. The right to gather wild berries is fully guaranteed — just be careful not to break the branches of living trees and to keep quiet.

Where to look for a stuga and how much it costs

When you decide on a holiday in a Swedish cabin, the first hurdle tends to be finding the right portal to book on. Lots of people automatically head to Airbnb, but that can be a big mistake. Because of the platform’s high service fees, prices there are often needlessly inflated. If you want to save money and get to the authentic listings, you have to look where the Swedes themselves look.

The absolute number one for local rentals are the portals Stugknuten and Stugguiden. Here cabins are advertised directly by owners, so you don’t pay huge commissions to middlemen. The downside can be occasionally more awkward communication, because not every Swedish senior speaks perfect English and you often sort out the contract directly. If, on the other hand, you prefer complete certainty, a professional contract and a guaranteed standard, reach for established agencies like Novasol, Stugsommar or Dansommar. They have an enormous selection across the whole country and the booking process is absolutely smooth.

The price range is huge and depends mainly on the season. Outside the summer peak, i.e. in May or September, you can rent a simple stuga from 1,000 to 3,000 SEK (roughly €90 to €270) per week. But as soon as industrisemester hits in July and all the Swedes are on holiday, prices rocket. For a well-equipped family cabin right by a lake with its own sauna, you’ll typically pay from 5,000 to 12,000 SEK (€450 to €1,080) per week in the summer peak.

When browsing listings, be very careful about a few details that can complicate a holiday nicely. Always check the exact distance to the nearest shop. In the Swedish countryside it can easily be twenty kilometres, so without a car you won’t even be able to buy fresh bread. Check the type of toilet (mulltoa vs. vattentoalett) and remember that bed linen and the final cleaning are almost always paid for separately.

Where to stay

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be best. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.

When choosing the best cabin, a lot depends on the kind of experience you’re actually after. If you want to try tried-and-tested accommodation without the stress of a long search on Swedish portals, I’ve picked out a few specific places for you that are really worth it. Just don’t forget that in high season the best options go very fast.

For lovers of comfort and nature

If you want to treat yourself to a bit of luxury with a breathtaking view, definitely take a look at Orbaden Spa & Resort in the Hälsingland region. It’s not a typical little red cabin, but their wooden villas offer total comfort with a magnificent sauna world right by the water. For classic lakeside romance, I recommend the Småland area, where you’ll find, for example, the charming Kosta Lodge. They have beautiful cabins in the middle of deep forests, their own pools and great facilities for families with children.

Escape from civilisation

If, on the other hand, you long for absolute silence and don’t mind a slightly more rustic style, try hunting for free dates at Camp wilderness Värmland. You’ll get a classic wooden stuga a short walk from a crystal-clear lake, with no noisy neighbours around. It’s the perfect base for mushroom picking, fishing and the most beautiful morning coffees on the jetty you could ever imagine.

Where to eat

Even though cooking from your own or local supplies at the cabin is the best way to keep your budget in check, sometimes you just want to relax and taste something local. Swedish gastronomy is much more than just meatballs, and it would be a huge shame not to try a few local spots.

Restaurants and cafés worth a stop

On the road, look for places with a dagens rätt (daily menu) sign. For 120 to 150 SEK (€11 to €14) you get a main course, a salad buffet, bread and coffee, and there’s almost always a meat-free option too. The Rasta chain along the main roads also serves a hearty daily menu, perfect for a stop on the way to the cabin.

For fika, any rural café with a Kafé or Hembageri sign will do. Home bakeries in the countryside make cinnamon buns better than most city spots, and coffee refills are free.

Fish smokehouses (fiskrökeri) are part of the local culture too, such as Buhres på Kivik in Skåne, where Swedes drive out for smoked fish and prawns. At the cabin the tradition is to grill, but a vegetable barbecue, mushrooms foraged in the forest and wild berries work just as well.

💡 Tip: The nearest supermarket can be up to twenty kilometres away and tends to have shorter hours on Sundays. Do your big shop on the way from the ferry or the airport, so you don’t have to get straight back in the car on day one.

A week at the cabin: what it really costs

Sweden has a reputation as an expensive country, but a cabin holiday where you cook for yourself can save the family budget surprisingly well. To be specific, we’ll convert the main items into euros (at a rate of roughly 1 SEK = €0.09).

The biggest item right after accommodation is transport. If you set off by car from abroad, you’re looking at either a ferry (for example Rostock–Trelleborg) or a crossing through Denmark with the tolled Öresund Bridge (which costs roughly €60 per car one way). The total cost of diesel or petrol and ferries for the round trip works out at roughly €740 for a family. Fortunately, Swedish motorways are completely free, with tolls only charged when entering Stockholm and Gothenburg.

You’ll save, on the other hand, on food if you avoid eating out in restaurants every day. In an ordinary place, lunch for four people can easily top €90. A great strategy is to shop at large, cheaper supermarkets like Willys or Lidl (they’re cheaper than the premium ICA and Coop) and cook at the cabin. For lunch on a day trip, you can then take advantage of the so-called dagens rätt (daily menu). For around 120 to 150 SEK (€11 to €14) you get a main course, an unlimited salad buffet, bread, water and coffee.

A huge trap for your wallet, though, is alcohol. In an ordinary supermarket you can only buy weak beer up to 3.5%. Anything stronger is sold exclusively at the state-run Systembolaget shops, which have high taxes and are strictly closed after three o’clock on Saturday (and all day Sunday). A can of decent beer will set you back 18 to 35 SEK here, and wine starts at around 100 SEK. That’s why plenty of travellers legally bring their own supplies of wine and beer in the boot from home.

Practical summary and rough prices

Renting a cabin in Sweden offers enormous variability in cost. While Stockholm and restaurants can hit your budget hard, a holiday at a stuga where you cook for yourself works out surprisingly reasonable. In 2026, prices have settled at a rate of roughly 1 SEK = €0.09.

Here are three model scenarios of what your week-long stay might look like:

• Romance for a couple off-season: A small cabin in Småland in June will cost you about 3,500 SEK (€315), plus shopping at Willys or Lidl comes to roughly 1,500 SEK. If you arrive in an economical car, the whole holiday won’t ruin you, and you can spend the evenings grilling vegetables or cheese.
• Family idyll in the summer high season: A spacious cabin with three bedrooms, a sauna and a boat in Dalarna during July jumps to 9,000 SEK (about €810). The cost of the trip by ferry and fuel swallows another €740 or so. Food from your own supplies and the occasional daily menu (dagens rätt) keep spending in check.
• A group of friends sharing costs: If six of you head to a large lakeside villa (about 12,000 SEK / €1,080), the accommodation per person works out very cheap. Just don’t forget about the alcohol.

Crucial warning about alcohol: In Sweden, drinks above 3.5% alcohol can only be bought at the state-run Systembolaget shops. These stores have very strict opening hours. On weekdays they usually close at 6 or 7 p.m., on Saturday uncompromisingly at 3 p.m., and on Sunday they’re closed entirely. If you arrive at the cabin on a Saturday evening and want to buy wine for a night in, you’re simply out of luck. That’s why plenty of travellers bring their permitted supplies straight from home.

Where to go next

• Sweden: 30 tips on what to see and do
• Prices in Sweden: how much a holiday costs
• When to go to Sweden: weather month by month
• By ferry to Sweden: routes, prices and how to pick the right one
• Swedish cuisine: 18 dishes you must taste

Frequently asked questions

Choosing the right Swedish cabin and planning the trip can seem more complicated at first glance than it really is. Because you often come to me with the same questions, I’ve decided to gather the most important ones in one place.

Whether you’re wondering about the budget, the cleaning or the pitfalls of the Nordic weather, here you’ll find clear and concise answers to what troubles travellers most before setting off north.

For me personally, Småland in Sweden is the epitome of countryside idyll. Deep in its forests and lakes stand glassworks almost three hundred years old, and just a short drive away lie the villages that gave birth to Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and the Children of Noisy Village. Here the rugged Nordic landscape blends perfectly with the magic of timeless children’s literature and world-class design.

If you’re looking for the best option for a road trip straight off the ferry, you’ve just found it. Southern Sweden serves up an archetypal landscape full of granite boulders and classic red cottages, without you having to drive thousands of kilometres to the harsh north. And honestly, for families with kids it’s hard to find a better spot in all of Scandinavia.

This guide walks you through sixteen tips that are truly worth it — from the Kosta Boda glassworks to historic Kalmar. I’ll also tell you where to stay, what to taste, and where you might rather not bother going.

TL;DR

• The heart of the Swedish countryside: Småland is home to red cottages by the lakes, endless forests and the phenomenon known as the stuga.
• The Glass Kingdom (Glasriket): Historic glassworks like Kosta Boda offer glassblowing demonstrations and huge outlet stores.
• A paradise for families: The Astrid Lindgrens Värld theatre park in Vimmerby ranks among the best family experiences in Europe.
• Historic Kalmar: The Renaissance castle serves as the gateway to the sunny island of Öland.
• The birthplace of IKEA: In Älmhult you’ll find the very first store and a fascinating design museum.
• Nature and lakes: Åsnen National Park and Lake Bolmen are ideal for canoeing and cycling.
• Prices and payments: Sweden is almost entirely cashless, prices are roughly double those in Central Europe, and 1 SEK is worth about €0.09.

When to visit Småland

The main summer season runs from late June to mid-August, when most Swedes take their so-called industrisemester (industrial holiday). During this time all the attractions, campsites and summer cafés run at full steam. Summer weather here feels more like northern Germany, with pleasant temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees and far fewer mosquitoes than up north. The days are gloriously long and the light lingers well into the night, which is absolutely perfect for evening barbecues by the lake. Even in July, though, pack a good windbreaker and a warmer sweater — evenings by the water can turn surprisingly chilly.

If you head out in May or September, you’ll enjoy wonderful peace and lower prices, but you’ll have to reckon with a few limitations. Plenty of seasonal castles, museums and smaller restaurants switch to shorter opening hours, or simply close up with a sign saying the owners have gone on holiday. Especially with amusement parks, always check the current opening days in advance, because in autumn they often run only on selected weekends.

The exception is the Glass Kingdom (Glasriket) and the local nature, where you can go year-round. Autumn Småland also turns into a paradise for mushroom pickers and blueberry gatherers, which you can pick perfectly legally anywhere in the forest thanks to the generous right of public access. The glassworks operate even in winter, when the hot furnaces offer a cosy escape from the Nordic frost and create a stunning contrast with the snowy landscape. It’s the perfect time for hot coffee and long evenings in the warmth.

Where to stay in Småland

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. It then pays to compare and buy tickets, tours and activities through GetYourGuide.

Småland is made for renting a classic wooden cottage (stuga), ideally right on the shore of one of the thousands of quiet lakes. This style of accommodation gives you enormous freedom and your own little kitchen, which is an absolutely invaluable advantage given Swedish restaurant prices. Just watch out that bed linen and towels usually aren’t included in the base price — you either have to bring your own or pay a noticeable extra fee. Likewise, there’s often a surcharge for the final cleaning (slutstädning), unless you want to scrub the cottage spotless yourself before leaving 😅.

If you prefer hotels or fully equipped campsites, the choice here is genuinely wide and very high quality. For families with kids, it makes the most sense to stay around the town of Vimmerby, from where you have easy access to all the fairy-tale parks and don’t have to spend hours in the car with little travellers. Couples, on the other hand, often choose romantic guesthouses near the historic glassworks or right by the coast close to Kalmar, from where it’s an easy hop over to the sunny island of Öland.

Here are some specific accommodation tips that travellers consistently recommend and that have excellent reviews:

• Kosta Boda Art Hotel: A truly unique design hotel right in the heart of the Glass Kingdom, where everything from the chandeliers to the bar counter is made of glass. A double room with an excellent breakfast starts at around 1,800 SEK (approx. €160) per night.
• Smålandsbyn i Vimmerby: A great choice for families heading to Astrid Lindgren’s park, as the resort offers picturesque red cottages a short walk from the amusement park. A night in a furnished cottage costs roughly 1,200 SEK (approx. €110).
• Ödevata Gårdshotell: An eco-friendly rural hotel with a wonderful atmosphere set amid forests and lakes near Emmaboda, ideal for nature lovers and evening swims. Rooms range from 1,100 SEK (approx. €100) per night.
• First Camp Vimmerby: A large, perfectly equipped campsite offering caravan pitches as well as cottage rentals, often with a pool and a huge children’s playground. Cottages in high season start at 900 SEK (approx. €80).
• Hestraviken Hotell: A more upscale country manor on the Nissan River near Isaberg, which you’ll appreciate when you’re after peace and quiet close to outdoor activities. A night for two costs 1,600 SEK (approx. €140).

16 things to see and do in Småland, Sweden

The following list walks you through the very best of what southern Sweden has to offer, whether you’re travelling with small children or looking for quiet nature and immersive history. Småland is a huge region and distances can be a little deceptive on the map, so I recommend picking just a few specific areas and not needlessly spending whole days cooped up in the car. After all, a holiday here should be all about slowing down!

1. Astrid Lindgrens Värld in Vimmerby

This enormous Astrid Lindgrens Värld theatre park draws around half a million visitors a year and forms the absolute centrepiece of most family holidays in Sweden. Don’t expect any flashing roller coasters or noisy fairground rides here — the whole park is built around sprawling sets from Astrid Lindgren’s stories, spread across an incredible 180,000 square metres where kids can roam completely freely.

Throughout the day, live theatre performances take place constantly at various spots, after which the actors seamlessly hop off the stage and start playing directly with the children. You can clamber through the iconic Villa Villekulla, visit the huge Matt’s Castle full of singing robbers, or explore the tangled rooftops that Karlsson ran across. Everything is incredibly authentic, thought out down to the smallest detail, and set in a beautiful forest park that provides plenty of shade even on hot summer days. Incidentally, families from all over Sweden love to bring their own wooden wagons crammed with food for the whole day and hold picnics right on the grass.

The park is ideal above all for children aged three to ten, who know the stories and get instantly swept up in the action. Even though the performances are in Swedish, the visual side is so strong that the language barrier doesn’t matter at all. Entrance fees work dynamically depending on the season — in the busiest summer months you’ll pay over 450 SEK (approx. €40) per adult, while children under two get in completely free.

💡 Tip: The park really is huge and you won’t manage to walk through it all in a single day in a way that lets the kids enjoy it calmly and stress-free. Consider buying a two-day ticket, which works out considerably better value and lets you spread out the experience.

2. Vimmerby and the birthplace Näs

The town of Vimmerby itself is picturesque and very peaceful at first glance, but its main cultural draw is the writer’s actual birthplace, which you’ll find under the name Astrid Lindgrens Näs. The place offers an absolutely fascinating glimpse into where the famous author drew her earliest inspiration for all those timeless stories that the whole world knows today.

Part of the extensive grounds is a modern exhibition about her life, and you’ll be surprised at how openly it talks even about the harder chapters of her youth. Around the house spread vast gardens full of flowers and old trees that practically invite you to take a slow stroll. The gardens are carefully divided into different themed sections and reflect the writer’s lifelong love of nature and freedom. Inside the museum there’s also a lovely little shop where you can buy just about every book Astrid ever wrote.

Part of the complex is also an excellent café with outdoor seating, where you can treat yourself to a traditional Swedish fika (strong coffee with a sweet cinnamon pastry) and just watch the world go by. A ticket to the main exhibition and the adjoining gardens costs about 190 SEK (approx. €17) per adult. For adult visitors and literature lovers, this place is often a much more powerful experience than the nearby amusement park itself.

💡 Tip: Set aside at least three hours for your visit, because reading the personal letters and browsing the historical photographs can easily draw you in for longer than you’d originally expect.

3. Katthult and Gibberyd: The film farm

If you or your kids ever loved the TV series about mischievous Emil of Lönneberga, you simply have to see the little village of Gibberyd with your own eyes. This is exactly where all those famous films were shot in the 1970s, and the whole Katthult farm still stands here today in exactly the form you remember from your TV screen.

You’ll walk around the big yard, take a look at the red house with the flagpole (the one Emil hoisted his little sister Ida up instead of a flag), and farm animals graze around you in complete peace, exactly as you remember from the screen. During your visit you can of course peek right into Emil’s famous woodshed, where dozens of little carved wooden figures sit.

Admission to the farm is surprisingly cheap compared to other Swedish attractions (you’ll pay around 60 SEK, roughly €5) and the whole tour takes you about an hour. It’s a beautiful, easygoing stop on your route that instantly transports you back to the carefree days of childhood.

💡 Tip: The farm tends to be most crowded around midday, so I recommend arriving first thing in the morning right after opening, when you’ll have the whole yard and shed almost to yourself.

4. Bullerbyn and the real Sevedstorp

Just a short drive from Vimmerby lies the unassuming little village of Sevedstorp, the true historical model for the beloved Children of Noisy Village (Bullerbyn). Here stand exactly those three houses lined up side by side (the Northern, Middle and Southern farms) where Astrid Lindgren’s father grew up, and where the film adaptations that many of us remember from TV were later shot.

These iconic houses are privately owned by local residents, so you can’t go inside them, but you can wander completely freely around the village green. Kids can jump into the hay in the old barn, climb through hollow trees and soak up the incredibly peaceful rural atmosphere. You’ll feel just as if you’d stepped right into the middle of the book you’re reading. If you were searching for tranquillity in its purest form, you’ll probably find it right here.

During the summer season the place comes alive and is very welcoming to visitors. A visit to Sevedstorp is absolutely ideal for families looking for a quieter alternative to the big, busy amusement parks, because here time really has stood still a little.

💡 Tip: Right by the houses there’s a picturesque café, Café Sörgården, open through the summer, where they make wonderful fresh waffles with homemade jam. Have your afternoon coffee here, sit down on a wooden bench and enjoy the purest Swedish countryside.

5. Kosta Boda: Sweden’s oldest glassworks

When you say Glasriket, the famous Glass Kingdom, Kosta Boda is its absolute uncrowned king. This iconic glassworks was founded way back in 1742 and to this day represents the very pinnacle of modern glass design. Its rich history is a fascinating illustration of how a rough craft in the forests gradually became a globally recognised art form.

You stand just a few metres from the furnace, watch the master turn his blowpipe, and before you know it an hour has slipped by — and the heat radiating from the hall even in October is a pleasant bonus. You can even try blowing your own glass souvenir under supervision, which makes a great memory not only for families with kids but simply for anyone who enjoys creating.

Besides the working glasshouse itself, you’ll find a huge outlet with design glass, where you can pick up beautiful pieces for a fraction of the usual price. Look for goods marked andrasortering (second quality, occasionally with tiny bubbles). If you love clean Nordic design, set aside at least half a day for the whole of Kosta, because there are countless boutiques and showrooms.

💡 Tip: Part of the complex is also the beautiful Kosta Boda Art Gallery, where you’ll see the boldest glass sculptures and installations, sold for tens of thousands of euros.

6. Orrefors and the magic of smaller glassworks

While Kosta is genuinely huge and busy with tourists, the Glass Kingdom hides dozens of smaller glassworks with a far more intimate, low-key atmosphere. One of the most famous historic brands is Orrefors, whose sprawling grounds sit amid deep spruce forests a short drive from the town of Nybro and offer a lovely window into the industrial past of the whole region.

In smaller glassworks such as Målerås or Boda you often get into personal contact with independent artists and can chat calmly about their techniques. It’s a great and very soothing experience not only for adults but also for older children, who are fascinated by the process of turning sand into fragile beauty. They’ll often let you peek into the workshops too, places you’d never normally get into at the huge factories.

Each glassworks has its own absolutely distinct style, from classic cut crystal to wild colourful animal sculptures. A drive by car around these little forest factories is one of the best autumn road trips you can experience in all of southern Sweden.

💡 Tip: Most smaller glassworks offer free entry to the glasshouse — you only pay when you want to try blowing a glass ball yourself with the help of a master glassblower.

7. Hyttsill: A traditional glassworks feast

The history of heavy glassmaking gave rise in Småland to an absolutely unique culinary tradition called hyttsill, which translates as an evening feast right inside the glasshouse. In the old days the furnaces stayed hot all night and poor glassworkers gathered around them after their shift to warm up and bake food in the residual heat radiating from the glowing furnaces.

Today this beautiful communal custom comes alive for visitors and tourists. You take a seat at long wooden tables right beside the cooling furnaces and, to the sound of live Swedish music, a traditional menu is served. Historically, furnace-baked salted herring, potatoes and sausages are prepared here. Thankfully, though, an excellent vegetarian version full of roasted vegetables and local cheeses is now commonly served too, and you’re sure to love it.

The evening has an incredibly friendly atmosphere, people chat around the tables and the master glassblowers occasionally show off some funny trick with hot glass. It’s an experience you’ll never get in an ordinary restaurant.

💡 Tip: Hyttsill is held only at selected glassworks and only on certain dates during the main summer season. Table seats vanish in a flash, so booking well in advance is an absolute must.

8. Kalmar and its Renaissance castle

As soon as you emerge from the deep Småland forests towards the Baltic Sea, the historic town of Kalmar greets you with its magnificent castle. Kalmar slott is by far the best-preserved Renaissance castle in all of Scandinavia and looks incredibly majestic when its mighty towers mirror on the calm surface of the sea.

It was on this strategic spot in 1397 that the famous Kalmar Union was signed, uniting Sweden, Denmark and Norway into one enormous realm under the firm rule of the powerful Queen Margaret I. The castle’s interiors are now beautifully restored, and interactive tours instantly draw you into the ruthless intrigues of medieval and Renaissance politics, when the castle served as the main defence against nearby Denmark. The guides tend to dress in period costumes and really know how to bring the story to life.

Admission to the castle is around 170 SEK (approx. €15) and the whole complex offers plenty of great fun for kids too. They can join an exciting treasure hunt or complete special knightly quests right in the great courtyard.

💡 Tip: If you don’t want to pay the full admission, you can walk along the outer ramparts completely free and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and the adjacent town park.

9. Gamla Stan in Kalmar

The town of Kalmar itself is well worth far more than just a quick visit to the famous castle. Its picturesque historic centre (Gamla Stan) is full of narrow cobbled lanes, preserved medieval town walls and old wooden houses that have survived long centuries without a scratch. The whole town is beautifully suited to walking, so you can happily leave the car at a park-and-ride by the harbour.

During your visit, be sure to stroll along the lively town marina, where luxury yachts and old sailing ships bob in the wind, and stop for an excellent coffee at one of the many local cafés. The atmosphere here is relaxed and seaside: in summer people sit on the terraces until late in the evening and the sounds of live music drift from the waterfront.

On the main square, Stortorget, you’ll find a beautiful Baroque cathedral and around it plenty of small independent boutiques and design shops. Kalmar is simply an absolutely ideal city stop full of great food before you set off to explore the wilder nature of the nearby islands.

💡 Tip: In summer the main square often hosts farmers’ markets, where you can taste fresh local produce and pick up great cheeses for an evening picnic.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Småland and the Kingdom of Crystal

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, campsites and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Kosta Boda Art Hotel

Unique design hotel in the heart of the Kingdom of Crystal, everything from chandeliers to the bar counter made of glass.

★★★★ from 1,800 SEK (approx. €165)/night

Check availability 🏡 Pension/B&B

Smålandsbyn i Vimmerby

Great choice for families, picturesque red cottages close to Astrid Lindgrens Värld amusement park.

★★★★ from 1,200 SEK (approx. €110)/night

Check availability 🏡 Pension/B&B

Ödevata Gårdshotell

Ecological countryside hotel amidst forests and lakes near Emmaboda, ideal for nature lovers.

★★★★ from 1,100 SEK (approx. €100)/night

Check availability ⛺ Camping

First Camp Vimmerby

Large, perfectly equipped campsite with caravan pitches, cabins, swimming pool and giant playground.

★★★★ from 900 SEK (approx. €82)/night

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Hestraviken Hotell

More luxurious countryside manor by the Nissan river near Isaberg, peace and proximity to outdoor activities.

★★★★ from 1,600 SEK (approx. €146)/night

Check availability 🔍 Search

View all accommodations in Småland and the Kingdom of Crystal

Explore all available accommodation options in Småland and the Kingdom of Crystal and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

★★★★ Compare prices

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10. The Öland Bridge and the gateway to the island

From Kalmar, the imposing Öland Bridge arches straight across the sea strait for more than six kilometres. When it was ceremonially opened in 1972 it was the longest bridge in all of Europe, and driving across it is still a huge visual experience to this day, especially when you go at sunset and the sea below glows beautifully.

Crossing this giant bridge is free and it takes you straight to Öland, which the locals consider Sweden’s summer riviera: a flat island famous for its hundreds of historic windmills, endless sandy beaches and the limestone steppe of Stora Alvaret, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Småland is forested and a little rugged, Öland is essentially one big holiday beach full of caravans and sunbathing Swedes.

If you’re spending several days in Småland, take at least a full-day trip to Öland, or better yet, devote a separate multi-day part of your journey to it. The contrast between the deep, dark forests of Småland and flat, sunny Öland is absolutely fascinating and shows you two very different faces of Sweden in a single day.

💡 Tip: At the very south of the island you’ll find the Långe Jan (Long John) lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Sweden, offering a stunning view over the Ottenby bird reserve.

11. The IKEA Museum in Älmhult

Småland gave the world one more global phenomenon: the blue-and-yellow furniture giant. In the unassuming little town of Älmhult, the young Ingvar Kamprad opened his very first store in 1958. Today this original, beautifully renovated building houses the superbly designed and very modern IKEA Museum in Älmhult. Whether you love this brand or can’t stand the sight of it, the history of how it came to be is simply going to entertain you.

The sprawling exhibition takes you engagingly through the company’s history, from its very humble beginnings, when Kamprad personally delivered goods to customers by bicycle, through the iconic printed catalogues right up to its biggest design blunders, which the company now owns with a smile and even pride. You’ll also learn the amusing fact that the furniture names came about because of Kamprad’s dyslexia. So he wouldn’t have to remember complicated numbers, he named the sofas and tables after real Swedish towns and lakes.

The museum of course also has the giant company restaurant, where you can have excellent vegetarian plant-based meatballs with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. Admission costs a very pleasant 60 SEK (approx. €5), and for fans of home and retro design it’s an absolute must.

💡 Tip: In the museum basement you’ll find a special section where you can have your photo taken as the cover of the famous IKEA catalogue and take it home as a funny souvenir.

12. Växjö and the Utvandrarnas Hus museum

The city of Växjö is rightly considered the capital of the Glass Kingdom and lies right on the shore of a beautiful lake of the same name. Its most interesting and most emotional landmark is Utvandrarnas Hus (the House of Emigrants), which tells the powerful and often very sad story of Sweden’s mass emigration.

In the 19th century Småland was an incredibly poor region and the stony soil couldn’t feed the large local families. Because of harsh famine and pervasive poverty, more than a million Swedes (often from Småland itself) left to seek a new life and hope in America. The interactive exhibition is full of personal letters, ship tickets and period diaries, and honestly, you’ll linger over some of them longer than you’d expect. The exhibition also does a great job of helping you understand why Swedes today are so proud of the welfare state they built practically from scratch.

Växjö itself is also considered one of the absolute greenest cities in all of Europe, full of cycle paths, parks and great modern restaurants. A stop here beautifully balances out days spent in the deep forests and adds a touch of pleasant urban comfort with excellent coffee to your trip.

💡 Tip: A beautiful circular trail about five kilometres long runs around Lake Växjö, ideal for a peaceful early-evening run or a long walk before dinner.

13. Åsnen National Park and the lakes

If you long to merge completely with pure Nordic nature, definitely head to the breathtaking Åsnen National Park. This unique lake labyrinth is made up of hundreds of tiny islets, deep deciduous forests and vast wetlands that are home to an enormous number of birds, including rare white-tailed eagles. If you have binoculars, don’t forget to bring them.

The best way to explore the whole of Åsnen in depth is from the deck of a rented canoe or a fast sea kayak. The water here is incredibly calm, safe and clean, and during quiet paddling you often won’t meet a living soul for several hours on end. Boats can be rented very easily and cheaply at campsites right on the lake shores, where the owners will even give you a basic briefing and life jackets.

Well-marked and carefully maintained hiking trails also run around the whole vast park. Most of them are beautifully flat and easy, so even smaller children or older travellers can manage them without the slightest problem. If you love to wander, Åsnen will be right up your street.

💡 Tip: There are several official entrances to the park, but the best facilities and the nicest views are at the Sunnabron entrance, where there’s also a modern information centre.

14. Lake Bolmen

While Åsnen park is more of a tangled labyrinth, Lake Bolmen is a huge, majestic body of water, the tenth largest in all of Sweden. Here you’ll find an incredible 365 forested islands, which the locals love to comment on by saying you have one island for every day of the year. If you enjoy swimming far from the shore and discovering your own little patches of land, you’ll be in your element here.

Bolmen is an absolutely ideal destination if you want to rent a solitary cottage by the water and enjoy the absolute Nordic silence. The surroundings of this giant lake are enveloped by deep forests, which in autumn are full of blueberries and mushrooms, and the water here is so incredibly clean that it supplies drinking water to the entire southern region of Skåne.

Along the long shores there are several small but superbly equipped campsites where you can easily rent bikes and ride around part of the lake on scenic forest tracks. After two days at Bolmen you’ll understand why the Swedes put down their phones every summer and simply sit by the water.

💡 Tip: If you don’t feel up to long cycling trips, rent a small motorboat at the campsite and set off to find your own deserted island for an afternoon picnic.

15. Isaberg and outdoor fun

Although southern Småland certainly has no high mountains, it offers top-notch facilities for all outdoor sports, especially in the hilly Isaberg area. This prominent hill is a very popular ski resort in winter, but in summer it turns into a giant adrenaline playground for mountain biking and active hikers from all over Europe. The resort is threaded with modern chairlifts and rental shops for every conceivable piece of gear.

Here you’ll find dozens of kilometres of perfectly prepared and marked mountain-bike trails. The offering ranges from simple family loops in the forest to technically very demanding descents full of jumps. Right at the resort you can easily rent all the top gear, including modern e-bikes, so you don’t have to bring your own bikes on the car roof at all.

If you like challenges and adrenaline, definitely don’t miss the local giant high-ropes course or the fast toboggan run, which entertains adults just as much as kids. For similar, if slightly more dramatic, natural scenery for hiking, head to the nearby Skäralid National Park, which is often woven into a single itinerary on the way south and offers stunning views from deep gorges.

💡 Tip: The high-ropes course at Isaberg has several difficulty levels, and the hardest black route will really put your physical fitness to the test up in the treetops.

16. Traditional fika and ostkaka

Småland’s cuisine is historically rustic, hearty and very meat-heavy, but thankfully today you’ll find plenty of great modern vegetarian options too. An absolute culinary duty is to taste the Småland speciality called ostkaka. It’s a warm, rich dessert made from curd, traditionally served with a generous helping of cloudberry or strawberry jam and a huge mound of whipped cream.

During an active day, always look out for signs in restaurants reading dagens lunch (the good-value daily menu). For about 130 SEK (approx. €12) you get a main course, a salad buffet, bread and coffee, and honestly, you probably won’t find a better ratio of price to quantity of food in Sweden. For lunch you can very often choose a great vegetarian option, such as a vegetable quiche, creamy soups or roasted root vegetables.

Although the region is historically famous for its kroppkakor (large potato dumplings stuffed with pork and bacon that the locals adore), what will win your heart on your travels is more likely the everyday ritual of fika. A big cinnamon bun with good filter coffee somewhere on a wooden jetty by the lake is the absolute best gastronomic experience you can treat yourself to here.

💡 Tip: Remember that alcohol over 3.5% (including wine) can only be bought in Sweden at the state-run Systembolaget shops, which are strictly closed on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.

Where to eat well in Småland

Although a typical Swedish holiday in a rented cottage tends to revolve more around evening barbecues by the lake and cooking from your own supplies bought at the local supermarket, it would be a huge shame to miss out on the local gastronomy. Småland cuisine is fundamentally very homely and filling, but nowadays restaurants complement it fantastically with modern Nordic influences. I’ve picked out a few specific spots for you that you should definitely save to your map.

Star gastronomy and rural comfort

If you’re heading for a wander around Växjö and want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional, head to the restaurant PM & Vänner. This award-winning establishment boasts not only a Michelin star but above all an incredible wine cellar and a local menu that proudly reflects the very best of the surrounding forests and lakes. It’s a slightly pricier experience, but it’s worth every penny.

A somewhat more relaxed atmosphere is offered by the cult café Café Sörgården, right in Sevedstorp (in the village of the famous Children of Noisy Village). They make absolutely wonderful fresh waffles with homemade jam, which are simply perfect for a summer snack. And if you want to test out the classic, drop into the restaurant right inside the IKEA Museum in Älmhult, where you can have the most famous meatballs, both meat and plant-based, in a modern and playful setting.

How to get to Småland and how to travel around it

Getting to Småland from Central Europe is surprisingly easy and you have several options for how to approach it. Most travellers choose their own car combined with a ferry, which is the most practical variant. You can go via Germany (from Rostock) or Poland (from Świnoujście) and disembark in the ports of Trelleborg or Ystad. From these southern ports it’s about 200 kilometres to the heart of Småland (for example to the city of Växjö), which you can comfortably cover in under three hours.

Another popular alternative for a road trip is the overland route via Denmark. You drive all the way to Copenhagen and then cross the famous Öresund Bridge straight into Swedish Malmö (the car toll is roughly 470 DKK, about €63). From there it’s just a short hop north to Småland along the excellent E4 motorway.

If you don’t want to spend days behind the wheel, you can fly directly to southern Sweden — carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Lufthansa serve the region. There are small airports right in Växjö or Kalmar, or you can fly into Copenhagen and hop straight onto a direct train at the airport, which will take you across the bridge to Småland in a couple of hours.

However you arrive, without a car things will be pretty tough in Småland: the nicest cottages lie deep in the forests, and don’t wait for a bus to the remote lakes. But if you stick to bigger towns like Kalmar, Växjö or Jönköping, the Swedish trains and buses are excellent. What’s more, in summer 2026 the Swedish government is massively subsidising public transport, so you can buy monthly train and bus tickets in the regions for exactly half the usual price.

A 5-day tour of Småland

If you have just under a week for Småland and want to see the best without needless rushing, this five-day itinerary offers the perfect balance between history, design and deep forests. The route assumes you’re arriving by car from the south (from the ferry or from Malmö).

Day 1: Historic Kalmar and the island of Öland. Start on the east coast. In the morning, explore Kalmar Castle and the picturesque lanes of Gamla Stan. In the afternoon, cross the Öland Bridge and take a look at the Stora Alvaret limestone steppe or the windmills. You can spend the night at a campsite right on the island, or return to Kalmar.

Day 2: The Glass Kingdom and Växjö. From Kalmar, head west into the deep forests (about 100 km). Stop at the Kosta Boda glassworks, watch the glassblowing and shop at the design outlet. In the afternoon, drive to Växjö, walk around the lake and visit Utvandrarnas Hus.

Day 3: In the footsteps of Astrid Lindgren. Drive north to Vimmerby (about 130 km from Växjö). If you’re travelling with kids, set aside the whole day for the Astrid Lindgrens Värld park. If you’re going without children, walk through the gardens at the Näs birthplace and in the afternoon drive to the film location Katthult. Spend the night in a classic stuga in the surrounding forests.

Day 4: The silence of the lakes. Drive from Vimmerby back south towards Åsnen National Park or the giant Lake Bolmen. Devote this day purely to slowing down. Rent a canoe, have a picnic on one of the deserted islands, and in the evening fire up a traditional wooden sauna on the shore.

Day 5: Design and the journey home. On your way back to the southern ferries, stop in the little town of Älmhult. Explore the fascinating IKEA Museum, have some vegetarian meatballs in the restaurant and stock up on your last cinnamon buns before you finally leave Sweden.

Where to go next from Småland

• To the sunny island of Öland: If Kalmar tempted you with island life, take a look at our detailed article Öland: 16 Things to See on the Swedish Riviera, where you’ll find beaches, lighthouses and limestone steppes.
• Discover the whole country: Want to continue north from Småland to Lake Vättern or Stockholm? Read the comprehensive guide Sweden: 30 Things to See and Experience.
• Practical accommodation tips: If you dream of your own red cottage, we’ve put together the guide Stuga: How to Rent a Swedish Lakeside Cottage, where you’ll learn what to watch out for before booking.
• Trip logistics: For planning your journey by car and boat, you’ll definitely find the article Ferry to Sweden: Routes, Prices and How to Choose the Right One useful.
• What else to taste: Tempted by Nordic gastronomy? Browse our list Swedish Cuisine: 18 Dishes You Must Try.

Frequently asked questions

Planning a trip north brings with it plenty of practical questions. Where do you actually pay in cash, who are the local parks suitable for, and how long should you set aside in your itinerary for this whole rural paradise?

So I’ve put together answers to the very most common queries, so you can head off on holiday completely relaxed and one hundred percent prepared.

Long before Lukáš and I even knew that European weekend trips had become such a thing, we loved hopping on a train and slipping across the border with a backpack. Weekend wanderings through Kraków’s cafés or discovering Vienna’s galleries taught us early on just how incredibly refreshing it is to completely change your surroundings for a few days and switch off your head.

Today, a long weekend in Europe is a genuine phenomenon, and from major hubs you can reach dozens of destinations in just a few hours. You can choose between history-soaked capitals, sunny seaside towns, or simply head somewhere that really knows how to cook. There are so many options that the biggest problem is usually picking just one place.

To make that decision a little easier, we’ve put together a big list of the twenty-one best European cities that are absolutely ideal for a short escape from reality. We’ve deliberately split them by whether you can reach them comfortably overland, or whether you’ll need a direct flight, so you can choose based exactly on how much time you have.

Summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article

• For your first trip, go with a classic: Vienna or Budapest will absolutely win you over, won’t ruin your budget, and the travel logistics are incredibly simple.
• Cheapest destinations: If you’re watching every euro, head to Poland’s Kraków, or Gdańsk, where you’ll find great value at very friendly prices.
• Food lovers can’t skip Italy: Bologna is rightly hailed on travel forums as the capital of European gastronomy, and Rome won’t let you down either.
• A long weekend by the sea: Valencia or Porto offer an amazing mix of landmarks, superb food and the ocean, all while avoiding the crushing crowds that plague Barcelona.
• The golden planning rule: Two full days in a city means three nights in a hotel — otherwise you’ll spend half your time off transferring to the airport and stressing over luggage.
• Don’t forget to book early: Tickets for iconic landmarks like Rome’s Colosseum or the Louvre in Paris must be bought online well in advance.

European weekend trips by train or car: 6 cities just around the corner

If you don’t fancy spending time at airports or you only have a few days off, Central Europe offers absolutely fantastic options. Travelling by train is often far more comfortable too, because it drops you right in the heart of the city and you skip the lengthy transfers from out-of-town airport terminals.

1. Vienna: Imperial elegance and fragrant coffee

The Austrian capital is a total classic and, for many of us, the most comfortable choice for a culture-packed getaway. A comfortable Railjet gets you here from major hubs in around four hours, and it’s superbly connected across Central Europe. Travellers on Reddit often compare Vienna with Munich, and in those discussions the Austrian capital regularly wins out thanks to its excellent logistics and huge wealth of landmarks.

You definitely shouldn’t miss the magnificent Schönbrunn palace, where you can stroll through endless gardens completely free of charge, or the majestic winter residence, the Hofburg, right in the centre. Vienna is inseparable from its famous café culture, so make time for a proper Sachertorte and a cup of strong coffee. If you’re after something more authentic, head to the nineteenth district, where you’ll find traditional wine taverns known as heurigers.

While the city on the Danube is gorgeous all year round, its real magic shines in December. Mulled wine among baroque façades and the fragrant lanes will put you in the mood faster than you can say “Sacher.” Don’t forget to read our detailed article full of tips on what to see in Vienna, and if you’re planning a winter visit, our guide to the Vienna Christmas markets will come in handy too.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round, December has huge charm · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €290 for two on a weekend) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna or the budget-friendly JO&JOE Vienna

2. Budapest: Thermal springs and nightlife

The Hungarian capital is an absolute champion on travel forums, and Lukáš and I fell hard for it too. You can spend half a day in the historic Rudas baths right on the bank of the Danube, and you’ll walk out feeling reborn, then move on in the evening to the iconic ruin bars. The most famous one is called Szimpla Kert, and while quiet farmers’ markets are held there in the morning, after dark the place comes alive with great live music and a pulsating atmosphere.

Beyond the baths, monumental landmarks await, led by the majestic Parliament and the fairy-tale Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers the best view over the whole city. The two of us keep coming back to Budapest for the fantastic food too, because a proper vegetarian lángos with sour cream and cheese simply tastes best in the Hungarian streets. Definitely download the BudapestGO app, where you can easily buy a very good-value 72-hour ticket for all public transport.

On travel forums, people often point out that the tourist-focused Budapest Card doesn’t pay off financially for most people, so a plain ticket for just under fifteen euros is a much smarter choice. If you’re looking for more inspiration on specific spots, we’ve got an article ready for you — Budapest: the best places — and we’ve also rounded up some great day trips from Budapest.

🗓️ When to go: April to May, September and December (summers get scorching here) · ⏱️ How many days: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (approx. €205 for two on a weekend) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Vision or Milford Suites Budapest

3. Kraków: Royal history on a budget

Kraków is a heartfelt affair for us, because this is exactly where Lukáš and I set off for a big winter train trip back in January 2018 — one we still remember fondly with a smile. We travelled with just our rucksacks back then, and the Polish city immediately surprised us with how much its perfectly tidy streets reminded us of Switzerland. The historic centre is packed with hipster spots, excellent cafés and beautiful architecture that survived the ravages of war.

Our steps led to the royal Wawel castle and the fascinating Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, where you’ll find the best independent galleries and shops. We were really taken with the modern MOCAK gallery, set right inside the industrial halls of the former Schindler factory. And since we’re big fantasy fans, we had to visit the Leaky Cauldron café, where they serve up an excellent butterbeer straight out of the world of Harry Potter.

Foodwise, definitely don’t miss the traditional obwarzanek, a fantastic vegetarian pretzel you can buy from blue carts on every corner for small change. We stayed in a beautiful apartment with breakfast included for absolutely ridiculous money, and even today Kraków remains one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. You’ll find more personal tips in our big Kraków guide.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round, spring and the December markets are ideal · ⏱️ How many days: 3 to 4 days (if you’re planning a trip to Auschwitz) · 💰 Budget: Very cheap (approx. €185 for two on a weekend) · 🛏️ Where to stay: K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW or Avium Old Town Apartments

4. Dresden: A baroque gem on the Elbe

The Saxon capital lies so close to the border that you can reach it by car or train in under two hours, making it one of the fastest weekend escapes going. Even though you can pop over just for a day trip, Dresden definitely deserves an overnight stay, so you can enjoy the evening atmosphere on the Brühl Terrace at leisure — quite rightly nicknamed the Balcony of Europe.

The city boasts incredible history and breathtaking landmarks, led by the rebuilt Frauenkirche church and the baroque Zwinger complex. In the renowned Old Masters Gallery you can admire Raphael’s famous Sistine Madonna, an experience that thrills far more than just die-hard art lovers. Travellers on Reddit often praise the fact that it’s a very pleasant, medium-sized city you can comfortably walk end to end.

Dresden sees its biggest surge of visitors in December, when the legendary Striezelmarkt opens — reportedly the oldest Christmas market in all of Germany, with a tradition dating back to 1434. If you’re considering a winter visit paired with a hot mulled wine, definitely check out our article on the Dresden Christmas markets.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round, December is the absolute peak · ⏱️ How many days: 1 to 2 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €270 for two)

5. Munich: World-class museums and surfing in the park

The Bavarian capital is around five hours away by train or bus and offers an absolutely unique mix of deep tradition and modern life. The heart of the whole city is the historic Marienplatz square with its famous glockenspiel, from where you can easily reach the best museums — among which the enormous Deutsches Museum of science and technology clearly stands out.

On Reddit, locals themselves like to complain that Munich is pricey and a touch snobbish, but foreign tourists love it and often write that they came for a day and wished they could stay a week. A total one-off is the huge English Garden, where even in the middle of winter you can watch daring surfers taming an artificial wave on the Eisbach river — a spectacle you’d hardly expect this far inland.

Munich is also an ideal base for a day trip to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein castle, tucked away nearby in the Alps. Around the turn of September and October the city bursts at the seams for the legendary Oktoberfest, when accommodation prices shoot up steeply. If you want to avoid the extremes, read our article on what to do in Munich.

🗓️ When to go: May to September, avoiding Oktoberfest · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (approx. €350 for two on a weekend)

6. Bratislava: A laid-back stop on the Danube

The Slovak capital is often unfairly overlooked, but Lukáš and I stopped here at the end of our big winter train trip and were pleasantly surprised. One Reddit discussion nailed it perfectly: Bratislava is simply the ideal size, so you don’t get bored, yet you also don’t have that stressful feeling of not having managed to see half the landmarks in the guidebook.

The landmark is of course the majestic Bratislava Castle and the beautifully restored old town, dotted with modern cafés and little bistros. Definitely head up to the UFO observation deck on the SNP Bridge, from where you’ll have the whole city and the flow of the Danube laid out before you. Here we feasted on absolutely luxurious vegetarian bryndzové halušky, a dish that’s inseparable from a visit to Slovakia.

Thanks to its excellent train connections, Bratislava pairs perfectly with a visit to neighbouring Vienna or serves as a great stop on the way to Hungary. If you’re wondering how to plan a multi-day trip like that, take a look at our 5-day train trip through the Polish and Slovak Tatras or read about what the Bratislava Christmas markets look like.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round · ⏱️ How many days: 1 to 2 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap to mid-range (approx. €225 for two)

Classics by direct flight: 10 cities you have to experience once

The moment you board a plane, all of Europe opens up to you. You’ve seen the following cities on a hundred postcards, and yet they’ll still surprise you on your first visit with how different they are in real life. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet fly to these places almost daily, so you can often reach them for the price of a nicer dinner out.

7. London: A cosmopolitan metropolis and world-class museums

The British capital is enormous and incredibly diverse. From childhood I only remember the endless queues in front of Madame Tussauds, but when Lukáš and I came here as adults in 2017, the city completely swept us away. We rented city bikes, cycled past Westminster and the Tower, and joined a great free walking tour following the Harry Potter filming locations, which was a fantastic experience.

London is famous for being fairly pricey, but we discovered you can save brilliantly here thanks to the fact that entry to all the major national museums is completely free. You can spend whole days in the amazing British Museum or the Tate Modern and not pay a single pound. We then spent our afternoons at the buzzing Borough Market or in alternative Camden, where you can grab excellent food from all over the world.

Several low-cost carriers fly here, and tickets can be picked up cheaply if you book ahead. In December, the streets also light up with gorgeous Christmas decorations that rank among the best in Europe. So you don’t miss a thing, we’ve put together a giant list of 50 tips on what to see in London and we’ve also rounded up the best cafés in London.

🗓️ When to go: Year-round, December is magical thanks to the decorations · ⏱️ How many days: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (but free museums save a lot) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The Z Hotel Trafalgar or The Cavendish London

8. Paris: Art, romance and a picnic by the Seine

The French capital is the embodiment of elegance, and we too fell for its inimitable charm on our visit. There’s nothing better than buying a fresh, crusty baguette from a local bakery, a piece of fragrant cheese, and sitting down at dusk on the bank of the Seine with a view over the city. Wandering the steep lanes of artistic Montmartre or the ancient Latin Quarter is guaranteed to grab you by the heart.

With Paris, one absolutely crucial rule will save you a lot of nerves: tickets for the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre must be booked many weeks in advance. Without an online ticket, there’s basically no point even approaching these landmarks, because the queues on-site are devastating. The city is huge and getting around by metro takes plenty of time, so always plan your programme neighbourhood by neighbourhood.

The city wears its most beautiful colours in spring and early autumn, when the temperatures are perfect for long walks along the endless boulevards. Find out in advance what to see in Paris, and if you’re not sure which area to pick for your hotel, we’ve written a clear guide on where to stay in Paris.

🗓️ When to go: April to June, September to October · ⏱️ How many days: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (approx. €370 for two on a weekend)

9. Rome: An open-air museum

The Italian capital is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and every time Lukáš and I visit, it surprises us all over again with how incredibly laid-back a city it is. As one Reddit user aptly noted, in Rome you’re just walking down an ordinary street and suddenly the majestic Colosseum peeks out at you. History breathes from every stone here and blends with the bustle of modern life.

We love to spend our evenings in the picturesque Trastevere neighbourhood, sipping a refreshing Aperol and enjoying excellent vegetarian supplì — fried rice balls with melted mozzarella inside. During the day it pays to grab a quick pizza al taglio, cut to size exactly according to how hungry you are. Just as in Paris, for the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum you need a timed ticket bought well in advance.

Summer in Rome can be downright hellish, with temperatures regularly topping thirty-five degrees, so it’s much wiser to plan your trip for the spring or autumn months. You’ll find all the practical info and itineraries in our article on what to see in Rome.

🗓️ When to go: March to May, October to November (summer is exhausting) · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (approx. €330 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Residenza Cavallini

10. Barcelona: Gaudí’s legacy and the crashing sea

The Catalan capital offers an absolutely unique combination of breathtaking architecture, buzzing city life and long sandy beaches in the Barceloneta district. Most visitors head here for Antoni Gaudí’s fantastic buildings, whether it’s the colourful Park Güell with its view over the city, or the unfinished Sagrada Família cathedral, for which you have to secure tickets really far ahead.

But we have to add one honest warning that comes up often on travel forums: in recent years Barcelona has been grappling with a huge surge of tourists, and the local pickpockets are among the most skilled in all of Europe. You need to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially on the famous La Rambla avenue and in the mysterious lanes of the historic Gothic Quarter.

If you want to taste the local meaty tapas or the famous cured ham, you’ll find hundreds of excellent spots. Anyone after a calmer Spanish atmosphere without being squeezed by crowds should consider Valencia instead, but if you’re heading to Spain for the first time, Barcelona is simply a must-do you have to experience for yourself.

🗓️ When to go: April to June, September to October · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Granvia or the budget-friendly Sant Jordi Hostels

11. Amsterdam: A cyclist’s paradise laced with canals

The Dutch capital is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, its thousands of bikes and the endless network of waterways known as grachten. A boat ride or renting your own bicycle is one of the best ways to soak up the unmistakable mood of the gorgeous Jordaan district. The city boasts top-tier galleries, and if you want to see original works at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, booking online is an absolute must.

But it has to be said straight: on weekends Amsterdam is literally bursting at the seams, and accommodation prices are at times enough to make you weep 😅. It pays to arrive mid-week. Tourists flock here from all over the world, which is why it’s worth considering a trip during the middle of the week instead.

The absolute peak of the season is spring, when the whole country turns into a blaze of vivid colours. Take a look at our article on what to see in Amsterdam, and if you’re heading over in April, definitely don’t miss our guide to the legendary Keukenhof: tulips in Holland.

🗓️ When to go: April to May (for the tulips), June or September · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Very expensive accommodation (approx. €450 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: City Hotel Amsterdam or Hotel Oscar

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Europe

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna

Luxury boutique hotel in Vienna with an excellent location in the historic center.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

JO&JOE Vienna

Budget option with good accessibility in Vienna, ideal for budget travelers.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Vision

Well-rated hotel in Budapest with convenient access to major attractions.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Milford Suites Budapest

Apartment hotel with an advantageous location in Budapest, suitable for longer stays.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW

Modern aparthotel in Krakow with excellent value for money.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Pension/B&B

Avium Old Town Apartments

Apartments in Krakow’s Old Town, ideal for exploring the historic center.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Europe

6 stays — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP PICK ⭐ Luxury

Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna

A luxury boutique hotel in Vienna with an excellent location in the historic centre.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

JO&JOE Vienna

A budget-friendly option with good access in Vienna, ideal for cost-conscious travellers.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Vision

A well-rated hotel in Budapest with convenient access to the main sights.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Milford Suites Budapest

An apartment hotel in Budapest, ideal for longer stays.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW

A modern aparthotel in Kraków with excellent value for money.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Guesthouse/B&B

Avium Old Town Apartments

Apartments in Kraków’s old town, ideal for exploring the centre.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

12. Berlin: The city that never sleeps

The German capital is incredibly layered, and one Reddit discussion aptly described it as: it’s not the prettiest city in Europe, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting. The dark history of the twentieth century is still very present here, whether you’re walking past the remnants of the famous wall at the East Side Gallery, or admiring the impressive Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Berlin’s huge advantage is its affordability, because compared with nearby Munich, accommodation and food here are significantly cheaper. The city is renowned for its great street food and huge green spaces, the best known of which is the Tiergarten park. If you book your free entry in time, you can climb up into the glass dome of the Reichstag building, which offers a superb view.

There are also excellent direct trains that handle the journey in around four hours, so you can happily leave the plane at home. You’ll find all the important info and tips on iconic spots in our big Berlin guide.

🗓️ When to go: May to September · ⏱️ How many days: 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €270 for two on a weekend) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Motel One Berlin-Potsdamer Platz

13. Lisbon: Historic trams and ocean views

The Portuguese capital is built on steep hills that will really give you a workout, but the views make it absolutely worth it. The most famous experience is a ride on the historic yellow tram number 28, which threads its way with incredible agility through the narrow lanes of the ancient Alfama district. A short walk from the centre you’ll also find the unique Santa Justa lift, connecting the lower and upper parts of the city.

The Belém district, with its Monument to the Discoveries and beautiful tower, is definitely worth exploring. This is where the legendary pastéis de nata, filled with sweet egg custard, come from — and they taste absolutely divine. In the evening you should head to one of the local restaurants where traditional, melancholic fado music is played, transporting you instantly to times gone by.

In high season the centre gets very crowded and the steep streets can be exhausting in the summer heat, so we recommend visiting in spring or autumn instead. It’s also worth sacrificing a whole day to head into the nearby hills to admire the fairy-tale palaces. You’ll find everything you need in our articles Lisbon: a guide and the day-trip destination Sintra.

🗓️ When to go: March to June, September to November · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 4 days (if you head to Sintra) · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €310 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Memmo Príncipe Real

14. Copenhagen: Nordic style and cosy hygge

The Danish capital is a byword for top-tier design, great coffee and hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths. The iconic image of Copenhagen is the brightly coloured old houses lining the Nyhavn canal, where wooden sailing ships are moored. Travellers on forums often mention that two to three days are absolutely perfect for exploring the city, because you can walk to all the main sights without any trouble.

A total one-off is the Tivoli amusement park, which has been operating right in the very heart of the city since 1843 and is lit up in the evening by thousands of romantic bulbs. The city is full of cosy hygge cafés, perfect for hiding from the occasional Nordic rain, and the beautiful Rosenborg Castle is also worth seeing — it houses the Danish crown jewels.

You need to prepare for the fact that Copenhagen is a really pricey destination, especially when it comes to eating out and buying alcohol. Cleverly chosen budget accommodation and food bought at the supermarket will save you. You’ll find inspiration in our articles Copenhagen and Tivoli.

🗓️ When to go: May to September, December is lovely thanks to a Christmassy Tivoli · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Expensive services and food (approx. €410 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Wakeup Copenhagen or Generator Copenhagen

15. Athens: The cradle of civilisation under the Greek sun

The Greek capital has been enjoying a huge boom in recent years and pops up with iron regularity in the Reddit thread on the most underrated cities. Travellers rave about the amazing rooftop bars with night-time views of the illuminated Acropolis and, above all, the excellent and incredibly cheap food you can grab on every corner. Athens is also beautifully layered and appeals even to those who don’t enjoy travelling to a strict itinerary.

The Acropolis itself and the adjacent ultra-modern museum are best visited first thing in the morning, before the crowds arrive from the cruise ships. You can then lose yourself in the narrow, flower-draped lanes of the gorgeous historic districts of Plaka and Anafiotika, which look as though you’ve suddenly landed on a deserted Greek island.

It has to be honestly admitted that some of the outlying parts of the city can feel a touch shabby, and at night it’s best to avoid the area around Omonia Square. But if you head here outside the main summer season, when temperatures hit thirty-eight degrees, you’ll be thrilled. Look for practical advice in our article Athens.

🗓️ When to go: March to May, October to November (too hot in summer) · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap to mid-range (approx. €245 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Byron or the luxurious The Dolli

16. Edinburgh: Mysterious alleys and Scotch whisky

The Scottish capital instantly transports you to another world with its dark stone buildings and dramatic landscape. A walk along the historic Royal Mile towards the majestic castle is an experience in itself, as is the hike up the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, from where you have the city and the firth laid out before you. On travel forums, people often write that even in dreary November they were absolutely enchanted by the autumn atmosphere.

The city is threaded with bars where you can taste the best Scotch whiskies, and fans of the Harry Potter books will get their fill too, since the author drew heavy inspiration from the local lanes. If you want to experience a fantastic sunset, head up Calton Hill via the hidden side staircase, avoiding the biggest crowds and enjoying the view of the ancient columns of the National Monument, which locals nickname the Scottish Acropolis.

Bear in mind that in August the city hosts a giant arts festival, which means double prices and completely sold-out capacity, so during that period only come with a booking secured well in advance. Read about everything Edinburgh has to offer.

🗓️ When to go: May to June, September to November (August is extremely expensive) · ⏱️ How many days: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (approx. €370 for two on a weekend) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal or the luxurious The Balmoral

Weekend getaways in Europe without the crowds: 5 finds where there are no queues yet

Have you already walked the classic capitals from top to bottom, or do you simply hate being squeezed in with thousands of other people in front of the main landmark? We’ve picked five amazing cities that are slowly climbing the popularity rankings but still hold on to their authentic atmosphere and offer you a much calmer experience.

17. Porto: The internet’s darling and superb wine

On all the travel forums it repeats like a broken record: people arrive in Portugal, visit the capital, but end up falling in love with the smaller, cosier Porto, which they often rank far above Lisbon. The city on the Douro river will charm you with its fantastic bridges, one of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s famous studio, as well as with its warm locals.

As you walk, you’ll come across gorgeous blue-and-white azulejos tiles decorating, for example, the entire São Bento railway station. Book lovers can’t miss the magical Livraria Lello bookshop with its incredible spiral staircase. Across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia district, the famous wine cellars await, where you can join a tour paired with a tasting of genuine port.

Porto is also very budget-friendly, and you’ll eat superbly here for reasonable money. August and September are the ideal time to visit, when the weather is most reliable. We’ve written down all our observations in our Porto guide.

🗓️ When to go: May to September (ideally at the end of summer) · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap to mid-range (approx. €245 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Novotel Porto Gaia or Ibis Porto Centro

18. Valencia: A futuristic city full of greenery

Spain’s Valencia is the perfect cure for anyone who finds Barcelona too touristy and overcrowded. Many travellers on Reddit agree that Valencia is, in their view, even prettier and offers everything you’d expect from Spain, but in far greater calm. The biggest draw is the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), which includes the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in all of Europe.

The city boasts a unique nine-kilometre Turia park, created in the former riverbed and now used for picnics and bike rides. The historic centre hides a Gothic silk exchange listed by UNESCO and the enormous Mercado Central market hall. Don’t forget that Valencia is the home of the legendary meat and seafood paella, though in the city you’ll also find fantastic vegetable versions (paella de verduras).

If you head over in March, prepare for the fact that the city comes alive with the crazy Las Fallas festival, full of fireworks and giant sculptures, so accommodation prices rise. Look for details in our articles Valencia and Las Fallas.

🗓️ When to go: March to June, September to October · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (cheaper than Barcelona) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Soho Boutique Turia

19. Bologna: The capital of European gastronomy

When Italians say they go somewhere just for the food, you can be sure it’ll be worth it. Bologna is praised on forums as a place you simply have to go to stuff yourself, because it’s the culinary heart of all of Italy. The city’s trademark features are its nearly forty kilometres of historic arcades, which shelter you from both sun and rain, and the two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda.

Foodwise, the lanes of the Quadrilatero market will captivate you, where you can buy the finest local cheeses. The restaurants here are phenomenal, and as vegetarians we swear by the homemade tortelloni generously filled with fresh ricotta and spinach. Meat lovers, meanwhile, simply must taste the classic tagliatelle al ragù — because, as the local joke goes, you won’t find spaghetti bolognese in Bologna at all.

The city boasts the oldest university in Europe, which gives it a very youthful, lively atmosphere all year round. You’ll find everything you need to know before your trip in our article Bologna.

🗓️ When to go: April to June, September to October · ⏱️ How many days: 2 days (a very compact city) · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €270 for two) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Royal Hotel Carlton

20. Gdańsk: Amber and endless beaches

Northern Poland is still something of an undiscovered treasure for most of us, and that’s a huge shame. One traveller on Reddit summed up Gdańsk perfectly: it’s a beautiful city, a short hop from nature and the sea, and the local Solidarity museum was absolutely incredible even for people who normally aren’t into history. The impressive centre is full of little shops selling genuine Baltic amber, and the Long Market is capped by the iconic historic Żuraw crane.

A huge advantage is that from Gdańsk you can easily reach the neighbouring spa town of Sopot by train, where you can walk along the longest wooden pier in Europe and relax on endless sandy beaches. The city on the Baltic offers an atmosphere completely different from the rest of Poland, and you’ll experience a slightly Scandinavian feel at a fraction of the price. A trip to the Westerplatte peninsula, where the first shots of the Second World War were fired, adds another powerful historical dimension to your weekend.

You’ll find more details in our article Gdańsk, and if you’re considering a trip on the rails, take a look at how to get to the Polish seaside by train.

🗓️ When to go: May to September · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (approx. €205 for two on a weekend)

21. Seville: Orange trees and fiery flamenco

The Andalusian capital is winning over seasoned travellers for good reason: it’s hot-blooded, fragrant and still a little underrated. The streets are lined with fragrant orange trees, and as you stroll through the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz you’ll come across countless small venues where you can watch a breathtaking performance of traditional flamenco, known as a tablao, in the evening.

If you’re planning to visit the famous royal Alcázar palace, where Game of Thrones was filmed, or the enormous cathedral with its Giralda bell tower, you must book your tickets even several weeks in advance, because they tend to be hopelessly sold out. Also unforgettable is a visit to the magnificent semicircular Plaza de España, decorated with colourful ceramic tiles representing all the Spanish provinces.

Definitely don’t come here in summer, because temperatures regularly climb over a devastating forty degrees. You’ll find more inspiration for a trip south in our overview of where to holiday in Spain.

🗓️ When to go: March to May (the famous Feria de Abril is in April), October to November · ⏱️ How many days: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (approx. €290 for two on a weekend)

How to plan a European weekend trip and save money

One absolutely crucial golden rule circulates on travel forums, and you should stick to it: two full days in a city must mean three nights in a hotel. The ideal is to fly in on Friday evening and only head back on Monday morning, because otherwise you’ll spend a significant chunk of your precious time off just transferring to the airport and stressing over check-in.

If you want to fly, pick destinations with a direct connection of around three hours or less, and learn to travel with just a small cabin bag, which will save you huge money on low-cost carriers like Ryanair or easyJet. The cheapest flights are traditionally to be had on mid-week departures, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, so it pays to keep an eye on comparison sites.

Always think through in advance which price bracket you want to aim for. While Kraków, Budapest, Athens or Gdańsk are among the very cheapest options, in cities like London, Paris or Amsterdam your wallet will weep quite a bit, and the middle road is represented by the likes of Rome, Lisbon and Berlin.

Don’t forget about booking early either, because iconic sites like Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum or the Eiffel Tower in Paris require online tickets bought well in advance. And we’ll add one more honest warning from the internet: Italy’s Pisa is reportedly the most overrated stop in Europe, so just snap a photo of the tower there and head straight on to Bologna instead. Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance for your trip — for the shorter ones we most often go with AXA.

Where to next

If you still haven’t made your pick and you’re looking for more inspiration for your travels, take a look at our other big roundups that will help you plan the best possible programme:

• The best Christmas markets in Europe
• The best water parks and thermal spas in Europe
• 5-day train trip through the Polish and Slovak Tatras

Frequently asked questions

To wrap up, I’ve put together answers to the questions I hear most often about planning a European weekend trip.

Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, is an absolute summer obsession for the locals. While international travellers often debate whether it’s worth taking a ferry to Sweden from the mainland or driving over the Copenhagen bridges instead, they unfairly skip this stretch of land. Yet the moment you step off the ferry in the capital of Visby, you’ll instantly understand why the entire Swedish mainland flees here in July.

Instead of the endless dark spruce forests and granite cliffs you know from Nordic crime dramas, you’ll be greeted here by dazzlingly bright limestone and fields full of red poppies. It’s a mix you simply won’t find anywhere else in the Baltic Sea: rugged limestone, sandy beaches and medieval churches standing in fields as if time had simply frozen somewhere in the 13th century. Gotland has a surprisingly mild climate and gets more sunshine than anywhere else in Sweden.

The island has two completely different faces, both of which are guaranteed to captivate you. On one side stands romantic Visby, enclosed by massive walls where roses climb over Gothic ruins, and on the other lies the rugged northern islet of Fårö. That’s where you’ll find the famous limestone sea stacks known as raukar and a melancholy landscape so beloved by the legendary director Ingmar Bergman.

A summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article

• Book ferries early: Destination Gotland’s boats tend to sell out months in advance in summer, and you won’t just turn up at the port and buy a car ticket on a whim.
• Visby is a UNESCO gem: This perfectly preserved Hanseatic town with its 3.4-kilometre walls is best enjoyed early in the morning without the crowds.
• Don’t skip Fårö: The northern islet with its limestone raukar and lunar landscape is reachable by a free ferry, but long queues form in summer.
• Bikes are ideal: The island is incredibly flat, its highest point just 82 metres, so cycling between the 92 medieval churches is an absolute breeze.
• Watch out for summer festivals: There’s the political week in July and the famous medieval festival Medeltidsveckan in August, when accommodation vanishes at lightning speed.
• Swimming is realistic: The shallow bays in the east and north of the island warm up to 20 to 22 degrees in summer, and Tofta beach is made for families with kids.

When to visit Gotland in Sweden

I recommend planning your trip to Gotland well in advance, otherwise both your wallet and your nerves will weep and you’ll end up stuck on the mainland. The summer season here is very short and the island experiences a few extreme swings in visitor numbers that dramatically change its atmosphere and the prices in the shops. If you’re after the golden middle ground, June is the ideal choice, when everything is in bloom and the island is only just waking up, or the turn of August and September. By late August the Swedish kids are back at school, the crowds disappear, and the Baltic Sea is at its warmest after summer.

Be most careful about early July, when the traditional political week Almedalsveckan takes place. Politicians, journalists and lobbyists gather in Visby from all over the country, accommodation is snapped up years ahead and prices shoot up steeply. Right after comes the so-called Stockholmsveckan in mid-July, when the island is taken over by Stockholm’s golden youth. The quiet historic town turns into one big and fairly pricey party, so ferries and hotels are bursting at the seams and you won’t get a table in a restaurant without a reservation.

A chapter of its own is the phenomenal Medeltidsveckan in August. The biggest medieval festival in northern Europe draws over 40,000 people in historical costumes and in 2026 it runs from 2 to 9 August. If you love history, this will simply enchant you, but strategically you must book your accommodation a huge amount of time ahead, even twelve months. Outside these summer peaks Gotland is wonderfully calm, but bear in mind that from mid-September many rural cafés and smaller attractions may be closed on weekdays.

Where to stay on Gotland

💡 Accommodation tip and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. It then pays to compare and book tickets, tours and activities through GetYourGuide.

Staying on the island splits into two completely different experiences. You can choose the romance right inside the medieval walls of Visby, where all the restaurants and sights are within arm’s reach, or you can favour the countryside. Renting a traditional Swedish cabin, or stuga, by a lake or on a sheep farm is usually the best choice for families with a car. During July and around the August medieval festival, expect capacities to fill up unbelievably far ahead and prices to reach their annual peak.

The Swedish stuga isn’t just ordinary accommodation but a genuine national phenomenon and the embodiment of slow living. Almost all of these wooden cabins glow in the characteristic deep-red colour known as falu red with white window frames. When renting, watch out for local customs, because in Sweden it’s absolutely standard to bring your own bedding and towels. You’re also expected to do a thorough final clean before leaving, or pay handsomely for it. A weekly rental of such a cabin will cost you around 1,000 SEK (about €90) off-season, but in the summer peak prices easily climb over 10,000 SEK (€900).

If you want to stay right in Visby, an absolute icon is the Clarion Hotel Wisby in a carefully restored 13th-century building with a gorgeous wellness area among ancient columns, where summer prices start at around €185 per night for two. A cosier and quieter alternative inside the walls is the boutique Hotell Slottsbacken with a lovely quiet courtyard. Families with children will appreciate Kneippbyn Resort south of town, offering fully equipped cabins a short walk from the sea from €120, and if you’re heading north, the unique Fårösunds Fästning in a former military fortress right by the ferry is worth a mention.

20 best things to see and do on Gotland Island in Sweden

Here’s a detailed list of the best the island has to offer. The numbers here aren’t a ranking — use them to build an itinerary based on where you’ll be at any given time, and plan your days around your own interests.

1. Ringmur: A walk along the medieval walls

The capital of Visby is a revelation that at first glance looks more like a meticulously built film set than a real town. Its entire historic core is still enclosed by a massive stone wall called the ringmur, which stretches an impressive 3.4 kilometres and boasts 27 preserved defensive towers. It’s no polished replica, but raw 13th-century medievalism listed by UNESCO. The wall is freely accessible 24 hours a day and there’s no entrance fee whatsoever, so you can inspect it up close from every angle.

The original purpose of these walls, surprisingly, wasn’t to protect the town from foreign armies but rather to separate the wealthy German merchants inside from the poorer Gotland farmers in the countryside. This enormous social tension led to more than one bloody conflict, culminating in 1361 in a devastating Danish invasion under King Valdemar Atterdag. Today a beautiful footpath runs along the outer side of the walls, set in a dry moat, which I recommend walking early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive from the ferries.

Walking all the way around the town at a leisurely pace takes you about an hour and a half, and along the way you’ll come across plenty of benches ideal for a rest. The most beautiful views of the town and sea open up at the northern gate Norderport and the mighty tower Dalmanstornet. During the walk you’ll notice how the old limestone stones turn golden when caught by the morning or evening Nordic sun.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for the perfect spot for sunset, head to the Kruttornet, or Powder Tower, near the harbour. It’s the oldest building in the town and the view over the Baltic Sea from here is truly breathtaking.

2. Sankta Karin and the magic of ruins

Visby is very often nicknamed the town of roses and ruins, which you’ll fully grasp on your very first walk through its old cobbled streets. All over town you’ll come across monumental torsos of grand medieval churches, left abandoned for centuries after the fall of the Hanseatic League and the subsequent religious reformations. By far the most striking is the ruin of Sankta Karin church, which dominates the main square, Stora Torget, and is accessible completely free of charge.

Its tall Gothic arches, rising to the open, roofless sky, feel incredibly mystical and give the place an unmistakable atmosphere. These buildings once served the various nationalities of wealthy merchants who lived in Visby and competed with one another in showing off their riches. Today they form a magical backdrop for your evening strolls, especially when soft artificial lighting catches their old stones and the ever-present blooming roses begin to climb over them.

Locals often hold summer acoustic concerts here beneath the vaults, in winter the space turns into a romantic ice rink, and during the day people simply picnic on the grass. Other beautiful ruins you definitely shouldn’t miss are the sister churches of Drottens and Sankt Lars, lying just a few streets away. You can wander freely among the mighty stone walls and imagine how the town looked in its days of greatest glory.

💡 Tip: Stop at one of the surrounding restaurants on Stora Torget square for the traditional lunch menu known as dagens rätt. For around 150 SEK (€14) you get a great main course, a salad buffet and coffee, all with a view of the ruins.

3. Sankta Maria Cathedral

Even though the town is full of fascinating ruins, one medieval church has survived the centuries in full splendour and still serves its purpose to this day. Sankta Maria Cathedral is the only working church from the Hanseatic era, and its characteristic dark towers dominate the skyline of all of Visby. It was originally built in the early 13th century by wealthy German merchants who had enough money for its constant upkeep, thanks to which the building miraculously survived every plague and the town’s decline.

Its robust architecture differs markedly from anything else you’ll see on the island and gives an incredibly massive impression. Entry inside is completely free and the doors are usually open to visitors every day from 9:00 to 17:00. The stunning wooden interior hides a beautiful Baroque altar and rare medieval sandstone statues that will transport you hundreds of years into the past for a moment.

The cathedral is surrounded by cascading terraces and gardens where people come just to sit, and after touring the interior be sure to stroll along the surrounding cobbled paths lined with Gotland houses and front gardens, where you’ll find the most authentic calm far from the harbour.

💡 Tip: Climb the steep wooden steps to the Kyrkberget, or Church Hill, lookout right behind the cathedral. Here you’ll find exactly that classic postcard view of red roofs and blue sea.

4. A botanical garden inside the walls

You might be surprised to find a thriving botanical garden on a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, but DBW’s Botaniska Trädgård is a genuine European rarity. Thanks to the sun-warmed stone walls that shelter the whole garden from the cold sea wind, a specific microclimate has developed here since 1855, more reminiscent of the Mediterranean than of harsh Scandinavia. Plants thrive here so well that the garden stays full of colour long into autumn.

Roses commonly bloom here often right into late October, and you’ll find mature fig trees, mulberries and huge walnut trees, perfect for resting beneath. Entry to the garden is completely free and the gates stay open to the public 24 hours a day, making it quite possibly the calmest spot in all of Visby. People come here early in the morning to sit with a book or coffee and enjoy the fresh air full of flowery scents.

It’s an incredible visual contrast between the exotic flora and the medieval ruins of Sankt Olof church. Its mighty limestone pillars, romantically overgrown with dense ivy, stand right in the middle of carefully tended flowerbeds and lawns. The garden is just a short walk from the seaside promenade, so you can easily and naturally work it into your afternoon coastal stroll.

💡 Tip: Bring an afternoon coffee and a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun from the nearby bakery and picnic under the trees. It’s the perfect escape from the summer crowds in the town centre.

5. Almedalen and the Hanseatic harbour

The sprawling Almedalen park, stretching between the town walls and the sea coast, was the original Hanseatic harbour in the Middle Ages. This is where huge wooden ships full of expensive spices, luxurious fabrics and silver once sailed into Visby. Today it’s a beautiful green park with a large pond that serves as the main relaxation zone for tourists and locals alike, and entry is naturally completely free.

But the place holds enormous political and historical significance for all of Sweden. This is where, in the late 1960s, then Prime Minister Olof Palme began the tradition of summer speeches from the back of a truck, which gradually evolved into the famous political week Almedalsveckan. During this week in July the quiet park turns into a huge open-air debating forum, drawing the top figures of Swedish politics and journalism.

If you’re not here during the festival frenzy, you’ll enjoy a very peaceful walk with a view of the modern yachts in the adjacent new harbour. The park is cleverly threaded with paved paths ideal for prams and wheelchairs, and you’ll find plenty of comfortable benches for resting in the shade of the tall trees.

💡 Tip: For families with children, Almedalen is an absolute must. In the middle of the park there’s a well-equipped playground and a huge flock of ducks and swans in the pond, impatiently waiting for your attention.

6. Gotlands Museum and the Spillings hoard

If you have time to visit just one single museum during your stay, it must without a doubt be Gotlands Museum, or Fornsalen, right in the centre of Visby. Thanks to its strategic location, the island was a major crossroads of Viking trade routes, and the amount of silver hidden in the local soil is unrivalled anywhere in the world. Farmers here still occasionally plough up thousand-year-old coins and artefacts in their fields.

The main draw of this modern museum is an absolute world rarity: the enormous Spillings hoard. It’s the largest Viking silver find in the world, weighing an incredible 65 kilograms of silver and bronze. Seeing the giant silver ingots and thousands of 9th-century Arabic coins with your own eyes is a fascinating experience that helps you understand just how fabulously wealthy and important the island once was for all of Europe.

Admission to the museum costs an adult around 150 SEK (about €14), while children and youth up to 19 get free entry. It’s open year-round, in summer usually from 10:00 to 18:00, and a careful tour of all the exhibitions will take you at least two hours.

💡 Tip: Save money and buy a combined ticket at the desk that’s also valid for the nearby art museum Gotlands Konstmuseum, just a few streets away.

7. Fårö island and its lunar landscape

If Gotland is another world, then the little island of Fårö at the very northern tip is a whole other planet. The trip on the small yellow ferry from Fårösund harbour takes just ten minutes, and the great news is it doesn’t cost a cent for either car or passenger. On the other side of the strait you’ll be greeted by a bleaker, flatter and wilder landscape full of grazing sheep and old stone walls. From Visby it’s about 55 kilometres to the ferry, which you’ll manage by car in under an hour.

The island’s main magnet is the raukar — giant limestone stacks jutting out of the sea and pebble beaches. These rock towers, shaped over millions of years by sharp wind and salty Baltic water, are found in the Langhammars and Digerhuvud nature reserves on the west coast. Walking among the stone giants, up to ten metres tall and often resembling petrified trolls or sinister human faces, is a deeply mystical and unforgettable experience.

The whole island has a very melancholy and rugged atmosphere that sharply contrasts with romantic, well-groomed Visby. The landscape here is far more open, and the strong sea wind even shapes the local stunted pines, which bend low to the ground.

💡 Tip: The ferry is free and runs as a shuttle, but in the summer peak queues of cars can build up for as long as an hour. I definitely recommend setting off early in the morning, ideally before nine, to avoid the tailbacks and have the raukar all to yourself.

8. Ingmar Bergman and the film trail

The raw, melancholy landscape of Fårö so enchanted the legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman that he spent a significant part of his life here and found his true home. He shot films like Persona and Scenes from a Marriage here, and the local light and silence wouldn’t let him go — he lived on Fårö until the end of his life. To this day you feel at every step that strange calm and isolation he was seeking.

Film fans from all over the world now enthusiastically head to the modern Bergmancenter, which maps his life and work in detail. The exhibition is brilliantly done and shows just how much the island influenced his view of human relationships and his filmmaking style. Admission to the centre costs around 120 SEK (about €11) and in summer they’re usually open daily from 10:00 to 16:00. There’s also a small café and cinema where his works are regularly screened.

After visiting the museum, be sure to stop at the nearby unassuming little cemetery by the local Fårö kyrka church. This is where this giant of film has his very simple grave, adorned only with a plain stone, exactly in the spirit of the rugged local landscape he so admired.

💡 Tip: Before you head to the island, watch at least one Bergman film shot on Fårö. When you then stand on the same stony beach as the main characters, the experience of the place will be a hundred times stronger.

9. Sudersand and Ljugarn beaches

When you think of Sweden, swimming in the sea probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for the ideal summer holiday. But Gotland will quickly set you straight and convince you otherwise. Sudersand bay on the northern island of Fårö boasts fine white sand and crystal-clear water that rivals the famous beaches of northern Germany or Denmark. Parking right by the beach is free and you’ll find all the facilities you need, including toilets and showers.

Another great option is the long sandy Ljugarn beach on the east coast of Gotland itself, about 45 kilometres from Visby. It’s one of the oldest Swedish seaside resorts, where a very relaxed, old-world atmosphere with a nineteenth-century feel still reigns. The beach is very wide and offers plenty of space even on the hottest August days.

The water in these shallow bays is surprisingly pleasant in July and August and regularly reaches temperatures of around 20 to 22 °C. Thanks to the very gradual entry into the sea, even small children commonly and completely safely swim here, and for them it’s an absolute paradise.

💡 Tip: Ljugarn beach is lined with old historic wooden bathing huts that are hugely photogenic. Walk along them early in the morning or at sunset for perfect holiday photos.

10. Tofta and the house of Pippi Longstocking

If you’re travelling with children, your main swimming base should be Tofta beach, just 20 kilometres south of Visby. It’s a classic, kilometres-long sandy beach with a shallow, safe entry into the water, a great campsite and every conceivable amenity. Right next door there’s also a place guaranteed to put a huge smile on the face of every child and nostalgic adult alike.

The local Kneippbyn amusement park hides the original Villa Villekulla, the very same yellow-and-pink house where the legendary 1969 series about Pippi Longstocking was filmed. The house still stands today and children can explore it from cellar to attic, try out Pippi’s retro kitchen and peek into her crazy world. In summer there are also regular open-air theatre performances here.

Be prepared, though, for the admission to the whole park to be fairly pricey — in high season it costs around 395 SEK (about €36) per person. The price does include access to the summer water park and lots of other attractions, so a family can easily spend a whole day here.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to visit Kneippbyn, always buy tickets online in advance on their website. Not only will you save a bit on each ticket, but above all you’ll avoid the long morning queues at the ticket desks.

11. Lummelunda and the underground caves

A little north of Visby, about 15 kilometres of easy driving or cycling, there’s a natural wonder you’d never expect on this flat limestone island at first glance. Lummelundagrottan is an extensive underground cave system discovered in the 1950s by three curious local teenagers. Today it’s one of the most visited and most popular natural attractions on all of Gotland.

You can take a standard guided tour along lit walkways, where you’ll see beautiful stalactites, ancient fossils and mysterious underground pools. A ticket for this classic route costs around 195 SEK (€18) and the caves are open from May to the end of September. For the more adventurous, the cave management also offers special caving expeditions in wetsuits into the flooded parts of the complex, where the ordinary tourist never sets foot.

The area around the cave is also a beautiful nature reserve with steep cliffs, worth a longer coastal walk in its own right. You’ll also find an old water mill and a pleasant café where you can rest after the tour and take in your underground impressions.

💡 Tip: Don’t forget to bring a warm jacket or jumper, even if it’s thirty degrees and sunny outside. Inside the cave complex a steady temperature of just 8 °C prevails all year round.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to Stay in Gotland and Visby

5 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Clarion Hotel Wisby

An absolute icon in a renovated 13th-century building with a magnificent wellness area among ancient pillars.

★★★★ from €180/night

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotell Slottsbacken

A cozier and quieter boutique hotel inside the walls with a beautiful peaceful courtyard.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🌲 Resort

Kneippbyn Resort

Fully equipped cottages close to the sea, ideal for families with children.

★★★★ from €120/night

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Fårösunds Fästning

Unique accommodation in a former military fortress right by the ferry to Fårö.

★★★★ Check prices

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View all accommodations in Gotland and Visby

Explore all available accommodation options in Gotland and Visby and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

★★★★ Compare prices

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12. 92 medieval churches in the countryside

While most tourists often get stuck in Visby alone, the real soul of Gotland lies in its flat and incredibly peaceful interior. Travelling off the main routes, you’ll soon notice one enormous anomaly: every village, even the smallest, has a huge, beautifully preserved medieval church. There are exactly 92 of them, built of solid stone and still functioning without a hitch for the local community.

They serve as a fascinating reminder of a time when the island was fabulously wealthy thanks to maritime trade and ordinary farmers could afford to build churches that elsewhere would only stand in large cities. Most of them stay open during the day from May to September (usually from 9:00 to 18:00) and entry is completely free. You can walk right in and, in absolute silence, admire the rare wooden statues, fonts and frescoes from the 13th century.

Among the architecturally most beautiful and largest are the churches in the villages of Öja, Tingstäde and Dalhem. Driving or cycling from one church to another is also a wonderfully meditative experience, during which you’ll see the real, tourism-untouched Swedish countryside.

💡 Tip: Stop by the tourist information centre in Visby and pick up the free map called Nyckel till Gotlands kyrkor, which will guide you to the architecturally most interesting gems on the island.

13. Gotland by bike: A perfect flat

The island is incredibly flat, its highest point rising just 82 metres above the sea, and there are absolutely no exhausting hills. That makes it an absolute paradise for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels. Renting a bike in Visby and setting off along the narrow, quiet paved roads between farms is by far the best way to soak up the relaxed local atmosphere and discover hidden spots.

Traffic on the side roads is absolutely minimal and the routes are excellently and clearly signposted for cyclists. You can do an easy day trip from Visby to the Lummelunda caves, about 15 kilometres one way, or set off on a multi-day journey from church to church. Reliable rental shops are right by the harbour, and a daily rental of a classic bike costs you around 200 SEK (about €18).

Besides classic bikes, the rental shops also offer modern e-bikes, which make a lot of sense here. Gotland may have no hills, but a strong headwind from the sea often blows, and it can turn a longer ride along the open coast into quite a demanding athletic feat.

💡 Tip: If you plan to ride longer routes, pack enough water and a snack in your backpack. In the countryside the distances between open cafés or shops are often much greater than you’d expect.

14. Hoburgsgubben and the wild south of the island

While the north is known for Fårö island and crowds of tourists, the southern tip known as Sudret has a completely different, far lonelier and rougher atmosphere. The landscape here is dotted with old windmills and lined with dramatic limestone cliffs dropping straight into the cold sea. The most famous point in the whole area is Hoburgsgubben, a mighty rock formation that, seen from the right angle, resembles the head of an old man gazing out to sea.

The trip to this remote south takes you a little over an hour by car from Visby, since you have to cover about 90 kilometres. But it’s absolutely worth the time behind the wheel. You’ll find wonderful local farms here, quiet pebble bays, and the roads wind right along the coast with endless views to the horizon.

The whole area is a protected nature reserve with completely free access, offering real Scandinavian romance without the crowds. It’s exactly the kind of place where you can sit on a cliff, listen to the waves and not meet a single soul all afternoon. For lunch you can then stop at one of the local farmsteads, which often serve excellent vegetarian dishes from their own produce.

💡 Tip: From the Hoburgsgubben rock formation, set off on foot along the yellow-marked hiking trail, which leads you along the edge of the most beautiful cliffs on the entire south coast.

15. Stora and Lilla Karlsö: The bird islands

If you love nature and wildlife, you mustn’t miss a full-day trip to the pair of small limestone islands lying off the west coast of Gotland. Stora Karlsö is the second-oldest nature reserve in the world (created right after America’s Yellowstone) and you get there by excursion boat from the small harbour village of Klintehamn, about 35 kilometres south of Visby.

The islands are world-famous as a giant nesting site for tens of thousands of seabirds, especially guillemots and razorbills. These fascinating birds, with their huge colonies on the steep cliffs, strikingly resemble little penguins, and watching them is a huge experience. A walk around the island with an ornithological guide will reveal not only the birdlife but also the amazing limestone flora that develops undisturbed here thanks to the absence of predators.

A boat ticket combined with a guided tour costs you around 450 SEK (€41). Because of the strict protection of nature and nesting birds, visitor capacity is strictly limited, so there are never too many people on the island at once.

💡 Tip: You have to book the trip to the islands well in advance online, because the boats tend to fill up quickly in summer. And definitely don’t forget to pack a good pair of binoculars!

16. Saffranspannkaka and Gotland fika

Gotland has its own very specific cuisine, which as vegetarian travellers we absolutely appreciate and, in all likelihood, you’ll fall in love with too. The absolute island classic is saffranspannkaka, a dense saffron pancake baked from rice pudding, almonds and cream. Thanks to a generous dose of expensive saffron it glows bright yellow and is more of a very filling dessert than the classic thin pancake. It’s traditionally served cold or lukewarm, topped with a proper dollop of whipped cream and the essential dewberry jam (salmbär), which grows wild all over the island and has a slightly tart taste.

You’ll buy it in every café during the traditional Swedish coffee break called fika; they make a great one at the Majstregården café near the Hoburgsgubben cliffs in the south of the island, and a portion costs you around 80 to 100 SEK (€7 to €9). It’s a perfect energy boost after a long bike ride.

Another local tradition you shouldn’t miss is the excellent farmhouse cheeses and homemade jams sold at small family stalls by the roadside. These stalls work purely on the honour system, so you take the goods and drop the money in a little box, or pay via the Swedish app Swish.

💡 Tip: Since as a visitor you won’t have access to the Swish payment app, always keep a few Swedish crowns in cash on you for purchases at the small roadside stalls, otherwise you won’t be able to buy that homemade jam.

17. Truffles and asparagus: An island full of flavour

Thanks to its strongly limestone soil and unusually mild climate, Gotland is a real agricultural pearl of all of Sweden and an absolute paradise for vegetarians. It’s the only place in Scandinavia where black truffles grow in the wild. In autumn there are even big truffle safaris here with specially trained dogs, and local restaurants offer fantastic meat-free truffle menus, from hearty pasta to delicate flavoured butters.

In spring the whole island turns into an endless asparagus kingdom. Fresh green and white asparagus from the local farms is a delicacy renowned throughout Sweden, and I warmly recommend ordering it at one of the rural restaurants simply lightly grilled with lemon and fresh herbs. For the best truffle menu, be sure to head to the celebrated Smakrike Krog & Logi restaurant in Ljugarn. The island is also home to the famous Gotland lamb and various fish specialities that form the basis of the locals’ historic diet, but you can happily focus on these local vegetable treasures, of which there are plenty.

During summer you mustn’t skip a stop at one of the many pancake houses (pannkaksträdgård), where fantastic savoury and sweet variations are served. In short, Gotland is one of the few places in Scandinavia where, as a vegetarian, you won’t have to sulk over a bowl of soup and envy everyone else. Fans of specialty coffee will also get their fill, because small independent roasteries have been sprouting up like mushrooms here in recent years.

💡 Tip: During May and June, stop at one of the many farm shops (gårdsbutik) and buy fresh asparagus straight from the grower. You won’t find it fresher or cheaper anywhere else, and you’ll be directly supporting the local family farms.

18. Gårdsförsäljning: Farm alcohol in 2026

For all travellers, 2026 brings one absolutely crucial and groundbreaking novelty that fundamentally changes long-standing Swedish traditions. After more than a hundred years of the strict state monopoly of Systembolaget, a pilot project for on-farm alcohol sales, so-called gårdsförsäljning, is getting fully under way. Gotland has a very strong tradition of small craft breweries and organic farms, which can now offer their products directly to tourists without a middleman.

So now, after a short tour of the production or a tasting, you can buy local alcohol directly from the maker and take it home with you or to your rented cabin. A visit to a small brewery tucked away somewhere in the countryside thus becomes a brilliant destination for an afternoon bike trip. You no longer have to search laboriously for a branch of the state shop in Visby and anxiously check whether it happens to be Sunday afternoon, when state shops are uncompromisingly closed everywhere.

There are clear rules, though. To be able to buy alcohol on a farm, you must be over 20 and the purchase must always be tied to some educational activity, which in practice means taking a guided tour or a guided tasting. The price of such an excursion is usually around 150 to 250 SEK (€14 to €23), but the experience of the authentic setting is definitely worth it.

💡 Tip: A condition of buying on a farm is taking part in a paid tour or tasting. In summer these events at the popular island micro-breweries tend to sell out fairly quickly, so it’s best to book your spot online a few days ahead.

19. Medeltidsveckan: The Middle Ages up close

This isn’t just an ordinary local festival with a few stalls — it’s an absolute cultural phenomenon and an event that the whole island lives for in summer. As already mentioned, during the second week of August (in 2026 it falls exactly on 2 to 9 August) all of Visby is thrown back in time by eight hundred years. During Medeltidsveckan, the streets fill with knights, wandering jesters, craftspeople and thousands of people in perfect historical costumes.

Every year over 40,000 visitors gather for the event and grand jousting tournaments are held right beneath the ancient walls. The medieval markets smell of baked bread and exotic spices, live period music plays everywhere and evening fire shows lend the church ruins a magical atmosphere. The atmosphere is utterly immersive and infectious, and even if you don’t normally go in for history, this will simply sweep you away.

A festival pass for the whole week costs an adult around 500 SEK (€45), which by Swedish standards is actually quite a pleasant price, but you’ll experience a huge amount of the street action even without one. If you decide to come during this period, be prepared to book hotels, campsites and ferries as much as a year ahead. The island’s capacity is stretched to its absolute maximum during the festival.

💡 Tip: Want to blend into the crowd but don’t have a historical costume at home? The rental shops in Visby are pretty pricey during the festival. It’s perfectly enough to bring some simple loose linen clothing in natural earthy colours and cinch it with a leather belt.

20. Romance in the fishing villages

Driving along the coast off the main paved routes, you’ll surely come across the so-called fiskelägen. These are old fishing hamlets made up of dozens of small wooden huts huddled close together on rugged pebble beaches. In the past they served local farmers and fishermen as seasonal dwellings during the harsh autumn herring catch and sheltered the expensive fishing nets from the rough Nordic weather.

Today these huts are often beautifully restored, glowing in the typical red or black colour and serving as miniature summer cabins passed down in families from generation to generation. Among the absolute most picturesque are the hamlets of Gnisvärd, about 20 kilometres south of Visby, and the remote hamlet of Helgumannen on the northern island of Fårö. You can stop here any time of day, because they’re freely accessible and there’s no entrance fee.

These are places where the nets still stand on poles, the shadows of the huts fall across the pebbles and not a soul is in sight — exactly the type of scenery that simply can’t be photographed badly. Try sitting for a while on the sun-warmed pebbles, listening to the waves and soaking up the true island solitude undisturbed by any crowds of tourists with cameras.

💡 Tip: Plan your visit to the fishing hamlets ideally for the early evening. The low setting sun gives the old wooden huts a wonderfully soft, golden light and you’ll avoid harsh shadows in your photos, which every photography lover will appreciate.

Where to eat on Gotland

The island is a true culinary paradise that prides itself on local ingredients. You won’t find rows of anonymous fast-food joints here, but rather cosy bistros, small farm cafés and family restaurants with a personal touch. Lovers of traditional Nordic cuisine will get their fill, but thanks to the mild climate and generous harvest, you’ll quite commonly get top-notch vegetarian dishes too.

In summer, expect the most popular places to be packed to the last seat in the evening. So I recommend making early dinner reservations — you’ll save yourself a lot of unnecessary searching and stress. Here are the specific spots you definitely shouldn’t miss while touring the island.

Dinner in the alleys of Visby

If you’re after an amazing experience right in the capital, definitely head to Crêperie & Logi. This hugely popular spot sits in one of the narrowest historic alleys and specialises in French galettes and sweet crêpes filled with the best local cheeses and vegetables. The atmosphere inside is pleasantly noisy and informal, and the staff dart between tables with a smile.

Another gem for lovers of quality dining is the Isola Bella restaurant, which whisks you for a moment from the cold north to sunny Italy. They cook excellent homemade pasta dishes here and make abundant use of fresh Gotland asparagus and truffles, so it’s a great combination of Mediterranean tradition and Swedish ingredients. The candle-filled interior also takes care of just the right evening romance.

Country cafés and farms

As you roam the island by bike or car, sooner or later the real Swedish coffee culture will wash over you. Stop at the charming Sylvis Döttrar on Fårö island, a homely bakery and café in one. They bake the best cinnamon buns far and wide and pour your coffee happily into a classic porcelain cup.

For a heartier lunch in the middle of nature, try Lilla Bjers near Visby. It’s an organic farm with its own award-winning restaurant, where they serve exactly what they harvested from the field that morning onto your plate. Their seasonal vegetarian menus are wonderful, full of colour, and are guaranteed to recharge you for more discovering of the limestone beauties.

How to get to Gotland by ferry

Planning your trip to the island takes a little logistics, but it’s nothing complicated. The vast majority of travellers choose the modern ferries of Destination Gotland, which are huge, modern and offer every conceivable comfort on board, including good restaurants, kids’ play areas and a cinema. They sail from two main ports on the Swedish mainland and dock right in the centre of Visby.

The first option is Nynäshamn port, just under an hour’s drive south of Stockholm, easily reachable by commuter train from Stockholm’s central station. The crossing from here takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. The second option, absolutely ideal for drivers arriving from southern Europe or overland via the Öresund Bridge, is Oskarshamn port in Småland. This saves you the long drive all the way up to Stockholm, and the crossing itself takes just under three hours. In terms of price, the ferry for a foot passenger off-peak costs from around €25 one way, but with a car the price rises noticeably and commonly exceeds €100 for a one-way ticket. In summer there’s also an uncompromising rule: car tickets sell out months ahead, so booking well in advance is an absolute necessity — you simply won’t board on a whim in July.

If you don’t want to spend time on the boat, you can conveniently fly to Gotland. The airlines SAS and BRA operate regular flights from Stockholm’s Arlanda and Bromma airports. The flight itself takes just about 40 minutes, which is incredibly fast, but you miss out on that real island romance that the slow approach by ferry to the historic walls undoubtedly offers.

How to get around the island

Getting around Gotland depends mainly on how much time you have and everything you want to see. You can easily walk around the capital of Visby on foot — its historic centre full of narrow cobbled streets is actually rather unfriendly to cars. If you’re going to explore the immediate surroundings of the town, the clear best choice is a bicycle. The island is incredibly flat and the network of side, almost deserted paved roads is made for cyclists. You’ll find rental shops right by the harbour and save yourself the hassle of parking.

But if you plan to explore the remote north, including Fårö island, or the wild south known as Sudret, a car is simply a necessity. From Visby it’s about 55 kilometres to the ferry to Fårö and as much as 90 kilometres to the southern tip near the Hoburgsgubben cliffs, which is too big a challenge for an ordinary mortal on a day bike trip. The roads on the island are in excellent condition and driving here is an absolute joy. Just watch out for the ever-present speed cameras and the free-roaming sheep, which sometimes graze dangerously close to the road.

You reach Fårö island by a small yellow ferry from Fårösund harbour, which shuttles continuously and is completely free for cars and pedestrians alike. As for public transport, regional buses (Region Gotland) do run around the island, but off the main routes between the larger villages the connections tend not to be very frequent. So if you arrive without a car, it’s worth considering at least a short-term car rental right in Visby for the days when you’ll want to head to the most remote and most beautiful corners.

Where to go next from Gotland

Gotland may be love at first sight, but Sweden is huge and offers plenty of other ways to extend your summer holiday. Once you board the ferry back, all of Scandinavia opens up to you.

• If you’re curious what else this Nordic country has to offer, read the article Sweden: 30 tips on what to see and experience.
• The ferry easily brings you close to the capital, so definitely don’t skip Stockholm: 25 tips on what to see and experience.
• Wondering how to manage it all financially? We’ve prepared a detailed budget in the article Prices in Sweden: how much a holiday costs.
• And if you’d like to combine Nordic nature with something more southerly, get inspired by the big guide Holiday in Europe: 17 most beautiful places.

Frequently asked questions