Sweden Guide  |
|---|
|
| | Swedish Regions |
|---|
|
| | Europe Guide |
|---|
|
| | Travel Tools |
|---|
|
| | Nordic Europe |
|---|
|
|
|
|
Southern Sweden (Götaland) Travel Guide
 Renaissance Trolle-Ljungby Castle, near Kristianstad.
Introduction
Götaland, the major southern region of Sweden, has been a significant area since ancient times, with its inhabitants first mentioned by Ptolemy around 150 CE. This densely populated region encompasses several provinces including Västergötland, Östergötland, Småland, Gotland, and Skåne. The area features diverse landscapes, from picturesque coastlines and archipelagos to fertile plains and wooded uplands.
Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, serves as a major cultural hub with its historic port, vibrant food scene featuring world-class seafood markets like Feskekôrka, and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. The region's economy is remarkably diverse, combining traditional industries like agriculture and fishing with modern sectors such as automobile manufacturing and shipbuilding. The area is particularly appealing to tourists, offering everything from medieval towns and fishing villages along the Bohuslän coast to the scenic islands of Gotland and Öland, while the region of Småland is famous as the birthplace of beloved children's author Astrid Lindgren.
Attractions
Attractions are listed (roughly) geographically, from west to east (left to right) and north to south (top to bottom).
|
West Coast (Bohuslän & Halland)
| Gothenburg (Göteborg) |
|---|
 Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf and has evolved from a maritime trading hub into a vibrant cultural centre. The city has earned remarkable recognition as the world's most sustainable destination for six consecutive years. Home to Volvo's birthplace and two universities, Gothenburg boasts the spectacular Liseberg theme park, the picturesque Haga district with its traditional wooden houses, and the architecturally striking Feskekörka fish market, which resembles a Gothic church. The archipelago, comprising 10,000 granite islets, offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The city's culinary scene is particularly renowned for its seafood, with specialities including the iconic shrimp sandwich and smoked mackerel, whilst the local cafés are famous for their enormous cinnamon buns called 'Hagabulle'. Cultural highlights include the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the striking Poseidon statue at Götaplatsen, and the innovative Röda Sten Konsthall housed in a former boiler house. |
| Halmstad Castle |
|---|
 Halmstad Castle, beautifully positioned along the Nissan river just two kilometres from the sea, was built in the early 17th century under Danish King Kristian IV as part of his architectural legacy known as the Kristian IV Renaissance style. The castle, which became Swedish territory in 1645, has hosted numerous royal visitors throughout history, including Queen Christina in 1654 and a famous week-long feast in 1619 where Swedish King Gustav II Adolf and Danish King Kristian IV enjoyed spectacular banquets featuring 20 courses and 35 mandatory toasts. Today, the castle serves as the residence of the county governor and features remarkable surrealist murals created between 1920 and 1935 by members of the Halmstad Group of artists, whilst its courtyard hosts theatrical performances, music events and traditional Christmas markets. The castle complex is complemented by a park and a unique artwork called "0 + 0 = 8" which, when reflected in the castle pond, forms the number eight—symbolising eternity and Halmstad's eight centuries as a city. |
| Söderåsen National Park |
|---|
 Established in 2001, Söderåsen National Park is one of Northern Europe's largest unbroken areas of protected woodland, spanning 16 square kilometres in the Skåne region of Sweden. The park's dramatic landscape, formed 70-80 million years ago, features breathtaking beech forests, streaming watercourses, and impressive cliffs, with notable viewpoints at Kopparhatten, Hjortsprånget and Lierna along the Skäralidsdalen valley. Visitors can explore well-marked trails, spot rare species of mushrooms and bats, or paddle through the Rönne å river's calm streams and rapids. The almost circular Lake Odensjön, surrounded by 30-metre-high cliffs, serves as one of the park's most remarkable attractions. The area holds historical significance as well, as it was near here at Herrevadskloster that the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe discovered the star Stella Nova in Cassiopeia's constellation in 1572. The park's Naturum Visitor Centre in Skäralid offers fascinating insights into the area's geology, flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. |
Other attractions
Marstrand
Strömstad
Centre North (Götland)
| Vadstena |
|---|
Vadstena, a charming town of around 5,600 inhabitants on the shores of Lake Vättern (Sweden's second-largest lake), boasts one of Sweden's best-preserved Renaissance castles, built by King Gustav Vasa in 1545. The picturesque town centre features cobbled medieval streets lined with buildings from every century between the 15th and 21st, including Sweden's oldest town hall. Notable for its scientific heritage, Vadstena housed Sweden's first psychiatric hospital and employed the country's first psychiatrist, whilst also being home to the laboratory of Jacob Berzelius, who discovered five chemical elements. The town offers delightful small-town shopping experiences along its medieval streets, and visitors can enjoy a unique glimpse of transport history at the Wadstena-Fogelsta Railway Museum, which preserves a narrow-gauge railway that was once part of Östergötland's extensive rail network. |
Other attractions
 Astrid Lindgren's World
Borås
Jönköping
Läckö Castle
Linköping
Store Mosse National Park
Centre South (Skåne)
| Helsingborg |
|---|
 Helsingborg, one of Sweden's oldest cities founded over a thousand years ago, is a charming coastal gem situated along the Öresund Strait directly opposite Denmark's Helsingør. The city's skyline is dominated by the iconic medieval Kärnan tower, the last remnant of a 14th-century castle, whilst the neo-gothic Town Hall adds to its architectural splendour. The city boasts Sweden's first pedestrianised shopping street, Kullagatan, and is renowned for its ceramics heritage as part of Sweden's pottery district. Cultural highlights include the modern Dunker Cultural Center, offering exhibitions and concerts, and Fredriksdal, Sweden's largest open-air museum. The culinary scene is particularly noteworthy, with excellent seafood restaurants like Sillen & Makrillen perched over the water, whilst the city's coffee culture is exemplified by Zoégas, one of Sweden's major coffee companies that has called Helsingborg home since the 19th century. Just outside the city, visitors can explore the magnificent Sofiero Palace, a former royal residence celebrated for its beautiful gardens. |
| Sofiero Palace & Gardens |
|---|
Situated just 5 kilometres north of Helsingborg, Sofiero Palace is a magnificent Dutch Renaissance-style castle that began as a humble Scanian farm called Skabelycke in 1864. This former Swedish royal summer residence boasts Europe's largest collection of rhododendrons, with over 10,000 plants in 500 different varieties creating a spectacular display in the ravines. The palace grounds feature panoramic views of the Öresund strait, beautifully landscaped gardens originally designed by Crown Princess Margareta, and the castle itself now houses a restaurant and café. Named Europe's most beautiful park in 2010, Sofiero hosts large outdoor concerts featuring international stars like Bob Dylan and James Brown, whilst its grounds serve as a venue for garden festivals and classic car meets. The estate was King Gustaf VI Adolf's favourite retreat until his death in 1973, when he bequeathed it to the city of Helsingborg for public enjoyment, and today visitors can explore its 15 hectares of grounds, visit the well-stocked gift shop, and dine at the excellent restaurant whilst admiring the castle's royal heritage. |
| Lund |
|---|
Founded around 990 CE, Lund is one of Sweden's oldest cities and a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. The city centre features cobblestone streets and colourful half-timbered houses, whilst being home to Sweden's second-oldest university, established in 1666. Visitors can explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens with over 7,000 plant species, wander through Kulturen, one of the world's first open-air museums spanning two city blocks, or marvel at the ivy-draped University Library, often compared to Hogwarts. The city hosts unique events like Kulturnatten with 400 cultural activities each September, and the grand Lundakarnevalen carnival every four years, a tradition since 1849. Beyond its cultural offerings, Lund seamlessly combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, offering excellent hiking and cycling opportunities just outside the city limits. The city is also a hub for innovative research and technology, making it an intriguing destination where historical heritage meets cutting-edge science. |
| Malmö |
|---|
Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city with over 350,000 residents from 170 different countries, blends old-world charm and modern cosmopolitan life. Founded in the late 13th century and originally Danish until 1658, the city boasts the stunning Malmöhus Castle, Scandinavia's oldest preserved Renaissance fortress, which now houses several museums including a rather unique Disgusting Food Museum featuring 80 peculiar edibles. The historic centre features the charming 16th-century Lilla Torg square with its half-timbered houses and the grand Stortorget, once Europe's largest market square. The city's multicultural character shines through in Möllevångstorget, locally known as 'Möllan', where visitors can sample diverse cuisines from Indian to Persian at the vibrant market square. For architecture enthusiasts, the ultra-modern Turning Torso building, Scandinavia's tallest at 190 metres, stands as a striking contrast to the medieval old town. Notably, Malmö will host the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, marking the city's third time hosting this prestigious event. |
Other attractions
Bolmsö
Foteviken Viking village
Växjö
Ystad
On Öland Island
Borgholm Castle (ruins)
Eketorp Fortress
Gettlinge (Viking stone ship burial ground)
Baltic Coast
| Naval Port of Karlskrona ※ |
|---|
Founded in 1680 as Sweden's new naval base, Karlskrona is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site spread across an archipelago in the Baltic Sea. The city stands as Europe's best-preserved naval port town, having remarkably escaped any war damage throughout its history. Visitors can explore the Naval Museum, one of southern Sweden's most popular attractions, marvel at the Drottningskär Citadel, and admire the Admiralty Church, which holds the distinction of being Sweden's largest wooden church. The city's unique maritime heritage is evident in fascinating structures like the 300-metre-long Ropewalk from the 1690s, one of Sweden's longest wooden buildings, and the innovative Polhem dry dock from 1724, which was Europe's first to use water pumps rather than tides. The naval presence remains active today, with military personnel still visible throughout the city centre, whilst the surrounding archipelago has been designated as one of Sweden's seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, offering splendid opportunities for paddling amongst historic fortifications. |
| Kalmar Castle |
|---|
Kalmar Castle, an 800-year-old fortress turned Renaissance palace, stands as one of Sweden's most remarkable medieval landmarks, originally built in 1180 as a lone defensive tower to protect against pirates. The castle gained tremendous historical significance as the birthplace of the Kalmar Union in 1397, which unified Sweden, Norway and Denmark under a single monarch. The fortress reached its golden age during the 16th century when the Vasa kings transformed it into an opulent Renaissance palace, featuring the magnificent Golden Hall with one of the Nordic region's best-preserved coffered ceilings. Today, visitors can explore its grand halls, enjoy interactive exhibitions, and dine at the castle restaurant which serves local Swedish delicacies in a truly regal setting. The castle's colourful past includes serving as everything from a prison to a distillery, before being restored to its former glory5, and now hosts various events, including children's activities and medieval-themed experiences that bring its rich history to life. |
| Stenshuvud National Park |
|---|
Stenshuvud National Park, established in 1986, is a stunning 400-hectare natural haven on Sweden's southeastern coast, featuring a distinctive 97-metre quartzite hill that resembles a giant's head emerging from the Baltic Sea. The park boasts remarkable biodiversity with 600 different plant species, including rare specimens like hart's-tongue fern and European wild ginger, spread across its mosaic landscape of sandy beaches, deciduous forests, wetlands, and heathlands. Ancient history permeates the grounds, with Stone Age graves and Iron Age castle walls telling tales of early settlements, whilst today visitors can explore well-marked trails, including the popular red trail to the summit, which offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching as far as the Danish island of Bornholm on clear days. The park's exotic white sandy beach, often compared to tropical paradises, provides a striking contrast to the lush hornbeam forests and ancient oak trees that dominate the landscape. |
Other attractions
Glass Kingdom Museum in Nybro
Glimmingehus
Simrishamn
Gotska Sandön Island
| Gotska Sandön National Park |
|---|
Gotska Sandön, Sweden's most isolated Baltic island and national park since 1909, is a pristine 36-square-kilometre paradise situated 38 km north of Fårö. This uninhabited sandy isle features spectacular dunes, with its highest point, Höga Åsen, rising 42 metres above sea level. The landscape is dominated by ancient pine forests, where some trees are nearly 500 years old, and pristine beaches that encircle the island. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot grey seals basking on the shores, whilst the island hosts numerous rare insects and unique flora, including special orchid species and the uncommon Kashubian vetch. The park's crown jewel, Fyrbyn and the historic Kyrkudden Lighthouse, stands sentinel on the northwestern tip, alongside the Gotska Sandön Chapel. Visitors can explore the 15-kilometre Höga Åsen hiking trail, which winds through the island's most dramatic landscapes. Access to this secluded gem is primarily by boat from Fårösund or Nynäshamn, adding to its mystique as one of Sweden's most unspoilt natural sanctuaries. |
On Gotland Island
| Visby ※ |
|---|
Visby, a fairy-tale town on the Swedish island of Gotland, is one of Scandinavia's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is encircled by a remarkable 3.44-kilometre medieval wall with 27 large towers still standing from the 13th and 14th centuries. Known as the 'city of roses and ruins', Visby charms visitors with its cobbled streets, idyllic rose-covered cottages, and more than 200 buildings dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. The town boasts a fascinating Viking heritage, showcased in the Gotlands Museum which houses Europe's largest silver treasure comprising 67 kilos of bangles, bracelets and 14,000 coins. Beyond its historical allure, Visby has emerged as a foodie hotspot, particularly renowned for its fresh seafood, craft breweries, and local speciality of saffron pancakes. Interestingly, the entire Pippi Longstocking TV series was filmed in Visby and other parts of Gotland1, whilst the town comes alive during the annual Medieval Week festival, featuring jousting tournaments, medieval markets, and historical reenactments. |
Other attractions
Gnisvärd
Tofta Viking Village
|
Denmark Guide
Finland Guide
Iceland Guide
Norway Guide
Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf and has evolved from a maritime trading hub into a vibrant cultural centre. The city has earned remarkable recognition as the world's most sustainable destination for six consecutive years. Home to Volvo's birthplace and two universities, Gothenburg boasts the spectacular Liseberg theme park, the picturesque Haga district with its traditional wooden houses, and the architecturally striking Feskekörka fish market, which resembles a Gothic church. The archipelago, comprising 10,000 granite islets, offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The city's culinary scene is particularly renowned for its seafood, with specialities including the iconic shrimp sandwich and smoked mackerel, whilst the local cafés are famous for their enormous cinnamon buns called 'Hagabulle'. Cultural highlights include the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the striking Poseidon statue at Götaplatsen, and the innovative Röda Sten Konsthall housed in a former boiler house.
Halmstad Castle, beautifully positioned along the Nissan river just two kilometres from the sea, was built in the early 17th century under Danish King Kristian IV as part of his architectural legacy known as the Kristian IV Renaissance style. The castle, which became Swedish territory in 1645, has hosted numerous royal visitors throughout history, including Queen Christina in 1654 and a famous week-long feast in 1619 where Swedish King Gustav II Adolf and Danish King Kristian IV enjoyed spectacular banquets featuring 20 courses and 35 mandatory toasts. Today, the castle serves as the residence of the county governor and features remarkable surrealist murals created between 1920 and 1935 by members of the Halmstad Group of artists, whilst its courtyard hosts theatrical performances, music events and traditional Christmas markets. The castle complex is complemented by a park and a unique artwork called "0 + 0 = 8" which, when reflected in the castle pond, forms the number eight—symbolising eternity and Halmstad's eight centuries as a city.
Established in 2001, Söderåsen National Park is one of Northern Europe's largest unbroken areas of protected woodland, spanning 16 square kilometres in the Skåne region of Sweden. The park's dramatic landscape, formed 70-80 million years ago, features breathtaking beech forests, streaming watercourses, and impressive cliffs, with notable viewpoints at Kopparhatten, Hjortsprånget and Lierna along the Skäralidsdalen valley. Visitors can explore well-marked trails, spot rare species of mushrooms and bats, or paddle through the Rönne å river's calm streams and rapids. The almost circular Lake Odensjön, surrounded by 30-metre-high cliffs, serves as one of the park's most remarkable attractions. The area holds historical significance as well, as it was near here at Herrevadskloster that the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe discovered the star Stella Nova in Cassiopeia's constellation in 1572. The park's Naturum Visitor Centre in Skäralid offers fascinating insights into the area's geology, flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
Helsingborg, one of Sweden's oldest cities founded over a thousand years ago, is a charming coastal gem situated along the Öresund Strait directly opposite Denmark's Helsingør. The city's skyline is dominated by the iconic medieval Kärnan tower, the last remnant of a 14th-century castle, whilst the neo-gothic Town Hall adds to its architectural splendour. The city boasts Sweden's first pedestrianised shopping street, Kullagatan, and is renowned for its ceramics heritage as part of Sweden's pottery district. Cultural highlights include the modern Dunker Cultural Center, offering exhibitions and concerts, and Fredriksdal, Sweden's largest open-air museum. The culinary scene is particularly noteworthy, with excellent seafood restaurants like Sillen & Makrillen perched over the water, whilst the city's coffee culture is exemplified by Zoégas, one of Sweden's major coffee companies that has called Helsingborg home since the 19th century. Just outside the city, visitors can explore the magnificent Sofiero Palace, a former royal residence celebrated for its beautiful gardens.
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe