Sweden Travel Guide
Sweden is a country we’ve visited only once. Our time so far has been focused on Gothenburg, where we spent New Year’s, using the city as a base rather than trying to cover the entire country. Sweden feels practical, calm and easy to navigate, even in winter. Public transport works well, cities feel livable and travel doesn’t require overplanning.
This Sweden travel guide will grow over time as we explore more regions. For now, it brings together what we’ve experienced so far, along with planning notes that are useful if Sweden is on your radar.
This page is updated as we explore more of Sweden.
Gothenburg
A Winter Base in Western Sweden
Gothenburg was our introduction to Sweden and we loved it. We stayed just outside the city center, relied on the tram system to get around and spent most of our time in neighborhoods rather than bouncing between major sights. Even over New Year’s, the city felt active without being overwhelming.
Gothenburg is easy to move through, well connected by public transport and flexible enough that you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it. It’s a good option if you want a Swedish city that feels lived in rather than tourist-driven.
Know Before You Go: Sweden
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for longer days and milder weather. Winter works well if you’re comfortable with cold, shorter daylight hours, and a quieter pace.
Getting Around:
Public transport is reliable and easy to use in cities. Trains connect major destinations, and trams and buses handle most local travel.
Currency:
Swedish krona (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted, including for small purchases.
Language:
Swedish, but English is commonly spoken.
Tipping Culture:
Tipping is not expected. Rounding up or leaving a small amount is optional.