Europe
Sweden
Europe
Sweden
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Sweden offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Stockholm, the capital, charms with its archipelago and medieval Gamla Stan. Gothenburg boasts world-class seafood and a laid-back vibe. Up north, the wilderness of Lapland beckons with aurora borealis and Sami culture. Don't miss the ABBA Museum, ice hotels, or fika - the cherished coffee break ritual. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking in national parks, while history buffs can explore ancient rune stones and well-preserved castles. Sweden's commitment to sustainability and design innovation is evident everywhere, from eco-friendly hotels to cutting-edge museums.
Best time to visit. Visit June to August for long days and mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. For northern lights, come September to March. Winter (December to February) offers unique experiences like dog sledding and ice hotels, but prepare for cold and limited daylight.
Country stats
Population
10,540,886
87th
Land area
172,751 sq. mi.
55th
Highest elevation
6,879 ft
Currency
Swedish krona
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$597.110 billion
25th
GDP per capita
$55,215
12th
Year founded
1523 CE
Official langauge
Swedish
English speaking
Widely spoken
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.952
5th
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Capital
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F - 23°F | 28°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 3:15 pm | 12 days 2.1 in | 10 days 6.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 34°F - 23°F | 30°F - 18°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 4:30 pm | 9 days 1.4 in | 8 days 5.0 in | 9 mph |
| March | 41°F - 28°F | 38°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 5:45 pm | 9 days 1.5 in | 5 days 3.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 52°F - 36°F | 50°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:00 pm | 8 days 1.5 in | 1 days 0.5 in | 9 mph |
| May | 63°F - 45°F | 63°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:15 am | 8:15 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 70°F - 52°F | 72°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:45 am | 9:15 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 72°F - 55°F | 74°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:15 am | 9:00 pm | 11 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 70°F - 54°F | 72°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:45 pm | 11 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 61°F - 48°F | 61°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 6:30 pm | 11 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 52°F - 41°F | 50°F - 37°F | Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:15 pm | 12 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.1 in | 9 mph |
| November | 41°F - 34°F | 37°F - 28°F | Cloudy | 8:15 am | 3:45 pm | 13 days 2.5 in | 3 days 1.5 in | 9 mph |
| December | 34°F - 27°F | 30°F - 21°F | Cloudy | 9:00 am | 3:00 pm | 13 days 2.3 in | 7 days 4.0 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and resolutions. | Avoid travel, most places are closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday marking the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Not widely observed. | Safe to travel, minimal disruptions. | ||
| Easter | March/April (varies) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Marked by church services and family gatherings. | Travel possible, but expect closures. | ||
| Walpurgis Night | April 30 | Traditional spring festival with bonfires and singing to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits. | Good time to visit, festive atmosphere. | ||
| May Day | May 1 | Labor Day in Sweden. Marked by workers' rallies and parades in some cities. | Expect some closures, but still viable. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' ascension to heaven. Not widely observed. | Safe to travel, minor disruptions. | ||
| National Day | June 6 | Celebrates Swedish independence and the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523. | Good day to experience Swedish culture. | ||
| Midsummer Eve | Friday between June 19-25 | Major summer festival celebrating the summer solstice with maypoles, dancing, and feasts. | Fun to experience, but expect closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | First Saturday in November | Day to remember the dead. Marked by visiting graves and lighting candles. | Safe to travel, some businesses closed. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Sweden. Families gather for traditional meals and gift-giving. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations, often with church services and family gatherings. | Limited travel options, many closures. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday continuing Christmas celebrations. Some stores begin winter sales. | Better for travel than Christmas, some open. |
1 | Swedes value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and meetings. Being late is considered disrespectful and may offend your Swedish hosts or colleagues. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. This custom is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture and helps keep homes clean, especially during snowy winters. |
3 | Respect personal space. Swedes generally prefer more physical distance in conversations and may feel uncomfortable if you stand too close or initiate physical contact. |
4 | Learn basic Swedish phrases like 'Hej' (hello) and 'Tack' (thank you). While many Swedes speak English, they appreciate tourists who make an effort to use their language. |
5 | Be prepared for the 'fika' tradition. This coffee break is an important social custom in Sweden. Don't rush through it; take time to enjoy the coffee and pastries. |
6 | Avoid bragging or boasting. Swedes value humility and modesty. Keep conversations balanced and avoid dominating discussions with personal achievements. |
7 | Recycle and be environmentally conscious. Sweden is known for its commitment to sustainability. Use recycling bins and minimize waste to fit in with local practices. |
8 | Respect the 'allemansrätten' (right of public access) when in nature. You can roam freely in the countryside, but remember to leave no trace and respect private property. |
9 | Don't expect small talk with strangers. Swedes generally keep to themselves in public spaces. Avoid striking up conversations on public transport or in queues. |
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