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What historical sites can visitors explore in Sweden?
- In Sweden, visitors can step into history by visiting cathedrals, the palaces of royalty, and the preserved sites of rich archaeological excavations.
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What family-friendly attractions are available in Sweden?
- Families can enjoy a day at the Junibacken Children’s Cultural Center or see lions and tigers at Kolmarden Wildlife Park.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Sweden?
- Visitors can relax at a beach or take a peaceful boat ride on the Gota Canal.
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Which cities and regions should travelers visit in Sweden?
- From Stockholm to Gothenburg to Jukkasjärvi up in the Arctic Circle, Sweden has something for everyone.
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1. ABBA: The Museum
At ABBA: The Museum, located in Stockholm, visitors can learn about the legendary Swedish band that produced classic hits like Dancing Queen and Mama Mia. But the fun won’t stop there, because guests will have the opportunity to do more than just look at the band’s gold records, costumes, and other memorabilia. At ABBA: The Museum, visitors can take part in a fun and immersive experience that will allow everyone to audition at the Polar Studio for the chance to become ABBA’s fifth member, dance their hearts out on the flashing dance floor, and virtually try on some of the band’s most iconic costumes.
Djurgardsvägen 68, Stockholm, Sweden, Phone: +4-68-12-13-28-60
2. Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace is a beautiful example of 17th-century European architecture and holds a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The word Drottningholm translates to “Queen’s Island,” and as the name implies, the palace is the permanent home of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden; however, with the exception of their residences, the palace and its grounds are open to the public. Guests can explore the palace and take a guided tour where they will learn some of the history of the gorgeous building and the people who built it and lived there. Visitors can also enjoy the expansive grounds and gardens outside the palace, as well as the gift shop and restaurant.
178 02 Drottningholm, Sweden, Phone: +46-84-02-62-80
3. Fotografiska
At Fotografiska in the heart of Stockholm, the art of photography is everything. The museum hosts a rotating selection of high-end exhibits from world-famous photographers and up-and-coming talent, and offers classes in photography for those who wish to learn more. Fotografiska is home to 2,500 square meters of exhibition space as well as a gallery where art lovers can purchase photography, and a cafe and restaurant. Exhibitions are available for all ages, and can be enjoyed by photography lovers as well as newcomers to the art. Tickets to Fotografiska can be purchased by credit card at the museum or on the Fotografiska app, available on Google Play or the App Store.
Stadsgardshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm
4. Garden Society of Gothenburg
The Garden Society of Gothenburg is located in the walled city of Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden. This 19th-century garden was founded in 1842, and to this day it still serves as the flowering, green heart of the city, with parks, educational seminars, and luscious gardens. Guests can visit the expansive Rosarium, featuring both modern and historic roses, or the indoor Palmhouse, a striking glass and cast-iron building in which tropical plants from all over the world grow all year round. The Garden Society of Gothenburg’s parks and gardens are open daily and admission is free.
Slussgatan 1, 411 06 Goteborg, Sweden, Phone: +4-63-13-65-00
5. Gota Canal
The Gota Canal is a 19th-century waterway that connects a system of lakes and rivers all across Sweden, from Gothenburg in the west to the Baltic Sea in the east. The canal itself, which stretches almost 200 km in length, is flanked by scenic cycling towpaths along its banks, and its waters are dotted with boats. Visitors can rent a boat, bring their own, or hop aboard one of the many passenger boats that traverse the waters of the canal. Whatever the method of travel, the Gota Canal is a way to see Sweden like no other, and from its waters guests will have easy access to shops, restaurants, museums, and nature along the way.
605 96 Söderköping, Sweden
6. Gothenburg Museum of Art
The Gothenburg Museum of Art is an art lover’s dream. Home to pieces from artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Monet, along with many famous Swedish artists and contemporary artists, the Gothenburg Museum of Art is the place to explore art from many different eras and origins. Guided tours of the museum can be booked 8 days or more in advance. After exploring the museum and its treasures, guests are welcome to shop in the museum store for unique gifts, or enjoy a fantastic meal in Mr. P, a restaurant named after and designed by a prominent historical Swedish art collector.
Gotaplatsen 6, 412 56 Goteborg, Sweden, Phone: +4-63-13-68-35-00
7. Hallwyl Museum
The Hallwyl Museum is located in the ornate and lovely Hallwyl House in the center of Stockholm. The unique house was built with influences from Venetian and Spanish styles in the late 19th century, and is one of the most expensive private residences ever built in Sweden. Now it is home to the Hallwyl Museum, which bears the name of its former residents and houses their enormous collections of art, furnishings, and some personal items. The house also serves as a glorious peek into the past, with rooms that are astoundingly well-preserved to a historical standard. Guided tours are available daily and can be tailored to guests’ specific interests.
Hamngatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm, Phone: +46-84-02-30-99
8. Icehotel
Jukkasjärvi is a hotel built entirely from ice, located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. Every year approximately 40 artists come together to create the Icehotel with frozen blocks sourced from the Torne River, and the result is an experience like no other. The Icehotel has warm and cold hotel suites, an Ice Bar, and an Ice Church, but also many warm cabins, restaurants, and shops. Guests can spend a night in the Icehotel, which clocks in at about -5°C or -7°C, where they will be provided with furs and expedition-style sleeping bags to keep them warm. While staying at the Icehotel, guests are also invited to take part in activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and classes in ice sculpting.
Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, Phone: +4-67-06-68-02-63
9. Junibacken
Families will fall in love with Junibacken , a children’s cultural center that was inspired byb Astrid Lindgren, the famous Swedish children’s author who created iconic character Pippi Longstocking, among many others. Through music, theater, and plenty of imagination, Junibacken creates a fun and unique environment where children can play, learn, and discover the magic of books and reading. Visitors can take a ride on the Story Train, where they will hear Astrid Lindgren read one of her stories, or play in the immersive and fun Storybook Square. The Junibacken Children’s Theater will bring beloved stories to life, and in the children’s bookstore at Junibacken, guests can purchase these stories and many others.
Galärvarvsvagen 8, 115 21 Stockholm, Phone: +4-68-58-72-30-00
10. Kalmar Castle
Kalmar Castle has an illustrious history that dates back to the 12th century. With its wide, round towers and steep, pointed roofs, Kalmar Castle is a clear example of Nordic Renaissance architecture at its finest. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior to find reconstructions of a 16th-century Easter feast in the Hall, the 19th-century Women’s Prison, and rooms in the Governor’s Apartments that will paint a vivid image of the castle’s many purposes over the long years. Seasonal exhibitions are also featured in the castle, as well as a cafe.
Kungsgatan 1, 392 33 Kalmar, Phone: +4-64-80-45-14-90
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Table of Contents:
- 1. ABBA: The Museum
- 2. Drottningholm Palace
- 3. Fotografiska
- 4. Garden Society of Gothenburg
- 5. Gota Canal
- 6. Gothenburg Museum of Art
- 7. Hallwyl Museum
- 8. Icehotel
- 9. Junibacken
- 10. Kalmar Castle