Travel Guide To Sweden

In October of 2023, my family and I took an autumn trip to Sweden. All of the information and travel tips below in this travel guide to Sweden are from our experiences on this vacation. It turned out to be one of the best trips and we hope that our guides and itineraries will help you plan an equally amazing journey.

Earlier that year, we had just finished an 8-month trip in South America and Europe and moved to the Netherlands. It was a busy start of the year. For our first vacation after all that chaos, we chose Sweden for a more relaxed trip where we could search for fall foliage, do some short hikes and discover Swedish cuisine.

Sweden was the perfect choice. We found some really beautiful fall leaves, fell in love with the slow pace of life and all the cardamom buns. We even met some old friends that joined us for part of the adventure.

We only got to experience one small area of Sweden on this trip, and because we had such a great experience, we know we will return at some point.

When To Visit Sweden

The view from the top of Grannaberget - Autumn in Sweden view

Since we visited Sweden in the autumn, we like to believe that Sweden is best in the fall. With so many trees covering the country, the changing of the autumn leaves was glorious.

We found the temperatures to be cool but not too cold. It was probably coldest when we were in Alingsås, but with a warm coat and gloves, we didn’t get too cold.

Peak Season In Sweden

Southern Sweden: The peak season in Sweden is the highest in the summer months, June to August, when the temperatures are warmer and the daylight hours are longest. It is a really nice time to be able to explore the cities and waterways in Stockholm and Gothenburg especially.

For the major cities like Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm, expect an influx of travelers with higher prices during the Christmas season. Christmas markets are scattered about, so shopping and having a wintery, festive city break are popular in December.

Northern Sweden: In Lapland, in northern Sweden, the winter months of December to February bring the ski season. This raises prices near ski areas like Åre and Sälen, this time of year. There is also a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights which attracts tourists!

Off-Season In Sweden

Southern Sweden: January to March and November is the off-season for Southern Sweden and the major cities. The long, dark days in the winter aren’t ideal for visiting.

In November, the leaves have fallen and it is getting cold and dark. It is too soon for Christmas festivities that bring more people to the Swedish cities.

Northern Sweden: In the North, off-season happens in April while the snow is melting and the ski resorts shutting down.

In addition, in September to November the temperatures start to fall, and the days are getting shorter. It is too soon for the ski resorts to open, even if snow starts to fall beginning in October.

Shoulder Season In Sweden

We chose the shoulder season to visit Sweden. If you don’t mind wearing a coat on chilly days, it is an ideal time to visit. The crowds are minimal and the prices are lower than peak season.

Southern Sweden: Take advantage of the autumn leaves, like we di, by visiting in October.

Another shoulder season, where you can experience the cherry blossoms blooming is in the spring, April and May.

Northern Sweden: While it is peak season for many destinations in Europe, Swedish Lapland doesn’t get very busy in the summer. Experience the midnight sun in Northern Sweden between May and July.

Plan Your Trip To Sweden

Waterfall with a red house at the top and autumn leaves on the trees surrounding it - fall in Sweden

Below I have organized all the posts for this Sweden travel guide into areas we visited in our fall trip to Sweden. You will find itineraries, tour reviews, places to visit in Sweden and more.

I have a couple of overview posts that cover our whole trip. These include the best places to find autumn foliage in Sweden and a 6-day road trip itinerary.

Malmö

Gränna

Alingsås

View from Borbacka Nature Reserve, Autumn in Alingsas

Where To Go In Sweden

To visually see where all the beautiful destinations you can visit in Sweden are, check out this map below.

Sweden Travel Blogs

Read all of our latest travel blogs to Sweden.