places to visit in sweden in february

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Sweden in February: A Winter Wonderland Awaits

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Posted Nov 07, 2023 in Travel Information

Sweden in February is a mesmerizing blend of icy landscapes, vibrant festivals, and unique cultural experiences. As the heart of winter sets in, the country transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering a plethora of activities and sights for every traveler. 

In this blog post, we'll delve into what makes Sweden in February truly special, from its breathtaking Northern Lights to its bustling winter markets. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this guide will provide you with all the insights you need for an unforgettable Swedish sojourn.

Is February a Good Time to Visit Sweden?

Absolutely! February in Sweden offers a unique blend of winter charm and Nordic allure. The snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and crisp air make it a magical time to explore the country. 

While the days are shorter, the winter light creates a mystical ambiance that's hard to resist. Plus, with fewer tourists around, you can experience Sweden's natural beauty in a more intimate setting.

Weather in Sweden in February

In February, cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg experience temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 1°C (34°F). The northern regions face colder conditions, with temperatures between -17°C (1°F) and -8°C(18°F). Though snow is common, February sees minimal precipitation in Sweden.

February in Sweden is synonymous with the heart of winter. As the month unfolds, visitors and locals alike are greeted with a landscape that's blanketed in snow, turning the country into a picturesque winter wonderland. 

Temperatures often hover around the freezing point, and in the northern regions, it can dip even lower, making it essential to bundle up in warm layers. The days, though shorter, are illuminated by a soft winter light that casts a magical glow over cities, forests, and frozen lakes. 

Can You See Northern Lights in Sweden in February?

Yes, February is one of the prime months to witness the Northern Lights in Sweden, especially in the northern regions like Kiruna. The clear, cold nights provide the perfect backdrop for this natural spectacle. Just imagine parking your campervan in a secluded spot, sipping on hot cocoa, and watching the sky dance with colors!

Things to Do in Sweden in February

Go skiing or snowboarding at sweden's premier ski resorts.

When it comes to winter sports, Sweden boasts some of the finest ski resorts in Europe. Åre, for instance, is renowned for its challenging slopes and breathtaking mountain views, making it a favorite among seasoned skiers. Sälen, on the other hand, offers a family-friendly environment with a mix of slopes for both beginners and experts. 

And then there's Vemdalen, a picturesque resort known for its pristine snow conditions and expansive skiing terrains. Whether you're a novice or a pro, these resorts promise an exhilarating skiing or snowboarding experience.

Experience the Magic of the ICEHOTEL

Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, the ICEHOTEL is a marvel of architecture and design. Made entirely of ice and snow, this unique hotel offers guests a chance to sleep in artfully crafted ice rooms, each with its distinct theme and design. 

But it's not just about the rooms; the hotel also features an ice bar, an ice chapel, and various ice sculptures, making it a winter wonderland in its own right. A night at the ICEHOTEL is more than just a stay; it's an experience that lingers in memory long after the ice has melted.

Embark on a Dog Sledding Adventure in Swedish Lapland

The snowy forests of Swedish Lapland offer the perfect setting for a thrilling dog sledding tour. Feel the rush of cold air on your face as a team of enthusiastic huskies pulls you through the serene landscapes. 

The rhythmic patter of their paws, combined with the tranquil beauty of the surroundings, makes for a surreal experience. It's not just about the ride; it's about bonding with these incredible animals and immersing oneself in the raw beauty of nature.

Witness the Spectacular Northern Lights

One of nature's most mesmerizing displays, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, is a sight to behold. During the winter months, the dark skies of Sweden come alive with dancing lights in hues of green, pink, and purple. The ethereal beauty of this natural phenomenon is something that words can hardly capture. 

Whether you're watching them from a remote cabin or an open field, the Northern Lights promise a spectacle that's both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Discover the Sami Culture at a Reindeer Camp

The indigenous Sami people have a rich heritage that's deeply intertwined with the landscapes of Sweden. Visiting a reindeer camp offers a unique opportunity to delve into their culture and traditions. 

Learn about the significance of reindeer herding, listen to traditional Sami joik (songs), and savor authentic Sami cuisine. It's a cultural immersion that offers a deeper understanding of Sweden's indigenous roots.

Adventure on Sweden's Frozen Lakes and Rivers

Winter transforms Sweden's lakes and rivers into vast icy playgrounds, perfect for ice skating and snowshoeing. Glide gracefully on the frozen surfaces of lakes, feeling the thrill of skating in the midst of nature.

 For those seeking a slower pace, snowshoeing offers a chance to tread softly on the snow-covered landscapes, exploring the serene beauty of Sweden's winter wilderness. Both activities provide a unique perspective of the country's natural beauty, making them a must-try for every winter enthusiast.

Why Renting a Campervan is a Great Idea in February

Sweden's weather in February might be chilly, but that shouldn't deter you from exploring. Renting a campervan offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace, ensuring you don't miss out on any attractions. With amenities like a kitchenette, bedding, and essential camping tools, campervans provide a cozy shelter from the cold. Plus, with competitive rates and no hidden costs, it's a cost-effective way to see the best of Sweden.

Considering a campervan adventure? Check out Campervan Sweden , known for their exceptional customer support and premium vehicles. Whether you're a solo traveler or with family, their campervans promise a comfortable journey through Sweden's awe-inspiring vistas.

Sweden in February is a mesmerizing blend of winter beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. From the Northern Lights to bustling cities, there's something for everyone. And with the convenience of campervan rentals, you can explore the country on your terms. 

So, why wait? Book your campervan today and embark on a Swedish adventure you'll cherish forever!

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Top Things to Do in Sweden in February [2024]

Rajd is the Sami name for a reindeer caravan. There is currently one company approved by Nature’s Best doing reindeer rides. Photo taken at Soppero in Swedish Lapland. Photo Credit: Staffan Widstrand/imagebank.sweden.se.

  LAST MONTH – NEXT MONTH

Is Sweden good to visit in February? What is there to do in Sweden in February? How cold is Sweden in February? Does it snow in Sweden in February? Well, you can practise winter sports. You can witness the Northern Lights,  You can celebrate Sami  National Day. And there are several key events! Keep reading for more …

In This Post

Key Events in Sweden in February 2024

While there are no national holidays or major festivals in February in Sweden , boating  enthusiasts might want to check out the boat show in Gothenburg .  In fact, this is when Swedes start thinking about spring .

And the biggest Scandinavian design event of the year takes Stockholm by storm in February. Finally, the country’s indigenous community – the Sami – celebrate their national day in February.

Click HERE for more on the Northern Lights and winter sports in Sweden.

Jokkmokk’s Market – 1 to 3  February 2024

Jokkmokk is the largest settlement in Northern Sweden . And Jokkmokk’s Market is now in its 418th year.

The market is held on the first Thursday in February every year, and it now lasts three days. Celebrations include concerts, excursions, exhibitions, films, and trade.

In fact, there are hundreds of events!  And Jokkmokk Market is one of the most important social events for the Sámi people in Sápmi.

Gothenburg Boat Show – 3 to 11 February 2024

Boat owners, boating enthusiasts, fishing enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and curious beginners will visit the Gothenburg Boat Show in anticipation of the arrival of spring.

Known as Båtmässan in Swedish, the event will showcase boats, boating accessories, and related equipment from a variety of vendors.

In addition, there will be daily s eminars addressing themes like sport fishing, sailing, outdoor life, general boat life, and related topics.

• Gothenburg Boat Show – the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Center, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Sami National Day – 6 February 2024

The Sami make up one of the world’s least numerous indigenous peoples. In fact, only about 80,000 Sami live in their homeland, Sápmi . Others are scattered around the globe.

The Sami are an indigenous people that have been living in the Northern areas of Finland , Norway , and Sweden , as well as the Kola Peninsula of Russia , since the Ice Age . About 20,000 Sami live in Sweden. And they have their own cultural heritage, language, flag, and parliament.

Furthermore, the Sami are one of Sweden’s five official national minorities. The others are the Jews , the Roma , Swedish Finnns , and Tornedalers .

Sami National Day celebrates the anniversary of the first Sami congress, which was held in Trondheim, Norway , in 1917. Sami National Day has been celebrated annually since 1992. On this day, Sami communities raise the Sami National Flag and sing the Sami National Anthem .

Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair – 6 to 10 February 2024

Interior design shop Artilleriet is located on Magasinsgatan in Gothenburg, Sweden. It offers an eclectic range of products from all around the world. Photo Credit: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se.

Hundreds of exhibitors will showcase their goods at the  Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair . And fully  80% are from Scandinavia. Meanwhile, fair goers will come from 100 countries around the world.

• Recommended: What Is It about Scandinavian design?>>

Valentine’s Day – 14 February 2024

Valentine’s Day has a relatively short history in Sweden. In fact, Swedes only started to celebrate it in the 1960s.

Nowadays, flowers and candies are exchanged. And like their counterparts in other countries, couples have quiet dinners at romantic restaurants.

Sometimes, they go clubs. And some people like to watch the sun set on the beach.

Weather in Sweden in February

Northern Sweden gets the most snowfall in Sweden. And it can be bitter cold in February. Consequently, it is a great place to practise winter sports. However, the rest of Sweden isn’t as cold as you might expect.

Because of a warm Gulf Stream , the weather tends to be warmer than other countries at this latitude. However, that does not mean the weather is warm. And it can be quite windy along the coast. But there is little to no snow south of Stockholm.

In conclusion, be prepared for very short days and very long nights throughout the country. In fact, the short days and long nights can make the place downright gloomy.

Stockholm Weather in February

Stockholm is Sweden’s largest city. In addition, it is the nation’s capital. Because it is built on a series of islands, Stockholm is a stunningly  beautiful city. For example, the city has countless lakes, bays, canals, and wetlands.

The average high temperature in Stockholm in February is -0.5 degrees Celsius, or 31 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature drops to an average low of -5.3 degrees Celsius, or 22.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

In fact, February is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm . In addition, t here is an average of only 1.7 hours of daily sunshine in Stockholm in February.

There is an average of 14 days with either rain or snow in Stockholm in February. The average humidity is 91%.

• Get Free Entry to Stockholm Attractions!

Gothenburg Weather in February

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city. It is located on the country’s west coast. The city’s port is Scandinavia’s largest. In addition, it is an important hub for Sweden’s infrastructure and trade.

The average high is in Gothenburg in February is 1.2 degrees Celsius, or 34 Fahrenheit. And the average low is -0.4 degrees Celsius, or 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is an average of 2 hours of sunshine in Gothenburg in February . There is an average of 11 days with either rain or snow. And the average humidity is 93%.

Malmo Weather in February

Malmo is Sweden’s third largest city. It sits at the southwestern tip of Sweden. It is across the Oresund River from Copenhagen, Denmark. 

The average high temperature in Malmo in February is 1.7 degrees Celsius, or 31 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature drops to an average low of -2.4 degrees Celsius. That is 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is an average of 2.2 hours of sunshine in Malmo in February . There is an average of 13 days with either rain or snow in Malmo in February.  And th e average humidity is 89 %

Uppsala Weather in February

Uppala is Sweden’s fourth largest city. It is 71 kilometers, or 44 miles, north of Stockholm. 

The average high temperature in Uppsala in February is -1.6 degrees Celsius, or 23.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature drops to an average low of -7.4 degrees Celsius, or 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is an average of 1.8 hours of sunshine in Uppsala in February. There is an average of 13 rainy days in Uppsala in February. And the average humidity is 96%.

Umea Weather in February

Umea is Sweden’s 13th largest city. Most importantly, it is the gateway to Swedish Lapland .

The average high temperature in Umea in February is 14.4 degrees Celsius, or 24 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature drops to an average low of -11.6 degrees Celsius, or 11 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is an average of 1.6 hours of sunshine in Umea in February.  There is an average of 15 days with either rain or now Umea in February. And the average humility is 95 %.

What to Pack

Sweden can get really cold in February. Therefore, you should bring warm clothing. If you plan on visiting the coast, make sure to windproof apparel.

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Sweden in Winter: Best places to visit in Sweden during Winter

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Planning to visit Sweden in winter? Sweden winter holidays can be quite magical and special. There are plenty of things to do in Sweden during the winter season. In this post, you can find the best places to visit in Sweden in winter!

Sweden is one of my all-time favorite countries. It has everything, from stunning natural landscapes to hip, vibrant cities. While many people are put off traveling to Sweden during the winter months because of the harsh weather, it is actually a really great season to visit.

You’ll find less crowds, accommodations can be cheaper and, if you enjoy winter sports, this is, of course, the best time to be in Sweden. Obviously, some destinations are better than others when it comes to traveling during this period so, to help you plan that perfect Swedish winter trip , here’s a guide to the best places in the country to visit during winter.

Winter in Sweden: Top Places to go in Sweden during winter

If you do not mind the cold, Stockholm is just as delightful in the wintertime as it is during any other time of year. Stockholm’s Gamla Stan – Old Town – is renowned for being one of the most stunning examples of medieval architecture in the world and there is nothing better than experiencing it within a special winter atmosphere.

If you are traveling in December, you should definitely head to the Christmas markets which take place during this time.

For something a little bit more special, there is a Christmas Old Town Walking Tour by Lantern Light available , where you can learn about Swedish Christmas traditions, visit the market, and admire the beautiful buildings, all under the light of a lantern. Definitely an unforgettable experience!

The great thing about visiting Stockholm in winter is that everything stays open during the season, so you do not need to worry about attractions being closed during the wintertime. As the capital, there are tons of museums to visit, plenty of excellent restaurants and bars, and lots of activities to take part in. 

One of the coolest things I did in Stockholm when I visited in winter was a Viking sauna. Heading out to a lake, north of the city, you will first dig a hole in the ice of the frozen lake before getting warmed up in a traditional wooden sauna.

Then, when you are all sweaty, you will run out of the sauna towards the lake and climb in so that you can cool off. It is a really fun activity, providing an insight into this side of Swedish culture.

Other fun things to do during winter in Stockholm include: taking a boat tour which allows you to visit all of the major sights of the city, while enjoying beautiful panoramic views you cannot get on the metro; visiting the open-air museum Skansen, one of the oldest of its kind in the world; and skiing at the Hammarbybacken ski resort and/or a Snowshoe Full-day hike . Note: You can also try Nordic skiing while you’re in Stockholm.

You might also like: Best destinations to spend Christmas in Europe

Visiting a seaside town in the midst of winter might not seem like a good idea, but when I took a tour of Denmark and Sweden a couple of years ago in winter, Ystad was one of my favorite stops.

Made world famous for being the setting of Henning Mankell’s Wallander novels, Ystad attracts hundreds of visitors during summer, but if, like me, you enjoy visiting the coast during winter, you should definitely add this town to your Sweden itinerary.

If you are a fan of the Wallander books and/or TV series, you will definitely feel how the grey weather adds that little bit of moodiness to the town, in keeping with the feeling of the character. 

Even if you’ve never read any of the Wallander books or seen the TV series, you will still be charmed by the quaintness of Ystad. With its traditional cottages, cobbledstone streets, and beautiful location by the sea, it really is no wonder the town is so popular with both domestic and international tourists.

As well as being lovely to walk around, if you do get a bit chilly, there are a couple of attractions you can visit. The main one is the Ystad Studios Visitor Centre which has many displays of sets, props and other memorabilia of locally made films and TV shows.

While it predominantly focuses on  Wallander , there are exhibits from other productions too, such as the critically acclaimed  The Bridge . You should also visit the 13 th  century abbey, Ystad’s most recognizable landmark.

Just outside Ystad is Ales Stenar, one of the most mysterious places in Sweden, which is made even more so during the colder and gloomier winter months.

Considered by many to be the Swedish version of Stonehenge, Ales Stenar dates back to between 500 and 1,000 AD and consists of 59 boulders set out in the shape of a ship.

As well as being a magnificent sight to see, you will also have great views of the hilly landscape and the Baltic Sea. From Ystad, it is an easy journey by bus or car, so it would be a real shame to miss it if you are already in the area.

One of the most popular winter destinations in the world, everyone should visit Lapland at least once in their life. The main reason why people head here is the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights , as the phenomenon is more commonly known.

While spotting them is pretty much a game of luck, you can increase your chances by going as far north as possible, crossing the Arctic Circle.

A strongly recommended place to visit, which is known for being a great place to spot the Aurora Borealis, is Abisko. This small village north of the Arctic Circle also contains a national park extending from the south-west of the village’s lake.

The whole village is surrounded by mountains and one of them, Mount Nuolja, is home to the Aurora Sky Station, an observation center specifically for sighting the Northern Lights.

In addition to chasing the Aurora Borealis, there are lots of other fantastic activities to take part in when in Abisko. Winter is the perfect time to go snowmobiling and dog sledding, plus you can also take a day trip to Ravttas, a village 45 minutes east of Abisko, where you can glimpse the life and culture of the Sami, the indigenous people who live in Lapland.

If you are particularly interested in Sami culture, a trip to Jokkmokk should also be added to your itinerary. During the first weekend of February every year, the Jokkmokk Winter Market takes place.

Sámi people (or better know in English as Laplanders) from all over northern Sweden come to the town to sell their handmade products, as well as watch the reindeer racing which take place on Lake Talvatissjon.

Before the market, there are several days of live performances of plays and folk music, photography and art exhibitions, parades, and food tasting sessions.   

If you head to the city of Kiruna, about an hour south-east of Abisko, you can enjoy all of the same activities as you can in Abisko as well as visit the nearby Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi. Tip: There is an excellent northern lights photography tour starting in Kiruna.

While there are now quite a few Ice Hotels around the world, the Swedish one was the first one ever. Opening for the season on 13 th  December, 2019 rings in the Ice Hotel’s 30 th  birthday. Definitely something to celebrate!

You do not even need to spend the night to be able to visit this stunning architectural feat; day visitors are also welcome.

If you decide to take a day tour, you will be able to visit the sculpted Art Suites, Ice Rooms, and Ice Chapel while learning more about how this amazing structure is designed and constructed every year. It also includes a chance to have a drink in the Ice Bar.

You might also enjoy: Top Winter holiday destinations in Europe

While Stockholm gets most of the attention, Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg, is just as worthy of a visit. It has more of a chilled-out vibe than Stockholm, so do not come here thinking it will just be a smaller version of the capital; Gothenburg really is its own city. Tip: You should consider taking this 3-hour small group tour around Gothenburg .

Like most major Swedish cities, Gothenburg hosts a number of Christmas markets during the first half of the winter season. In fact, Gothenburg’s markets are considered to be among the best in the Nordics.

There are a few dotted around the city, but the most popular has to be the one which takes place at Liseberg, the largest amusement park in Scandinavia. Focused around a medieval theme, there are the traditional wooden chalets selling local handicrafts and specialities, plus there is also an indoor area and children’s area.

Various performances take place, such as a version of Dickens’  A Christmas Carol  on ice, plus all the rides and attractions of the amusement park are open. Other Christmas markets which are worth checking out include the Haga District and Kronhuset.

If you happen to be in Gothenburg when the weather is bright and sunny, it is a fantastic opportunity to head to the Gothenburg archipelago. I visited the islands of Branno and Galtero on my last visit to the city and I’m so happy that I did.

Branno is an inhabited island with cute cottages that look like they have come straight out of a travel brochure and it is a lovely place to walk around. However, the highlight of the trip here is Galtero, a nature reserve connected to Branno by a small wooden bridge.

Here you can see wild sheep and lots of different bird species, plus the rocky and hilly landscape is just marvellous to behold. As I visited in early December, I had the island all to myself. So, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, it is a wonderful place to go and just chill out. 

Recommended: Where to go for winter sun in Europe

If you are a fan of skiing, Are is definitely the best ski resort in the whole of Sweden. Are is short for the Are Mountains and a ski resort has been in the region for over 100 years.

There are four main areas within the ski resort itself, the largest one being Central Are, which has slopes suitable for all experience levels of skier, from beginner to expert.

Duved also has slopes for all abilities, whereas the areas of Arebjornen and Tegefjall are more for families with young skiers. If you prefer Nordic skiing, there are also plenty of opportunities for this activity.

If you are planning a ski holiday in Are, there are a couple of things that you need to remember. Firstly, the season usually runs from December to early March, so it is slightly shorter than other ski resorts in Europe.

You should also bear in mind that, despite being some distance south of the Arctic Circle, the days will still be extremely short; you will only have around four hours of daylight per day, so make sure to make the most of them. Saying that, night skiing is also an option, as is night tobogganing. Once the sun does go down, the area has a pretty cool apres ski scene.

You would be completely forgiven for not having heard of Dalarna; it certainly does not get the same attention as other Swedish destinations. However, there are a number of reasons why making the journey to this region in central Sweden is totally worth it.

It has been said that visiting Dalarna is like experiencing Sweden in miniature: You have mountains, lakes, typical wooden Scandinavian architecture, and craft tradition, all in one area!

Here you can participate in all the usual winter activities, such as dog sledding, ice skating, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, and snowmobiling. So, if you are a fan of getting active during the winter months, but do not want to travel so far north, Dalarna is the perfect compromise.

Dalarna has a strong artistic culture and is especially known for its variety of music festivals throughout the year.

For those interested in classical music, one of the country’s most popular festivals takes place here in February, the International Chamber Music Festival Vinterfest. Taking place in the heart of Dalarna’s countryside, the festival attracts a number of international and domestic artists every year.

My absolute favorite place in Sweden, Malmo, has had some bad press in the past. The main thing people have a problem with is that Malmo is not as beautiful as the two bigger cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm.

While there is an element of truth to this – historically, Malmo was an industrial city – if you are looking for a more alternative city to visit, Malmo is the place to go.

It does have a cute, albeit small, old town, but it is the cool outer districts, such as Mollevangen, which are really cool to hang out in due to their cultural diversity. Mollevangen is also home to Folkets Park, whose large wading pool turns into an ice rink during winter.

To experience a Swedish institution, Malmo is a great place to catch an ice hockey game; home to the Malmo Redhawks, the stadium is only 11 years old and, due to the city’s generally cheaper prices in comparison with other Swedish cities, tickets are pretty affordable.

Another great thing about Malmo is its close proximity to Copenhagen ; you can get to the Danish capital in approximately 30 minutes by train.

There is a huge advantage to staying in Malmo over Copenhagen, as Malmo accommodation is much cheaper and tends not to get so overbooked, especially during the winter season when people flock to the Christmas markets in Copenhagen. It is a wonderful way of accommodating two cities in one trip. 

I hope that you’ve discovered that Sweden really is one of the most delightful countries you can visit, even in the depths of winter.

As long as you pack the right clothing and are prepared for heaps of snow, especially if you travel to the far north, you will find that Sweden will completely enchant you.

Instead of hibernating at home this winter, come visit Sweden and enjoy all that this winter wonderland has to offer!

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Scandinavia Tours in February

Travel to Scandinavia in February to enjoy a winter tour of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Your trip can be tailored by the Scandinavia travel consultants at Nordic Visitor, who are based in Stockholm and will use their unrivalled expertise to create your dream trip.

ITINERARY IDEAS FOR VISITING SCANDINAVIA IN FEBRUARY

Are you looking for ideas for Scandinavia tours in February? We’ve got you covered!

February is a great time of year to visit Scandinavia if you want to discover this northern region during the low season. During the winter months, the Scandinavian countries – made up of Norway , Sweden   and Denmark – welcome fewer visitors at top city attractions.

Our Scandinavia experts will ensure that you get the most out of your February trip. Your tour can be tailored depending on your personal preferences. You could see the capitals of Scandinavia on an independent tour , or head to the Arctic Circle to hunt for the northern lights .

What’s more, when you book a Scandinavia trip with Nordic Visitor, you get tried-and-tested accommodation, private or public transportation reservations, and many other benefits as part of the package.

Keep browsing below to explore trip ideas for your tour of Scandinavia in February.

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Capitals of Scandinavia in Winter

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Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter

Train, cruise & minibus, best of scandinavia - norway cruise & iceland - winter, see the northern lights in the nordics.

Head to Northern Norway, Lapland or Iceland for the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis in the dark night skies of Europe.

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

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Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

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Northern Lights Norway Express

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As a travel agency based in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Scandinavia. We offer a variety of tours — both independent and guided — that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you — accommodations, activities, rental car (for self-drive tours), cruise/train tickets and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

We loved most aspects of the tour. Liza from Nordic Visitor was fantastic to deal with and everything was brilliantly organised. The detailed itinerary was very useful as were the suggested tips for the visitor. We'd highly recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone thinking of visiting Scandinavia.

First class

Communication was first class. Selection of accommodation was perfect. Great hotels in good locations.

An amazing trip

We had an amazing trip in Swedish Lapland and the Scandinavian cities. Nordic Visitor's assistance helped us to have scheduled activities, but also free time to pick and choose what we wanted to do. It was a great balance of planning, with the inclusion of spontaneity!

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip

Quite the Scandinavian adventure, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our enjoyment included the weather, the food, meeting all the people, their accommodation to Americans who only speak English, the cleanliness and ease of paying for things despite 3 currencies.

I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

I was so happy during this entire trip. I wanted to travel to Norway before but I didn't understand how Norway in a Nutshell worked so the itinerary prepared by Irja was just perfect. She was always available to answer all my questions and the hotels and activities planned were perfect and easy for me as a solo traveller. I just had to enjoy each city. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

Professional and friendly

Everything from initial contact to final details was professional and friendly. Loved every part of this tour and service. Cannot recommend highly enough to anyone thinking about undertaking this option. We only had incredible experiences with all arrangements - we loved them all.

Relaxing and fun journey

The Scandanavian winter tour package and it's connections made it very easy to see the 4 capital cities and Bergen. There were plenty of suggestions for things to see and do. There was a great mix of cruise and rail segments between cities giving us a chance to see other parts of each country. Staff reserved an extra rail and overnight for us as soon as we asked about it. All in all a very relaxing and fun journey.

Fantastic tour that included the highlights for each country we visited. I really feel like we have seen the best of the countries with the time we had. The activities were terrific. I felt supported by my tour planner, Irja, as we travelled.

Nordic Visitor was perfect

We were looking for a tour company and did not want to be on a rigid timeline. Nordic Visitor was perfect, the accommodation and travel between countries was great. The hotel locations were near great areas and close to train stations. We had a hiccup on our trip when our overnight cruise was cancelled, but Nordic Visitor's emergency line helped us so quickly that we were able to spend an extra full day in Sweden. Loved our experience with the company and would highly recommend and use in the future.

Very good service

Service was very good and the overall itinerary worked really well. Accommodation in the cities was also excellent.

Very well planned!

Our tour was very well planned! We felt like royalty with all our transfer cars booked! The hotels were well chosen and having breakfast included was such a bonus.

Excellent communication

This was my second trip in three months with Nordic Visitor. I appreciated having a detailed itinerary that included all of the daily details including transportation, hotels, suggested site visits, etc. Communication with the company was excellent. I also appreciated the option of having a private transfer to and from the airport. It's nice after a long flight to have someone waiting for you at the airport and it's also nice to have someone meet you at the hotel on the final day to return to the airport. All of these countries are beautiful and definitely worth experiencing. I would plan another trip with this company in the future.

Getting to Scandinavia

Many of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Scandinavia begin in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, it serves as a major hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian Air.

Here are examples of other airlines that fly to Stockholm Arlanda: United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, EasyJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Icelandair, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages, but all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Stockholm, or another arrival city in Scandinavia, if you’d like to rest up after your air journey.

Different ways you can experience Scandinavia

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scandinavia below.

Guided Small Groups

Independent cruise, independent train, scandinavian triangle, where to go and what to do in scandinavia in february.

There are plenty of things to do in Scandinavia in February. You could go out to explore the wintry countryside, looking for the northern lights, or visit the cities’ popular attractions.

Visiting Scandinavia in February means immersing yourself in the Nordic winter. There are fewer daylight hours, temperatures are colder, and snow makes the landscape even more enchanting.

If you’re wondering which are the best places to visit in this region, it really depends on what you want to do.

Make the most of this quiet period by exploring the capital cities of the Scandinavian Triangle , enjoying the best of Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen in one incredible trip. In February, these cities are quieter than during the summer months, so you’ll have more of them to yourselves.

If you travel to Scandinavia in February, it also means you can soak up the region’s rural attractions and wintry landscapes. You could head to Bergen in Norway to witness the stunning fjords. Or go further into Northern Norway for a glimpse at the stunning west coast and a chance to catch the aurora borealis

• First time in the Nordics? See our 7 amazing Scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors

Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary in February:

Day 1 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. Spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (The Old Town), and enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.

Or, why not hop on a city sightseeing tour?

Day 2 - The highlights of Stockholm Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts. You could join a sightseeing tour to experience the best of Stockholm in a day, taking you to must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter.

We also recommend taking a short ferry ride to the nearby island Djurgården, a cultural oasis near the city centre. Here you’ll find one of Scandinavia’s most popular attractions, the Vasa Museum. You could also visit the Abba Museum and the Skansen open-air museum.

Day 3 - Travel to Copenhagen, Denmark Today you’ll board a train or a short flight to Copenhagen, the beautiful capital of Denmark. As a taster, you should walk along the colourful Nyhavn harbour. We also recommend strolling along the popular shopping street, Strøget.

Day 4 - Discover Copenhagen Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. You might want to visit Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne food market.

We also recommend hopping on a boat tour to see Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful Christianshavn Canal from the water.

Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway Ahead of tonight's journey to Oslo, Norway’s capital city, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike? You could also take in the view of the city from the top of the Round Tower.

Later, board an overnight ferry to Oslo. You’ll cruise gently up the Kattegat Sund all the way to Norway.

Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city This morning your ship arrives in Oslo, giving you the day to explore the Norwegian capital. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore historic museums. 

If you love art, make sure to take a walk through the delightful Vigeland Sculpture Park. Don’t miss a visit to Oslo City Hall if you want to see where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.

Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm This morning, you’ll board a train from Oslo Central Station to begin the legendary Norway in a Nutshell® experience – one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. This train ride takes you over Norway’s “mountainous rooftop”, through charming villages like Gol and Geilo.

From Myrdal, you’ll embark on the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) for a scenic ride to the beautiful village of Flåm. Enjoy the rest of your day in Flåm.

Day 8 - Norwegian fjord cruise Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through the fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.

Day 9 - Discover Bergen Known as the gateway to the fjords , Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. You can visit the medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and fjords.

There are also plenty of museums, shops and restaurants to check out on your last full day in Scandinavia

Day 10 - Depart from Bergen, Norway Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 10 days in beautiful Scandinavia.

• Not sure when to go to Scandinavia, or what you want to see? Read our ultimate guide to the best times and places to visit in Scandinavia

What other ideas are there for a Scandinavia tour in February?

Travelling to Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) gives you a good excuse to see more of Northern Europe in the same trip.

The Nordic countries – that’s Finland and Iceland as well as Norway, Denmark and Sweden – are well connected via plane, train and ferry. That’s why seeing a few of them in one go is a great idea!

You could begin your tour in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. Here in this exciting city, spend your time uncovering attractions like Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Old Market Hall. Don’t miss the chance to visit local restaurants for a taste of Finnish cuisine.

Then, step aboard a vessel that whisks you to Stockholm, crossing the Baltic Sea overnight to begin your exploration of the Scandinavian Triangle the following day.

Or, after spending time in Bergen, you could head into northern Norway , admiring the fjords and national parks along the way. The snow-covered landscape up here is perfect to try dog sledding and snowmobiling.

Or why not head even further north in Norway to explore the remote Svalbard , home of polar bears?

The Scandinavian countryside is also ideal if you want to visit ski resorts and enjoy other winter sports. The available winter activities include cross country skiing, snowboarding, and even ice fishing.

In Finnish and Swedish Lapland , there are some truly special winter experiences in store for you. Meet Santa Claus, stay at a  snow or ice hotel , and experience the winter polar nights.

Another option is to follow up your Scandinavia tour with a visit to Iceland . Fly from Oslo to Reykjavík and spend some days discovering the country’s awe-inspiring natural scenery, including glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls.

These are some of the best places to visit in Scandinavia in February!

Good to know : Most of our itineraries aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities for customised routes. We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city, spend more free time in one destination than another, or add other towns to your trip.

Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.

• Find out more about visiting Scandinavia earlier, in December and January , or later, in March and April .

How about a self-guided tour of Scandinavia?

If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Travel from one place to the next using public transportation, which in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual.

By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.

Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.

Interested in a Scandinavia road trip?

On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia , you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

If you want to take a road trip through Scandinavia, we recommend visiting between May and September. Enjoy incredible scenery right outside your window, watching how the landscapes shift between Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

You could opt for a circular road trip between Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, flying in and out of the Swedish capital, for example.

• Want the company of an expert guide and like-minded travellers? Here are 7 brilliant reasons to go on a European group tour

Prefer a guided tour of Scandinavia?

To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option! These take place between May and August, so book your trip for the summer season to join a group.

A small group tour of Scandinavia offers an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local tour guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Like rugged nature? Discover Iceland ’s jaw-dropping landscapes
• Would you love a scenic road trip? Venture to Scotland and Ireland
• Want to experience a winter like no other? Make for snowy Lapland
• Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore wild Greenland  or Svalbard

Our services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Our self-drive clients also receive a hand-marked map outlining the route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scandinavian travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

7 brilliant reasons to go on a european group tour, the ultimate scandinavia guide: the best times & places to visit, 7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

155 Places to visit in Sweden

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: March 9, 2024

Categories Sweden

Home / Europe / Sweden / 155 Places to visit in Sweden

In the last couple of years, I have traveled wide and far throughout Sweden, and to make things easier for future visitors, I have made this list of 155 places to visit in Sweden.

The list is divided into the three historical lands of Sweden, Norrland, Svealand, and Götaland. After each attraction, the region where it’s located is displayed next to the title.

Google Maps is usually very good to use while traveling around Sweden, as long as you have offline maps or internet access. Just enter the names of these places into Google Maps, and you will find them easily.

Places to visit in northern Sweden (Norrland)

Below, you will find attractions from different parts of Norrland where the following regions are included: Gästrikland, Hälsingland, Härjedalen, Jämtland, Medelpad, Ångermanland, Västerbotten, Norrbotten, and Lappland.

Själandsklinten (Ångermanland)

Själandsklinten is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sweden if you ask me. Sitting there at the top with endless views of the Swedish High Coast is like being in a real-life movie.

It’s located in Nordingrå, and the hike starts from “Gårdsbutiken i Höga Kusten”. It is a short but steep walk to reach the top from there.

Slåttdalsskrevan (Ångermanland)

Slåttdalsskrevan is a 200-meter-long and 7-meter-wide crevasse through Slåttdalsberget in Skuleskogen National Park.

It’s a mesmerizing place that really makes you feel small when gazing up at the cliff walls that are 30 meters tall.

Access to Slåttdalsskrevan is temporarily closed, but you can still take a picture and reach the end of the crevasse from both directions.

Rock carvings by Nämforsen (Ångermanland)

Nämforsen has one of Northern Europe’s largest rock carving areas with over 2,500 figures. It’s a lovely natural area to visit. Every year, the Urkult music festival is also held on the site, which then turns the site into a real folk festival.

Högakustenbron (Ångermanland)

The High Coast Bridge is a well-known landmark in Sweden that many have passed through the years since its inauguration. The bridge has a length of 1,800 meters and was inspired by the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Högbondens fyr (Ångermanland)

Högbonden’s lighthouse is an old lighthouse that has been turned into a unique accommodation on the High Coast where you can spend the night in the old lighthouse keeper’s residence. It is the second-highest lighthouse in Sweden and the view from here is incredible.

Härnösands bilmuseum (Ångermanland)

The city of Härnösand is home to the largest car museum in Sweden with an impressive collection of vehicles from 1899 to 1990. There are over 220 cars on display in different rooms.

If you are interested in cars and other motor vehicles, you shouldn’t miss making a stop at Härnösands bilmuseum!

Market of Jokkmokk (Lappland)

Jokkmokk’s market is famous all over Sweden and is organized annually from the first Thursday to Saturday in February. In Jokkmokk you can also visit the main museum for Sami culture & history.

Tjuonavagge/Lapponian gate (Lappland)

Tjuonavagge, also known as the Lapponian gate, is a well-known attraction in Lapland that has been depicted countless times. It offers a beautiful sight all year round.

Rapadalen (Lappland)

Rapadalen is a beautiful valley in Sarek National Park. A magnificent wilderness experience awaits you here, including Skierfeklippan, where you get an incredible view of the valley.

Vaisaluokta kåtakyrka (Lappland)

Vaisaluokta church is built in the traditional Northern Sami style. It’s a charming little Sami church, which is located in the Sirge’s Sami village.

Kebnekaise (Lappland)

Sweden’s highest mountain is not only standing tall but it’s also one of the most spectacular places in Sweden. Of course, there are higher mountains to climb around the world, but there is something special about Kebnekaise!

Karesuando church (Lappland)

The church in Karesuando is a beautiful wooden church from 1905 which is also the northernmost church in Sweden.

Treriksröset (Lappland)

As the name suggests. Three kingdoms meet here, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Treriksröset is a popular attraction in Sweden that is quite fun to visit since you actually can travel between three countries in less than 1 minute.

Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi (Lappland)

The Ice Hotel is one of the most famous places in Sweden and rightly so. It is a unique hotel since it’s built from ice every year. But make sure to book your stay in advance since it’s very popular, especially among international guests.

Kiruna kyrka (Lappland)

The church of Kiruna is one of the largest wooden buildings in Sweden. It was inaugurated in 1912 and its unique architecture has taken inspiration from the Norwegian stave churches.

Abiskojåkka canyon (Lappland)

A beautiful canyon in Abisko National Park where the mountain river Abiskojåkka rushes past all year round. From Naturum there is a path that takes visitors to the canyon. The trail is relatively easy to hike and has a distance of 1.2 kilometers one-way.

Gammelstad church town in Luleå (Norrbotten)

The city of Luleå was founded here at first, and that is why this place is named “Gammelstaden” which can be translated as the old town. Gammelstaden church town is listed as a world heritage site by Unesco, and it’s one of the most visited attractions in the region of Norrbotten.

You can join a guided tour while visiting for more information. There are also various events throughout the year, especially in conjunction with holidays in Sweden.

Treehotel (Norrbotten)

Treehotel is yet another unique hotel in Norrland. Visitors can come here and stay in a luxurious tree cabin by the treetops while at the same time having the luxuries of a standard hotel room.

Storforsen (Norrbotten)

Storforsen is one of Europe’s largest rapids with an enormous amount of gushing water all year round. A powerful nature experience in the municipality of Älvsbyn where you get to see the forces of Mother Nature up close.

Rödbergsfortet (Norrbotten)

For a long time, Rödbergsfortet was one of the most secret places in Sweden. This old fortress is part of the Boden fortress, which was built to withstand and protect this part of Sweden from invasions. Nowadays, visitors are welcome to visit and learn more about its function and what life was like for soldiers stationed here.

Kukkolaforsen (Norrbotten)

Kukkolaforsen is located on the border between Sweden and Finland in Tornedalen. During summer, it is popular to catch whitefish with a landing net from the river.

Jämtlandstriangeln

The Jämtland Triangle is a classic hiking trail in Sweden that has been designated as a signature trail by the Swedish Tourist Association. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced, this is a pleasant hiking experience in Jämtland.

In total, the hiking trail is 47 kilometers, and Sylarna and Syltoppen are some of the places you will pass along the way. The first part goes from Storulvån to Sylarna. From there you walk onwards to Blåhammaren.

Fettjeåfallet (Jämtland)

Fettjeåfallet is an impressive waterfall with a height of 60 meters. It is located by Klövsjö and can be reached via a shorter hiking trail that is about 2 kilometers long.

Borgvattnet’s vicarage (Jämtland)

The old vicarage in Borgvattnet is said to be one of the most haunted houses in Sweden. It’s possible to stay overnight and you can even get access to paranormal measuring tools.

This old clergy house has been noticed internationally as well, by the likes of the New York Times among others, which has listed the vicarage of Borgvattnet as one of the most haunted places in the world.

Hällingsåfallet (Jämtland)

Hällingsåfallet thunders down an 800-meter-long canyon from a height of 42 meters. There is constant fog around the waterfall, which brings an everlasting humidity that allows rare lichens and mosses to thrive here.

Tännforsen (Jämtland)

Tännforsen is one of Sweden’s largest waterfalls with a width of 60 meters and a drop height of 37 meters. It is a popular attraction in Jämtland, located 20 minutes west of Åre.

Ristafallet (Jämtland)

Ristafallet is another impressive waterfall located near Åre. This waterfall is also known from the film Ronja Rövardotter, where Ristafallet portrayed Glupafallet.

Thailändska paviljongen (Jämtland)

The Thai pavilion is a unique place to visit in Sweden. The monument was built in honor and memory of the Thai King Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V.

He visited this place in Utanede and therefore the Thai pavilion has been built right here in Ragunda municipality. The monument is the only one of its kind outside of Thailand.

Myskoxcentrum (Härjedalen)

Muskoxcentrum is a non-profit organization in Härjedalen that protects the wild muskox tribe in Sweden. Here you can get close to this prehistoric animal in its natural environment at a reasonable distance.

The muskox center does a fantastic job of preserving the muskox by spreading knowledge and raising calves which are then released into the wild.

Sångbäcksfallet (Härjedalen)

Sångbäckfallet is easily reached after a short walk down stairs that lead one further down to the waterfall from the parking lot by the road. The waterfall is located just outside Vemdalen and is a bit of a hidden gem in Härjedalen.

Flatruet (Härjedalen)

The Flatruet road goes over the mountain Flatruet in Härjedalen and is the highest public road in Sweden. The height of the road reaches a maximum of 975 meters above sea level. Along the way, you get wide views of the mountains and a great chance to see reindeer.

Café Cineast (Härjedalen)

Café Cineast is a unique museum in Sveg where you can take part in a journey through time in the world of film. It is not only a café but also a film museum with old cinema posters and objects. Music from famous films can be heard from the speakers.

Sonfjällets nationalpark (Härjedalen)

Sonfjällets National Park is a popular destination in Härjedalen with lovely hiking trails that offer a sense of being in the wilderness as well as a wide biological diversity.

The national park is also an important stronghold for the Swedish bear tribe. The highest peak on Sonfjället reaches 1278 meters above sea level.

Bonnstan (Västerbotten)

Bonnstan is a historical attraction in Skellefteå. An old church town from the 17th century with a total of 116 church cottages that have been preserved since the great fire in the 19th century.

Idunn Wines (Västerbotten)

In Norsjö you can visit Idunn Wines, which is a unique winery that makes wine from blueberries and lingonberries. Join a guided wine-tasting tour where you get to taste and learn more about these special wines.

Lövånger kyrkstad (Västerbotten)

Lövånger church town is one of Sweden’s oldest church towns that has been preserved. A cultural treasure in Västerbotten that really comes to life during the summer and during church holidays. Visitors can rent a church cottage for overnight stays all year round.

Hälsingegårdar (Hälsingland)

7 old farms in Hälsingland (Hälsingegårdar) have received UNESCO World Heritage status. Around the landscape, however, there are thousands of preserved farms. These seven farms are Bommars, Erik-Anders, Fågelsjö Gammelgård, Gästgivars, Jon-Lars, Kristofers and Pallars.

Something that pretty much all “Hälsingegårdar” have in common is that they are incredibly beautiful with splendid decorations.

Avholmsberget (Hälsingland)

Avholmsberget is located above the lake called Norra Dellen. Here you get one of Hälsingland’s finest views. During the summer months, there is also a restaurant at the top.

Enåsens gruva (Hälsingland)

Enåsen’s mine is an old gold mine in Ljusdal municipality that closed in 1991. Nowadays, the place has become a tourist attraction who come here for its natural beauty.

However, it is not recommended to bathe or come into contact with the water as it contains metals that can potentially harmful. But it is a very beautiful place to see with your own eyes!

Orbaden Spa & Resort (Hälsingland)

On Hälsingland’s Riviera, located in Vallsta, there is this lovely spa hotel named Orbaden Spa & Resort, which has been named one of the best spa resorts in Sweden. From the infinity pool, you get a wonderful view and nearby there is also a beach where you can go swimming.

Oscarsborg (Hälsingland)

Oscarsborg is a 23-meter-high observation tower in Söderhamn that resembles a fortress. The tower is a popular attraction in Söderhamn from where you get a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape.

Trolska skogen (Hälsingland)

Trolska Skogen is located by the fishing village of Mellanfjärden. A living fairytale world awaits here where you can meet elves, trolls, witches, and other beings along the walk in the forest.

Trolska Skogen offers a theater experience to increase the children’s interest in culture and nature. A fun place to visit in Hälsingland when traveling with children.

Wij Gardens (Gästrikland)

Wij Gardens is a beautiful display garden in Ockelbo. There is also the option of staying overnight, and Wij Trädgårdskök serves well-prepared food made with organic ingredients from the garden. If you like flowers, cultivation, and plants, this is a lovely excursion to make in the region of Gästrikland.

Gävlebocken (Gästrikland)

The goat of Gävle (Gävlebocken) is a classic attraction in Sweden that is built up every year before Christmas. A tradition that goes back to 1966. In central Gävle, you can see the world’s largest straw goat in December, as long as it has not been burnt down.

Forsbacka bruk (Gästrikland)

The Forsbacka factory is located just outside Sandviken and is one of Sweden’s largest industrial monuments. Take a guided tour of the old ironworks and learn more about the iron handling that has been carried out here since the 16th century.

S:t Olavsleden (Medelpad)

St. Olavsleden is the northernmost pilgrimage route in the world. The entire trail is 58 Swedish miles and runs from Selånger in Medelpad to Trondheim in Norway, which in the past was known as Nidaros.

Merlo castle (Medelpad)

Villa Merlo, also known as Merlo Castle is a grand building that was built in the 19th century by Fredrik Bûnsow, who was a very wealthy man.

Merlo Castle is located just outside Timrå. Visitors are welcome to stroll around the park where you can see the castle from the outside.

Vildmarksvägen (Wilderness Road)

The Wilderness Road is a well-known attraction in Sweden that crosses the plateau of Stekenjokk between Jämtland and Lapland. The road is open to traffic between June 6 and October 15. The entire route is 500 km long.

Along the Wilderness Road, you pass sights such as Trappstegsforsen, bunkers from the Second World War, Hällingsåfallet, Brakkåfallet, Korallgrottan, Gaustafallet, Dimforsen and Fatmomakke church town.

Seeing the Northern Lights with your own eyes is a magical experience. You’ll never forget the first time you see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

It is one of nature’s wonders and undoubtedly one of our best sights in Sweden. Abisko is one of the best places in Sweden to see the Northern Lights, but generally, it is visible throughout the northern parts of the country during the winter months.

Attractions in Svealand

Below you can see places to visit in Sweden that are located in the Svealand region, which consists of the following regions: Dalarna, Närke, Södermanland, Uppland, Värmland, and Västmanland.

If you’re interested in the Viking era, Birka is one of the best places to visit in Sweden. It was an important site of trade during that period, and the area is quite well-preserved.

During the summer months, you can, among other things, hop on a Viking boat and go to Viking markets as well as watch shows where scenes from old Viking battles are recreated.

Dalhalla (Dalarna)

Dalhalla is a theater located inside an old limestone quarry. Every year, various concerts and shows are performed here in this unique setting.

Tomteland (Dalarna)

Tomteland is an amusement park in Dalarna located on Gesundaberget outside Mora. Here, one can visit several different fairytale worlds that have been built for visitors. A fun and exciting experience for the whole family where you can also meet Santa.

World’s biggest Dala horse (Dalarna)

In Avesta, you can see the world’s largest Dala horse. An iconic attraction in Sweden that many bypassers have stopped by to take a picture over the years. The Dala horse is 13 meters high and weighs 67 tonnes. Right now it stands where highways 70 and 68 meet in Avesta.

Njupeskär (Dalarna)

Njupeskär is Sweden’s highest waterfall and one of the best natural attractions to visit in Sweden. The entire waterfall is 125 meters long, of which the cliff itself is approximately 93 meters straight down. A breathtaking sight!

Nipfjället (Dalarna)

Nipfjället is an easily accessible mountain in Idre where it is possible to drive almost all the way up to the top by car. From the summer parking, it is only a short walk up to the top where you get fantastic views.

On the way up to the summer parking lot, one will also pass Trollvägen, where you can experience a unique phenomenon that can only be recreated in a limited number of places around the world.

Öster Silvbergs gruva (Dalarna)

Öster Silvberg’s mine is located just outside Säter. It is one of Sweden’s oldest mines where silver was previously mined. The mine is filled with water and no longer active. What attracts visitors today is instead the turquoise color of the water.

During the summer, many people come here to swim. However, it is not recommended to swim here due to health reasons, but it is still a beautiful place to visit.

Falu gruva (Dalarna)

Falu copper mine has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 2001. Visitors are welcome to take a guided tour down into the mine, 67 meters underground. Copper has been mined here for over 1,000 years.

Avesta Visentpark (Dalarna)

The Wisent Park in Avesta is one of Europe’s most important breeding facilities. Visitors have the opportunity to meet this prehistoric animal at a reasonable distance and at the same time support the important work of reintroducing European bison.

So far, Avesta Wisent Park has contributed by reintroducing six bison into the wild in Romania, and more bison are on their way to be reintroduced back into their natural habitat.

Anundshög (Västmanland)

Anundshög is located just outside Västerås and here, you can visit Sweden’s largest burial mound. Storhögen is nine meters high and in the same ancient monument area, there are also stone ships and rune stones to take a closer look at.

Kokpunkten Actionbad (Västmanland)

Kokpunkten is an action water park in Västerås with water slides, stream channels, and pools. A fun and fast-paced bathing experience awaits here for the whole family.

Kolarbyn (Västmanland)

Kolarbyn markets itself as Sweden’s most primitive hostel. A living experience characterized by silence and wilderness where you spend the night in the middle of the forest in a “kolarkoja”, without electricity or tap water.

Sala Silver mine (Västmanland)

Silver was mined in and around Sala as early as the 15th century. Today, there is none left in operation, but you can still visit the Sala Silver Mine and go underground. If you want to stay longer, you can also spend the night down in the mine in a hotel room.

Trästaden Nora (Västmanland)

Nora is a charming wooden town in Bergslagen with wooden buildings preserved from the 18th and 19th centuries. Here you can, among other things, go for a ride on an old steam train that runs on the oldest railway in Sweden.

Miniature Kingdom (Västmanland)

Miniature Kingdom is a unique place to visit in Sweden, located in Kungsör where a miniature world has been built with inspiration from various environments in Sweden.

In the miniature world, trains, trucks, and buses roll through different parts of Norrland, Stockholm, Västerås, Eskilstuna, and Örebro. A fun destination for the whole family.

Strömsholm Castle (Västmanland)

This magnificent baroque castle with an 18th-century interior in Gustavian style is located just outside Västerås. It is one of the royal castles and it is open daily for visitors who join a guided tour from June to September.

Ingbo källor (Uppland)

Ingbo Källor is located in Heby municipality. This place is famous for its springs with a magical blue-green color. The springs produce 4.3 million pieces of water every day and according to legend, whoever drinks from the water will get good health.

You can taste some spring water for free by the old mill. Try to come here on a sunny day if you want to experience the magical color of the water. The intensity of the colors can vary depending on how much the sun shines and from which angle.

Skokloster Castle (Uppland)

Skokloster Castle is often mentioned as Europe’s foremost Baroque castle. A grand castle located on the Sko peninsula by Lake Mälaren. During summertime, Skokloster Castle is open daily for visitors. In May and September, the castle is open on weekends.

Gamla Uppsala (Uppland)

During the Viking Age, Old Uppsala was a holy place. The museum has several original objects from the Viking Age. Visitors can also see the old King’s Mounds from the 6th century. At the Odinsborg restaurant, you can taste authentic mead as well.

Sigtuna (Uppland)

Sweden’s oldest city is of course also an excursion destination in Sweden that is worth a detour. Sigtuna is located only 45 minutes from Stockholm, and it’s one of the oldest cities in Sweden.

Viking Village Storholmen (Uppland)

During the summer and at special events throughout the year, Viking Village Storholmen opens up to visitors. Storholmen is an archaeological open-air museum with seven houses built using traditional building techniques from the Viking Age.

From the middle of July to the beginning of August, Viking Summer is organized where visitors can learn blacksmithing, wool crafts, and runic writing as well as view a reconstructed Viking boat.

Address : Varjagvägen 1, 761 73 Norrtälje.

Drottningholm Castle (Uppland)

Drottningholm Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also the permanent residence of the King and Queen. Both the park and the castle are open to visitors most of the year.

It is a royal castle from the 17th century with a magnificent castle park, which has contributed to giving the castle its nickname “Versailles of Sweden”, which then refers to the French palace in Versailles.

Wik’s Castle (Uppland)

Wiks Castle is an old defensive castle that was originally built in the 15th century. The castle is beautifully located by Lake Mälaren, about 2 miles southwest of Uppsala.

Nowadays, Wik’s castle is a popular place for conferences and you can also stay overnight. There is also a lovely nature trail next to the castle.

Örebro Castle (Närke)

Örebro Castle is a Renaissance castle that was originally built as a defensive castle in the 14th century. A well-preserved castle in central Örebro that looks more or less the same today as it did in the 19th century.

Lost City – Gustavsvik (Närke)

Lost City is one of Sweden’s largest water parks. An exciting swimming adventure awaits here for the whole family with six large and fast-paced water slides.

The pool is part of Gustavsvik in Örebro, which also has camping, adventure golf, and outdoor swimming. Tickets for Lost City are bought at the reception on-site and cannot be pre-booked.

Konst på Hög (Närke)

On Kvarntorpshögen in Kumla municipality, one can visit the sculpture park known as “Konst på Hög” with about 30 sculptures. During the summer months, theater performances and concerts are also organized.

Wadköping friluftsmuseum (Närke)

Wadköping is an open-air museum in central Örebro where you can see historic buildings with wooden houses and old farms. There are also small shops, museums, and cafés that are open all year round.

Stora Sundby Castle (Södermanland)

Stora Sundby Castle is a fairy-tale knight’s castle located near Eskilstuna. Unfortunately, the castle is not open to the public, but tours with a minimum of 20 people can be booked in advance.

Otherwise, you are free to stroll around the castle park, where you can buy a picnic basket from the castle café or visit the farm shop with locally produced goods.

Old town in Stockholm (Gamla stan)

Old Town is one of the most visited areas in Stockholm, and while tranquil today, this place was once where Stockholm’s blood bath occurred. Those events have led to many believing that the Old Town of Stockholm is haunted.

It’s a lovely place to go for a stroll and without the crowds, it’s surely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sweden, thus why I recommend getting up early in the morning to stroll through its various alleys and streets.

Stockholms Archipelago

Stockholm’s archipelago is an idyllic place that has gained international fame. Some of the most popular islands include Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm, Utö, Sandhamn, Grinda, and Möja.

Vasamuseet (Stockholm)

The Vasa Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Sweden and attracts visitors from all over the world. Here you can admire the ancient Vasa ship.

Gripsholms slott (Södermanland)

Gripsholm Castle is beautifully situated by Lake Mälaren in Mariefred. It’s a royal castle and one of the most visited attractions in the region of Södermanland.

The castle is particularly known for its large portrait collection, which contains famous portraits from the time of Gustav Vasa and onwards to modern times.

Tilas stoll (Värmland)

Tilas Stoll is an old horizontal mining tunnel on Högbergsfältet, located a short drive from Filipstad.

It’s quite a unique attraction in Värmland where you first crouch forward through the entrance before reaching the platform where you get this view, which looks like it was taken from a scene from The Lord of the Rings.

Diner 45 in Sunne (Värmland)

Diner 45 is an American-inspired diner where hamburgers, milkshakes, and fries are served. With its retro American decor from the 50s and 60s, it’s like stepping into an old American movie.

The hamburgers are also good and the prices are reasonable. If you drive past Sunne along the E:45, this is a fun stop that I can highly recommend.

Rottneros park (Värmland)

Rottneros Park is a sculpture park in Sunne with blooming gardens and a stunning old manor building. This place acted as a role model for “Ekeby” in Gösta Berling’s saga.

Tossebergsklätten (Värmland)

Tossebergsklätten features one of Värmland’s most beautiful views from a height of 343 meters above sea level. The top can be reached via a narrow serpentine road which also happens to be the steepest paved road in Sweden.

Båstnäs car cemetery (Värmland)

Båstnäs car cemetery is an odd attraction in Sweden that started in 1956 as a scrap yard. Nowadays, this is the largest car cemetery in Sweden with over 1,000 old cars, a majority of which are from the 40s and 50s.

Torsby ski tunnel (Värmland)

In Torsby, it is possible to go cross-country skiing all year round. This is the first ski tunnel in all of Sweden. The indoor course is 1.3 kilometers long and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced cross-country skiers.

Årjängstrollet (Värmland)

The troll of Årjäng is an odd attraction in the Swedish region of Värmland that is particularly popular with children. The troll is 8 meters high and it’s probably one of the largest troll monuments in the world. The tail of the Årjäng troll acts as a slide.

Attractions in Götaland

Below you can see places to visit in Sweden located in the following regions that belong to Götaland: Skåne, Blekinge, Halland, Småland, Öland, Gotland, Östergötland, Västergötland, Dalsland and Bohuslän.

Borgholm Castle ruin (Öland)

The castle ruin of Borgholm is one of the most popular attractions to visit on the island of Öland. The castle has stood here since the 13th century. During summertime, concerts are held inside the ruins and it is also possible to join a guided tour or to stroll around on your own.

Solliden (Öland)

Solliden is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. This castle-like villa is located near Borgholm’s castle ruins and from May to October, the castle park is open daily for visitors with admission.

Byrums raukar (Öland)

Byrum’s raukar is a large area with “raukar” on Öland with around 120 rauks. It’s a wonderful place located in the north-western part of the island.

Böda Sand (Öland)

Böda Sand is one of the most famous sandy beaches and camping areas in Sweden. Every year, thousands of visitors make the “pilgrimage” to this beach and camping to enjoy the sun and go for a swim.

Gettlinge gravfält (Öland)

Gettlinge graveyard is an ancient site in southern Öland with a 30-meter-long shipwreck and over two hundred graves, from the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

Karlevistenen (Öland)

The Karlevi stone is a well-preserved rune stone on the island of Öland. It has stood in the same place for over 1000 years and tells the story of a Danish chieftain named Sibbe the Wise.

Alvastra klosterruin (Östergötland)

Alvastra monastery is an old Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century by French monks. During the 14th century, the monastery was connected to Saint Birgitta and her order.

What remains today are well-preserved ruins where you feel the wings of history when you stroll around the site.

Särtshöga winery (Östergötland)

Särtshöga vineyard is beautifully situated on the plains of Östergötland with a view of Omberg. Sparkling wine is produced here according to the méthode traditionelle, which means that the wine from Särtshöga is as close as you can get to Swedish champagne.

Visitors are welcome for overnight stays, dinner, and wine tasting. A cozy weekend destination for those who appreciate sparkling wine.

Vreta kloster (Östergötland)

Vreta Kloster was founded as a Benedictine nunnery in the 12th century. A few decades later, the monastery was converted to the Cistercian Order with the king’s sister Ingegerd as its first abbess.

Vreta monastery was active as a monastery until the 16th century. Today all that remains is a ruin and the beautiful monastery church, which is still open to visitors.

Vadstena (Östergötland)

Remains dating back to the Iron Age have been found here. In Vadstena you can visit the church and Vadstena castle, which has played an important role throughout Swedish history.

Rökstenen (Östergötland)

Rökstenen is a unique attraction in Sweden that you should not miss if you are interested in Vikings and rune stones. This runestone has the world’s longest runic inscription.

Trollegater nature reserve (Östergötland)

Trollegater is a large prehistoric cave in Östergötland where locals used to believe that trolls lived. The fissures in the original rock came about after earthquakes, which then became deeper in step with the uplift of the land.

The nature reserve is located 8 km west of Rimforsa in Kinda municipality. It is possible to book guided tours through the municipality, but you can also visit this place on your own.

Brändaholm (Blekinge)

Brändaholm is a charming area just outside central Karlskrona that has also become a well-known attraction in Sweden and has been printed on many postcards over the years.

It is located on Dragsö and during the summer it is possible to join a guided tour. The cottages of Brändaholm all have a uniform style in terms of color, size, and appearance.

Mörrumsån (Blekinge)

Mörrumsån is a beautiful stream in Småland and Blekinge that is particularly famous for its wild population of salmon. Already from the year 1231, there are written sources mentioning salmon fishing in Mörrumsån.

Every year anglers from all over the world come here to fish wild salmon. The Mörrum salmon fishing facility has around 250,000 visitors a year. The stream is surrounded by scenic hiking trails and walking paths.

Hjortsberga gravfält (Blekinge)

Hjortsberga gravfält is a well-preserved burial site in Blekinge, which is located just outside Ronneby. This burial field dates from the younger Iron Age and up to the Viking Age.

In total, there are around 110 ancient remains, including stone ships, stone burials, and burial mounds.

Sölvesborgsbron (Blekinge)

The Sölvesborg Bridge is one of Sweden’s longest bridges for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is 760 meters long and connects central Sölvesborg with Listerlandet via Kaninholmen.

Drottningskärs Kastell (Blekinge)

Drottningskär’s castle is a fortification that was built in the 17th century. The castle is completely intact as it has never been shelled during its 300-year history.

Eriksberg Vilt & Natur (Blekinge)

Eriksberg Hotell & Safaripark is a unique attraction in Sweden that offers accommodation with a safari in a similar way as it’s done in Africa.

This is Europe’s largest game enclosure and visitors can see red deer, fallow deer, mouflon sheep, wild boar, and bison live wild in the open, protected from hunting & predators.

Ales Stenar (Skåne)

Ales Stenar is Scania’s version of Stonehenge. An old stone ship consisting of 59 different stones, the heaviest of which weighs as much as 5 tons. Excavations have shown that the site has been inhabited for thousands of years.

Kaffestugan Alunbruket (Skåne)

Kaffestugan Alunbruket is an idyllic place in the area of Österlen. This is Scania’s oldest coffee house and one of my favorite places to visit in Sweden.

Even today, home-baked goods and coffee are served using the same recipe that Grandma Hilda used when she started the food service in 1930. Nowadays, it is the third generation of the family that continues to run this charming café.

Kärnan (Skåne)

Kärnan is a medieval tower in Helsingborg that is open for visitors. With clear weather, you can see all the way to Helsingör on the other side of the strait.

Lunds Domkyrka (Skåne)

This church opened its doors as early as 1145 and is thus one of Sweden’s oldest churches. The Romanesque architecture has been preserved and the church was built during the times when Lund become the seat of the Nordic archbishop.

Castles in Scania

Scania (Skåne) has plenty of beautiful old castles. So many that they can fill a whole list of their own. Some of the most famous are:

• Bäckaskog castle
• Malmöhus
• Kronovall’s castle
• Trollenäs
• Glimmingehus
• Svaneholm castle
• Sofiero castle

Knäbäckshusens strand (Skåne)

Knäbäckshusen beach is one of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches. It is located in Österlen near Rörum and Stenshuvud National Park.

This beach resembles a tropical beach and could easily have been located in Thailand. The main difference is the climate and sea temperature.

Eslöv toy museum (Skåne)

Regardless of whether you are an adult or a child, it is worth visiting the toy museum in Eslöv. It is one of Sweden’s largest toy museums with thousands of toys from different eras.

Eslöv’s toy museum offers a nostalgia trip for all adults and an exciting experience for children. A fun family activity where you get the chance to show your children or grandchildren what you played with yourself as a child.

Tykarpsgrottan (Skåne)

Tykarpsgrottan is a unique attraction in Scania where a Christmas market is organized every year inside the cave, twelve meters underground. At other times of the year, the cave can be visited and you can join a guided tour.

Dalby church (Skåne)

Dalby church was built in the 11th century and is the oldest stone church in the Nordics. This is also one of Sweden’s oldest preserved buildings.

The central nave and the side nave have been preserved since the first church building which stood here for just over 1,000 years. Dalby church is open to visitors all year round.

Kalmar Castle (Småland)

Kalmar Castle is one of the most stunning Castles in Sweden and it has played an important role in Swedish defense history. The castle’s current appearance was created during the time of Gustav Vasa, but a defense tower was built already in the 12th century.

Kalmar Castle is open to the public with various exhibitions throughout the year. The staff is also wearing traditional clothing.

Teleborg Castle (Småland)

Teleborg Castle is located in Växjö. The castle was built at the end of the 19th century and has a fairytale-like architecture.

Nowadays, it is possible to stay overnight at Teleborg, which also features a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch of the day or à la carte.

Astrid Lindgrens värld (Småland)

Astrid Lindgren’s World is an amusement park in Vimmerby where everything is based on Astrid Lindgren’s fairy tales. Visitors can meet Pippi Longstocking, Emil in Lönneberga, The Brothers Lionheart, Karlsson on the roof, and Ronja Rövardotter.

A fun experience for the whole family that offers a nostalgic day for adults and a fun day for children. During the visit, you can also watch different shows and walk into different houses.

Åsens by (Småland)

Åsens by is a cultural reserve in Aneby municipality where visitors can travel back in time and see what life was like in Småland 100 years ago. It’s a perfect place to visit if you want to unwind and take a break from our modern and busy world.

Eksjö (Småland)

Eksjö is one of Europe’s best-preserved wooden towns with over 50 wooden houses that have been culturally marked. In the picturesque city center, there are many buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Glasriket (Småland)

Glasriket is the name of an area in Småland where the glass industry has been extensive since the 18th century. Nowadays, there are 13 glassworks and studio cabins that are open to visitors.

The unique art glass from Småland’s Glasriket is famous both in Sweden and internationally. At Kosta Glascenter you can also try your hand at glassblowing.

Granhult church (Småland)

Granhult’s church is Sweden’s oldest preserved timber building. The church was built in the 13th century, and today it’s a cultural treasure with a beautiful and charming interior.

Brahehus (Småland)

Brahehus is a classic attraction in Sweden that many vacationers have passed over the years. This old castle is located along the E4, about 3 kilometers north of Gränna.

From here you get a fantastic view of Lake Vättern and the surrounding landscape from a height of 270 meters above the sea.

High Chaparral (Småland)

High Chaparral is a Swedish theme park with an Indian and cowboy theme. A fun place to visit in Småland where the whole family gets the chance to pan for gold and experience a Wild West environment with associated buildings and shows.

A World of Dinosaurs (Småland)

A World of Dinosaurs is located just outside Kalmar, and it is the largest dinosaur museum in Europe with over 200 skeletons and a reputable collection of fossils from different eras.

Gamleby Trollskogen (Småland)

Over the years, Trollskogen in Gamleby has become a popular attraction in Sweden. The giant Garpe welcomes visitors to Garpedansberget where visitors can follow along a walking path that goes up to the top of the mountain.

In total, there are 87 sculptures representing various fairy-tale characters and beings. A fun activity is to try to find all the sculptures and see how many you manage to find.

Tanum Rock Carvings (Bohuslän)

In Bohuslän, there are around 1500 rock carvings, dating back to 1800-500 years BC. They are listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco and for those who like history, this is an interesting place to visit in Sweden that you should not miss.

Kungsklyftan (Bohuslän)

Kungsklyftan is known, among other things, from the movie Ronja Rövardotter. A mighty gorge that runs through Vetteberget. Walking under the wedged rock is a memorable experience that is both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time.

Liseberg (Göteborg)

Liseberg is one of Sweden’s most visited attractions with around 3 million visitors every year. A theme park that has been open for visitors since 1923 with rides for all ages.

Throughout the year, various themes are also organized at the amusement park in connection with Christmas and Halloween. The Christmas market at Liseberg is usually viewed as one of the best Christmas markets in Sweden.

Smögen (Bohuslän)

Smögen is one of the most popular places to visit in Sweden and every year thousands of tourists come here during the summer months. A beautifully situated island with traditional red houses and lots of restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

The neighboring island of Hållö is also worth a visit with its old lighthouse and the beautiful swimming bay Marmorbassängen.

Pärlane strand (Bohuslän)

Pärlane beach is located in Bohus-Malmön on the West Coast. In my opinion, this is one of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches thanks to its fine-grained sand and unique appearance with a twin beach surrounded by crystal clear water.

Bohus fästning

Bohus fortress is a historical attraction in Bohuslän where many sieges have taken place over the years. The fortress was originally built in the 14th century to strengthen Norway’s border with Sweden.

During the Nordic Seven Years’ War, Bohus fortress was heavily besieged on six different occasions. Nowadays, it is a quiet place where visitors have the opportunity to explore the ruins that remain of the old fortress.

Ramsvikslandet (Bohuslän)

Ramsvikslandet is usually called the kingdom of the rocks and here you can enjoy a walk in a barren landscape with smooth granite outcrops.

Borrås Skåra (Halland)

Borrå’s skåra is a 10-meter-deep rock crevasse located just north of Varberg. During the Iron Age, the site was probably used as an ancient fortress.

The rock crevasse has a width of 1-2 meters and at the end, there is a large boulder wedged in place between the cliff walls. According to the legend, one should put a coin in a small hole in the mountain wall to pass safely.

Tjolöholm Castle (Halland)

Tjolöholm Castle is located on a peninsula in the fjord of Kungsbacka. The castle was built in English Tudor style and was completed in 1904. As a visitor, you can choose to explore on your own or join a guided castle tour.

You can also stay overnight or go for a stroll in the beautiful castle garden. Afternoon tea is another popular activity at Tjolöholm Castle.

Varbergs kallbadhus (Halland)

The cold bath house in Varberg is a well-known attraction in Halland that was built in oriental style in 1903. Here you can enjoy a plunge in the sea all year round with a hot sauna session afterwards.

Grimeton radiostation (Halland)

Grimeton radio station is a World Heritage site located just outside Varberg. Among other things, there is an electromechanical long-distance transmitter from the 1920s that is still fully functional today.

It was from here that Sweden communicated with the United States. This facility played a significant role in telegraph traffic across the Atlantic. As a visitor, you can learn more about the technology and the function of the facility.

Lagaoset (Halland)

Lagaoset is a lovely place in Laholm municipality where the river Lagan flows into the sea. The landscape is characterized by its beautiful beach with fine-grained sand that is surrounded by sand dunes.

Habo church (Västergötland)

Habo church is a relatively unknown attraction in Sweden despite being one of the most beautiful churches in Europe if you ask me.

There are countless impressive wood carvings and paintings on the inside. Habo church was consecrated in 1680.

Läckö Castle (Västergötland)

Läckö Castle is beautifully located out on Kållandsö by Lake Vänern. It is open to the public and various exhibitions and performances are organized every year. In the museum, you can also see old objects from the 17th century.

Göta Kanal (Västergötland)

The Göta Canal is a well-known attraction in Sweden that is also of historical importance as the canal has contributed enormously to Sweden’s development since it was built.

Göta Canal is 190.5 kilometers long and has a total of 58 locks that make it possible to travel all the way from Kattegat in the west to the Baltic Sea in the east by boat. It’s possible to experience Göta Canal by bike or boat.

Varnhems klosterkyrka (Västergötland)

Varnhem’s monastery church is a beautiful old church with unique architecture in Romanesque-Gothic style. The monastery church was consecrated in the 12th century.

In this place, the oldest traces of Christianity in Sweden have been found and as a visitor, you can really feel the wings of history when you stroll around.

Hornborgasjön (Västergötland)

Lake Hornborgasjön has become a popular place to visit in Sweden where you can see the annual dance of thousands of cranes. At most, over 20,000 cranes gather.

The highest number of cranes can typically be seen by the lake in the last week of March, or in the beginning of April depending on the weather.

Martorpsfallet (Västergötland)

Martorpsfallet is a waterfall at Kinnekulle that cascades along beautiful limestone formations. The waterfall has its largest flow during spring.

Visby (Gotland)

The city wall in Visby is a World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. Visby is also one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved towns from the Middle Ages.

Sankta Maria domkyrka (Gotland)

The cathedral in Visby was consecrated in the 13th century and was originally intended to serve as a guest church for merchants from Germany. After the Reformation in the 16th century, the church was elevated to a cathedral.

Rauks of Gotland

Gotland is widely known for its rauks. In the picture, you see a famous rauk area on the island of Fårö, which is particularly known for its iconic rauk called “Kaffepannan”.

Another well-known rauk area is Langhammar’s rauk area and Hoburgsgubben. Folhammar raukfält is another rauk area worth a visit.

Gute Vingård (Gotland)

Join a guided tour of the Gute vineyard, which has around 17,000 vines with the grape varieties Rondo, Solaris, and Phönix. You can also stay overnight.

Blå lagunen (Gotland)

The Blue Lagoon is an old limestone quarry in northern Gotland that is known for its crystal clear water that shimmers in turquoise and blue. It’s a popular place to go for a swim during the summer months.

Lummelundagrottan (Gotland)

The Lummelunda cave is a popular attraction on Gotland, which is located just north of Visby. It is one of Sweden’s longest caves, and it’s still largely unexplored.

As a visitor, you can join various tours in the cave. The tours are adapted based on age and how far into the cave you want to go.

Tingstäde kyrka (Gotland)

Tingstäde is one of Gotland’s oldest and largest medieval churches. The church was built in the 12th century and has had the same appearance since the 14th century. The height of the tower is a whopping 55 meters.

Kneippbyn (Gotland)

Kneippbyn is a well-visited tourist facility on the island of Gotland with a water park, hotel, camping, and carousels. Here you can also visit the real-life “Villa Villekulla”, which was used in the filming of Pippi Longstocking.

Akvedukten i Håverud (Dalsland)

The aqueduct in Håverud is a spectacular construction that attracts around 250,000 visitors a year from all over the world. Take a trip along Dalsland’s canal and see Håverud’s aqueduct up close.

Dals Rostock örtagård (Dalsland)

The herb garden Dals Rostock is a picturesque herb garden with around 350 plants. From May to September it is open to visitors with free entry.

The herb garden was established in memory of Johannes Henriksson, who was a prominent connoisseur in Sweden when it comes to medicinal plants.

Tresticklans nationalpark (Dalsland)

Tresticklan is a national park in Dalsland that is characterized by pristine forests and beautiful lakes. It is also the largest forested area that is roadless and undeveloped in southern Sweden.

Do you have more suggestions on places to visit in Sweden? Feel free to share your own favorites and leave a comment.

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Sweden in February: Weather, Tips and More

• ~ mins read

If you dream of exploring a winter wonderland, seeing the Northern lights dancing above your head in ribbons of verdant green and purple, trying dogsledding or savoring the snowy landscapes, Sweden in February might just be the perfect place for you.

February is the final winter month in Sweden and offers visitors a magical winter experience. As the long darkness of Polar Night begins to fade towards the end of this month, it's an ideal time to embrace Swedish winter with fewer crowds, when all the winter activities and things to do are still very much available.

Visit Kiruna for breathtaking Northern Lights views still prominent in early February, or stay at the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi for a unique ice and snow experience. Ski in Åre or Sälen, go dog sledding, and immerse yourself in Stockholm's culture and cuisine. A trip to Sweden in February is not to be missed, as it is all things magical!

Sweden Weather in February

Weather in Sweden in the month of February largely depends on where you’re visiting. Sweden is about 450,000 square kilometers, making it easy to see how weather can vary greatly depending on what region you’re in. The country is divided into three regions, Götaland in the south, Svealand in the middle, and Norrland in the north; the north and south face a contrast in temperatures. Near Gothenburg and Stockholm, temperatures hang between 1°C (34°F) and -3°C (27°F), while the north will still see freezing cold climes somewhere between -8°C(18°F) and -17°C (1°F).

While Sweden does get snow in February, precipitation is at a minimum during this time of year. The southern beaches of the archipelago typically don’t see more than an inch of snow in February, while Kiruna in Swedish Lapland averages about four inches. In terms of daylight hours, the sun sets around 5:00 pm in Stockholm and Gothenburg and around 3:45 pm in Kiruna, one of the largest cities in Swedish Lapland.

If you want a more generalized view of each season in Sweden, read our guide on the best time to visit Sweden .

Weather in Sweden in February - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit sweden in february.

If you’re willing to brave the cold, February is one of the best times of year to experience Sweden. Here are just a few reasons why you should embark on a trip to Sweden in winter .

• Best Scandinavian pick: Despite the fact that February is one of the best months to experience a Nordic winter, this is the off-season for Sweden's major cities. The cold deters many from visiting this time of year, but the country's strategic position in the Gulf Stream means that it enjoys milder temperatures compared to its neighboring countries during this period. This unique advantage makes Sweden an ideal destination for those seeking a winter experience without extreme cold, crowd, or expense. The lower number of tourists during February results in more affordable hotel rates, particularly in Gothenburg and Stockholm, two of Sweden's major cities. Compared to other Scandinavian destinations, such as Oslo in Norway or Copenhagen in Denmark, these cities offer relatively lower prices for accommodations. 
• Winter sports: Swedes have a particular saying for the holidays they take in February. Known as sportlov or “sport’s break”, schools break for a week in March or February to enjoy winter sports. Destinations like Åre in Sweden beckon with their splendid ski resorts during this period, offering thrilling activities such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. For snowboarding enthusiasts, the slopes of Riksgränsen provide an ideal destination, while those seeking the tranquility of snow-covered forests can enjoy snowshoeing in Abisko National Park, and families looking for a thrilling sledding experience can head to Kiruna's Kungsleden trail.
• Swedish celebrations: Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of February. Experience Sami National Day, a holiday celebrating the Sami peoples of northern Sweden through traditional foods, music, and clothing. Another event that takes place in February is the Jokkmokk Winter Market , held in the small town of Jokkmokk. Here, visitors can explore the bustling market stalls, interact with local artisans, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of this centuries-old winter market. Additionally, in February, Sweden celebrates Fettisdagen, also known as "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday. This festival marks the indulgence before the start of Lent and is renowned for its delicious pastry called the semla.

Where to Go and What to Do

From snowy dreamscapes and the famous Dr. Seuss-esque frozen trees in the iconic Lapland in the north to the cityscapes of Stockholm or Gothenburg, February in Sweden is a wonderful excuse to see this Nordic country in all its wintry glory. Start your Swedish adventures off in Gothenburg, located along what Swedes lovingly refer to as the “west coast, best coast”. Although the city can be relatively quiet during the winter, you’ll have plenty of activities to look forward to, the major one being the Gothenburg Film Festival.

If you haven’t had enough of metropolitan Sweden, tour Stockholm for a history lesson that spans from the illustrious Vikings at the Vasa Museum to Swedish kings at the Royal Palace and ending with the sparkling ABBA Museum; these indoor attractions, although traditionally closed on Mondays, are mostly open during February. Be sure to get a Stockholm pass to get free museum entries and skip long lines!

And if you’re looking for a smaller town to explore, Malmö in February has the mildest weather of the Swedish cities and is just across the Øresund Strait and, thus, Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen.

For outdoor adventures, head to Swedish Lapland to hunt the Northern Lights, search for reindeer and arctic fox, try your hand at dogsledding and learn more about the ancient traditions of the Sami.

What to Bring

A trip to Sweden in March will require clothing that is suitable for potentially harsh winter weather, especially if you’ll be traveling in Swedish Lapland or really anywhere north of Svealand, the middle of the country. Even visiting the capital city and Gothenburg will garner warm, wind-resistant clothing. Thick wool socks, a windbreaker, sturdy waterproof boots, and winter accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves are all essentials. Be sure to include a thermal base layer, preferably wool, if you plan on partaking in any winter sports! Another surprising but essential piece of gear is your swimsuit, which you’ll need for the country’s many thermal baths and saunas.

Whether you’re planning to go dog sledding during the Polar Night under a sea of stars or you’ve always dreamt of spending the night in an Ice Hotel, February in Sweden is one of the best places to experience a Scandinavian winter. Check out Sweden guides or fill out our form for customized trips to Sweden so an expert on our team can curate the perfect itinerary for you.

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The most unmissable places to visit in Sweden

Feb 7, 2022 • 7 min read

Stretching from the Arctic tundra of Lapland to the sandy beaches of Skåne, Europe’s fifth-largest country has something for every interest © Jens Ottoson / Shutterstock

From ABBA to IKEA, Pippi Longstocking to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , the Nobel Prizes to Ingmar Bergman, Sweden has given so much to the world – and it's equally generous to travelers. 

Stretching from the Arctic tundra of Lapland to the fertile farmlands and sandy beaches of Skåne, Europe’s fifth-largest country has something for every interest: captivating cities, picturesque small towns, intriguing historic sites and pristine, diverse nature within easy reach, no matter where you find yourself. Here are some of Sweden’s most unmissable destinations.

Delve into history, culture and nature in Stockholm 

Few cities blend history, culture and nature as well as Stockholm . Founded around 1252, Sweden’s capital straddles 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. With scenic views galore, distinct neighborhoods and abundant green space, it’s a wonderful place to simply wander.

Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan , stroll along the waterfront boulevard Strandvägen, take a boat trip into the stunning archipelago or stop for a coffee and pastry at one of the city’s many cafés. For more focused sightseeing, Stockholm has endless attractions to keep you busy, from City Hall and the Royal Palace to top-notch museums such as  Skansen ,  Fotografiska  and  Vasamuseet .

Chic bars, stunning parks and ABBA: Stockholm's neighborhoods have it all

Get to know laidback Gothenburg

Sweden’s second city in terms of size, Göteborg , as it's known locally, has a laidback west-coast vibe that sets it apart. Streetcars rattle past 17th-century canals, lively squares and the broad boulevard Kungsportsavenyn, lined with pubs and restaurants.

Along with verdant parks, diverse walking neighborhoods and great shopping and dining, Göteborg has an excellent city history museum and an art museum with an outstanding collection of paintings by Nordic artists. Ship lovers won’t want to miss Maritiman , where you can climb aboard vessels including a historic lightship, a submarine and a destroyer.

Soak up the coastal scenery in Bohuslän 

Sandwiched between Göteborg and the Norwegian border, Bohuslän is an enticing mix of gorgeous coastal scenery, idyllic small towns and fascinating history.

Explore the impressive 17th-century Carlsten Fortress atop Marstrand island, ponder the mysteries of hundreds of ancient petroglyphs near Tanum, kayak the fjords around the region’s many islands, hike a coastal trail or just relax and soak up the natural beauty and lively summer atmosphere in picturesque waterfront communities, such as Smögen, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad.

Take in traditional arts and handicrafts in Dalarna 

Few places have shaped Sweden's international image as much as Dalarna , a region rich in cultural history and tradition. The area around Lake Siljan is a center for folk music, dance and handicrafts, including iconic wooden Dala horses, which you can see being carved and painted by hand at factories in Nusnäs .

In Falun, Sweden’s most important copper mine, which closed in 1992 after operating for a thousand years, is now a fascinating tourist attraction with underground tours. Other highlights include the homes of artists Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn and composer Hugo Alfvén . 

Get spiritual in Uppsala

Uppsala has been an important center for learning, religion, culture and power for at least 1500 years. At Gamla Uppsala , north of the city center, three large royal burial mounds attest to the site's importance in the 6th century, and its adjacent museum has fascinating exhibits about the area’s history.

In modern Uppsala, stroll along the river Fyrisån, and wander through the parks, squares and cobbled streets around the oldest university and the largest cathedral in the Nordic countries, both dating from the 15th century. Plant lovers won’t want to miss the university’s Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala , comprising a botanical garden, an orangery and a tropical greenhouse , among other attractions.

Tailor a trip to practically any interest in Lapland 

Sweden’s far north, Lapland is a huge area, so where to go depends on your particular interests. Looking for majestic alpine scenery and wilderness hiking? The region has both in spades, including several national parks and one of the world’s great long-distance trails, Kungsleden . 

Hoping to see the Northern Lights? Abisko National Park is particularly renowned for ideal aurora conditions, though you’ll have excellent chances all over northern Sweden in autumn and winter.

Want an unusual hotel experience? Head to the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi or Treehotel in Harads. Want to learn about Scandinavia’s indigenous people? Jokkmokk is something of a Sámi capital, with an interesting cultural museum, Ájtte , and a vibrant annual winter market . 

Hike to great heights in Höga Kusten 

Between Härnösand and Örnsköldsvik, the High Coast has been rising steadily since the end of the last Ice Age, elevating the ancient shoreline as much as 286m (938ft) above the present-day coast. Hiking trails, a chairlift and a via ferrata lead to the top of Skuleberget, which has panoramic views.

Head to Skuleskogen National Park for more hiking trails showcasing the region’s fascinating geology, or explore the lovely islands just offshore, including Ulvön and Trysunda. Further south the E4 highway crosses Sweden’s longest suspension bridge; an overlook at the north end provides views of the impressive structure.

See a different side of Swedish history in Skåne 

Previously a Danish county, Skåne only became a permanent part of Sweden in 1658, and the region’s unique history is evident in its distinct dialect and in the half-timbered houses of its medieval cities and towns, such as Lund and Ystad. Malmö , Sweden’s third-largest city, is an eclectic blend of history, culture and cutting-edge architecture, including the iconic Turning Torso . 

Skåne also has tremendous natural beauty, from the white-sand beaches of Österlen and the jagged coastline of Kullaberg to deep forests and golden agricultural landscapes with vast skies, and its many splendid castles and palaces include Sofiero , known for its beautiful gardens. 

Sweden's most beautiful beaches: from sunbathing near the Arctic Circle to lakeside lounging

Go back in time in Kalmar and shop for glass in Glasriket

An important town during the Middle Ages, Kalmar has one of Sweden’s finest Renaissance castles , as well as a county museum with thousands of astonishingly well-preserved artifacts recovered from the royal ship Kronan, sunk nearby in a 1676 battle.

To the west is  Glasriket , a forested region known as the Kingdom of Crystal, that's home to more than a dozen diverse glassworks, where you can watch artisans work, shop at company stores and perhaps even try your own hand at glassblowing. The most renowned, Kosta Boda , dates from 1742.

Next door, the Kosta Boda Art Hotel has gorgeous art glass everywhere, including a stunning blue-glass bar. For a completely different style, head to Malerås , which produces unique painted and engraved art glass.

Have a medieval adventure in Gotland

A hotly contested hub of Baltic trade for centuries, Sweden’s largest island is dotted with sheep farms, fishing villages, ancient ruins, medieval churches and sea stacks ( raukar ) carved by the elements into fantastical shapes. Charming Visby , the largest town, has one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval cores, a largely intact city wall and an excellent museum tracing the island’s history.

A short free ferry ride from Gotland’s northeastern tip lies stunning, windswept Fårö, beloved by director Ingmar Bergman . Off Gotland’s west coast, the island of Stora Karlsö is famous for its huge seabird colonies.

Get outside in Öland 

Just a bridge away from Kalmar, the long, narrow island of Öland is a world apart in terms of landscape and nature. Southern Öland has starkly beautiful scenery, with stone walls, wildflowers, windmills and rocky pastures. In the north lie Böda Sand, a spectacular, hugely popular beach, and Trollskogen , a magical forest with pine trees twisted by the elements into fantastical shapes.

Two scenic lighthouses, Långe Erik and  Långe Jan , punctuate the island’s northern and southern tips respectively. Other highlights include the impressive ruins of 17th-century Borgholms Castle and the lush park at Solliden Palace , the royal family’s summer home. Öland is also one of Sweden’s top birdwatching destinations, with several nature reserves that attract both resident and migratory species.

You might also like: The most unmissable experiences in stunning Stockholm When is the best time to visit Stockholm? The best things you can do for free (and nearly free) in Stockholm

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• To do in Stockholm in February

Things to do in Stockholm in February

Top activities to enjoy – on your own or together with someone.

Are you looking for new activities to enjoy on your own or together with friends or family? Attend a virtual design fair, learn pottery, find the best “semla”  in town  or enjoy the beautiful archipelago – here are some of the top things to enjoy in Stockholm in February – of course with careful consideration during the pandemic. Find inspiration for a month full of exiting experiences!

Virtual design fair - Stockholm Furniture & Light

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair  has gone from being a relatively small furniture fair to and showcasing Scandinavian design on the international scene. Due to the current pandemic the fair that is usually held in Stockholm has been cancelled, but there is still a way for design enthusiasts to enjoy a digital version at  Stockholm Design & Architecture Talks . Here you can enjoy interesting talks from international design specialists – buy your ticket here . There are also multiple activities such as showrooms, pop-ups and exhibitions connected to Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair around town.

Learn pottery at Drejverkstaden

Do you enjoy being creative and making things with your hands? Then we can highly recommend checking out  Drejverkstaden , a pottery centre for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. They have plenty of different courses depending on your previous experience. During February they have weekend courses available, and during the rest of the year they host workshops and evening courses as well.

Luxurious brunch in several servings

Nothing says ”treat yourself” quite like a luxurious brunch. Onboard classic archipelago ship you can sit down and enjoy the unique atmosphere and enjoy a delicious brunch , served directly to your table, as the beautiful views of the archipelago pass you by. The food is cooked onboard using local and seasonal produce, and the chef will treat you to delicacies such as assorted appetizers, confit chicken, Swedish hash browns with salmon and browned butter and much more. And not to forget the delicious desserts in the final serving!

Cross-country skiing – open tracks in Stockholm

Finally winter has arrived in Stockholm. The cold in combination with the recent snowfall means there have been several cross-country ski tracks prepared all over Stockholm. Are you the one that brings hot chocolate and a packed lunch for a leisurely ski trip? Or do you search high and low for the perfect ski wax to make sure you have the best glide and head out for a good work out? The track information is based on the conditions for the day, so make sure you check on the day that the chosen track is open. Here are some of our favourite cross-country skiing tracks in Stockholm:

• Täby Konstsnö  by Arninge Golf course
• Balingsta  in Huddinge
• Gärdet’s sportgrounds  on Djurgården

Archipelago Tour with Guide

Have you ever experienced the archipelago during the winter? It is just as beautiful as it is during the summer. The Archipelago Tour with Guide  does exactly what it says – it is a tour through the Stockholm archipelago where the guide tells you fascinating facts and stories about the places and buildings you pass on the way. Sit back and enjoy the views! There is a cafeteria onboard where you can buy traditional Swedish “fika”, hot and cold drinks and assorted snacks.

Find the best “semla” in Stockholm

Are you familiar with the Swedish pastry known as semla? Traditionally, it comes as a fluffy bun split in half and filled with an almond paste and whipped cream, sometimes served in a bowl of hot milk. There is an entire day dedicated to the semla, 16th of February, and it is said that there are around 6 millions semlas consumed in Sweden every year. There are plenty of bakeries in Stockholm that serve both traditional and new versions of semla (they are now sold as wraps, cinnamon buns and even nachos). They can of course be enjoyed on other days, but it might be fun to try to find your favourite semla in Stockholm during February – here are some of our top tips!

• Tössebageriet  serves classic semla and is home of the ”semla wrap” 
• Try a Danish pastry semla, Cronut semla or plant based semla at  Mr Cake 
• Enjoy a classic semla, miniature semla or vegan semla at Gateau    

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February in Scandinavia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Although it will most definitely be cold, February is a great month to visit Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. At this time of year, winter sports in these  Scandinavian countries are in full swing and you still have a chance to see the spectacular  aurora borealis , also known as the northern lights.

February is still considered the off-season for tourism, so travelers can save quite a bit on expenses as well. Not only are hotel prices cheaper but the crowds are also thinner. If you enjoy winter sports but are on a tight budget, Scandinavia in February can be a very good deal and it's a great month for skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

Among these fun winter activities, you can also take advantage of spending a rare night in one of Scandinavia's ice hotels, which are only in operation for about four months of the year. With subzero temperatures in the guest rooms, this could be a romantic idea for a Valentine's Day trip. After all, you won't need any excuse to snuggle up with your special someone in an expedition-tested sleeping bag.

Scandinavia Weather in February

Depending on how far north you are in the Nordic and Scandinavian countries, a February day averages from 18 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 7 degrees to 1 degree Celsius). Constant freezing is also not unusual in the northern parts of these countries. February has some of the lowest temperatures and can be windy.

• Stockholm, Sweden : 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) /27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3 Celsius)
• Oslo, Norway : 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius)/23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius)
• Bergen, Norway : 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius)/32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius)
• Copenhagen, Denmark : 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius)/30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius)

In February, daylight hours slowly increase as Scandinavia emerges from its long, dark winter. Southern parts of the region, such as Denmark, can get seven to eight hours of daylight in February; meanwhile northern parts of Sweden may only get four to six hours. In certain areas of the Arctic Circle , there is no sun at all in the winter, which is a phenomenon called polar nights . Although it can seem quite gloomy, this is actually the perfect time to maximize your chances of viewing the northern lights and other amazing natural phenomena .

What to Pack

During one of the coldest months of the year in one of the coldest inhabited regions of the world, you will need all the warm wooly layers you can get your hands on. If you are headed to the Arctic Circle, bring sturdy boots for walking on snow and ice, a down-filled waterproof outfit, a hat, gloves, and a scarf in addition to a good set of long underwear. If you'll be hitting the slopes, you'll want to make sure you have a good ski jacket and snow pants that will keep you warm while allowing for mobility.

No matter which Scandinavian country you plan on visiting as your final destination, an insulated coat, gloves, hat, and scarf are the bare minimum for travelers in February. It is a good idea to pack long underwear, which can be worn under clothing every day. It is better to have a heavy  suitcase  full of warm clothes than to freeze during your vacation or business trip. 

February Events in Scandinavia

Winter sports fans are in for a treat, especially in the region's famous  ski resorts . In addition to skiing, there's ice fishing, bobsledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In 2021, some events may be canceled or held virtually.

• Sami National Day :  Every year, February 6 is a celebration of an accord of the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. 
• Vinterjazz :  In Denmark, you can check out this winter festival with jazz greats from around the world. In 2021, the festival is canceled.
• Polarjazz : If you plan to visit the remote island of Svalbard in Norway, you can attend the unique Polar Jazz Festival billed as the northernmost jazz festival in the world with the tagline "Cool place, hot music." In 2021, this event has been canceled.
• Rjukan Ice Climbing Festival :  Watch competitors scale frozen waterfalls and learn more about this intense sport, and then head over to the  Røros Winter Fair , a Norwegian market that dates back to 1854 and features festivities, numerous stalls, hot coffee around a bonfire, folk music, and storytelling. The fair takes place every year in January and February. Both the fair and festival have been canceled in 2021.
• Stockholm Furniture Fair : Visitors to Sweden can make plans to visit this popular event where designers come together and showcase their latest creations before they hit the mass market. The event has been postponed to February 8 to 12, 2022.

February Travel Tips

• Scandinavia is generally very safe and poses few risks to travelers, health-related or otherwise. In winter, exercise caution, as slippery pavement and traffic accidents caused by wildlife crossings are common.
• The aurora borealis is best seen on the Arctic Circle on very clear and dark winter nights. The northern lights are sometimes spotted in southern Scandinavia, but you'll have a better chance at seeing them if you travel far from the city on a very dark and clear night.
• In addition to being a great time for winter sports, February is also less busy and travel and accommodations will be more affordable. Regional airlines sometimes offer deep discounts at this time of year.
• Scandinavia has no shortage of great ski locations, but you should also consider other unique activities during your trip, like dog sledding, ice racing, and ice fishing.

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From warming up over fika to exploring the Vasa Museum, these are the best things to do in Stockholm in winter for that perfect city break!

While chasing the winter sun can be great, I think there’s something so magical about embracing the cold for a properly wintry getaway. And Stockholm in winter definitely delivers that and so much more!

There are exciting ways to spend time outdoors and warm up afterwards in cosy Scandi surroundings. One day you might be skiing at the Hammarbybacken resort or seeing the sights on a boat tour. The next, wandering around the museums and spending some downtime in the saunas. Oh, and then there’s fika, the art of chillaxing with cake and a coffee. I mean, that all sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?

Another reason winter is an amazing time to visit is that Christmas in Stockholm is a festive dream. Markets, mulled wine, sprinklings of snow. I mean, what’s not to love?

As well as stacks of seasonal things to see and do, a bonus of visiting Stockholm in winter is that there are fewer tourists around. too It might still be busy in places, but not frantic, and you can get the most reasonable prices on accommodation.

Carry on reading for my recommendations of the best things to do in Stockholm in winter. I think you’ll find this city really does make for the perfect winter break away!

Visiting Stockholm at other times of the year? Then check out my guide on visiting Stockholm in summer !

Are you planning an amazing weekend in Stockholm? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Stockholm:

• Bank Hotel (best rated 5* hotel)
• Hotel Hasselbacken (best rated 4* hotel)
• Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel (stay on a boat!)

Best activities and tours in Stockholm:

• Stockholm Winter Tour by Boat (top rated tour!)
• ABBA The Museum Entrance Ticket (great indoor activity)
• Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika, and Hot Sauna

What’s the weather like in winter?

In a nutshell: Stockholm winters are cold.

Between December and February, the coldest months of the year in Sweden , you’re looking at an average of 0°C. There can be days when it’s much much colder, dropping down to -15˚C or even lower.

Don’t be put off by this. As long as you’re well prepared with the right clothes (more on that below), you’ll do just fine. I find the cold in Stockholm quite a dry cold (if that makes sense). As long as you’re wrapped up, it really isn’t too bad and I think the UK in winter feels colder.

Snow is very likely in December, so if you’re chasing a white Christmas, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find it here.

What clothes to pack for winter?

Layers, layers and more layers, starting with thermals. Over these, a choice of t-shirts and long sleeved shirts, jumpers and hoodies, trousers and jeans, all to build up protection against the cold.

Most importantly, you need a decent coat. I’m talking your biggest, baddest winter coat – if you haven’t got one, it’s an investment worth making before visiting Stockholm in winter.

Don’t forget a hat, scarf and gloves, and some sturdy shoes for walking around in. A pair of walking boots is always a reliable option, as they keep your feet warm too.

I took all of the above in my usual backpack, which worked out much better than a suitcase, as it meant no dragging it along through ice and snow.

Christmas in Stockholm

Let me say this now, Christmas in Stockholm does not disappoint.

Although this time of year has as little as six daylight hours in the city, it’s anything but dull and dreary. Fairy lights and candles light up the evenings, and a glass (or many) of glögg is the ideal way to warm up your hands.

Three main Christmas markets, called julmarknad in Swedish, spring up in the city centre with handcrafted gifts and a cracking atmosphere. I loved sampling the local delicacies on offer, like saffron buns, ginger snaps and coal buns. They’re what most remind me of Christmas in Stockholm! 

The whole of Stockholm generally has a festive atmosphere. You’d have to be a serious grinch for it not to rub off on you.

You can even go on a Christmas tour of Stockholm where you take in some of the best sights in Old Town all by lantern light. It’s so romantic!

Right, let’s move onto what to do in Stockholm in winter. It’s time to start planning your trip here!

Things to do in Stockholm in winter

Ice skating in stockholm.

Think winter activities and ice skating is always one of the first to come to mind. You can do plenty of it in Stockholm, as a mix of natural ice and manmade skating rinks pop up in all corners of the city.

One of the most popular is in one of the main parks, Kungsträdgården . As well as braving the ice, it’s also just a great place to hang out with bars, music and food on offer off the rink.

Ski at the Hammarbybacken ski resort

Even if you’re on a whistle-stop trip to Stockholm, you might be able to fit in some skiing thanks to Hammarbybacken ski resort . This is the city’s own ski slope, which you can easily reach using public transport.

The resort has everything you need for a fun day out – equipment rental, restaurants and bars – and there’s runs to suit different levels of experience.

Go on a food tour in Stockholm

I try to squeeze a food tour into every visit to a new city and Stockholm was no different.

The food and walking tour I chose was four hours long and covered a little bit of everything. We had a taste of local cheeses and meats, speciality seafood, Swedish candies, cinnamon rolls and more. Everything was totally delicious!

As well as pigging out on the locally made food, this was a great way to explore the markets and learn a bit more about the history of the city.

Enjoy fika with a friend

Fika is a part of Swedish culture centred on taking time out to enjoy coffee and something to eat with friends each day. It’s a concept I could definitely get on board with and did so in Stockholm.

This would likely feature in your visit no matter what time of the year you were in town. But there’s something extra special about indulging in fika in wintertime, when a hot coffee is more welcome than ever.

Cosy cafes selling hot drinks and cinnamon rolls (aka kanelbullar) and other sweet treats are never far away. One of my favourites was Ritorno, which has been open since 1934 and has a cool 1950s feel.

Watch an ice hockey game

Winter is ice hockey season and since Sweden is renowned as one of the best nations in the world at the sport, it’s well worth catching a game. Hovet is the home stadium of Stockholm’s team, so if you can, time your visit for when they have a match on.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the first thing about ice hockey. I know next to nothing about the sport but still had a riot watching a game at Hovet. The atmosphere alone is enough to ensure you have a good time.

If you’re looking at what to do in Stockholm in December, then this is a great time to go to a match. You can find out more on how to book a ticket here.

Visit the Fotografiska museum

The city’s museum of photography is more than just a place to view exhibitions. People flock to this cultural hub for the brilliant on-site cafe and bar, as well as drop-dead gorgeous views to the north.

That being said, the exhibitions are excellent, shining a spotlight on world-renowned and up-and-coming photographers. Any photography nerd like me will want to make this top of your list of things to do in Stockholm in winter or at any other time of year.

Fotografiska is open in the evenings too, making it a top spot for dinner and drinks before or after taking a look at the photography on show.

Tickets for Fotografiska cost £15 ($20) per person and this is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in winter!

Spend an afternoon in a spa/sauna

Go from the chill of the Stockholm weather to the intense warmth of a traditional Swedish sauna. Being a popular pastime, there’s a real mix of more exclusive spas and ones that are closer to your regular swimming pool with a sauna added on. So whatever your budget, you should find somewhere to get your sauna on.

Apparently a lot of Swedes take a dip in a freezing cold lake before thawing out in a sauna. I was more than happy to stick to the sauna-only experience!

Take in the infamous Vasa Museum

This is one of the city’s most-visited attractions, named after the incredibly well-preserved 17th century battleship that’s housed here. The story of the ship is fascinating – it sunk just minutes after taking off and was somehow lost in the harbour. They only found and salvaged the ship 300 years later!

For me, visiting the Vasa Museum is one of those Stockholm winter activities that’s perfect for first-timers to the city. I’ve came here on my first trip to Stockholm and found it really interesting. This definitely isn’t your typical museum that’s for sure.

You can book your tickets here – this includes a detailed guided tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Go on a Stockholm boat tour

Stockholm is actually a collection of islands that are part of a wider archipelago, so water is a big part of the city’s identity. For tourists, a boat tour is an awesome way to check out some well-known sights at the same time as admiring the scenery in the area.

Some routes do freeze over in winter, but a selection remain open year-round, meaning it’s still a great activity for this time of year. There’s also indoor areas on the boats, so you don’t need to worry about the chill of the air out on deck.

On a winter boat tour of Stockholm you can enjoy the magnificent views of the city as you cruise along. This tour is a great way of seeing a lot of the city and you can buy Swedish Glögg on board too.

Explore the Stockholm metro stations (underground art gallery)

Stockholm has one of the most beautiful metro systems I’ve ever seen. That’s because artists have created street art in 100 different stations, turning the whole thing into one city-wide gallery.

You can spot rainbow-coloured murals, installations, statues and more adorning the underground stations. Much of the art has a futuristic feel, which makes a cool contrast to the more traditional vibes in the city above ground.

Which of these winter things to do in Stockholm do you like the sound of? Are you planning a winter city break? Let me know in the comments!

Travelling to Copenhagen ? Then read all about how to travel from Stockholm to Copenhagen . Also, check out my Copenhagen city guide for what to do while you’re there.

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden

By Carl Austin · Last updated on March 7, 2024

Sweden is famous around the world for lots of things: Saab and Volvo automobiles, the music group ABBA, pickled herring and the DIY megastore IKEA. It is equally as famous for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages, being the land of reindeer and endless summer sun.

Sweden is filled with colorful wooden buildings, traditional huts, stone fortresses and cathedrals, and some pretty innovative contemporary architecture. Whether it’s hiking trails or art museums you’re looking for, Sweden has it. An overview of the best places to visit in Sweden:

10. Kosterhavet National Park

Sweden has lots of coastline, no doubt about that, but the best place to observe marine line under protected circumstances is Kosterhavet National Park. Kosterhavet, which borders Norway, is the country’s first marine national park. With 6,000 species of marine life, the park is home to several species that can’t be found anywhere else in Sweden.

The park is centered around the shores and sea of the Koster Islands. Kosterhavet’s coral reefs make it popular with snorkelers and divers, while landlubbers can enjoy quaint fishing villages waiting to be turned into picture postcards.

9. Marstrand

Marstrand, a city since 1200, is known for two things: sailing and an old fortress. This seaside community, located on an island in western Sweden, hosts the annual Match Cup Sweden, an important sailing competition. It also is home to the 17th century Carlsten Fortress, a majestic stone structure that guards the city.

Visitors describe Marstrand, which makes a good day trip from Gothenburg, as a “Kodak moment” so be prepared to take lots of pictures of the ornate, pastel-colored historic buildings that line cobblestone streets. Other “don’t miss” attractions include the Strandverket Art Museum, the restored Pater Noster Lighthouse, and scenic hiking trails.

Something old, something new is perhaps the best way to describe Malmo , a medieval historic city with a landscape that’s studded with modern, contemporary buildings. Sweden’s third largest city has a marvelous Old Town (Gamla Stoden) with three main squares: Stortoget, Lilla Torg and Gustav Adolfs Torg. Old Town is also where you’ll find the castle Malmohus Slott.

This multicultural city, with 150 ethnicities, is linked via Oresund Bridge to Denmark. A must-see “new” attraction is the Turning Torso, an architectural masterpiece that twists more than 190 meters (600 feet) into the sky, making it Sweden’s most talked about building.

Ystad, a coastal town in southern Sweden, is sure to draw sleuths and murder mystery fans. Noted author Henning Mankell set his Kurt Wallender detective novels in Ystad and the surrounding area. Notable buildings you’ll find used in his books include Greyfriars Abbey, one of Sweden’s best preserved medieval monasteries, and the Church of the Virgin Mary, a large medieval church; both are outstanding examples of Gothic Hansa architecture.

A walking tour over cobblestone streets also will take you past picturesque pastel-colored half-timbered buildings. A walk on the town’s pretty sandy beaches is called for, too. East of Ystad is the megalithic monument of Ales Stenar, consisting of 59 large boulders forming a stone ship.

6. Stockholm archipelago

If you’re into island hopping, then touring the Stockholm archipelago could be just your cup of akavit. Obviously, you won’t have time to visit every island since there are 30,000 of them – big rocks jutting up from the sea count here. Ferries serve major points in the archipelago, beginning with a 10-minute boat ride from Stockholm.

Visit a World War I fortress at Starofortet or Vaxholm, the “capital” of the archipelago with its ornate buildings and a history of herring fishing. Indulge yourself at a spa in Nacka, the closest to Stockholm and accessible by motor vehicle.

Uppsala, located 70 km (44 miles) north of Stockholm , is the religious center of Sweden, and has been since the 12th century. Prior to Christianity, Uppsala was known for idols of Norse gods. The Uppsala Cathedral, seat of the archbishop of Sweden, is the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. Education is important here, too, with Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477, making it one of the oldest colleges in Scandinavia.

The Fyris River runs through the city, with the medieval section located west of the river. Both the cathedral and Uppsala Castle dominate the skyline here. Eighteenth century botanist Carl Linnaeus lived in Uppsala, so check out the botanical garden next to the castle.

4. Swedish Lapland

If it’s wilderness adventure you’re seeking, there’s no better place to visit in Sweden than Swedish Lapland. Located in the far north above the Arctic Circle where summer shines around the clock. Lapland is for canoers, hikers and viewers of wildlife. Swedish Lapland is inhabited by the hardy, indigenous Sami. Who live in massive forests and barren tundra.

A good way to experience the region is to drive the 359-km (223-mile) long Wilderness Way from the canoeing center at Stromsund to the terminus at Vilhelmina, a church town, via Fatmomakke, where you’ll see traditional wooden huts. Winter visitors can buy reindeer hides at Jokkmokk, the center of Sami life.

3. Gothenburg

Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is a green city dotted with numerous parks of all sizes. Many of the parks date back to the 19th century, including Kungsparken, a park that circles the canal that rings around the city center. If you’re more interested in amusement parks, head to Liseberg, which has more rides than any amusement park in Scandinavia.

The largest port city in Scandinavia, Gothenburg also boasts the region’s largest film festival as well as numerous music festivals throughout the year. Hungry? Try a haga bulle, a large cinnamon roll at Haga, a district known for its picturesque wooden houses.

As Sweden’s largest island, surrounded totally by the Baltic Sea, you’d think fishing would be the island’s main industry. Not so. Agriculture, tourism and information technology are among the top industries. The island is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations; sun seekers like it because it has more sunlight during the year than any other place in Sweden.

Visby, the only city on the island, is a beautiful walled Hanseatic town which has preserved most of its townscape and historic buildings. There are also around 100 medieval churches and countless prehistoric sites on the island.

1. Stockholm

Stockholm, a pretty city set on 14 islands, has a lot going for it as Sweden’s capital and the largest city in Scandinavia. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is where the annual Nobel Prizes are given out. Lush green parks, world-class attractions and a blend of historic and modern architecture make Stockholm an appealing tourist destination.

Among Stockholm’s must-see attractions is the city’s well-preserved medieval center with its beautiful old churches, Royal palace, picturesque bridges, canals and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. The lush green island of Djurgården is home to some of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Gröna Lund theme park, the Stockholm Zoo and the Skansen Open-Air Museum. A must-do is to view the city from atop the world’s largest round building, the Ericcson Globe.

See also: Where to Stay in Stockholm

The Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, is Scandinavia’s most visited museum. Stockholm is easier on your budget than other Nordic cities, offering free admission to 15 museums, including the Swedish History, Medieval Museum, Royal Armoury and Skokloster Castle. You also won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Modern Art Museum and City Hall.

Map of Places to Visit in Sweden

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Reader interactions.

February 16, 2020 at 4:27 am

Sweden is a beautiful country, i have been to Gotenborg, Karlstad, Jonkoping, Malmo, Helsinborg, and Stockholms. I wish i be there once again. I have not yet explored it fully. The finest people i have ever seen, the flocks of horses, elk and deers, are all worth seeing a dozen times.

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15 Brilliant Things To Do In Stockholm in Winter!

The capital city of Sweden isn’t a place that shouts loudly about itself – that just wouldn’t fit with its relaxed, mellow vibe. But if you’re visiting Stockholm for a winter trip, I can guarantee that you’re going to have an awesome time. You’re not going to be buried in snow up to your neck, and the city’s attractions don’t close up during a Stockholm winter. Book that trip, sister, because you’ll be giving yourself a ticket to one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

Instead of the frozen, dark, blank canvas you’re imagining, travel to Stockholm in winter is full of light, laughter, cosy pubs and delicious meatballs . What more could a person want? Nothing, I tell you!

Not convinced yet? Keep reading, ye of little faith – I’m about to prove to you why winter in Stockholm rocks, and why you’re going to adore both the city and the country. Just watch the video below (if you’ve never seen Eurovision, you’re about to experience the magic), and prepare to fall in love with everything Swedish! Including dancing meatballs.

How cold is winter in Stockholm?

Considering visiting some more of Europe in the snowy months? Check out my guide to Prague in winter!

Okay, here’s the crunch questions: just how cold is going to be? Am I going to be slipping through the snow? Will I be floating on a little ice glacier with a polar bear, gazing up at the Northern Lights?

Answer to that last one: no, silly. Though it is actually possible – if unlikely – to see the Northern Lights from Stockholm. There’s a distinct lack of polar bears, however.

As for the rest of it, yup, there’s no denying that it’ll probably be pretty cold. Temperatures between December and February average at about 27 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit – that’s a chilly minus 2 to minus 1 for those of us in Celsius land. It’s not a sure thing, though – I visited Stockholm in January, and it wasn’t nearly as cold as I was expecting (though the locals were keen to point out that it was a very mild week). Check in advance at Wunderground to see how the weather’s looking for your trip!

As for snow, your chances sit at a statistically-neat 50% of snow in December, rising to a bit over 50% in January and February . However, don’t worry too much about slipping and sliding on the ice. On my visit, I immediately noticed how pretty much every walking surface I placed my dainty ‘lil tootsies on was salted and gritted. There’s also very few uphills or downhills in Stockholm, so you should be pretty firm on your feet.

As the Swedes’ neighbours, the Norwegians, like to say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. Keep reading to see what to wear in Stockholm in winter!

What are the best things to do in Stockholm in the winter?

Okay! I promised you awesome things to see in Stockholm – and here’s the definitive list! I’ve kept it mainly to things to do inside, in case you’re hit by the worst of the winter weather – but you shouldn’t be put off by the cold. Stockholm is a wonderful place for strolling, and taking in the views of the surrounding waters, and to skip doing that would really be to miss out. 

Also, some of Stockholm’s most fun activities are located in the great outdoors, including Skansen and boat tours. Wrap up warm , and I promise you’ll be fine – both are considerably quieter in winter than  in the summer months, and in the case of Skansen, you can turn the winter weather into an extra bit of fun! All will be revealed shortly…

Intrigued? Good! Read on, and discover why Stockholm is going to be your new favourite winter wonderland!

Walk around Gamla Stan

We old love an old town, right? Walking down cobbled streets, looking at lovely historic buildings. Exploring ancient shops and beerhalls. Rolling our eyes at tourists exclaiming “oh, isn’t it quaint ?”

Good news, history lovers! Stockholm’s island-based old town, better known by its Swedish name of Gamla Stan, is the best-preserved medieval city centre in Europe. The area completely escaped any damage in World War 2, and careful preservation by the Stockholm City Council means that it’s an utterly lovely area to wander, explore, and discover.  Big up Stockholm City Council!

If you’re not checking out the souvenir shops on Västerlånggatan (of which there are many), pop into cosy cellar bars such as Misteln , or get a hearty Swedish meal at Magnus Ladulas . There’s also a good number of interesting museums, such as the Nobelmuseet , recording every winner of the Nobel Prize

But the main attraction of Gamla Stan are the buildings and streets themselves. Wander random backstreets, including the adorably narrow Mårten Trotzig Grand , or head to the main square at Stortorget to see the row of picture-perfect painted buildings. 

Add some winter snow and Christmas decorations, and it’s the most perfect place to be in the colder months!

Go ice skating at Kungsträdgården

Disclaimer: I didn’t go ice skating here, because I have a terrible history with ice skating. BRB, the flashbacks are starting.

But I’m going to tell you exactly how you can do it, because it’s just a lovely thing to do in Stockholm in winter. You can feel like an ice princess, gliding around like your favourite Disney character. Just don’t ask me to come and join you, unless you like seeing innocent travel bloggers breaking all their limbs in a display of premium uncoordinated glory!

  Kungsträdgården is the place to go for ice skating in Stockholm , and it’s wonderfully central and easy to get to. It’s a park, not far from the bridge leading to Gamla Stan, and the ice rink is available for use from November to March. Pop along here from 9am to 9pm, and take your place to skate alongside eager locals! 

You can rent ice skates if you foolishly neglected to pop a pair into your hand luggage (jk, don’t do that), and like everything else in Stockholm, you can pay for them using a credit or debit card. You can bring along your own skates if you so wish, and even have help sanding them down.

Oh, and did I mention the price? If you do indeed bring along your own pair of skates, the ice rink is completely and utterly free . Isn’t that wonderful? Oh goodness, my heart is bursting with Sweden love right now!

Anyone else suddenly fancy some Neapolitan ice cream?

Feel like a king or queen at the Royal Palace

If you’ve been skipping around the scenic, frosty streets of Gamla Stan, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed the big ol’ building right at the tip of the island. It’s vast . New building; who dis?

Well, this is none other than the Royal Palace – yup, that’s why it’s so big; one of Europe’s biggest, in fact. With over 1.430 rooms, the Swedish royal family were not messing around when they commissioned this place, and so it’s well worth a visit! Entry will cost 160 SEK for adults , and resisting the temptation to take a photo with the guard outside.

It’s the official residence of the reigning monarch of Sweden – although they don’t actually live here (more on that later!). It’s a bit like Buckingham Palace in London – which the Queen infamously refers to as ‘the office’. The Swedish royal family need a city pad from which they can carry out official duties and functions, but you’re not going to see them strolling around, or lazing in a onesie.

Instead, you can see the awesome interiors of the palace, which dates back to the 1600s. Check out the suitably swish Royal Apartments, which are utterly gorgeous with rich and vibrant decor – there’s more gold on show than there is at Fort Knox. These rooms are worth the entry fee alone, especially as they’re just a teensy bit Instagrammable .

History more your thing? No problem: head to the Treasury, with its impressive collection of royal bling, or the Tre Kronor museum which illustrates the original castle on this site. The Royal Palace has something for everyone!

Take a tour of the literally-awesome City Hall

You might’ve noticed a rather beautiful building in Stockholm, especially if you’ve been near the waterfront in Gamla Stan. From there, it’s visible from its location just across the water –  made from warm brick with a stately tower, the whole thing is quite literally crowned with the royal Swedish emblem of three golden crowns. Nice, isn’t it?

Well, so it should be, because this is Stockholm’s City Hall ! It’s one of the most beloved buildings in the city, partly for its solid yet pleasing design, and partly for everything it represents.

Firstly, this is where you can come and get married! Altogether now: awwwww . Stockholm’s regulations are are open and welcoming as the city itself: you can have a pleasingly-fast ceremony here, to whichever gender you like, and you don’t even have to be a resident of Sweden. But there’s a six-month waiting list, so get in early.

Secondly, this is where the Nobel Prize is handed out! The world’s attention descends on to the beautiful Blue Hall for the presentation, then immediately shifts to the jaw-dropping, stunning interior of the Golden Hall for the afterparty. The hall is decorated with scenes from Swedish art, literature, and history, and is worth the visit alone. Oh, and it’s a mosaic, comprised of more than 18 million tiles… and each one of them is genuine gold. Attempts to enter with a crowbar will be frowned upon, y’all.

The only way to see the halls, plus the agreeably equal and down-to-earth council chamber, is to go on a tour. Happily, the price is included in your entry fee of  90 SEK from November to March (it’s cheaper in the winter; hurrah!). Bear in mind though that the tower is closed during the winter months .

Get festive at the Christmas Markets

Visiting Stockholm just before Christmas is a great idea – mostly because you get to go shopping in a Christmas market! Woop!

Everyone loves Christmas markets, and the Swedes are no exception – you can expect to find the traditional stalls, hot food stands, and gaily-lit streets that you’d find elsewhere. Except this is Sweden, so they do it with a touch of class and awesome design thrown in.

The most traditional Christmas market in Stockholm is to be found in good old Gamla Stan . Everyone’s favourite corner of the city throws Sweden’s oldest Christmas market (it dates back to 1837, with claims that it’s the most authentic-looking market – with the medieval buildings surrounding it, they’re probably right), and focuses on crafts. Find the centre of the market at the unbearably scenic Stortorget square. 

After something a bit different? Then you want to take the commuter ferry from Slussen to Djurgården, then walk a short distance to Skansen . I’ll be covering this rather wonderful place later in this article, but at Christmas time, it really comes into its own. Running from November 30 to December 22, the open air museum transforms into a winter wonderland, with rows of stalls selling local crafts, and more Swedish produce than you can shake a smorgasbord at. 

Check out Skansen’s Christmas market opening times , and keep reading to discover all the other things that make Skansen magical in the winter!

Feel in awe at the Vasa Museum

If you’re considering visiting the museums on this list, you really should get yourself a Stockholm Pass – you’ll save a whole bundle of money, and you can even get around on public transport with no hassle! Once you’re armed with it, your first stop really should be the hugely-impressive Vasa Museum .

I’m using the word “hugely” with absolute precision, too, because the Vasa is enoooooooormous ! It’s a warship, which had the dubious distinction of being one of the most powefully-armed and ornately decorated ships in history… only to sink 1400 yards into her maiden voyage. With the king, ambassadors, and thousands of ordinary Stockholmers watching. Whoops.

The Vasa might’ve been an epic fail at the start, but it’s also proof that you can never keep a good ship down. The wreck was rediscovered in the 1950s, raised, preserved, and promptly slapped into its own bespoke museum, where its been wowing the crowds ever since. The gloriously ornate design, which was partly responsible for the ship being too top-heavy, now works to its advantage. Walking into the Vasa Museum and seeing a real-life warship from the 1600s is definitely a moment that’ll take your breath away.

Appropriately, for a museum which rightly sits at the top of Stockholm’s list of must-see sights , there’s a multitude of information and interactive exhibits to accompany the ship itself. The bottom floor recreates the faces and lives of the poor sailors who went down with the ship, whilst the “Sail A Ship” game combines physical and digital aspects for kids, and overgrown kids (me).

You don’t need to know anything about Swedish history to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the Vasa Museum. It’s a must-do!

Indulge in some fika at Stockholm’s cafes

If you’re a souvenir hunter like me, you’ll have noticed that a lot of Stockholm gift emporiums stock little trays, with the mysterious word “fika” emblazoned upon them. What the heck is that? Aren’t they the world governing body for soccer?

Nope, that’s FIFA – fika is something far more wholesome and wonderful! 

Basically, fika is a Swedish concept of taking a cosy coffee break with your friends. Having a time out from the stresses of the world, and enjoying simple companionship, coffee, and a cake. It’s a little pause button, where you appreciate the simple things in life. Isn’t that wonderful?

Fortunately for us all, winter is the perfect time for fika! Imagine yourself walking through the snowy streets of Stockholm with a good friend. You’re laughing all the way, and find a cute little cafe to shelter in from the cold. It’s a little dark outside, but inside is lit with candles, and warm lights. You strip off your hats and mittens, and heat your hands around a cup of coffee. It’s too darn perfect.

Now, you can choose any cafe for a spot of fika. But if you want to go where the locals do, follow the advice of my awesome Swedish friend Ina (love ya, girl!), and check out Vete-Katten , not far from the central train station, It’s an institution. The cakes are mouthwatering; so light and perfect, and it downright specialises in fika. 

Oh, and you were wondering about the name fika,  it comes from the old slang term for coffee in Swedish, kaffi . Fika is a reversal of the word!

Get super artistic at the Moderna Museet

Modern art: you either love it, or you firmly believe that the whole lot should be dumped into the sea. But given that the Moderna Museet art gallery has free entry, this might just be the place to start your love affair!

It’s not just the fact that this place is a gigantic freebie that makes it appealing: the Moderna Museet is chock-full of quality pieces . Like your Matisse, Modigliani, or Klee? They’re just some of the luminaries on show here.

The gallery also gives special prominence to local Swedish artists, funnily enough, so you can explore the world of Scandi art. These include some stellar photography, some suitably outlandish modern sculptures (check the small park outside for more of the same, and a stuffed paint-spattered goat wedged into an old tire. Heck, no-one ever said that modern art made sense.

If that still really doesn’t sound your thing, the Moderna Museet is still worth checking out for the location. It’s on Skeppsholmen island, which is easily accessed by bridge, and which is a lovely location for a winter walk. Skip through frost-glittered trees and take in watery views of Gamla Stan, or head down to admire the STF af Chapman – it’s a tall ship which has been converted into a hostel. It’s also a former Pit Stop for The Amazing Race , where thousands of viewers hoped that Jonathan would “accidentally” slip into the sea.

Be relentlessly entertained at the ABBA Museum

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a bit of ABBA?

Whether you’ve sobbed your heart out looking at a tattered photo of your ex whilst listening to The Winner Takes It All , made future plans listening to Money Money Money , or put on your best blue eyeshadow and sung into a hairbrush to Dancing Queen , Sweden’s most enduring musical export continue to capture hearts worldwide.

Now, there’s an epicenter of all things ABBA , for you to visit and profess your love!The ABBA Museum might be one of Stockholm’s pricier attractions, but there’s no denying that excellent fun. You’ll have the option to “record your visit”, meaning that you can enjoy such delights as ABBA karaoke, or video yourself singing and dancing alongside Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Frida. Lurex disco outfits are optional.

If that sounds way too interactive for your tastes, you can avoid the social embarrassment by having a look around the exhibits instead. Almost every aspect of ABBA’s rather glittering career has been lovingly preserved, and you can have a poke around recreations of the studio they recorded in, or the summer house where a number of their hits were written (including an authentic seventies mug on the window ledge!) 

If you like ABBA, but not quite enough to devote a couple of hours of your life to them, have a look around the gift shop instead. It does a great line in quirky ABBA gifts that you’ll love despite yourself.

If nothing else, you’ve got to visit to experience the awesome photo opportunities presented by the cut-out board outside the museum. Here’s my boyfriend demonstrating it. Thank me later.

Have awesome Swedish food at Meatballs For The People

Want to sample some traditional Swedish food without launching yourself down the herring route? That’s completely understandable – and the Swedes have got just the dish for you!

Swedish meatballs (or köttbullar , as they’re known by the locals), are small balls of magnificently meaty magic. Trust me, there is nothing better than visiting Stockholm in winter, getting out of the cold and into a warm, hearty restaurant, and stuffing yourself with a plate of these. They’re amazing.

They’re traditionally served with mashed potato, lingonberry jam (which is a bit like cranberry, but sweeter), and pickled cucumber, and a creamy gravy which is pure heaven . If there was a swimming pool full of that gravy, I would be in like a shot. It’s delicious, it’s smooth, and it elevates everything it touches. Considering that the meatballs are amazing on their own, imagine how they taste with this holy elixir on top!

The best place to get Swedish meatballs in Stockholm is Meatballs For The People , a small restaurant located in trendy Södermalm. You’ll need to get there early if you’re visiting on a weekend, as the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations on Saturdays and Sundays (it’s definitely a good idea if you’re in Stockholm during the week, though), and because the establishment isn’t on the large size.

But what a treat you’ll be in for! Pick from a menu of meatballs (including some slightly different varieties, such as reindeer or wild boar), and let it all melt in the mouth. You’ll never want to leave.

See Ye Olde Sweden (and cute animals) at Skansen

Skansen is a large park located on Stockholm’s “museum island” of Djurgården, and was the first open air museum in the world! But it’s more than a history museum – prepare to completely fall in love.  

In October 1891, a gentleman named Artur Hazelius (what a cool name, right?) thought “hmm, it’s a shame that all the lovely 18th century wooden buildings throughout Sweden are being replaced by our burgeoning industrial nation. Let’s knock ’em all down, and reassemble them in a park in Stockholm. And let’s throw in some wolves, too”.

And thus Skansen was born! Buy a ticket from the very nice people in booths by the gate, and you can take a walk through Swedish history. It’s lovely to take a stroll through the old buildings, including a farmstead, various windmills, a beautiful church and a Sami camp. It was designed to be “Sweden in miniature” , so you’ll find something from every corner of the country – which is also reflected in the park’s rather awesome gift shop, featuring as many crafts as you can handle!

Know what else is in Sweden? Lots of awesome animals, that’s what! As part of the “Sweden in miniature” deal, there’s some critters representing their wild cousins. You can see wolves, some very adorable lynx, otters, wolverines, elk, reindeer, and more. There’s also some brown bears – but being winter, they’ll be tucked away snug in their den, happily hibernating. All the animals I saw seemed super happy, and they’ve got great enclosures which give them plenty of privacy whilst still letting visitors get a good view.

Remember when I mentioned how this place is one of the coolest places to go in Stockholm in winter? That’s because they light up fire pits in the winter – take or buy some hot dogs and buns, pop ’em on a skewer, and watch the nearby ice skaters whilst you eat!

Take in glorious architecture at the Stockholm Public Library

Architects just love to make a statement when they work on a public library design. Look at New York, for example.

Stockholm Public Library is no exception! Located at the top end of Norrmalm, the outside of the building doesn’t give you much of a clue as to what’s inside – it’s a fairly featureless, terracotta-colored, rectangular building with a tall rotunda sticking oddly out of the top. 

If you step inside and head up to the rotunda, however, you’ll see what all the fuss is about!

The inside of the rotunda is a beautiful, wonderful space which looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter . Curved shelves encase the round walls, stacking shelf upon shelf, until it looks like the entire structure is made of books. If you’ve seen the tunnel of books at the library in Prague , then it looks strangely similar to that! It’s a good place to go and warm up for a bit, perfect for Stockholm in winter – and if you sign up for a free library card, you can use the library’s facilities too!

The library is a lovely, underrated place to go and see, and it’s nice to get off the tourist trail for a bit!

Tour Stockholm – on land or sea

What’s the best way to see a city?

You’ve got two choices, really. You can wander about by yourself and enjoy your freedom, take some rather lovely photos – but you won’t understand what you’re looking at. That building over there could have an absolutely fascinating history, but you’ll be blissfully unaware, and walk right by it. That could be the building where they invented the adjustable wrench! You can’t miss that!

Or, you can be a savvy traveler, and take a tour! You get to see the best spots and views, learn about what you’re seeing, and enjoy interacting with a local for a while. You can explore the neighborhood you’re staying in, or discover local foods. There’s zero drawbacks, to be honest.

Stockholm has you absolutely covered when it comes to tours, bro. Not content with your standard landlubber walking tour, you can take a boat tour of the city too!

Walking tours in Stockholm tend to focus around Gamla Stan, but you can also find walking tours which cover ghost walks, Nordic food tours, and even Instagrammable spots. Yup, Stockholm is basically walking tour heaven – and even better, you’re getting around on your own two feet and being carbon neutral! (Greta Thunberg will approve)

Boat tours are one of the very best things to do in Stockholm in winter . Not only are they specifically geared to the season – you commonly wrap up under reindeer hides, and drink mulled wine – but you get to see Stockholm’s archipelago at its very finest, with the winter sun glinting off glassy water, as a light mist filters the sunlight. It’s all kinds of magical!

I always recommend Get Your Guide for city tours – I’ve used them many a time, and they only host quality tours. It’s a total satisfaction guarantee! Check them out!

Brush up on Swedish history and culture at the Nordic Museum

Has Skansen got you in the mood for some more Swedish history? No worries; you can explore all your deepest Scandi desires at the Nordic Museum!

It’s actually located not far from Skansen – an easy ten minute down the road will bring you to the rather grand-looking building of the museum. And who do we have to thank for its existence? None other than Mr. Skansen himself, Artur Hazelius! He clearly enjoyed setting up museums on some prime Stockholm real estate, but whereas Skansen is devoted to preserving old buildings (and cute floofs), the Nordic Museum busies itself with the protection of objects from everyday life.

You can see collections of furniture, toys, and clothes from every corner of Sweden. Whilst the ideal visitor is probably a Swedish granny who can exclaim “we used to have one of those, didn’t we Anders?”, there’s plenty of interest for non-Swedes. Design fans in particular will get a kick out of the clothing, but there’s plenty of folk art in evidence, with a special emphasis on the culture of the Sami people.

Magpies can flock to the jewelry collection, which has some especially lovely pieces, and there’s a whole section devoted to Swedish traditions. You can even learn how the Swedes celebrated Christmas in days gone by!

I’m always in favor of learning as much as possible about the culture of a place you visit, and the Nordic Museum is a lovely, cozy place to do just that.

Take a day trip to Drottningholm Palace

Want a nice, easy day trip to a world heritage site? How about if that world heritage site is a fancy palace, and one of the very best things to do in Stockholm in winter? Sounds good, right?

Drottningholm Palace is a mere 30-minute journey from central Stockholm – take the Line 17 t-bana (metro) to Brommaplan, then hop on a number 176 bus. After a short walk, you’ll be rewarded with a visit to this gorgeous, stately palace, the private residence of the Swedish royal family. One glance at this baby, and you’ll wonder why on earth people flock to Buckingham Palace in London. This is waaaay better!

Whilst the royal family could’ve kept the entire place to themselves, someone with a bit of business acumen said “lol nope”, and so the family are confined to the southern wing. The rest of it is open to us tourists! The palace is suitably regal, and you’ll soon have your jaw hitting the floor at how beautiful it is.

Check out the Reception Halls for the ultimate in grandeur – the Green Salon has more gold and fancy fabric than I’ve ever seen in my life – whilst the Chinese Pavilion is a little slice of Asia in an unexpected setting. This was built in secret, as a birthday present for one of the Swedish queens. When you see how big it is, you’ll wonder how on earth it came as a surprise.

Like Stockholm City Hall, you can go on a guided tour for a very reasonable price ( unlike the City Hall, you can wander Drottningholm Palace at will , if you don’t fancy a tour). It’s definitely recommended, as you’ll certainly learn a lot more about this beautiful place!

The best places to stay in Stockholm

If you’re visiting Stockholm in winter, there’s a few considerations to, er, consider. You want to stay in a place that’s warm and cozy. You might want to be as close to public transport as possible, to minimize the amount of time you’re walking through the snow. And you’ll want to be near some great food options, so you can happily roll back to your bed after a meal.

Luckily, Stockholm’s hotels have got your back! Let’s check out some of the very best places to stay in Stockholm in winter, for all budgets!

Budget hotels

City Hostel :  Nothing less than the best-rated hostel in town, this is a great choice for the Stockholm explorer on a budget. Located nicely near the central train/bus station, it’s also got a convenient metro station just outside, meaning that you can totally skip having to experience walking through Stockholm in winter weather conditions! Aside from this sogginess-saver, it’s located in a good quiet neighborhood, with a fully-stocked supermarket nearby. It’s perfect for a budget-conscious trip!

Archipelago Hostel Old Town :  Who doesn’t want to stay in Gamla Stan? It’s the most beautiful part of Stockholm – but surely it’s way out of the range of a budget traveler? Nope! Check into the Archipelago Hostel Old Town, and the scenic, snowy streets will be on your doorstep. With clean, homey dormitories and private rooms, a location near some budget eating options (there’s a 7 Eleven and a Coop nearby), and a metro station a mere 200 feet away, this has to be the best-positioned hostel in town.

Mid-range hotels

Hotell Skeppsbron :  This snug little hotel/hostel is a perfect choice for visiting Stockholm in winter: it’s in a great location in the heart of Gamla Stan, and it’s a stone’s throw from all of the city’s major sights and Christmas markets. Plus, the rooms are in converted cellars in a 17th century building, so it’s cozy af, with no noise from outside, and perfectly warm! Although you can have a hostel room with a shared bathroom, splash out for an ensuite – the feeling of burrowing in for the winter, and being close to the hotel’s free coffee and fika area, is totally worth it!

Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel : Soooo… how do you fancy staying on a yacht? One that was owned by Cary Grant’s wife? If living the luxury life whilst not breaking the bank is totally your thing, then this is the place for you! You’ll waltz down the gangplank and into your cabin, beautifully decorated in dark wood and white linens. You can peek out of your porthole, look out on the water, and see one of the most scenic parts of Stockholm in winter without having to get chilled. There’s even a sauna on board. What more could you want?

Luxury hotels

Hotel Frantz, BW Premier Collection :  Want a gorgeous boutique hotel, right in the heart of everything? This is the perfect place for you! Located in Södermalm, you’ll be near some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and entertainments, with the historic heart of Gamla Stan right on your doorstep. The air conditioned rooms are just the right temperature for keeping snug, whilst the beds are gloriously comfy and pillowed. “Customer service” is definitely a staff watchword; have a look through the reviews, and you’ll see the lengths they’ll go to – all to ensure that you have a perfect stay!

Hotel Hellsten :  Do you like your hotels to have a hint of history, a big streak of class, and that finishing touch of modern Scandi design? Then the Hotel Hellsten will tick all your boxes – all you’ll never believe how cozy Stockholm in winter can be until you stay here. Warm, luxurious rooms are gorgeously decorated, with fabric which accentuate the building’s history and exposed wooden beams (it dates from the 1800s). There’s an on-site wellness center, and you can take breakfast in a glass conservatory. Stay a night here, and you’ll soon realize why so many guests count this as one of their favorite hotels in Europe!

What should I wear in Stockholm in the winter?

One thing is certain when you visit Stockholm in winter: if you don’t want to freeze your butt off, you’re going to have to prepare.

If you speak to the locals, they’ll sadly tell you how much milder it’s been in recent years thanks to global warming, but the chances are that you’ll still feel the chill. Getting ready for your trip with a good Stockholm packing list is a crucial step, and one that you’ll soon regret if you skip it!

Here’s my picks for must-have items when visiting Stockholm – all available from Amazon, just to make it super-simple!

Sunglasses :  I know what you’re thinking. This is a packing list for Stockholm in winter; what on earth are sunglasses doing on there? But it’s no mistake – you’re going to want to take a pair! Both my boyfriend and I discovered that the low winter sun really got in our eyes, and we were both wishing we’d brought a pair. Stave off the headaches with this gorgeous designer pair by Michael Kors – and they’re a fantastic price! The brown lenses are bang on trend, and the style suits absolutely everyone. 

Scarf :  Stockholm is not the kind of place where you want a chill breeze to wriggle down the top of your coat, like an unwelcome snowball. If you’re walking around the watery areas – and in Stockholm, that’s  everywhere – you’re definitely going to need a scarf in order to keep that evil wind out. Grab one of these scarves, and you’ll feel like you’re being constantly hugged by a teddy bear, keeping all that nasty cold out. This is genuinely one of the warmest scarves out there; I swear by them!

Hat :  As we all know, you lose the most heat from your extremities, and your head is the worst heat-leaker of all. Keep that sucker covered up, and you’ll feel a heck of a lot warmer for it. Plus you’ll look totes cute in all your Instagram pics, and you won’t have to worry about your hair getting messed up by the wind! I’m totally in love with these knitted caps from Tough Headwear – they keep the heat in perfectly, they come in a variety of colors and styles (even an oversize slouch look for hipsters), and they perfectly fit the Nordic vibe.

Mittens :  They really have a thing about mittens in Stockholm. Go into any of the craft or souvenir shops, and you’ll see lots of gorgeous, gaily-colored mittens for sale. But until you can find the perfect pair for yourself, get ahead of the game by buying a pair before you leave! These cozy critters are absolutely perfect for Stockholm in winter: they’ve got the Nordic knitted look (and therefore match perfectly with the hat above), but they’ve got a snug, thermal inside layer which will keep your hands superbly toasty.

Warm coat : Want to know a true life hack? You get what you pay for. And whilst you can probably get something cheaper than this jacket from top outdoor brand The North Face, you will NOT find anything warmer. The puffer jacket style is exactly the same as what a lot of the locals wear, and they know how to dress for Stockholm in winter, trust me. The hood has some stylish faux fur to keep you looking super Scandi, whilst being cruelty-free. They come in a variety of colors – the blue frost one practically screams “I’m a winter travel pro”. They’re too darn awesome.

Thermal leggings :  I first used thermal leggings when I visited Prague, and I’ve been a total convert ever since. You can easily wear them under a looser pair of jeans, or even a skirt, and they will keep you ridiculously warm. There’s just nowhere for that cold to pierce your skin, and if you team them up with a pair of socks and some boots, they’re a seriously cute look. Grab a couple of pairs of these yoga pants by 90 Degree; they double up perfectly as thermal leggings, and they’re designed to be as comfy and flexible as possible!

Thick socks :  Thermal socks are another item that I first used in Prague – and I love them so muuuuuch. Marry me, socks! Find the right pair, and your toes will never need to feel the chill of a cold pavement in Stockholm in winter. You can keep those tootsies curled up in the warm, and totally avoid that awful “my feet have gone numb” feeling. These socks are sheer quality, made by Carhartt (which practically guarantees awesomeness), and they’re super-warm without being so bulky that you can’t get your boots on over the top. Recommended. 

Thermal top :  Want to know what’s worse than having freezing cold legs in Stockholm in winter? Having a freezing cold torso. That shizz gets right into your organs, and at the very least makes you feel very chilled inside (not the good kind of chilled, either). At worst, it can make you ill. Prevent all that nonsense by investing in a thermal top that you can use as underwear, essentially giving yourself a second skin. Carhartt are once again my go-to: this snugly top is good enough to wear on its own, or you can put it underneath a sweater to make yourself extra-protected.

Walking boots : Although the local authorities are pretty good at keeping Stockholm salted and gritted, they can’t cover everywhere in the city. A good pair of walking boots is an absolutely crucial part of your Stockholm packing list, as you’re going to need something with good grip, and something that’s pretty darn waterproof (Stockholm gets kinda wet, yo). Walking boots are by far your best bet, as that’s exactly what they’re designed for, and you can’t do better than this pair from Columbia. I FREAKIN’ LOVE THEM. Super comfy, designed to grip the ground and not let go, and coming in a range of tasteful designs, they won’t let you down.

Earmuffs : Can’t bear the thought of hats, but want to keep those ears safe and warm from the cruel Scandinavian winter? Invest in an ear warmer instead! This rather adorable little headband will keep you toasty thanks to a thermal lining, but won’t mess up your hair, and give you that uncomfortable scratchy feeling if you’ve got a sensitive scalp. I saw many a local wearing these to beat the cold, and they’re a great idea for visiting Stockholm in winter!

Umbrella :  Time for some Stockholm truths (see what I did there? I crack me up). Sweden gets hella rainy and wet. See all that water? See all that lush Scandinavian greenery? That’s because the whole country gets a good average rainfall, and the chances are that there’s going  to be a fair amount of rain in Stockholm in winter. Make sure you waterproof everything you can – especially boots and backpacks – but for walking around town you’re going to need a tough umbrella which can cope with both rain and wind. This awesome brolly by Repel is windproof, and Teflon-coated to ensure that you stay dry underneath. It’s the best in its class!

Woolly sweater : Nothing is more Scandinavian than a lovely wool sweater. Whilst you might be harboring thoughts of grabbing one when you get there, it’s quite possible that the price tag will have your eyes watering, and result in you fleeing to H&M. Do you really want to spend your trip in a shop you can visit at home? Nah. Grab a sweater before you leave, turn up looking suitably Scandi, and save time and effort! This natty little number comes in a variety of colors and styles, but trust me – get the white cable knit.

Plug adapter : Remember that the plug sockets in Sweden may be very different to the ones you have at home. Imagine the tragedy of plugging in your hair straighteners, except you can’t because the plug doesn’t fit. You’ll be stuck in Sweden with frizzy hair, and the laughter of the Nordic gods following you. Look upwards at the sky and shake a fist, because you can defeat Loki and his minions with a plug adapter! This model is a particular favorite of mine: it’s sturdy and reliable, and it’ll work wherever you may travel in the world. That’s what you call a long-term investment!

Power bank : I don’t go anywhere without one of these. Literally. Even when I’m not traveling, I keep one in my handbag for phone emergencies. You simply put your phone charger cable in, then plug your phone in at the other end, and you can refill that battery on the go. This is the exact one that I use: it might not have as much capacity as some other power banks, but to be honest – you don’t need massive capacity. You’ll get four full phone charges out of this little powerhouse. I’ve had mine for years now, and it literally hasn’t dropped an iota when it comes to performance.

Swedish literature :  Unless you’re hopping over from a neighboring country, you might have a long, boring flight in order to get to Stockholm. Make it a bit more bearable with some fine Swedish literature! Although it’s practically illegal to set foot in the country without having read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo , you’ll certainly get a lot out of its descriptions of Stockholm in winter. The Girl Who Saved The King of Sweden is zany but entertaining, whilst Lonely Planet’s Sweden will have you swotting up on the sights.

Is Stockholm worth visiting in winter?

If this article has achieved anything, I hope that it’s made you see how magical Stockholm in winter really is. A trip to the Swedish capital will instead reward you with unexpected surprises. Warmth. Light. Happiness. Sure, the sun might go down early, but when the streets are this safe, and when you have areas like Gamla Stan sparkling with Christmas lights, does it really matter?

Sure, it gets cold, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with the right clothing. Don’t avoid a trip in winter; Stockholm rewards guests with the same friendliness it shows at other times of year. You’ll pop into a shop and be greeted with a cheery “hej hej!” . Cozy beer cellars operate underground, safely out of the cold, and locals greet you and bring you into the conversation.

Walking outside is a delight, with a wintery sun shining on the water, a low mist giving everything a delightful atmosphere. If you get chilly, there’s plenty of places to stop for fika – or maybe some warming meatballs!

Plus, there’s far less crowds in Stockholm during the winter months. One of my favorite memories of my trip is getting up early, and wandering alone around Gamla Stan. I had the whole place to myself, and it was magical.

Visiting Stockholm in winter is one of the best travel experiences you can have!

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What a fantastic post! I have yet to go to Sweden but it’s on my bucket list. I was shocked to read how not cold it is in winter in Stockholm. I was expecting frigid temperatures. The city looks so charming and colorful. Can’t wait to get there!

Yes! I am all into the concept of Fika. Stockholm in winter looks absolutely gorgeous. There’s so much to see and do!

Great post! I’ve been to Sweden but haven’t had a chance to visit Stockholm yet. It is high on my list though, and I’m hoping to visit in November, so this post is perfect! Visiting in winter sounds perfect. I love exploring cities in the winter- it just adds to the experience. The Vava Museum looks amazing, and I can’t wait to visit it!

I’m Swedish (not from Stockholm though) and miss fika now that I live abroad. Hope you got to try a kladdkaka (gooey chocolate cake)! Love your photos and glad you mentioned that the temperatures aren’t always as crazy as people think 🙂

Meghan Emcee

Stockholm in winter is like Montreal in the fall! I’d love to go visit this time of year and get away from my -30 (celsius!). Sounds like a really great time!

Great post! I love Stockholm! I didn’t have a chance to visit the Public Library when I was there but it looks beautiful! I love the subway stops too! They’re so unique! Fika is a must, and I loved your recommendations for a good Fika and Cardamom roll.

Diane Price

What an awesome post! I have been to Sweden quite a few times, but never during the winter. I love how you highlighted the natural charm of the city.

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Lapland Holidays in February

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Visiting Lapland in February

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DISCOVER LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY

Immerse yourself in Lapland’s enchanting wintry atmosphere on one of these expert-curated tours. Your package includes accommodation, excursions, return airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

Express lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station, best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, best of lapland express - rovaniemi, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Super organised

Everything was super organised and detailed, there is nothing to complain well done Nordic Visitor. We enjoyed all tours that were organised for us.

Amazing experience

Having not done a tour like this before, it was comforting to know that someone else had taken the reins and everything was double-checked. Liza was helpful with all my booking questions and all the team members we met on our trip were friendly and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Swedish life and traditions on our stay, in addition to some amazing experiences.

Trip of a lifetime!

This was a trip of a lifetime and I would do the exact same trip over again! We had a blast and cannot wait to get back to Sweden. 

Thanks Nordic Visitor!

Nordic Visitor made booking what could be a potentially complex trip (finding the right accommodation and day trips, etc.) really easy. We booked very last-minute and our consultant Ruzena could not have been more helpful - booking and arranging the package we wanted for the exact dates we requested at short-notice. Thanks!

Unforgettable experience

It was the best decision to book with Nordic Visitor. Juliana, our travel agent, responded quickly and gave us great tips and service when we needed it. The excursion we took, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights, was unforgettable, and the dog sledding was a wonderful experience. The stay at the seasonal ICEHOTEL - wow! Every detail was well planned and scheduled by Nordic Visitor. We are extremely grateful and it exceeded our expectations.

Exactly what we're looking for

This was my second tour with Nordic Visitor, and I will continue to use them as a first choice option when exploring trips in the Europe area. They offered exactly what my wife and I are looking for in planning guided and semi-guided experiences.

We were well looked after

We had a fantastic time. We were well looked after. Our activities were well laid out. Liza our Nordic Visitor agent was really good keeping us informed as well.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nordic Visitor! From our first inquiry to our last goodbye, we had exceptional service and attention. It quite literally was everything we asked for and more! Our travel consultant worked diligently to accommodate our every wish, was always in communication with us, and was simply amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime!

Outstanding experience!

The entire experience was perfection! The dog sledding was outstanding. There are no words to adequately describe how beautiful and peaceful it is out there with the dogs. The reindeer farm was so fun! Everything and everyone was truly outstanding! All of the drivers were prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Starting every day with such a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread was above and beyond. Every excursion/tour was amazing, from the guides to the food to the excursions themselves. We loved everything.

Nordic Visitor thought of everything

I can't say enough about Nordic Visitor. They really thought of everything and handled even real time unexpected issues promptly. We would have definitely not had such a good experience had I tried to plan this all on our own!

Thrilling trip!

We were very pleased with our trip to Lapland, Finland. Quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect, because we had never been there before. The activities we experienced (snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer sledding) meant we were thrilled with our trip. Nordic Visitor made the travel very smooth and enjoyable.

Excellent experience!

Cannot fault our experience. Everything was made very easy from start to finish. Thank you so much. Loads included but still had enough time to do other things and explore on our own. Excellent experience. No glitches so no negative memories of the experience. Loved equally by child and adults!

Getting to Lapland

Nordic Visitor tours of Lapland begin in either Kiruna, for Sweden itineraries, or Kemi or Rovaniemi for Finland trips. You can find some direct flights from airports across Europe.

Otherwise, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, frequently asked questions about visiting lapland in february.

You probably want to know more about what it’s like to go on a Lapland holiday in February. To help you decide if it’s the right time of year for you to visit, read on. Our regional travel experts have answered frequently asked questions about Lapland in February below.

You’ll also find itinerary suggestions for Finnish and Swedish Lapland for ideas on how to make the most of your February tour.

• Explore these Lapland winter trips
• Discover why winter is the perfect time to visit Lapland in this blog 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

WHAT’S LAPLAND’S WEATHER LIKE IN FEBRUARY?

Lapland’s climate is subarctic to continental, with cold winters between December and March. This means that you’ll experience snowfall and temperatures below freezing when you visit Lapland in February.

In general, temperatures in Lapland range from -6°C (21°F) to -15°C (5°F) at this time of year, but the dry, crisp air has a moderating effect on the cold. These weather conditions are prime for short winter breaks, with opportunities for thrilling activities in the snow.

WHAT’S THE TEMPERATURE IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

In Kiruna, Swedish Lapland, the average temperature in February is -10°C (14°F). In Finnish Lapland, Kemi also experiences average temperatures of -10°C (14°F), and if you visit Rovaniemi, it’s -11°C (13°F).

IS THERE SNOW IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

Although there is less snowfall than in December and January, February is still one of the snowiest months of the year in Lapland. On average there’s 16 centimetres (6.2 inches) of snowfall in February, the perfect conditions for winter activities, like dog sledding, and ski holidays.

• Check out the  best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

WHAT ARE LAPLAND’S DAYLIGHT HOURS IN FEBRUARY?

You’ll find that daylight hours are short in Lapland in February as much of the region lies within the Arctic Circle.

At the beginning of February you’ll have between 6 hours and 6 hours 40 minutes of daylight. By the end of February, daylight hours increase to 9 hours 40 minutes in Kiruna, and up to nearly 10 hours in Kemi and Rovaniemi.

Read more about the region’s daylight hours in the Lapland Travel Guide .

CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

Since February falls near the middle of winter in Lapland, when the nights are long, you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights. The darkness provides the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it is too bright to see the aurora borealis.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the northern lights with these guides:

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland

What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained

• Explore these northern light tours in Lapland to hunt for the aurora
• Read about Lapland’s daylight hours and climate on the Nordic Visitor travel guide  

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland in February:

• Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
• Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
• Explore the countryside by snowmobile
• Visit Santa Claus in his homeland
• Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
• Try cross-country skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
• Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
• See Arctic animals in their native habitat
• Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book a Lapland tour with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day trips to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax and look forward to your winter escape.

• Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

WHERE ARE THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

Where you go in Lapland in February will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

• Santa Claus Village
• Kemi  

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

• Abisko National Park
• Aurora Sky Station

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SEE LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

All of our Lapland tour packages are partially guided. This is a great way to make the most of your trip to Lapland because you’ll get to take part in guided excursions while still having time to yourself.

Your trip includes excursions where you will benefit from the expertise and insider knowledge of your local guide. That said, there will also be time each day for relaxing and experiencing the local sights at your leisure.

To pack even more into your time in Lapland you can choose to add optional excursions to your itinerary. You could try cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

SHOULD I VISIT SWEDISH OR FINNISH LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

For your break take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland in February. Both destinations offer similar experiences at this time of year, such as hunting for the northern lights, going snowmobiling, and riding in reindeer sleighs.

However, Swedish and Finnish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before you decide where to go. Give skiing resorts a miss this winter, and instead take a look at these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Lapland.

• Find out about spending 5 days or 6 days in Lapland
• Check out these 3-day and 4-day Lapland tours

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to yourself, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.

In the evening you’ll get to explore the countryside on a snowmobile excursion, searching for the northern lights. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. Feel the thrill of the ride as you go.

Then, sit beside the fireplace in a wooden hut and tuck into a rustic dinner of traditional local food. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Dog sledding Today you can enjoy one of the most special activities and traditions in Lapland: husky sledding.

Meet the huskies at the kennel and learn how to drive your sled from an expert guide. Head out onto the trails, gliding through the woods and across snowy plains, soaking up the views as you go. Afterwards, fuel up with a hot cup of coffee and a light lunch by the campfire.

In the evening, you could chase the northern lights again on a snowshoe excursion.

Day 3 - Visit the ICEHOTEL and a Sami reindeer farm This morning, discover the famous ICEHOTEL, situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna. This was the original ice hotel that set a trend for the many others that now exist around the world.

Begin with a guided tour of this extraordinary hotel, learning how artists build it using ice from the Torne River nearby. You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy.

Once you’ve seen the stunning ice rooms, sculptures, church and bar, you’ll be collected from the ICEHOTEL for your next excursion. Get to know the Sami way of life by visiting a traditional reindeer farm. Drive a reindeer sled then enjoy some snacks in a lavvu, a typical Sami tent.

Then comes the highlight: sleeping in a room made entirely from ice and snow!

Spend the night in Kiruna or the ICEHOTEL.

Day 4 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
• Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi & snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. You could rest after your journey or head into town to explore a little before your first Lapland adventure.

Come evening, it’s time to embark on a snowmobile safari and hunt for the northern lights. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snow, looking for the aurora borealis, as an expert guide leads you along the trails.

Round off your excursion with a hot drink and snack beside the campfire, then return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Head into the snow-draped scenery outside Rovaniemi today with a guided dog sled excursion. Learn about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland, starting with a brief lesson at the kennel. Then mush through the woods with your own sled.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Rovaniemi. You could indulge in a sauna session, the typical way to relax and unwind here in Finland.

Day 3 - Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village This morning, hop on a snowmobile and make your way to a traditional reindeer farm. Here you can learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami, and go on a sleigh ride.

Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.

Soak up the festive atmosphere of this Christmassy haven, which is open year-round. Enjoy a private meeting with Santa with the elves on hand, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. Then why not browse for souvenirs at the craft shops?

Day 4 - Day at leisure and visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Learn more about the local history, nature and culture in Rovaniemi this morning by paying a visit to the Arktikum Museum. Here you can explore the intriguing exhibits about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region.

Come evening, head to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi. Take a guided tour of this fascinating frozen hotel, which is created anew each year. Check out the rooms, restaurant and bar, all sculpted from ice and snow.

After your tour sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel for an unforgettable stay. Choose from sleeping in an ice room or a glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Departure Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Visit Finland in winter with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
• Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND STAYING IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

For the quintessential wintry experience, stay in cosy cottages or log cabins. Imagine sitting by the fireplace, with views of the snow-laden scenery outside your window.

One of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginative themed rooms, and restaurants and bars crafted from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an icy chamber is an experience you’ll never forget. You are kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning. Or if you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

A great alternative is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland. Snuggle up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even get to spend a night watching the northern lights from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels and glass igloos to visit in Lapland:

• ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
• SnowCastle (Kemi)
• Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
• Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

WHAT TO WEAR IN LAPLAND IN FEBRUARY?

As February is a cold month in Lapland, you’ll need to prepare for the winter weather by packing plenty of warm clothing. We advise that you wear thermal layers and protective boots with good grip.

Outerwear is provided on outdoor excursions, but do bring an extra coat just in case you want another layer.

Check this recommended packing list for your Lapland trip:

• Thick woollen socks
• Thermal base layers
• Warm woollen jumpers
• Waterproof trousers
• Snowproof jacket or coat
• Thin wool or fleece gloves (ideal as a base layer under snowmobile gloves)
• Thick gloves, scarf and hat
• Small rucksack
• Heat pads for hands and feet
• Power adaptors with two round prongs (Europlug Type C and F)

Find out more about what to bring in this Lapland packing guide .

• Check out these  Lapland holidays to see Santa
• Explore other times to visit Lapland: December , January and March

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

• Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
• Save time and effort with everything arranged for you
• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

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Blog posts you might like

Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

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Winter in Sweden

Glittering winter landscapes, mesmerising Northern Lights and many steaming hot dishes to feast on. What more could you wish for in a winter vacation?

If you want to try breathtaking outdoor activities and participate in ancient traditions, this is the season to visit Sweden.

When is winter in Sweden?

The arrival of Jack Frost (or ‘Kung Bore’, as we call him in Sweden) differs significantly across the country. According to The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), winter begins on the first day of five with a temperature of 0°C or below. Roughly, one can say that Sweden has winter from December through February – even though it can start as early as October in the northernmost parts of the country and continue well into April. SMHI:s season arrival map gives you an up-to-date report on how far winter has come in Sweden.

Average temperatures per month in Sweden

• Kiruna, northern Sweden: -14°C to -5°C in December, -17°C to -7°C in January, -17°C to -7°C in February.
• Stockholm, middle Sweden: -2°C to +2°C in December, -3°C to +1°C in January, -4°C to +1°C in February.
• Malmö, southern Sweden: 0°C to +4°C in December, -2°C to +2°C in January, -2°C to +2°C in February. Source: timeanddate.com

White Christmas

In large parts of Sweden, a white Christmas is almost taken for granted. And regardless of the weather outside, Swedes bring out hand-crafted decorations, fill their homes with candlelight, dress the Christmas tree and fill the kitchen with the smell of freshly baked saffron buns.

Photo : Hans Strand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Glögg and gingerbread

Photo : Emelie Asplund/imagebank.sweden.se

Northern Lights

Photo : Nellie Rosen

Cross-country skiing in Östersund

Photo : Håkan Wike

Skiing and outdoor 'fika'

Photo : Anders Robertsson

Sleddogs in the forest

Photo : Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se

Why is winter the best time to visit Sweden?

Winter in Sweden is officially the ‘cosy season’. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Swedish windows are decorated with illuminated paper stars and electric candlesticks. Throughout the winter, lit candles, woollen blankets and steaming hot drinks like ‘glögg’ and tea reinforce the feeling of ‘mys’ – a Swedish noun and life approach that translates to ‘cosiness’ in English. Lavish window displays and warm light decorations illuminate the streets of the cities. And as it’s low season, a Swedish city break in winter gives you good value for the money.

Swedish winter also means short days. In fact, in the northernmost parts of the country, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for about a month. But the Polar Night, as this natural phenomenon is called, doesn’t mean it’s pitch-dark. The snow wraps the Arctic landscape in a sparkling white blanket. And at night, the sky is painted green, red and purple by the Northern Lights – also known as the greatest light show on Earth. This winter, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in all of Sweden are particularly good.

A few degrees below zero means excellent conditions for snowy outdoor activities. Just pick and choose the activities that appeal to you most: Hit the slopes for a day of downhill skiing or glide through the silent snowy landscape on a cross-country skiing excursion. Strap on your skates and go ice skating over a frozen lake or sit back and let a team of huskies guide you through fairy-tale forests on a dog sled . For a more adrenaline-fuelled activity, opt for a snowmobile tour . Get your heart rate up during a snowshoe hike, or find peace of mind during an ice fishing trip. The options are endless!

Lucia celebration

Early morning Lucia procession in Gustav Vasa church in Stockholm. In Sweden, the Italian St. Lucia has taken an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters.

Photo : Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Photo : Mattis Lindqvist

Winter swim

Photo : Mikael Svensson/Johnér/imagebank.sweden.se

Nobel Week Lights 2023

Photo : Julia Trygg/ Visit Sweden

Jokkmokk Winter Market

Photo : Ted Logart/Swedish Lapland

Freshly baked semla

Photo : Magnus Carlsson/imagebank.sweden.se

Winter in Sweden – 3 things to do

Experience the Swedish Christmas with all that it entails. Start with a visit to one of Sweden’s festive Christmas markets , traditionally held in November and December. If you happen to be in Sweden on 13 December, ask your local tourist office where you can experience a Lucia celebration . This tuneful procession is as Swedish as Midsummer and ‘fika’. Finally, book a table at a restaurant offering ‘julbord’ – a buffet-style smorgasbord brimming with Swedish Christmas food .

Spend the night in one of Sweden’s coolest hotels. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi was the first ice hotel in the world when it opened in 1989. Today, there are several unique winter accommodations within the country’s borders: Igloo Åre , which is built of natural snow each winter, Ice & Light Village in Kalix with cottages encapsulated by igloo-shaped shells, and Aurora Camp Kurravaara and Peace and Quiet Hotel in Jokkmokk which both offer mobile glass igloos.

If you’re feeling brave like a Swede, jump into the frozen water for a refreshing wild swim. The cold bath tradition is as strong as ever and has many health benefits. If you prefer to be surrounded by warm water and look out at frozen landscapes, visit one of Sweden’s beautifully located spas .

Winter 2023/2024 highlights

• 2-10 December: Nobel Week Lights – a free lights festival in Stockholm that illuminates the Nobel Prize laureates and their work.
• 13 December: Lucia Day – a cherished Christmas tradition celebrated all over Sweden.
• 24 December: Christmas Eve, Sweden's primary day for celebrating Christmas.
• 31 January-5 February: Cold Bath Week – dive into the world of cold baths, saunas and well-being during one week in Helsingborg. This year’s theme is “Back to nature”.
• 1-3 February: Jokkmokk Market , a 400-year-old winter market in Swedish Lapland, packed with Sámi handicrafts, local food and cultural activities. Dress warm!
• 6 February: Sámi National Day, celebrated by Sweden's indigenous people.
• 13 February: Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday – the day to savour the Swedish pastry ‘ semla ’. Buy them at any bakery or café across the country.
• 3 March: Vasaloppet , the world’s largest ski competition. The race is fully booked, but you can ski the legendary route all winter.

Related articles

Top 8 winter activities in sweden, how to capture the elusive northern lights, spring in sweden.

9 Magical Reasons to visit Gothenburg in the Winter

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 20th October 2022

Categories Sweden

Last Updated on 20th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

When planning a trip to Europe during the colder months of the year, there are some must-see destinations that are popular year-in-year-out: The French Alps, snow-covered Norway, and the ever-changing landscape of Switzerland to name but a few destinations. There are also more off the beaten path locations, including magical Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden.

There are countless under-the-radar locations you may well not have considered a winter excursion or adventure to before, one of them being Gothenburg (known as Göteborg in Swedish) . Here are nine magical reasons to visit Gothenburg in the winter …

#1 You can sample Swedish Glögg

#2 there’s no better time to enjoy fika than in the winter, #3 discover the art of being cosy, swedish style, #4 you can discover the beautiful hotels of gothenburg, #5 the gothenburg christmas markets are simply magical, #6 there are fewer tourists in wintertime, #7 you can head indoors and experience foodie gothenburg, #8 warm up at the gothenburg palm house, #9 visit gothenburg in the winter and you can experience the best of swedish spa, enjoyed reading about why you should visit gothenburg in the winter pin it now, read it again later:.

If you’ve ever visited a European Christmas Market during the colder months of the year, then no doubt you’ll have heard of (or even sampled) mulled wine. France has its own version which is known as ‘vin chaud,’ while in Germany this winter warmer is called ‘Glühwein’.

What you may well not know is that there’s also a Swedish version and it’s named ‘Glögg’. Traditionally comprising of warm spiced wine containing almonds and raisins, if you’re a fan of mulled wine, then you’re sure to enjoy the Nordic version. And if you’re looking to bring the taste of the Christmas Markets home with you, here’s my delicious Mulled Wine recipe .

If you’ve never heard of the Swedish concept of Fika before then now is better than never! Though the word is literally translated into English as ‘ coffee break ,’ Fika means so much more than this.

The Swedes take their coffee pretty seriously, meaning that many of the prettiest coffee shops in the city are also home to some of the best blends of coffee anywhere in Europe.

This perhaps has something to do with the extortionate price of alcohol! Some of the best places to enjoy a coffee break in the city include Da Matteo (there are several locations of this coffee chain),  Café Kringlan (this coffee shop can be found in the very heart of historic Haga), and Le Petit Café.

Aside from being a chance to drink coffee and eat cake (no Fika is complete without a sweet treat) , fika also provides the opportunity to chat with friends and is as much about the community and friendship it provides and nurtures as the nourishment of the produce itself.

And while we’re on the subject of Swedish traditions, now is a great time to mention getting cosy, Swedish style. When it comes to Swedish design, whether it be clothing, interior design, or even your hotel room, everything is well thought out.

Everything has its own place and function and if it’s not functional, then it’s simply not there! However, because you’re in Sweden, everything is designed to also be laid-back, friendly, and of course, cosy.

As a result, when it comes to Gothenburg in the winter, there’s no better way to explore the concept of ‘cosy’ than when you have to bundle up in layers and have the excuse of staying warm to drink as many hot beverages as you please!

While in the summer you’ll likely want to make the most of the long Nordic days, wintertime provides the perfect excuse to cosy up in your hotel room and discover Gothenburg’s many beautiful interiors. After all, daylight in December is typically around six or seven hours and rain is not uncommon.

Among some of my top hotel recommendations for Gothenburg are Hotel Pigalle (this French-inspired accommodation is also home to a fantastic restaurant with plush interiors and flower walls) and Clarion Hotel Post (for a true taste of luxury during your visit to Gothenburg, book a stay here).

From the endless festivities at Liseberg (a theme park on the outskirts of the city) to the stalls selling fresh and local produce in the historic Haga District, Gothenburg is home to some of the best Christmas Markets in the Nordics, if not all of Europe.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the top Christmas markets in Gothenburg. Truth be told, my favourite market of all when it comes to the festivities of Gothenburg was that of Liseberg.

After all, there’s an indoor section, children’s area, and even a Medieval-style market amongst the traditional wooden chalets that are so synonymous with Europe in the winter . Elsewhere in the city, twinkling lights and Christmas trees are to be found around nearly every turn.

Like the rest of Europe, Gothenburg is primarily seen as a summer destination. And while there’s no denying the plethora of activities across the city and its archipelago during the warmer months of the year, there’s something to be said of having typically popular destinations to yourself during other seasons, especially in snow-covered winter.

The cafés are empty, you’ll be able to admire artworks all by yourself and (perhaps best of all!) your vacation snaps will be largely peopleless. Other perks of travelling in the European shoulder and low seasons include lower airfares and lower hotel rates!

What many tourists (including myself) often don’t know before visiting the second largest city in Sweden is that it’s a pretty incredible foodie destination. From takeaway joints to fine dining experiences (including Michelin Star Restaurants), there’s no shortage of culinary affairs to be had in the city.

One of the best places to eat in Gothenburg is Restaurang Atelier. This eatery serves wonderful food against the backdrop of a roaring fire all winter long.

Elsewhere in the city, at Restaurant Norda staff are friendly and are more than happy to adapt dishes to dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, or lactose-free.

In a city as hip and trendy as Gothenburg, it should come as no surprise that one of the best places to visit is the botanical gardens. Come rain, shine, summer, or winter, the Gothenburg Palm House (or Palmhuset as it is so-called in Swedish)  provides greenery all year ’round.

Located in the very heart of the Garden Society, which is a large park in the very heart of the city, the botanical gardens were founded by King Carl XIV Johan in 1842.

The Palm House itself dates all the way back to 1878 and can be visited every day of the week. For more top sights in the Swedish city, be sure to check out our free Gothenburg walking tour.

For those looking for a true winter warmer, there is no better time to experience the art of the Swedish Spa. Most spa complexes comprise of numerous saunas (heated to different temperatures; 20, 40, and 70 degrees Celsius are standard), pools at varying temperatures, and of course, outdoor hot tubs.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, then you might even consider partaking in the tradition of following your steamy soak with a jump in the ice-cold sea (I can confirm that I certainly didn’t do this while staying in West Sweden)!

Meanwhile, Gothenburg is so close to the Swedish countryside that a country retreat is never too far away. For example, the Nääs Fabriker destination complex is home to a stunning sauna, hotel rooms, dining experiences and even shopping spots. Just half an hour from the city centre, this escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life is too beautiful to convey in words…

I visited Gothenburg with Goteborg & Co . and West Sweden . However, all photos, words, and foodie opinions remain my own (as always!). A special thanks to Sofie, Kasja, and Steve for making our visit to Gothenburg in the winter so special!

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Scandinavia ? Made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, this region is a top destination whether you’re looking to experience the northern lights or visit the grand capital cities. 

This useful guide will help you figure out the best times to visit and the best places to see in Scandinavia. Get ready for a bucket-list worthy trip to the land of the Vikings, steep mountains, long fjords and majestic waterfalls.

Best time to visit Scandinavia

With four distinct seasons, Scandinavia has plenty to offer all year long. When is best to visit for you is personal and may depend on your pre-booked holidays, what you want to see and experience, or your preferred season.

Read below for a short-and-sweet guide to the best time to visit Scandinavia.

• During the summer months, you could take on a self-drive trip around Scandinavia or join a small guided tour  with a local guide
• Throughout the year, travel around Scandinavia independently via scenic trains and cruises journeys

1. Best time to visit Scandinavia for weather

Summer in Scandinavia, the months of July and August , is a great time to visit. At this time of year, you’re more likely to have pleasant and stable weather. Nature comes alive and locals and visitors alike can enjoy the great outdoors.

Another bonus of summer is the extended daylight hours. Take advantage of long days with more sightseeing and excursions.

The summer is also a good time for a road trip. Take the wheel, enjoy the warmer weather, go off the beaten track, and find your own corner of paradise.

• Browse these summer Scandinavia packages

2. Best time to visit Scandinavia for quieter travel

Scandinavia is very popular with travellers – for excellent reasons! But do you dream of a quiet holiday, to experience the natural wonders in peaceful reflection? Or to capture the perfect photos without too many distractions?

Travelling during in winter has many benefits that you may enjoy. One of which is experiencing the country at your own relaxed pace.

If you would like to take advantage of the fairer weather and quieter attractions, visit during the shoulder season in May or September .

3. Best time to visit Scandinavia to see the northern lights

While summer may be ideal to visit the Nordic countries , it is not the best time to see the northern lights.

To see the aurora borealis you need a clear, dark sky, which is difficult to find in the Arctic region. This includes Northern Norway, Svalbard, Finnish and Swedish Lapland where the sun doesn't fully set in summer.

For the best chances of dark skies and northern lights spotting, visit Scandinavia and especially its northern reaches between October and March.

• Check out Scandinavian northern lights tours

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Encompassing Denmark, Norway and Sweden, this northern region of Europe has so much to offer. While planning a trip around Scandinavia, the only challenge you’ll have is to narrow down the places you’ll want to see.

Here are some suggestions to add to your Scandinavian itinerary: 

1. Oslo, Norway

Norway's capital, Oslo , is a must-see city blending nature with modern, urban vibes. Chances are you will fly into Oslo to visit Norway, making it a perfect first stop on your itinerary!

Head outdoors to admire the green hills and surrounding mountains of Oslo. Or enjoy the vibrant cultural life, visiting world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Kon-Tiki Museum .

• Book one of these Norway holiday packages

2. Bergen, Norway

Bergen , Norway’s second largest city, is a great place to experience rich cultural and historical attractions, as well as seeing majestic natural wonders.

Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Fjords", you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Norway’s’ longest fjord, Sognefjord , and the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

You can also spend hours walking around the streets of this vibrant city, exploring museums and its old town, the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen .

• Look up city breaks in Scandinavia to explore Bergen as well as the capital cities
• Related: 7 Scandinavian cities you need to visit

3. Lofoten islands, Norway

Discover Norwegian natural beauty at its finest in the Lofoten islands .

As an archipelago within the Arctic Circle, this region boasts plenty of dramatic scenery with mighty mountains, craggy coastal lines, pristine waterways and quaint fishing villages. Svolvær, the main community of Lofoten, is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

This is an excellent place to visit for keen bird watchers in summer, and for those chasing the northern lights  in winter.

• Explore tours to the Lofoten islands

4. Flåm, Norway

The small town of Flåm is an ideal stop to relax during a bustling trip around Norway or Scandinavia.

Nestled at the heart of the western fjords, you’ll find a wealth of natural attractions a stone’s throw from this tiny village. Admire the mighty mountains, stunning fjords, and powerful waterfalls.

From here, you could hop on a fjord cruise, or aboard the famous Flåm Railway , known as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world!

• Experience the comfort of train travel and see the sights from your window with one of these Scandinavian tours by rail

5. Preikestolen, Norway

Conquer your fear of heights at the gravity-defying Preikestolen . Its name means "Pulpit Rock", given because of its odd shape resembling a preacher’s pulpit.

You could admire it from a boat tour along the fjords, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike up Pulpit Rock . It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to make this 8-kilometre (5-mile) round trip.

At the top, enjoy the views over the Lysefjord from the 604-metre (nearly 2,000-feet) high cliff!

• Visit Scandinavia in the summer months, June , July or August , to go hiking, kayaking and more

6. Sognefjord, Norway

Prepare to be amazed by Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Also known as the "King of the Fjords", it's a breathtaking site with towering mountain peaks and tranquil waters.

If you take part in the legendary Norway in a Nutshell© tour , you will pass through Aurlandsfjord , an arm of the Sognefjord. This will allow you to really take in its vastness. Sognefjord itself also extends inland to Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks.

7. Geirangerfjord & Nærøyfjord, Norway

Escape to an area of renowned natural beauty. The UNESCO World Heritage-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are often referred to as the "world’s most stunning fjords" and you're in for a treat.

Spend a day cruising along their peaceful waters, looking up at the steep mountainsides, and spotting wildlife. You could also admire views of powerful waterfalls, such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil .

• Sail along fjords, rugged coastlines and across the Baltic Sea on a cruise of Scandinavia

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Discover Stockholm, the enchanting capital of Sweden. Here you can spend your days discovering Swedish culture and history.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of the 13th-century old town (Gamla Stan). This area is dotted with interesting attractions such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace.

You could also head out to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum, the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Or take a boat trip around the stunning Stockholm archipelago .

• Explore these Sweden holiday packages

9. Gothenburg, Sweden

While making your way through Sweden, don’t forget the western city of Gothenburg. With its chilled-out and trendy vibes, the country's second largest city is one of the best vacation spots in Sweden .

Here, you’ll discover neoclassical architecture along quaint streets and grand canals. You could dine at romantic gastropubs in Haga, ride rollercoasters at the 1920s Liseberg amusement park, and take a cruise along the Gothenburg archipelago.

• Check out these tours of Sweden to explore the country in more depth
• Related: Best group tours in Europe for solo travellers

10. Icehotel, Sweden

Sleep on ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL in Sweden – a quintessential Nordic experience!

During the day, you can try your hand at fun winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. By night, keep warm on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the dancing northern lights in the sky above. 

• Head north to have a  winter getaway in Lapland

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel to the fairytale city of Copenhagen, where you’ll discover royal palaces, nods to writer Hans Christian Andersen, and canals lined with colourful houses.

You could easily fill several days visiting all of Copenhagen’s cultural and historical attractions. But make sure to visit the extravagant Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal family, and Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park.

• Visit Copenhagen as part of a  Scandinavian triangle tour that also includes Stockholm and Oslo

12. Helsinki, Finland

While not technically part of Scandinavia, don’t forget Finland when travelling through the Nordic countries.

Cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki and experience Finnish culture at its finest. Here, you’ll find modern buildings alongside ornamental, Art Nouveau architecture, which makes exploring the city a real treat.

We recommend checking out the Design District, Temppeliaukion (an incredible rock-carved church), and Market Square.

• Take an  independent tour of Scandinavia including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway

13. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Relive childhood fantasies by visiting the official hometown of Santa Claus in the capital of Finnish Lapland.

After you’ve met the jolly old fellow, make sure to visit the Arktikum museum. Or head into the great outdoors to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi is also a good spot to chase the northern lights during the winter months.

• Visit in  December , January , February or March to enjoy the winter wonderland

Planning your trip to Scandinavia

Booking a trip to Scandinavia couldn't be easier with Nordic Visitor. You can take your pick from the large selection of self-drive itineraries , train and cruise packages , and guided group tours .

Choose your favourite itinerary and we'll do the rest for you. We'll book your accommodation, in-country transportation and transfers, and activities. So all you have to do is fly here and enjoy your holiday! 

When you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian getaway, get in touch with our travel consultants who can arrange it all for you. They can even customise your itinerary should you have any particular needs and interests.  We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Scandinavia!

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

SCANDINAVIAN ROAD TRIP

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HIGHLIGHTS OF SCANDINAVIA & FINLAND CRUISE

Best of scandinavia classic, related posts, 7 scandinavian cities you need to visit.

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9 Incredible Places To Visit In The U.S.A. In February (2024)

Traveling In Focus - Couples Travel Around The USA & Canada

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Are you itching to swap that stuffy office view for something a little more scenic? We sure are!

There’s a reason we adore February – it’s the perfect time to explore the USA , whether you’re a fan of frosty landscapes or sun-soaked paradises.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “But where should I go?”

Don’t you worry your wanderlusting head, we’ve got the lowdown on the top spots to hit this February .

Trust us; we’re practically travel royalty at this point. So, slip into those vacation pants, and let’s get this show on the road.

For Those Who Crave the Cold In February

Do you find yourself daydreaming about frosted landscapes that would make a snowman shudder?

Well, strap on those extra thermal socks, and let’s dive headfirst into the chilliest spots on our list.

1. Fairbanks, Alaska

Ready for a real winter wonderland? Then Fairbanks, Alaska , is your go-to.

Wondering “Alaska, in February? Is that a typo?” No, just hear us out!

February in Fairbanks is like walking into the most magical winter scene you can imagine.

Remember those Northern Lights that you’ve got on your bucket list ? Fairbanks offers one of the best seats in the world for this natural light show.

And trust us, there’s nothing quite like watching those ethereal hues dance across the sky (we saw them in Jasper National Park, Canada).

If you’re the adventurous sort, this is also prime time for some unique winter sports .

How about mushing your own dogsled team or trying your hand at ice fishing? And if you’ve ever fancied cross-country skiing across pristine, snow-covered landscapes, then you’re in luck.

And just when you thought you’d seen it all, Santa Fe goes and bags the title of top destination for 2024 . Who knew? Well, you will, once you hop over to our next enlightening article.

2. New York City, New York

New York City, New York : it’s the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and surprisingly, the Cupid’s playground in February.

Wondering why? The first reason is fewer tourists.

With fewer souls wandering Times Square , you’ve got a better chance at snagging those Broadway show tickets you’ve been dreaming of.

Because seeing Hamilton without the long lines is like getting to rap battle with Alexander Hamilton himself but without the risk of a duel.

And second, this city knows romance .

Think carriage rides in Central Park under the soft snowfall or ice skating at Rockefeller Center. It’s like being in a rom-com minus the awkward laugh track.

So, if you’re after heart-fluttering sweet moments or just want to flex your cultured muscles at a Broadway show, NYC is your destination.

Just remember, those giant pretzels ain’t for sharing, no matter how much you love your partner.

Let’s shimmy away from this huge, bustling city and sneak into the coziest corners of the USA – the friendliest small towns . Bet you can’t guess what they put in the water to make everyone so darn friendly.

3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, where frosty bison roam wild, and the geysers don’t give a toss about the freezing temperature.

February is a wildlife aficionado’s dream . Imagine spotting a bison covered in frost, looking like it just popped out from a Christmas postcard.

Not your regular Monday, huh?

And those famed geothermal features Yellowstone boasts ?

They’re downright surreal in winter. The steam from geysers and hot springs meets the crisp winter air, creating a smoky spectacle that’ll make you question your reality.

It’s like being in a fantasy novel, minus the dragons (or maybe they’re just hibernating?!).

If you want a winter adventure that’s cooler than a polar bear’s toenails, Yellowstone is your bag, baby.

Tired of elbowing your way through the bison roadblocks at Yellowstone, huh? Let’s take the road less traveled and check out these national parks that even the squirrels have on their bucket list.

4. Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, Montana, doesn’t just sound expansive – it is expansive. This place is as grand as your grandma’s love for knitting.

Think of it as a snowy paradise for those of you who enjoy the feel of cold wind nipping at your noses.

And February? It’s like being at the North Pole, minus the elf labor.

Ski conditions? Top-notch. Your chances of launching a successful snowball attack? Stratospheric.

Not big on skiing? No worries. Just plop down by a toasty fire, whip out your phone, and get ready to flood your followers’ feeds with jealousy-inducing mountain landscapes .

Worried about a lonely Valentine’s? Big Sky’s snowflakes are ready to be your date.

For Those Desiring Sunshine Over Snowflakes

Now, if you’re the type who thinks “cold” and “vacation” go together about as well as ketchup and ice cream, don’t fret.

We’ve got a sizzling selection of sun-drenched getaway spots perfect for February that’ll have you swapping your snow boots for flip-flops.

5. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, in February ? You might as well ask a snowman if he’d like a Hawaiian vacation. It’s downright perfection.

With mild temperatures and more sunshine than a solar farm, you’ll be itching to slip into your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors.

Ever witnessed a cactus blush in the setting sun or felt the thrill of spotting a roadrunner sprinting past boulders, leaving Wile E. Coyote in the dust? Well, Tucson’s got all that and more.

And speaking of rocks and hard places, Tucson’s culture shines brighter than a diamond at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show each February.

Can you imagine an event where you can admire a rock without being told to? We can’t, but to each their own!

So, if you’re more into sizzling than shivering, Tucson has you covered. Or should we say, uncovered?

Insider Tip: Ever thought of cruising around Tucson on two wheels with a taco in hand? They’ve got some incredible bike tours in this bike-friendly city, including a whacky bike tour that not only lets you drink in the city sights but also feast on mouthwatering tacos. It’s sightseeing with a side of salsa!

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

In February, New Orleans, Louisiana, is like a surprise party where everyone already knows the secret, but the confetti still tastes like magic.

We think you probably know why February. But we are sharing anyway.

It’s Mardi Gras, baby !

The city’s annual bacchanal of masks, beads, and king cakes turns the streets into a riot of color and music. You haven’t lived until you’ve grooved to a brass band while wearing a feathered boa.

And the weather’s as mild as a Cajun crawfish boil is spicy , perfect for strolling through the historic neighborhoods or lounging in the city’s beautiful parks.

7. Key West, Florida 

Key West, Florida , is where the sun has a constant reservation and is never late.

Ever dreamt of strolling down beaches that look like they’ve been stolen from a travel brochure or swimming in waters so clear that fish start questioning their existence?

Well, pack your bags because this is the perfect time to visit.

It’s the Goldilocks of climates – not too hot, not too cold; it’s just right .

While the rest of the country is shivering in their boots, you’ll be perfecting your tan and sipping on a margarita.

Plus, Key West is a veritable playground for water sports enthusiasts .

With clear, calm waters that make a bathtub look like a stormy sea, it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii, where the vibe is chill, and the culture is as rich as their locally grown Kona coffee.

It’s whale-watching season , so sharpen your binoculars and get ready to play a real-life game of “Find Willy.”

The warm ocean waves are practically jostling with these magnificent beasts, making for a sight that’s more spectacular than a 4th of July fireworks show.

And as if that’s not enough, Honolulu also plays host to a plethora of cultural events this month.

Ever wanted to hula dance at a luau or gawk at art forms that make Picasso look like a doodler? It’s all happening here in February.

9. Big Bend National Park, Texas 

And finally, would you fancy a stroll through some of the most diverse landscapes Texas has to offer? Well, saddle up and head to Big Bend National Park .

The month of February is like one of those posh gala events but for Mother Nature.

It’s serene, quieter than a church mouse with fewer crowds, offering a more peaceful experience than a zen garden.

The desert says “adios” to the extreme summer heat (when the trails are hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch) and welcomes cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring those beautiful mountains and river valleys.

You can hike, camp, and stargaze without melting into a puddle or turning into a popsicle.

To Finish – Best U.S. Vacations In February For Every Traveler

From the sun-soaked beaches of Honolulu to the snowy mountains of Big Sky, we’ve covered the whole thermometer for you.

And whether you’re a sun worshipper or a snow bunny, we’ve hopefully included a destination that’ll tickle your travel tastebuds .

Sure, you could stay at home bundled up in blankets or blasting the AC, but where’s the fun in that?

Grab your suitcase, pick your climate, and get ready for an unforgettable February.

And if you’re wondering where to go from here, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out this handy-dandy article on national parks for your bucket list – because nothing says “adventure” like a list compiled by a complete stranger!

The post 9 Incredible Places To Visit In The U.S.A. In February (2024) appeared first on Traveling In Focus .