10 Days in Sweden - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Aurora Borealis Adventure in Sweden

Crafted for those who delight in cozy layers and seek to explore the unspoiled expanses of Sweden's far north without the crowds, this winter itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Spend evenings searching for the aurora borealis and days exploring by dogsled, horseback, snowmobile, and foot. Then, following three days in Stockholm, you'll no doubt leave with a well-rounded introduction to Sweden's winter highlights.

Welcome to Sweden! Your adventure begins with a short flight from Stockholm to Kiruna, the gateway to the Lappland region. Enjoy a relaxing evening, then get your first glimpse of Sweden's untamed landscapes during a horseback ride to spot the elusive moose. Next, travel to Jukkasjärvi, where the iconic Icehotel awaits as your home for two nights. Spend the afternoon wandering the hotel's art gallery and sipping cocktails from ice-carved glasses before bundling up for an exciting reindeer experience at Nutti Sámi Siida. This open-air museum offers a glimpse into the Sámi culture.

After transferring to Björkliden, you'll have two days to explore the adjacent Abisko National Park, first by a guided snowmobile excursion and next from Aurora Sky Station. Before leaving town and returning to Stockholm, get your heart pumping during an exciting Abisko backcountry alpine skiing trip. End your memorable journey with three days in the capital, getting pampered at the Sturabadet Spa, navigating serene canals on a winter kayaking expedition, and marveling at the rich history displayed within the Vasa Museum and National Museum until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Sweden Summer Adventure: Stockholm, Gothenburg & the Far North

Explore three corners of Sweden, flying from Stockholm in the south, north to the Arctic Circle, and then west to Gothenburg on this summer adventure, perfect for first-time visitors. In under two weeks, you'll hike through mountain forests, learn about Indigenous Sámi culture, experience laid-back island life, and delve into city life. Plus, as you move around on trains in the north and ferries in the west, you'll receive a well-rounded introduction to Sweden's way of life.

Begin your adventure with an exciting day in Stockholm, wandering Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Norrmalm while indulging in the New Nordic food scene. Then, it's back to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight north to Luleå, where you'll spend two days hiking the Hembergets Trail, Bergnäsets Trail, and Hertsö Trail. Weary legs will enjoy the following day's train ride to Kiruna, located within the Arctic Circle, where you'll tick off the short but stunning Midnight Sun Trail. Another train journey awaits the next day to Abisko National Park, where you can go hiking, mountain biking, or opt for a day of relaxation.

Next, switch directions and fly southwest to Gothenburg, Sweden's second-biggest city. Get to know the city through visits to the Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden; then, spend your final days exploring a few of the 20 islands that make up the Gothenburg archipelago. Depending on the weather, you can mix and match a beach day on Knarrholmen, a hiking outing on Radarberget, a cycling excursion on Brännö, and a relaxing day on Källö-Knippla. Full of adventure, you'll say goodbye after catching a train to the Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Road Trip Adventure Around Sweden

Explore Sweden's historic towns and picturesque villages on this 10-day road trip that starts and ends in the capital city of Stockholm. Ideal for those who want to stay on the move and see as much of Sweden as possible, you'll tick off visits to Uppsala, Falun, and Örebro, as well as exciting wildlife safaris and a day at a Swedish Water Park. Expect a range of short and long drives, and in return, you'll experience the cultural nuances and awe-inspiring landscapes dotted across Sweden.

Your journey begins with a day in Stockholm, shaking off any jet lag during a visit to the Vasa Museum and Drottningholm Palace. Next, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Uppsala, where you'll discover stunning historic architecture at the Uppsala Cathedral and Uppsala Castle. Continuing north, you'll find yourself in Gävle, where strolls along the serene river are complemented by an intriguing bat safari at Axmar Bruk. Head west afterward, stopping at Falun for a guided tour of Falun Mine; then, on your way to Mora, seize the opportunity to explore the Styggforsen Nature Reserve.

As day six rolls around, it's time to switch direction and head south to Örebro. Celebrate the end of a lengthier drive with a wander around the impressive Örebro Castle; then, it's right back to the car, this time for a short drive to Västerås. Leap back to the Viking era during a visit to the Anundshög burial mound and the Västerås Cathedral, but for the thrill seekers, the highlight of the day will surely be a trip to Kokpunkten—a Swedish water park. Next, squeeze in a day searching for moose on a wildlife safari before heading back to Stockholm to drop off your rental car and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Urban Scandi Food Tour: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gothenburg & Oslo

Creative, super seasonal, and locally sourced, New Nordic cuisine has excited the international food scene—and this 10-day Scandi food tour features the best. Crafted for adventure-loving foodies, you'll taste your way around Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Dine in Copenhagen's regenerated industrial buildings, graze at Oslo's eco-friendly food hall, try dainty plates of pickled fish in Stockholm, and shuck oysters at Gothenburg's "Fish Church."

Your Scandinavian tour begins in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, and the perfect place to introduce your palate to New Nordic cuisine. Three days will fly by as you wander the waterfront district of Nyhavn, join a "gourmet tour" of the West End, and tour the ARKEN Museum of Modern Art. But before long, it's time to trade capitals and catch a train to Stockholm, Sweden, and with just two days here, you'll want to get straight to the activities. Start at Pelikan, a rustic beer hall, spend the following morning touring Drottningholm Palace by boat, and end your stay dining at the Michelin-starred Frantzén. 

A new city is calling, and after a four-hour train ride, you'll find yourself in Gothenburg. Spend the following day on a guided tour of Gothenburg highlights, including the Göta Canal,  Feskekörka, and the waterfront restaurant Sjömagasinet, before continuing to Oslo. Over your final three days in Norway's capital, you'll have the opportunity to try tapas-style Nordic meals at Vaaghals, explore the Viking Ship Museum, and indulge in Norwegian specialties at a food hall in the Vulkan district. Full of superb food and memories, you'll head to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Culture & Relaxation in Stockholm, Jönköping & Kalmar

Sink into a relaxed pace on this culturally-rich trip, perfect for those looking to slow down and dive deeper into Sweden's arts, trades, and food. Ticking off the lavish restaurants (and spas!) of Stockholm, the picturesque canals of Jönköping, and the iconic castle in Kalmar, each day is filled with splendid stories and landscapes. Along the way, you'll even get hands-on during candy-making and glassblowing workshops. 

There's no better place to begin a culturally-focused Sweden trip than in its capital city of Stockholm. After settling into your hotel, you'll hop on a ferry to discover the city's unique districts, including Södermalm and Old Town. Start the following day experiencing a traditional fika, then see the city from all angles as you join a guided walking tour of Old Town, join a sunset kayaking session, and embark on a Nordic food walk. Next, it's time to take a deeper dive into the country's history with a three-night stay in Jönköping, a charming city set on Lake Vättern.

Savor a delicious evening on a guided food walk, then prepare for an exciting visit to Skullaryd Moose Park, followed by a tranquil afternoon in Rosenlundsbadet's pools. Before leaving Jönköping, head to the nearby Gränna to give making traditional Swedish candy sticks a go, known as polkagris, until it's off to Kalmar. Home to the famous Kalmar Castle, you'll waste no time in joining a guided boat trip out to the castle itself, as all too soon, it'll be time to return to Stockholm. Spend your final evening relaxing at the Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa, and head to the airport the next morning to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great Sweden Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Sweden trip? Check out these other Sweden itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.