5 Days in Sweden - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Summer in Swedish Lappland

Covering a lot of ground, on foot and by plane, this summer Lappland itinerary is perfect for active travelers keen on packing in a lot of activity in a short amount of time. You'll explore the capital, Stockholm, fly to Swedish Lappland to pick up a trail or two, and train to Kiruna, north of the Arctic Circle, for exploration and hiking, followed by another day of hiking the trails in stunning Abisko National Park. 

Your journey to Sweden begins with a visit to Stockholm's vibrant Norrmalm downtown and historic Gamla Stan (Old Town). You'll get a taste of the culture by sampling the local cuisine—Swedish meatballs, apple pie, and pickled herring. Next, fly north to Luleå, a coastal city in Lappland, to immerse yourself in the beautiful forest scenery of sun-dappled trees and babbling brooks and hike the picturesque Bergnäsets Trail. Afterward, dine on a moose steak or salmon dinner in Ersnäs village.

Board a scenic train to Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city, on Day 3. Soak up Kiruna's natural wonders on the Midnight Sun Trail the next day, taking you through a birch forest above the tree line on the Luossavaara mountain. Be sure to check out the nearby Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Your last full day sees you hiking once more, enjoying the rugged mountains, deep forests, and glassy lakes at Abisko National Park on the borders with Norway, and taking in the panoramic views atop the Aurora Sky Station. You'll return to Stockholm on Day 5 for departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Swedish Winter Adventure: Luleå & Stockholm

This winter adventure indulges you in snowy activities in Luleå, like a traditional sauna and snowshoeing in the wilderness. Get friendly with huskies who'll take you on an Arctic sled ride while you chase the northern lights. Fly south to Stockholm to wrap up your winter getaway with a sunset wildlife-watching excursion and visiting the city's world-class museums. 

Begin the first three days of your Swedish journey warming up in Luleå. Immerse yourself in the Nordic landscape while partaking in a traditional outdoor hot tub and sauna experience, complete with a wood-burning hot tub and a refreshing dip in an ice tub. Next, set off on a snowshoeing adventure, where you'll learn some survival skills and about the forest's wildlife and ecosystem. Dinner by a roaring fire is a snowmobile-sled ride away at Aurora Hideaway. The following day, suit up for a dogsledding trip through the beautiful winter landscapes outside Luleå while searching the sky for the northern lights.

The adventures don't stop in Luleå. Catch a flight south to Stockholm to discover the city's various districts, from laid-back Södermalm to the vibrant Norrmalm and the cobbled streets and colorful buildings of Old Town. On a wildlife sunset tour, spot native creatures like elk, deer, and wild boar. And then enjoy the cozy ritual of fika (coffee break) or visit one of the city's world-class museums, like the National Museum or the Nobel Museum, before departing Learn more

Itinerary #3: Skåne Adventure Road Trip

Active travelers will enjoy the balance of driving time and activities on this road trip loop of the Skåne region in southern Sweden. The route starts in Copenhagen and stops off in Malmö before venturing east to your cozy farmstay in Löderup. Drive to Ystad to cycle the countryside and explore Söderåsen National Park on horseback and hiking in Kullaberg Nature Reserve. Afterward, drive west to Helsingborg for more hiking and countryside landscapes. 

Touchdown in Copenhagen and stop off in Malmö as you drive into Sweden. The city's landmarks include Renaissance-style Malmöhus Castle and the Turning Torso, one of the tallest buildings in Scandinavia. Next, drive east to Löderup, where you can check into a cozy, family-run farmstay. Drive to Ystad, loved for its sandy beaches, rolling Skåne countryside, and cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and where you can tour a film studio and the 13th-century Ystad Monastery. For exercise, cycle the countryside and coastline before feasting on local specialties at Villa Strandvägen.

Day 3 is all about exploring Söderåsen National Park on horseback, where you'll ride through the beach forest of Kopparhatten. Afterward, drive west to Helsingborg, Sweden's ceramics district, and enjoy its culinary scene. The following day, hike the Mölle Trail in Kullaberg Nature Reserve. Experience the beauty of Kullahalvöns at Södåkra Vineyard, a charming 18th-century farm nestled in the landscape near Skälderviken. Learn more

Itinerary #4: History & Culture in Stockholm

History buffs will enjoy this history and culture itinerary focused on discovering the ancient past, cutting-edge city life, delicious cuisine, and rich culture of Sweden's capital. Take a ghost tour through the Old Town's winding streets and alleys before seeing the city's top attractions—guided tours mean you won't waste a moment! Visit Sigtuna and Uppsala for Viking runes and end your trip with a Nordic food walk and performance at the Royal Swedish Opera. 

Get acquainted with Stockholm by strolling through its colorful, creative Södermalm, elegant Östermalm districts, and Old Town. On a ghost tour through Old Town's winding streets and alleys, discover the city's notorious tales of murder and mayhem. The following day, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace of Stockholm). At the same time, learn about the royal family's history and explore the Vasa Museum's incredible collection, including the 17th-century warship. End Day 2 with Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum and a visit to Skansen, where you can learn about traditional Swedish life and culture.

Day 3 is all about Viking history. Explore Jarlabanke's Bridge, Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town and home to the most runestones on the planet, and Uppsala, where you can find ancient burial mounds, castles, and cathedrals. The following day, embark on a Nordic Food Walk beginning in Östermalm and the Market Hall. Afterward, take in a performance at the magnificent Royal Swedish Opera. On your last day, hit Drottninggatan for souvenir shopping or stop at a café to savor a fika before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Foodie Adventure in Copenhagen & Stockholm

Split your time between Denmark's Copenhagen and Sweden's Stockholm on this multicountry foodie adventure. Begin with a craft beer tasting in Copenhagen, then visit a coffee micro-roastery and tour the gourmet restaurants in the city's West End. Take the train to Stockholm for more beer tasting, experience a traditional Swedish fika, enjoy a lunchtime boat tour, and explore Stockholm's Old Town on foot before heading home.

Explore Copenhagen's Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront, canal, and entertainment district, and admire The Little Mermaid statue. Later, head to the Mikkeller microbrewery for a beer tasting, and try smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-face sandwich. The following day, sample some high-quality coffee at The Coffee Collective micro-roastery and wander through the Christiania neighborhood. Next is a gourmet tour of Copenhagen's West End, where you'll taste the culinary delights of the historic meatpacking district (Kødbyen).

Transfer to Stockholm on Day 3 to see its charming Old Town, the Skansen Open Air Museum, City Hall, and Drottningholm Palace. The afternoon brings two tasty food tours. First, discover fika, or the tradition of meeting up for a coffee, and then indulge in the city's best cafés and bakeries. On Day 4, journey through the Stockholm Archipelago on a 1906 Edwardian-era ship, then join a walking tour to the stunning Stortorget square to learn about the Royal Palace's history, savor traditional Swedish candy, and end your tour on the picturesque Riddarholmen island. Sample some of the city's famous seafood on your last evening. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Culture & Relaxation in Stockholm

Travelers who like soaking up the traditions of a city at a slower pace will appreciate this culture and relaxation itinerary. Focused on Stockholm, you'll discover Old Town's medieval landmarks and palaces on a walking tour and sail around the city's archipelago on an Edwardian-era vessel. There's time to sample traditional Swedish cuisine, browse world-class museums, and relax at Sturebadet Spa, where you can wallow in Turkish baths, indulge in a decadent massage, and visit local coffee shops in a leisurely fashion.  

Discover Stockholm, an archipelago of 14 islands on Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Tour its historic Old Town and key landmarks like the Royal Palace, 13th-century Storkyrkan cathedral, or the Art Nouveau palace Centralbadet, where you can enjoy Roman baths and saunas. Try typical elk or beef Swedish meatballs or toast skagen (toasted bread topped with prawn salad). The following day, enjoy coffee shops like Kaffeverket in St. Eriksgatan, Johan & Nyström in Odenplan, and Java Whiskers. Or, stop by Ritorno for some of the city's best seasonal semla pastries. 

Fueled up, embark upon a guided walking tour of Stockholm's Old Town. Learn Swedish history and culture with a guide, starting at the stunning Stortorget square. You'll wander the narrowest alley in Stockholm and pass grand noble palaces. End the tour on the picturesque island of Riddarholmen, known as "The Island of Nobility." On Day 3, you'll board the MS Östanå I and sail among islands on a boat tour, enjoying the watery landscapes. Relish your last day by relaxing at the opulent Sturebadet Spa with treatments and a Turkish bath. Learn more 

More Great 5-Day Sweden Itineraries

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