Highlights
- Discover Stockholm's spas, medieval palaces, and Old Town
- Soar above historic Gränna in a hot-air balloon
- Enjoy a sunset kayaking tour of Stockholm
- Taste Swedish cuisine on a food tour in Jönköping
- Go on a safari at Skullaryd Moose Park
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Stockholm, Explore | Stockholm |
Day 2 | Free day in Stockholm, Sunset Kayaking Tour | Stockholm |
Day 3 | Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa | Stockholm |
Day 4 | Transfer to Jönköping & Guided Food Walk | Jönköping |
Day 5 | Gränna Day Trip Including Hot-Air Balloon Tour | Jönköping |
Day 6 | Skullaryd Moose Park & Rosenlundsbadet Aquatic Center | Jönköping |
Day 7 | Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore
Welcome to Sweden! Touchdown and take the Arlanda Express train into Stockholm. Settle into your hotel and then explore the country's innovative capital. The tolerant, tech-forward city is known for its Pride Festival and creative startups like Spotify. Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands connected by 57 bridges that stretch over Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, it's easy to see why Stockholm is nicknamed the "Venice of the North."
Hop on a ferry to discover various districts, from laid-back Södermalm to the vibrant Norrmalm downtown and historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), a medieval wonder of cobbled streets and colorful buildings. Tour key landmarks like the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace), 13th-century Storkyrkan cathedral, and Vasa Museum. End the day with a trip to Centralbadet, an Art Nouveau palace transformed into a spa mecca. You can enjoy everything from Roman baths to saunas, a gym, and an organic restaurant. Centralbadet is the perfect place to escape the hustle of city life and recharge your batteries.
Day 2: Free day in Stockholm, Sunset Kayaking Tour
Enjoy a free day to explore Stockholm independently. Perhaps start the day by visiting Monteliusvägen, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic city vistas. Next, head to the Södermalm neighborhood to browse the world-class Fotografiska Museum, which showcases established and up-and-coming photographers from all over the world. The Spiritmuseum is another Stockholm highlight, where you can trace the history of alcohol production in Sweden. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the serene Skinnarviksparken. This park offers spectacular city views and provides a peaceful escape.
End the day with a sunset kayaking session to see Stockholm from the water. Set off with a guide to Långholmen island, taking in views of the city's buildings bathed in a sunset glow as birds circle overhead and fishermen haul in their catch. The trip culminates with a delicious barbecue dinner on a secluded beach.
Day 3: Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa
Today it's time to relax. Head to the Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa for some quality pampering. Inspired by the stunning waterside location of Stockholm and its archipelago, this spa offers a truly immersive experience. Unwind with a bespoke spa treatment, soak in one of the pools, and bask in the sauna. Finish the day with souvenir shopping and a feast of Swedish dishes at a local restaurant.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Jönköping & Guided Food Walk
Today you'll travel south to Jönköping, a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Set on Lake Vättern, Jönköping is known for its canals and ancient landmarks. It's also a magnet for outdoor lovers, with hiking, biking, and boating adventures on its doorstep. Just east of the city, you'll find the old mining town of Huskvarna, where weapons, appliances, and vehicles have been manufactured under the world-famous Husqvarna brand since the 17th century.
This evening, you'll take a guided food walk of Jönköping with a local, who'll take you to their favorite restaurants and share stories of the city's food history. You'll get to sample typical Swedish dishes, which may include pickled herring, falukorv sausage, meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and kroppkakor (potato dumplings). Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Gränna Day Trip Including Hot-Air Balloon Tour
Take a day trip to nearby Gränna, a charming Swedish town surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil lakes that's famed for producing polkagris candy. Take a stroll through the quaint streets lined with ancient architecture, relax by the lake, and have lunch at a local café, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic gem.
In the afternoon, take flight with an exciting hot-air balloon tour. Rise into the sky and float over Gränna, admiring its rolling hills, lakes, and stunning landscapes from a bird's-eye view. After this adventure, travel back to Jönköping for the night.
Day 6: Skullaryd Moose Park & Rosenlundsbadet Aquatic Center
This morning, head to Skullaryd Moose Park for a thrilling tractor safari. The park dates back to the Viking area and features buildings from the mid-1800s. As you traverse acres of forest and marshland on the safari, look out for roaming red deer and majestic moose, known as the king of the forest.
Next, experience the epitome of wellness at Rosenlundsbadet in Jönköping. This aquatic center offers everything from an adventure pool with diving boards to 10 peaceful pools. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage and then detox in the sauna, or if you're feeling more active, work out in the state-of-the-art gym.
Day 7: Depart
Today your Swedish adventure comes to an end. Transfer back to Stockholm in time to board your onward flight. Safe travels!
More Great Sweden Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sweden? Check out these other Sweden itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Sweden, or discover the best time to visit Sweden.