Tag Archives: Uppsala

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

5 Main Cities and Destinations to Visit in Sweden – Itinerary

Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia, it draws attention to its natural beauty and its safe, wooded, and clean cities. Another fact that draws attention is that this country offers a huge range of experiences, to please any itinerary.

The elegant and peaceful cities of this country are famous all over the world, together with their incredible museums, passionate cafés, and an inviting atmosphere.

There are thousands of islands off the coast of Sweden, including some cities on that list, and the continent is dominated by trees and forests until they reach the mountains of northern Lapland – an unmissable destination to see the northern lights.

Cosmopolitan and historic, Sweden contains many incredible destinations for you to explore. Meet some of them here:

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

Stockholm

The country’s capital owns one of the most beautiful spaces in the region. Being the main point of entry for most international flights, it is therefore typically the starting point for any visit.

Stockholm is one of the most cultured capitals in Europe, its space combines historic cobbled streets with avant-garde design, haute cuisine, and incredible nightlife.

One of the main curiosities is that this city is spread over 14 islands, despite that it is easily accessed thanks to its underground metro and the more than 50 bridges, with cycle paths, in the region. Water taxis and kayaks are also used for transportation in this region.

Being surrounded by water, the capital of Sweden displays breathtaking landscapes, most of them at the water’s edge. The old part of the city, called Gamla Stan, preserves beautiful historic buildings, which makes an incredible contrast with the modern and youthful atmosphere that dominates the other regions of the capital.

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

Malmö

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Malmö is a multicultural city, with an incredible mix of rich historical heritage and modern buildings. This is Sweden’s third-largest city and is at the southern tip of the country, just 36 minutes by train from Denmark.

The historic center of Malmö, known as Gamla Staden (Old Town), is located in three public squares. The smallest, called Lilla Torg (small square), has several outdoor cafes and is the best of the three to enjoy the picturesque Scandinavian atmosphere.

As in Stockholm, Malmo’s landscape combines a mix of old and new. The Oresund Bridge stretches over eight kilometers across the strait between Sweden and Denmark, before diving into an artificial island to end the journey through a tunnel! It sounds like an incredible experience, right?

This city has a lot to offer such as incredible museums, an unmissable waterfront, several galleries and restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, an open-air market … There are countless opportunities to be dazzled by this place.

A curiosity, Malmö is also known as one of the best cities in the world for cycling.

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

Gothenburg

This is one of the best cities to enjoy summer in Sweden, and it is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in northern countries. One of the largest ports in the world is located in this city, but today the city is more recognized for being a trendy destination, where gastronomy, fashion, art, and design are acclaimed by everyone.

There are several leisure offers and events to plan your visit. Gothenburg is located in an archipelago, west of Sweden, and is perfect to be discovered.

Oh and here are some tips, don’t miss the chance to visit Maritiman, the largest floating museum of ships in the world! It can be seen on the river Göta, near the opera house. Other points that are worth your visit are the Gothenburg Art Museum, the Volvo Museum, and the World Culture Museum.

Make sure to check the city’s agenda before scheduling your visit, as the city celebrates several incredible festivals throughout the year. One of the most beloved are: the February Film Festival, the West Pride in May, the Christmas market, and the celebrations in Julstaden.

And if you’re looking for free activities and attractions, read this article with 7.5 Things to Do for (Almost) Free in Gothenburg, Sweden. I’m sure you will find something that fits your itinerary!

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

Uppsala

This is the fourth largest city in the country, considered as the best Swedish university city, which guarantees a vibrant cultural atmosphere full of young people and new ideas.

This city is crossed by the river Fyris, with the historic center to the west and the business district to the east. The medieval center is considered the main historical and religious point in the whole of Sweden. Sweden’s largest cathedral, Uppsala Domkyrka, is located in that city as well.

Every year, on April 30, Uppsala celebrates the Valborg festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring in Sweden. Festivities include float parades on the River Fyris, concerts, and daytime street parties.

Uppsala is just an hour north of Stockholm, making it a doable day trip or stopover in the Swedish capital.

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

Gotland

Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, and one of the country’s top beach destinations. If your trip is scheduled for the summer, don’t miss this incredible destination!

This island is located on the southeast coast of the continent, close to the Baltic Sea, and can be reached in a 30-minute flight or a 3-hour ferry.

I know that when we think of Scandinavia, the last thing on our minds is the beach, but Gotland is a great summer destination, which in the summer gets 20 hours of sunshine a day and reaches very high temperatures!

Even though Gotland is very popular with locals, it is often overlooked by tourists and foreign travelers. But the truth is that Gotland is an incredible place, filled with rock and sand beaches.

One of the most beautiful places in the region is between Sjaustrehammaren and Ljugarn, on the east coast, and has golden sand and stunning pine forests.

Even though it is famous for its beaches, the city of Visby has gained UNESCO status for its remarkable medieval city wall, cathedral and ruins. The wall maintains its original structure of 36 towers, with the best view from the north gate. Visby has many charming cafes and shops to keep travelers busy, but the smaller villages scattered around the island are also worth a visit.

Public transport in Gotland is limited to a couple of bus routes, but you can reach much of the landscape by bicycle.

Main Cities to Visit in Sweden

How to Save on Transportation in Scandinavia

With so many amazing cities spread across Sweden it is difficult to choose just one, right? I know that Sweden is not an economical destination, but with good planning, it is possible to save a large amount of money and visit several must-see destinations throughout this region.

One of the things you can save with is transportation, using the Scandinavia Pass you can travel by train unlimited times between 4 countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. And believe me, this can save you a lot of money! In addition to giving you much more freedom and autonomy to plan your travel itinerary.

If you want to know more about the Scandinavia Pass, read this article How to Get Around Scandinavia on a Budget: Scandinavia Pass. It contains some valuable tips for travelers who plan to visit this region.

Concluding…

There are several incredible destinations in Sweden, so if you are thinking of visiting any of these places, know that you will have an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for beautiful beaches, stripped-down cities, and unforgettable historical tours, make sure you are going to the right place!

If you have any questions about Sweden or travel in general, leave them in the comments. I will love to help you.

10 Best Hostels in Malmö and other Cities in Sweden

Sweden is a delight for artists – Its breathtaking natural landscapes and stunning cityscapes are a visual delight. One of the largest countries in Europe, Sweden is a great country to visit throughout the year. Summer brings the beauty of untouched forests and woods, making them ideal for hiking.

Winter sets the sky on fire with the northern lights in the Arctic Circle. Throughout the year, the cities of Sweden, including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and Uppsala, with their beautiful architecture, offer high-end shopping and culinary extravagance.

Sweden is certainly not among the cheapest countries in Europe, but it has a thriving hostel culture that offers cheap accommodation and a vibrant backpacker culture. You can find trailers, photographers, hikers and storytellers in hostels in Sweden.

Best and famous hostels around Sweden

When planning your next trip to Europe, check out this list of hostels in Sweden that offer great value for money and are ideal for exploring the country’s various cities.

Hostels in Sweden are actively working with their vacation partners to maintain security measures to provide you with a risk-free vacation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  1. City Backpackers Hostel

A hot pasta meal and a relaxing sauna, on a busy day of tourism, seem like paradise, don’t they? And imagine getting it for free! You can also enjoy these freebies at City Backpackers Hostel Stockholm, which is constantly ranked among the best hostels in Sweden. The centrally located hostel offers cozy dorms and even heated floors in the bathrooms, making it a comfortable place to stay 365 days a year!

  1. Slottsskogen Hostel

The Slottsskogen hostel is the best among the cheap hostels in Gothenburg, just 3 hours from Malmo. The modern hostel is located in the easily accessible Linnestaden area, 500 meters from the Gothenburg Natural History Museum and the adjacent Botanical Gardens. You can take extensive public transport and visit other parts of the bustling city. Do not miss its fabulous breakfast buffet with organic products and freshly baked products.

  1. STF Malmö City Hostel & Hotel

Malmo is where the old meets the new, and the STF Malmo City Hostel is the best place to witness and experience this coastal city. One of the cheapest hostels in Malmo, Sweden, is located within a 2 km radius of the city’s main attractions, such as Malmo Castle, Museum of Modern Art and Malmo Konsthall. The hostel is suitable for children and also has a common kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals.

  1. Generator Hostel Malmö

Stylish and modern, you wouldn’t normally describe hostels in those terms, but just look at the Generator and you’ll be convinced! One of the best hostels, Generator is changing the definition of hostels. The chic hostel stands out for its design and has impressive interiors and, together with the hostel’s traditional hospitality, makes it an unbeatable destination to stay. What’s more, their rates are among the cheap hostels in Sweden Stockholm!

  1. Uppsala City Hostel

Uppsala has many good points, including its proximity to Scandinavia’s largest cathedral and university. A beautiful city in all seasons, it is an exciting place to visit to understand the history of Sweden. The Uppsala City Hostel is the best hostel in Uppsala, which is just an hour from Malmö and is within walking distance of the River Flyris and several tourist attractions such as Uppsala Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens.

  1. Kiruna Hostel

Kiruna Hostel is one of the best hostels in Sweden and is a great base for seeing the northern lights. If you are lucky, you can even locate them right at the entrance to the hostel! The hostel’s owners also manage a popular restaurant, bakery and café nearby, which is frequented by residents and tourists. If you want to save some money, you can use your common kitchen, suitable for a quick meal.

  1. Winterday Hostel

Abisko is a popular destination in Sweden, right in the Arctic Circle, where you can watch the spectacular northern lights. All you need is a warm, comfortable bed at the end of your outing to watch the lights, and Winterday Hostel is the best place for that. It is one of the few hostels in Abisko, Sweden, which offers affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation. It can be expensive to travel to Abisko, but with this hostel your stay is cheap!

  1. Sundsvall City Hostel

If you are looking for an experience of Swedish culture without the tourist crowds, Sundsvall, in the south of Norrland, is your best bet. The old city with many Nordic legends has turned into a modern city with street festivals and an eclectic gastronomic scene. Sundsvall City Hostel is a great place to stay in the city and is among the good cheap hostels in Sweden. The hostel is located on the main street, from where you can take any form of public transport.

9. Backpacker Goteborg

Backpacker Goteborg is one of the best youth hostels in Sweden and offers simple accommodation suitable for students and individual travelers. Given the affordable dormitory prices and the friendly atmosphere, you are likely to find travelers from around the world in this hostel. The well-maintained hostel is close to the Linnestaden district and has several restaurants, cafes and party venues nearby.

  1. Castaneo Old Town Hostel

Go back to where it all started! The Castaneo Old Town Hostel is situated between narrow alleys, in a building dating from 1747. The exterior of the hostel with its old yellow walls and the chestnut tree is an Instagram post waiting to be captured! The hostel is less than 500 meters from the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum. For all these reasons and more, it is among the best hostels in Sweden.

Inspired to travel to these hostels in Sweden? Have any questions yet?

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Sweden

Q. Is it possible to see the northern lights by staying in a hostel room in Sweden?

A. Yes, the northern lights are visible from the hostels in the Arctic Circle. These hostels have large windows and sunglasses on the sliding roof. You can see the dancing light at most during the night.

Q. How many people can stay in a dormitory in hostels in Sweden?

A. Most hostels allow one to nine people in a dorm, sharing a room. It is best to ask first before booking.

Q. Are there hostels for women in Sweden?

A. Yes, there are many hostels that only accommodate women who travel alone. They can also stay in shared dormitories at an affordable cost. Some of these hostels are City Backpackers Hostel and Jumbo Stay.

Q. Is it possible to book a hostel in Sweden online?

A. Yes, most hostels in Sweden have their official websites. You can also compare the cost online on various travel-related channels. In this way, you can find an affordable and excellent hostel facilities and facilities.

Q. Do hostels in Sweden serve food?

A. There are several hostels in Sweden where you can get freshly cooked breakfast and dinner along with your stay.

Q. Is it allowed to smoke and drink inside a hostel in Sweden?

A. Not all hostels in Sweden allow smoking and drinking. It is advisable to ask about these restrictions while booking your bed at the hostel.

Q. Do hostels in Sweden have air conditioners and heaters?

A. Since Sweden is a cold country, commercial air heaters and floor heating systems are available in hostels in Sweden.

That’s it. If you are traveling around Sweden, you should definitely try one of their great hostels, both to save during your travels as well as to have a chance to meet fellow travelers. 

If you have any questions, just let us know! 