“Live your life, love your…” next journey to Sweden! Following the slogan of a well-known furnishing company with Swedish roots (in the original: Live your life, love your home), we show you that a road trip through the south of the home of ABBA, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Astrid Lindgren should definitely be on your bucket list. Northern lights, mountains, moose, blue archipelagos, beautiful nature, fashion-conscious people... the list of reasons to travel to the heart of Scandinavia is almost endless. Lindgren once said: “And then you have to have time to just sit there and look ahead.” Make sure you take your time and simply enjoy the vastness, the scenery, and the pure beauty of Sweden's cities and nature.

Stops along the South Sweden Round Trip

Malmö

Malmö, the third-largest city in Sweden, is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history and modern flair. The city's diverse architecture, lively squares, and beautiful parks make it a perfect starting point for your journey.

Sights

• Margareta Pavilion: A charming spot in Kungsparken, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the lake.
• Kungsparken, Malmö: Malmö’s oldest park, filled with lush greenery, serene ponds, and beautiful sculptures.
• Malmo Museum: Explore this museum to learn about Malmö’s history, culture, and natural environment.
• Malmö Castle: A historic fortress offering fascinating exhibits and beautiful views of the city.
• Lilla torg: This picturesque square is buzzing with cafes and restaurants, ideal for people-watching and enjoying local cuisine.
• Ribersborg Beach: Known locally as ‘Ribban,’ this beach is perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day by the sea.
• Øresund Bridge: This iconic bridge connects Sweden to Denmark, offering stunning views and a feat of modern engineering.

Kristianstad

Kristianstad is known for its beautiful Renaissance architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city is surrounded by nature reserves, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Sights

• Observation tower: Get a panoramic view of the surrounding wetlands and nature reserves.
• Naturum Vattenriket: A visitor center that showcases the rich biodiversity of the Kristianstad Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve.
• Ovesholms slott: A historic castle set amidst beautiful gardens, perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Karlskrona

Karlskrona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an enchanting city built on 33 islands, boasting a unique naval history and stunning archipelago.

Sights

• Saltö: A beautiful island with sandy beaches and scenic walking trails.
• Blekinge archipelago: Explore the stunning archipelago, perfect for kayaking, boating, and wildlife spotting.
• Kungsholm Fortress: Visit this impressive fortress, which has protected the city for centuries.
• Ship graveyard: A unique site where old ships are left to decay, creating an eerie yet fascinating landscape.
• Porcelain Museum - Albinsson & Sjöberg: Discover the history of Swedish porcelain in this charming museum.
• Vingården Stora Boråkra: A delightful vineyard offering tours and tastings of locally produced wines.

Glasriket

Glasriket, or the Kingdom of Crystal, is a magical area in Småland known for its glassworks and beautiful natural surroundings.

Sights

• Kronoberg Castle Ruin: Explore the ruins of this historic castle set on the edge of a lake.
• Smaland Museum: Learn about the cultural history of Småland and its renowned glassmaking tradition.
• Helgasjön: Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Vimmerby

Vimmerby is famously known as the birthplace of beloved author Astrid Lindgren. The town is full of charming sights and attractions that celebrate her legacy.

Sights

• Astrid Lindgrens Värld: A theme park dedicated to the characters and stories created by Astrid Lindgren.
• Astrid Lindgrens Näs: Visit the childhood home of Astrid Lindgren and learn about her life and work.
• Nils Holgerssons Värld: A family-friendly park inspired by Selma Lagerlöf’s famous novel.

Jönköping

Jönköping, located on the shores of Lake Vättern, is a picturesque city with a rich cultural scene and beautiful parks.

Sights

• Tändsticksmuseet: Visit the world’s only matchstick museum and learn about the city’s industrial history.
• Rådhusparken: A beautiful park in the city center, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic.
• Jönköpings stadspark: This large park offers stunning views over the city and Lake Vättern.
• Rosenlund Rosarium: A delightful rose garden featuring over 600 different varieties of roses.

Linköping

Linköping is a vibrant city known for its technological innovation, historic sites, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Sights

• Gamla Linköping Open Air Museum: Step back in time at this open-air museum, showcasing traditional Swedish buildings and crafts.
• Roxen: A beautiful lake ideal for boating, fishing, and bird-watching.

Stockholm

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is a city of islands, rich history, and modern sophistication. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene.

Sights

• Stockholm City Hall: A magnificent building with stunning views and the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet.
• Stockholm Palace: The official residence of the Swedish royal family, offering guided tours and a look into royal history.
• Storkyrkan: Stockholm’s medieval cathedral, known for its beautiful interior and significant historical events.
• Nobel Museum: Learn about the Nobel Prize and its laureates at this fascinating museum.
• Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: The narrowest alley in Stockholm, perfect for a quirky photo op.
• House Of Nobility: A historic building that showcases the history of Swedish nobility.
• Riddarholmen Church: One of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, serving as the burial place for Swedish monarchs.
• Skansen: The world’s oldest open-air museum, offering insights into Swedish life through the ages.
• Royal Djurgården: A lush island home to museums, parks, and beautiful walking paths.

Uppsala

Uppsala is a historic city known for its prestigious university, grand cathedral, and lush botanical gardens. It’s a blend of old-world charm and youthful energy.

Sights

• Uppsala Cathedral: The largest cathedral in Scandinavia, known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
• Uppsala Castle: A historic castle offering panoramic views of the city and fascinating exhibitions.
• Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers.
• Linnaeus Garden: Explore the restored garden of Carl Linnaeus, one of the most famous botanists in history.
• Linnaeus' Hammarby: Visit the country estate of Carl Linnaeus, offering a glimpse into his life and work.

Örebro

Örebro is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and a lively cultural scene. It’s known for its impressive castle and vibrant town center.

Sights

• Örebro Castle: Explore this historic castle, which has stood since the 13th century, and learn about its fascinating history.
• Wadköping: An open-air museum showcasing traditional Swedish buildings and crafts.
• Gustavsvik Örebro: A popular water park with thrilling slides and relaxing pools.
• Stadsparken: A beautiful city park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
• Oset and Rynningeviken: A nature reserve offering scenic walking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is known for its maritime heritage, beautiful parks, and lively cultural scene. It’s a city of canals, green spaces, and vibrant street life.

Sights

• Liseberg: Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, offering rides, games, and entertainment for all ages.
• Poseidon statue: A landmark statue located in the heart of Gothenburg, symbolizing the city’s maritime heritage.
• Palm House: A beautiful glass greenhouse in the Garden Society of Gothenburg, showcasing exotic plants and flowers.
• Brunnsparken: A central square and transport hub, perfect for people-watching and exploring the city’s shopping district.
• The Cathedral Gothenburg: A stunning neoclassical cathedral, offering a peaceful retreat in the city center.
• Maritiman: A unique floating museum showcasing historic ships and maritime exhibits.

Good to Know

• Language: Swedish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
• Currency: The currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK).
• Transport: Renting a car is the best way to explore southern Sweden at your own pace.
• Weather: Southern Sweden has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers.

Getting There

• By Air: The main international airports are in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. From there, you can rent a car or take public transport to explore the region.
• By Train: Sweden has an extensive rail network, with regular services to major cities and towns in the south.
• By Car: Driving is a convenient way to explore southern Sweden, with well-maintained roads and scenic routes.

Best Time to Travel

• Spring (April to June): Enjoy mild weather and blooming flowers, perfect for exploring the outdoors.
• Summer (June to August): The peak tourist season, ideal for beach activities and outdoor festivals.
• Autumn (September to November): Mild temperatures and fewer crowds, great for sightseeing and hiking.
• Winter (December to February): Cooler temperatures, but still pleasant for exploring cities and cultural sites.

For Foodies

Southern Sweden offers a rich culinary scene with delicious traditional dishes and fresh, local ingredients:

• Smörgåsbord: A traditional Swedish buffet featuring a variety of cold and hot dishes.
• Gravlax: Cured salmon served with mustard sauce and dill, a Swedish classic.
• Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
• Fika: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a Swedish coffee break with pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).
• Räksmörgås: An open-faced shrimp sandwich, a popular Swedish delicacy.

Southern Sweden is a region that captivates with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, enjoying scenic coastal views, or savoring delicious local cuisine, this road trip promises an unforgettable adventure. Pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of southern Sweden – it's a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever. 🌟🚗