Sweden
Northern Europe · Europe
- Capital
- Stockholm
- Currency
- Swedish Krona (SEK kr)
- Language
- Swedish
- Timezone
- UTC+1 (CET), UTC+2 (CEST)
- Safety rating
- 8.9/10
- Best time to visit
- June to August for long days, outdoor festivals, and warm weather. February to April for dog sledding and northern lights in Swedish Lapland. December for Advent atmosphere and julmarknad (Christmas markets).
Overview
Sweden blends natural beauty with Scandinavian design perfection — ABBA, IKEA, Spotify, and Volvo all emerged from this innovative nation. Stockholm is built across 14 islands, its medieval Gamla Stan neighbourhood rising above Lake Mälaren. Beyond the capital: reindeer in Lapland, glass-blowing in Småland, and endless forests and archipelago islands.
Visa requirements
Part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens enter freely. USA, Canada, Australia, UK enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Safety information
Very safe country with low crime rates for tourists. Petty theft can occur in Stockholm's tourist areas in peak season. Tap water is some of the world's cleanest. Healthcare is excellent.
Travel tips
Sweden is largely cashless — card payments are accepted almost everywhere. The Allemansrätten (right to roam) allows camping in nature freely. Take a Stockholm archipelago ferry trip in summer. Fika (coffee and pastry break) is a cultural institution, not just a coffee stop.