FAQ: Questions About Sweden

Yes, Sweden is considered relatively expensive compared with other countries. This applies above all to living costs such as food, accommodation and transport. However, with good planning and budgeting it is possible to have an affordable holiday in Sweden.

No, the euro is not used in Sweden. The official currency is the Swedish krona (SEK). Almost everywhere, people pay by credit or debit card, even for small amounts, and many shops, cafés and transport operators no longer accept cash at all. Many Swedes also use the Swish app. A credit card without foreign currency fees is therefore the most convenient solution. If you are visiting remote areas, it is still worth carrying a little cash.

The currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK). There are banknotes worth 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 SEK and coins worth 1, 2, 5 and 10 SEK. Öre coins have not existed since 2010. Older banknotes are no longer valid.

As hardly anyone pays cash in Sweden any more, exchanging large amounts is usually not worthwhile. The cheapest option is generally to pay with a card without foreign currency fees or to withdraw kronor from a cash machine. Bureaux de change at airports, railway stations and in tourist areas often offer a poorer exchange rate. It is always advisable to compare rates and look out for fees.

Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU).

Since 1 January 1995, Sweden has been one of what are now the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). This means that it takes part in EU decisions and programmes and has access to the benefits of the single market and the customs union.

During its time in the EU, Sweden has played an important role in promoting growth, jobs and stability in Europe. It has also worked closely with other member states to tackle common challenges such as climate change and migration. Since March 2024, Sweden has also been a member of NATO.

The climate in Sweden varies by region, but in general it is temperate and influenced by westerly winds. The country has long, cold winters and pleasant summers.

In winter it can get very cold in Sweden, especially in the northern regions, where average January temperatures are usually around -10 to -15 degrees Celsius; on individual days it can get considerably colder. In the southern regions, winters are milder and temperatures are usually around or above freezing.

In summer, temperatures in Sweden are pleasant, with averages of 15–20 degrees Celsius. Summers are usually short, though, and the days are long, thanks to the midnight sun in the north and the long days in the south.

Annual precipitation varies by region. The west coast and the mountains receive more precipitation than the east coast and the northern regions.

• Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI): https://www.smhi.se/
• Swedish tourist board: https://www.visitsweden.com/
• Wetteronline (in German): https://www.wetteronline.de/wetter/schweden
• AccuWeather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/se/sweden-weather

There are also several Swedish websites that provide weather and climate information for Sweden.

The weather in Sweden

• Stockholm Old Town (Gamla stan): https://www.gamlastan.se/
• Vasa Museum: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en
• Drottningholm Palace: https://www.kungahuset.se/
• Gripsholm Castle: https://www.mariefred.se/en/gripsholm-castle/
• Abisko National Park and Aurora Sky Station: https://abisko.se/en/
• Ystad Saltsjöbad: https://www.ystadsaltsjobad.se/en/
• Skansen Open-Air Museum: https://www.skansen.se/en/
• The raukar (limestone stacks) on the island of Gotland
• Sarek National Park in Lapland

You will find more destinations on the page Sights in Sweden.

In summer, Sweden offers visitors a wide range of activities, including:

• Hiking: Sweden has countless hiking trails through forests and mountains and along the coast. There are also many national parks and nature reserves that are excellent for hiking.
• Fishing: Sweden is a paradise for anglers, with numerous lakes, rivers and inlets rich in fish species. There are also many professional fishing guides offering tours and equipment.
• Canoeing: Sweden has countless rivers and lakes that are ideal for canoeing, and many companies rent out canoes and equipment.
• Visiting the archipelago: the skerries off Sweden’s east and west coasts are a popular destination for boat trips, offering breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
• Beach life: Sweden has many beaches along the east and west coasts that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
• Festivals and events: there are many festivals and events in Sweden in summer, including music festivals, Midsummer (Midsommar) celebrations and town festivals.
• Midnight sun: in the north of Sweden you can see the midnight sun, an unforgettable experience.
• City tours: there are many historic cities to visit in Sweden, including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala, as well as many smaller towns rich in culture and history.

Sweden has a wide variety of popular accommodation options, including:

• Hotels: Sweden has a large selection of hotels in all price ranges, from luxury hotels to inexpensive budget hotels. There are also many boutique hotels and historic hotels with a special atmosphere.
• Holiday cottages: holiday homes are a popular choice for families and groups looking for more privacy and independence. Many companies rent out holiday homes, and most have fully equipped kitchens and living areas.
• Campsites: Sweden has many campsites in stunning natural surroundings, suitable for both tents and motorhomes. Many campsites also offer accommodation such as cabins and caravans.
• Hostels: Sweden has many hostels offering affordable accommodation for young travellers and backpackers. Most hostels have common rooms and kitchens that can be used for cooking and meeting other travellers.
• Bed and breakfast: B&B accommodation is also popular, especially in rural areas, and offers a cosy, personal atmosphere.
• Airbnb: there are also many private rentals such as flats and rooms let through platforms like Airbnb.

Hotel prices in Sweden depend heavily on location, size, facilities and season. As a rough guide, a simple hotel outside the big cities often costs from around 80 to 120 euros per night for a double room; in Stockholm and in the summer high season it is usually more expensive. At around 30 to 50 euros per night in a dormitory, hostels are the cheaper alternative. It is always worth comparing offers and booking early, especially if you are flexible about when you travel. You will find current prices on the usual booking portals.

“Typically Swedish” refers to the culture, traditions and characteristics that distinguish Sweden as a nation. Here are some examples of typically Swedish things:

• Midsommar: an annual festival in June, celebrated with dancing, singing and picnics.
• Fika: a break for drinking coffee and chatting, often taken twice a day.
• Folkdräkt: Sweden’s traditional costumes, which vary from region to region and are often made from colourful and striped fabrics.
• Swedish cuisine: a cuisine that includes fish, meatballs (köttbullar), crispbread and kladdkaka (chocolate cake).
• IKEA: a world-famous furniture company that originated in Sweden.
• Classic Swedish design: a minimalist style inspired by Scandinavian design and natural forms.
• Swedish design: a broad spectrum of design, including fashion, architecture, art and product design.
• Swedish nature: Sweden is known for its unspoilt nature, including forests, lakes, rivers and rich wildlife.

These are just a few examples, and the list could go on. Sweden has a rich and diverse culture that makes it a unique and interesting country.

There are many traditional Swedish dishes you should definitely try when travelling to Sweden. Some of the best known and most popular are:

• Köttbullar: fried meatballs, usually served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries and green peas.
• Raggmunk: a kind of potato pancake, often served with bacon.
• Laxpudding: a bake made of salmon and potatoes.
• Janssons frestelse: a bake made of potatoes, anchovies and cream.
• Pytt i panna: fried potatoes and onions with beef or sausages.
• Smörgåsbord: a type of buffet often served in Sweden on special occasions. It consists of a wide variety of dishes, including fish, meat, potato dishes and salads.
• Gravlax: raw salmon marinated in a mixture of sugar, salt and dill.
• Lingonberries (lingon): a small red berry, often served as a side with köttbullar and meat dishes.

You can read more on the page Food and drink in Sweden.

Swedes are known for their love of all things food, and their favourite dishes reveal a lot about their culture. From traditional Swedish meatballs to the smörgåsbord, Swedish cuisine is varied and delicious.

The most popular dish in Sweden is probably köttbullar, Swedish meatballs. This classic dish consists of minced beef or pork mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, then shaped into small balls before being fried in a pan. This hearty dish is often served with potatoes, lingonberry jam, pickled cucumber and cream sauce, making it a complete meal.

Another popular dish in Sweden is pytt i panna, which roughly means “small pieces in the pan”. It is essentially diced potatoes fried with pieces of ham or sausage and served with a fried egg and pickled beetroot. A tasty dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!

“Swedish bitters”, known in German as Schwedenkräuter or Schwedenbitter, is a herbal mixture steeped in alcohol and used as a home remedy. The recipe is attributed to a Swedish doctor and became known in German-speaking countries mainly through the herbalist Maria Treben. Its ingredients include aloe, myrrh, saffron, rhubarb root and angelica root.

There is no scientific evidence of any medicinal effect. Anyone who wishes to take Swedish bitters should talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.