Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You generally don’t need special vaccinations for Sweden. However, ensure your routine vaccines are up to date:
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Tetanus-
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)-
Hepatitis BIf you’re planning outdoor activities in forests, consider the
TBE (Tick-borne encephalitis) vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider for personal recommendations.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Sweden, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SwedenCulture & Customs
Respect personal space and silence—Swedes value both. **Punctuality** is a must; being late is seen as disrespectful. When visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift like flowers or chocolates. **Remove shoes** indoors unless told otherwise. Avoid discussing wealth and steer clear of personal questions unless you’re close. Sweden is very **LGBTQ+ friendly**, with extensive legal protections and social acceptance, so feel comfortable being yourself. Women can expect equality and safety, but as always, stay aware of your surroundings. Swedes appreciate sustainability, so be mindful of recycling and public transport use.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Sweden.
- Köttbullar: These are Swedish meatballs, usually made from a mix of pork and beef. They’re typically served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumber. It’s a classic comfort food that’s been a staple in Swedish households for generations.
- Gravlax: A must-try for seafood lovers, this dish features salmon cured with a mix of salt, sugar, and dill. Often served with mustard sauce and bread, it’s a staple of Swedish cuisine, especially popular during festive occasions.
- Raggmunk: These are Swedish potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re usually served with fried pork and lingonberry sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Surströmming: Not for the faint-hearted, this is fermented herring known for its strong odor. It’s a traditional northern Swedish dish, often eaten outdoors with thin flatbreads, potatoes, and onions. It’s an acquired taste but a true cultural experience.
- Smörgåsbord: This is more of a dining concept than a single dish, featuring a spread of various hot and cold dishes. It’s a buffet-style meal that showcases the diversity of Swedish cuisine, typically including fish, cold cuts, salads, and cheeses.
Yes, the tap water in Sweden is safe to drink and locals drink it regularly. It’s recommended for tourists as well, so no need to spend money on bottled water. If you prefer, bring a reusable bottle with a filter, but honestly, it’s not necessary.
The main language in Sweden is
Swedish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Swedish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Sweden includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Sweden,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it one of the most English-proficient countries in the world. Approximately 86% of Swedes are fluent in English, thanks to a strong emphasis on language education in schools and exposure to English-language media, such as movies, music, and television.
In urban areas, particularly in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, you’ll find that most people, including younger generations and those in the service industry, can communicate effectively in English. Signs, menus, and information are often available in both Swedish and English, facilitating easier navigation for travelers.
While the proficiency may vary in rural areas, many Swedes still have a good grasp of English, especially among the younger population. Overall, travelers can expect minimal language barriers and will likely find it easy to converse, seek assistance, and enjoy their stay in Sweden.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Sweden is SEK (kr).
ATMs & Cash: ATMs are everywhere in Sweden, even in smaller towns. They usually offer the best exchange rates. You’ll find them in airports, train stations, and even some supermarkets. But go easy on cash withdrawals—most places are card-friendly.
Carry Cash? You really don’t need to carry much cash. Sweden is almost cashless. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, even for small purchases like a coffee or a bus ticket.
Dollars or Euros? Leave the dollars and euros at home. They’re not accepted, and you’ll get hit with lousy conversion rates if you try to exchange them on the spot.
Card Acceptance: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but American Express might give you some trouble in smaller establishments. Always have a backup card just in case.
Exchanging Money: If you do need to exchange cash, avoid doing it at the airport—they charge hefty fees. Look for Forex offices in city centers, or better yet, just withdraw from an ATM.
Tipping in Sweden isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% is common. For taxis and other services, rounding up to the nearest convenient amount is typical.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.