Swedish people are known for their warm hospitality and genuine kindness towards others. They are often very welcoming and inclusive, making sure that everyone feels comfortable and at ease in their presence. Whether it’s inviting a newcomer to …
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Backpacking Sweden in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Sweden with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Sweden
Venture into the captivating landscapes of Sweden, where pristine nature meets modern charm for backpackers. Pros? Immerse in stunning forests, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant cities with efficient public transport. Sweden boasts safety, cleanliness, and a strong English-speaking culture. However, the cost of living is higher compared to some destinations. For backpackers seeking a harmonious blend of nature and culture, Sweden's unique combination of wilderness and urban sophistication sets it apart, offering a Scandinavian adventure with a touch of elegance, making it an attractive and distinct destination for exploration.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Sweden
People
Mountains
One of the great mountains to explore in Sweden is Kebnekaise, located in the Swedish Lapland. Standing at 2,106 meters, it is the highest peak in Sweden and offers stunning views of the surrounding Arctic landscape. The mountain is a popular …
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Wildlife
Sweden is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse natural landscapes, including dense forests, vast wetlands, and rugged mountains. These varied habitats are home to a wide range of wildlife, including moose, reindeer, brown bears, wolves, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Sweden
- Stockholm: The capital city of Sweden is a must-visit destination. Explore the picturesque old town, visit the royal palace, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
- Gothenburg: This charming coastal city offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the Liseberg amusement park, visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, and take a boat tour of the archipelago.
- Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi: Experience a unique stay at the world-famous Icehotel. Marvel at the stunning ice sculptures, sleep in an ice room, and enjoy activities like dog sledding and ice sculpting.
- Abisko National Park: Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights in Abisko National Park. Hike through the scenic trails, go skiing or snowshoeing, and take a chairlift up to Mount Nuolja for breathtaking views.
- Gotland: Explore the picturesque island of Gotland, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful beaches. Visit the charming town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the island.
But Sweden offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Sweden
The best time to visit Sweden for backpacking is during the summer months of June, July, and August. This is when the weather is generally the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in most parts of the country. The long daylight hours also provide ample time for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful Swedish landscapes.
During this time, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the numerous national parks, such as Abisko National Park and Sarek National Park. The coastal areas, such as the Stockholm Archipelago and the west coast, are also popular for sailing, kayaking, and swimming.
Additionally, summer is the time when many cultural festivals and events take place in Sweden, such as Midsummer celebrations and music festivals like Way Out West in Gothenburg. This allows backpackers to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the country.
It is worth noting that summer is also the peak tourist season in Sweden, so popular tourist destinations can be crowded, and accommodation prices may be higher. However, with proper planning and booking in advance, you can still enjoy a budget-friendly backpacking trip.
During this time, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the numerous national parks, such as Abisko National Park and Sarek National Park. The coastal areas, such as the Stockholm Archipelago and the west coast, are also popular for sailing, kayaking, and swimming.
Additionally, summer is the time when many cultural festivals and events take place in Sweden, such as Midsummer celebrations and music festivals like Way Out West in Gothenburg. This allows backpackers to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the country.
It is worth noting that summer is also the peak tourist season in Sweden, so popular tourist destinations can be crowded, and accommodation prices may be higher. However, with proper planning and booking in advance, you can still enjoy a budget-friendly backpacking trip.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Sweden
- Swedish authorities assess that Sweden is a prioritised target for terrorist attacks, with increasing threats by violent Islamist groups. The current threat level is 'high threat' or level 4 out of 5, meaning the probability of an attack is high.
- Terrorist attacks can occur at any time. Maintain high vigilance in public spaces and take official warnings seriously. Avoid crowds, be aware of your surroundings, and stay informed.
- Petty crime is common. Take care in hotels and restaurants. Violent crime is rare. However, gangs and organised crime do occur. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
- Winter is extremely cold, with heavy snowfall and severe transport delays. Public facilities can also be interrupted. Check the media, emergency information from Swedish authorities and other local sources for the latest details.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
SwedenMy tips to get you on the way!Does Sweden sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Sweden. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Sweden may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Sweden. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Sweden may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Sweden, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Sweden, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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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.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
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.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024