Ask Sweden fans what's their favourite spot in Sweden and most will say there are too many to mention. On one thing they will agree: besides the beautiful capital Stockholm, the country’s main attraction is its landscape. But there's more.
Sweden is one of Europe's best kept secrets. The country has so much to offer. Besides, it's very affordable nowadays and the climate is much better than most people think.
Just to give you an idea what to see I made a top-10 of tourist attractions in Sweden. Here they are - in no particular order.
Stockholm
Stockholm has it all: unique location, great architecture, historical sights, famous museums, huge parks, a vibrant nightlife, trendy shops – and an archipelago of 24,000 islands just around the corner. It's a remarkably clean and safe city as well. If you haven’t seen Stockholm, you haven’t seen Sweden.
Gotland
Speaking of tourist attractions in Sweden, one wouldn’t expect to think of beaches. But there are beaches in Sweden. Some of the best are found on the Baltic island of Gotland, which is popular among Swedes and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The walled medieval town of Visby is an attraction on its own.
Lake Siljan
Found in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, this lake is the center of folklore and tradition. Dalarna is a popular holiday destination in summer. Thousands of Swedes visit Leksand every year to see the midsummer pole set up. The nearby town of Rättvik is famous for its folk dancing. Also worth a visit is the bear park in Orsa.
Mines
Mining has always had a special attraction. Mines make some of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sweden. Three are worth a visit. The copper mine of Falun, Dalarna (now on the World Heritage List), and the iron-ore mines of Kiruna and Gällivare in Lapland. You can book a guided tour and go down yourself.
National Parks
Sweden has dozens of national parks and nature reserves. Even Stockholm has a national park within its city borders! The most impressive scenery - wild rivers, deep valleys, dark forests, high mountains - is found in Lapland in the North. Very popular is Abisko, a great spot with the famous Lapporten landmark. Also recommended is Padjelanta park.
Bohuslän
Bohuslän is the area at the west-coast of Sweden, roughly located between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border. It is characterized by rocky fragmented islands and small fishing communities. Awesome scenery, and one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden according to the Swedes.
Göta Canal
One of the most popular attractions in Sweden. Make a cruise from Gothenburg to Stockholm with an old ship, crossing one river, three canals, eight lakes, passing 66 locks and traveling on two seas. The Göta Canal is one of the most pleasant waterways in Sweden.
Inlandsbanan
Or the Inland Railway. Great trip for fans of train journeys, across the Arctic circle. Inlandsbanan runs from Kristinehamn at the side of lake Vänern to the wilderness near Gällivare, Lapland. Distance: around 1300 km. Stop wherever you want or spend the night and get back on the train - it's all up to you.
Kungsleden
The most famous hiking trail of Sweden, 500 km long and leading from Abisko to Hemavan (south). Well-marked and popular, with cabins along the trail that can be busy in the holiday season. You’ll pass Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain (2,078 m) and see some of Europe’s wildest and most beautiful nature.
Storsjön
Storsjön (the Great Lake in Swedish) in the province of Jämtland is the Nordic Loch Ness. Locals believe there's a monster in its dark water – and typically Swedish, the monster is even protected by law! The area around Storsjön has a lot more to offer, with highlands, trails and the likable Östersund as its biggest town.
About the Author
Marc A. De Jong is a Dutch journalist and editor of http://www.stockholm-sweden-travel-guide.com. This site tells you all about the major attractions, yearly events, how to get there, where to stay, and gives lots of other practical tips.