My husband’s grandmother is half Swedish, and to our kids, this is a big deal. They complain about being “only American” while their friends lay claim to being Irish, Italian, Greek, etc. Having a Swedish great-grandmother means they can “be” something, and they have been dying to visit their “homeland” for years.

In March 2017, we caved into “kid pressure” and took them on a Scandinavian tour to Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland, which left us wanting to visit Norway and Finland next!

Sweden is Cooler than you think!

I have a confession to make: I was not that excited about our upcoming trip. Scandinavia had never been on any kind of bucket list of mine. I thought the countries were too Westernized to be interesting, I thought it would be too cold, and I thought there wouldn’t be enough to keep us busy.

The guidebooks I pored over didn’t do much to allay my fears. Copenhagen has things to do, but outside of that Scandinavia in March seemed to be a dismal and boring place. How would we fill 8 days?

 

I have now concluded that there are just really bad guidebooks for Scandinavia! Or maybe I just read all the wrong ones. In the end, I wished we could split another week between Sweden and Denmark. It ranks up there as one of the best family trips ever and one we can’t wait to repeat.

However, 8 days to do two large countries was a stretch, and I would only recommend it if your kids are as good in the car as mine have become because we set out to do a great European Road Trip.

But we love stopping in small towns along the way and feeling like we are seeing a country. Here is what we loves along the way.

 

 

Visit Gothenburg: 2nd largest city in Sweden

 

Gothenburg is the 2nd largest city in Sweden. It is located on the Western coast of Sweden and is famous for fresh seafood and thriving nightlife. There are fantastic free things to do in Gothenburg too!

Explore Universeum

One of the best things to do in Gothenburg is to visit Universeum, a science center perfect for families and science enthusiasts. Universeum features a variety of exhibits that are designed to be interactive and engaging. Visitors can explore the rainforest, learn about space, and even touch live animals.

Visit Liseberg Amusement Park

Liseberg Amusement Park is one of the most popular destinations in Gothenburg. The park has a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and carnival games. There are also plenty of places to eat and shop in the park.

Overall, Gothenburg is an excellent destination for anyone looking for adventure. With its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone in this Swedish city.

 

Fish Church (Feskekorka)

This is not a church but a fish market, getting its name from its appearance. It is prettily situated along the Göta älv River (yerta elv). They have more types of fish than I could name! My kids loved looking at the fish but hated the smell.

Plan on 30 minutes.

Visit Stockholm with your kids.

Stockholm is a breathtaking city! It is surrounded by water and is the neatest, cleanest city I have ever seen. I have heard from several people that it is a modern city without a lot of charm, but my experience was not like that at all. Stockholm’s old town of Gamla Stan was as charming as any old European city. The museums and attractions are first-rate, and family discounts were always readily available.

If you are visiting Stockholm for over two days, here are some fabulous day trips from Stockholm.

The Vasa Museum

The pictures do not do this place justice! The Vasa is a Swedish warship that sunk on its maiden voyage outside Stockholm in 1628. She was recovered in Stockholm harbor in the early 1960’s. The highlight of the museum is the Vasa herself. The entire museum has been built around the ship, and different levels allow you to see various details. If you can only do one thing in Stockholm, do this! Everyone in the family was in awe.

 

The Vasa Museum is a must-do in Stockholm. There is more to see and do than just the magnificent ship. You can learn all about Swedish naval history, including the Vikings. Learn about how the Vasa sunk. Plus, you can watch restoration projects that are ongoing at the Vasa.

Plan on 1-2 hours.

 

Explore Gamla Stan

The old parts of cities are always my favorites! I love a cobblestone street and a statue or two.

Gamla Stan is its own island that dates back to the 13^th century. The large square in the middle of the island is Stortorget, and it is a beautiful place to get a drink and people-watch. If your kids like to feed (or realistically chase) pigeons, this is the place to stop for a while. It is the most recognizable landmark in Sweden and worth a visit!

While in Gamla Stan, you can visit the Nobel Museum, the Stockholm Cathedral, and the 18th-century palace of the royal family. None will be exciting for your younger children, but you could do as we did and have one parent go to a museum while the other took the kids to chase pigeons.

I would plan 2-4 hours to explore the winding streets, grab a bite, and window shop. However, if you plan to visit museums, you must plan more time.

 

Visit Skansen: A Big Hit for Kids

A traveling with kids must!

If you don’t know what an open-air museum is, don’t fear; neither did I. For those of you in the U.S., I would compare it to a cross between a petting zoo, a small amusement park, and a historic village.

There were many across Scandinavia and not enough time to do them all. All the locals we spoke with insisted the kids would love Skansen, and they were right.

My kids enjoyed the animals the most. They saw wolves, bears, seals, monkeys, and more. I loved that I could duck into some historic homes while my husband took them around to see the animals. We also saw primitive Swedish homes, walked through a few gardens, and rode a tram.

The center part of Skansen has picnic tables and food to buy, so you don’t have to pack one. This was my kids favorite thing to do in Sweden.

Tips for visiting Skansen

• It’s a short hike from the Vasa Museum or the ABBA Museum and is stroller-friendly but very hilly.
• The family pass was relatively cheap in March ($60), but the prices seemed much higher later in the summer.
• To avoid the long lines buy the tickets ahead of time here and walk right in!
• The center part of Skansen has picnic tables and food to buy, so you don’t have to pack one.

Plan on 4-5 hours with your kids at Skansen.

 

Grona Lund

If you still have some fun left in you after Skansen and want your kids to sleep well the next day, head to Grona Lund, an amusement park in the same area of town. To my kid’s chagrin, it was still closed in late March, but it looked fabulous for older and younger kids.

 

Nobel Museum in Stockholm

The Nobel Museum chronicles the achievements of Nobel prize winners and their contributions to society. You can learn about their lives, what influenced them, and how their work has continued to influence the world. While this may not be your kid’s favorite place, it isn’t a large museum, and you can get through it within an hour.

 

Swedish Archipelago Tour

Although we wanted to have the time to visit Swedish Islands and the beautiful coast, we didn’t seem to have the days to spare. You can’t choose better scenery if you have 2-3 days in Sweden. You start the tour just south of Stockholm.

 

Visit the Grocery Store

Definitely a strange attraction but a favorite whenever we travel internationally. My kids love going to the grocery store and trying new foods. The big hit in Sweden was boxed yogurt in mango or raspberry. (The brand is Arla.) I think the kids each ate/drank a box a day!

Other favorite foods were raspberry marmalade and bread, peppered salami, tiny shrimp, and pastries.

 

Off the beaten path in Sweden

Sweden has tons of beautiful towns and scenery. We loved going on a road trip through Sweden so we could stop whenever we saw something that tickled our fancy.

 

Castle ruins

We ran into various ruins on our drive from Gothenburg to Stockholm, but our favorite one was right outside Granna (a town famous for candy canes). We pulled right off the freeway just past Granna and explored to our hearts’ content. The kids were sick of the car at that point, and it was a great boredom buster.

 

Kungsleden Hiking Trail

Kungsleden is a 440-kilometer hiking trail that runs through the Swedish Lapland. The trail is divided into four sections, each with its unique scenery and challenges.

Hikers can expect to see vast expanses of wilderness, glaciers, and even the Northern Lights if lucky. The trail is well-marked and has plenty of huts and cabins for hikers to rest in along the way.

 

Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is a unique hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Each year, a team of artists and designers create a new set of rooms and suites, each with its theme and style. The hotel also features an ice bar, ice chapel, and even an ice cinema. Visitors can spend the night in a cozy sleeping bag on a bed made of ice or just stop by for a drink at the bar.

 

Tyresta National Park

Tyresta National Park is a protected forest and lake area just outside Stockholm. The park is a great place for hiking, with over 50 kilometers of trails to explore. Visitors can see ancient trees, cliffs, and even spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, such as elk and deer. There’s also a visitor center with exhibits on the park’s history and ecology.

If you love the outdoors, this is one of the best things to do in Sweden.

 

Where to eat in Sweden with kids

Due to high food prices in Sweden, we ate out very little. We tended to grab a hot dog or pastry for lunch and eat what my kids call “grocery store dinner” at night. Grocery store dinner is the food they wanted to try at the grocery store.

We did splurge on one meal in Stockholm at:

Osterlangaatan 17

This restaurant is located in Gamla stan and is what I would consider a higher-priced restaurant in the U.S. but seemed to be mid-range in Stockholm. They didn’t have a kid’s menu, but they made my little one plain pasta with Parmesan. The other boys were happy to eat off the adult menu, and the portions were huge.

The dining highlights were the baked beef ribs (I am still dreaming about these!), the tacos, the char, and the deep-fried cheese.

*The restaurant had high chairs, and I saw several small children eating there.

 

Grillska husets brodbod

This bakery in Stortorget is a great place to get coffee and pastries. The kanelbullar (Sweden’s traditional cinnamon snail with large sugar pieces on top) are especially good here. We also got a prinsesstarta to eat at our Airbnb. If you haven’t watched the episode of The Great British Bake Off, where they make a princesstarte, watch it before you go!

 

Historical Landmarks

Sweden is a country rich in history, and visitors can explore many historical landmarks. Here are three of the most notable:

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Located on the island of Lovön, it was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Swedish Baroque architecture. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace and its gardens, which feature fountains, sculptures, and a Chinese Pavilion.

Birka, Viking City

Birka was a Viking city founded in the 8th century on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren. It was an important trading center and a hub for Viking expeditions to the east. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site and see the remains of Viking houses, workshops, and burial grounds. There is also a museum with exhibits on Viking culture and history.

Visby, Medieval Town

Visby is a well-preserved medieval town on the island of Gotland. It was a significant center of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading alliance whose walls and towers still stand today. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town, see the ruins of medieval churches and monasteries, and visit the Gotland Museum, which exhibits the island’s history and culture.

Visby is beautiful and one of the best things to do in Sweden.

 

Swedish Cuisine

Swedish cuisine is known for its unique flavors and ingredients. Here are a few must-try dishes when visiting Sweden:

Try Smörgåsbord

Smörgåsbord is a traditional Swedish meal comprising a variety of small dishes. This meal is typically served buffet-style, and guests can choose from a wide range of dishes, including meatballs, pickled herring, and smoked salmon. It is a great way to try a little bit of everything and experience the flavors of Swedish cuisine.

Taste Surströmming

Surströmming is a fermented fish dish that is famous in Sweden. This dish is made by fermenting Baltic herring and is known for its strong odor. While it may not be for everyone, it is a unique experience and worth trying if you feel adventurous.

Enjoy Kanelbulle

Kanelbulle, a cinnamon roll, is a famous pastry in Sweden. This sweet treat is made with cinnamon, sugar, and butter and is often served with coffee or tea. It is a delicious way to indulge in Swedish cuisine.

 

Sweden Travel Tips

Is it possible to do Stockholm in one day?

Yes, but not well. We had a day and a half in Stockholm, and I wish we had at least one more full day.

We could see the highlights but not do nearly enough of anything else. We would have loved to see a few more museums (especially the ABBA museum), go on a boat ride to other islands, explore non-touristy neighborhoods, and walk along the waterfront to look at all the boats.

How can I afford to go to Sweden?

Scandinavia is indeed expensive, but if you go in March and April, tickets are much less expensive, as are accommodations, and you aren’t in darkness and cold. Our tickets were under $300 each from NYC to Copenhagen. We paid around $100 a night for hotels and Airbnb by staying a little out of the main cities. Eat out carefully and spend your money on attractions.

Driving and parking in Stockholm

We were there during the week and found parking to be very easy. Park near the Vasa museum in the morning and refill the meter from time to time and you are close to Skansen, Grona Lund, and the waterfront. Gamla stan was trickier parking but we found something within 20 minutes. Public transportation is supposed to be very good, but because we stayed outside of the city, we would have had to park somewhere anyway.

If you want to drive make sure to rent a car in Stockholm quite a bit in advance. We rented about a month ahead and we struggled to find something big enough.

Getting to Sweden

We flew into Copenhagen and drove to Sweden, but you can also fly to Stockholm or Gothenburg. Or you could take the ferry from Helsinki!

 

How to Prepare for your trip to Sweden

• Read Pippi Longstocking or watch the movie. My kids are always much more invested in a place when they know anything about the country.
• Do a little research on how to pronounce Swedish words. They have different vowels than we do, and it’s nice to be able to pronounce the towns you are visiting. The rules are simple and just take a little practice.
• Take your kids to Ikea and get them to pronounce the products’ names correctly. Sounds weird but it was super fun! Also pick up some meatballs to see if your kids will like something to eat in Sweden. There wasn’t a single restaurant we visited that didn’t have meatballs.
• Everyone speaks English. I mean everyone! However, saying thank you in Swedish tack is still nice.
• If you have time, go to the coast even for an hour or two. We did a little detour to a charming canal town -Trosa- and spent a lovely hour walking around and enjoying the small town charm and the rugged coast.
• Learn more about Sweden by doing our Travel the World from Home program
• Or visit our Visit Sweden at Christmas post.

Overall, Swedish cuisine offers a range of flavors and dishes worth trying. Whether you are looking for something savory or sweet, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Sweden is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the picturesque archipelagos to the bustling streets of Stockholm, this Scandinavian gem has no shortage of things to see and do.