6 Amazing Cities to Visit in Sweden

A country of outstanding natural beauty, it is only fitting that Sweden‘s beautiful coastline and ancient forests are home to such fantastic cities. Delightful winding alleys give way to old castles and churches while pagan sites border these picturesque and lively cities. Atmospheric cafes and bars dot their streets and delightful museums are interspersed amongst daring modern architecture and more traditional buildings.

Karlstad

Set on the shores of Lake Vanern, with the Klaralven River running through it, Karlstad is an excellent city to visit if you love the outdoors. With the colossal lake lying next to it, there are lots of watersports for you to try out, and some scenic spots along the lake shore that are also worth stopping by. Despite its small size, its large student body means that Karlstad is a surprisingly lively place with a youthful feel, and there are numerous bars and restaurants for you to enjoy.

Sundsvall

Lying on the Bothnian coast, Sundsvall is a cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer. While there is not any standout landmark per se, its uniform appearance makes it lovely to walk around, with wide boulevards lined with pretty stone buildings. Almost completely burnt down in half a day in 1888, the city was hastily rebuilt at an impressive speed and is now often referred to as ‘stone city’. With plenty of great restaurants, cozy bars and cafes hidden around, Sundsvall is well worth stopping by.

Orebro

While the stunning and beautiful castle is undoubtedly the highlight of Orebro, its delightful moats and grounds are not the only thing worth seeing in the city. A lively university town, its sizeable student population provides an endless choice of terrace cafes, bars and cheapish eateries for visitors to enjoy. Located not far from Stockholm, Orebro also has some peaceful parks, laid-back lanes, and the nearby Vanern Lake to attract tourists.

Helsingborg

Once the site of numerous battles between the Swedes and the Danes due to its strategic position and proximity to Denmark, Helsingborg has some impressive castle ruins which look out over the harbor. Set on the Oresund, it has a lovely waterfront where there are lots of cafes and restaurants to while away an afternoon. Millions of people pass through Helsingborg and its Danish neighbor Helsingor each year, and there is a fantastic theater and arts scene to woo people with. Its delightful cobblestone streets weave their way through the city, past distinctive turreted buildings which give Helsingborg such a special look.

Gothenburg

A laidback city that is nice to visit and charming to live in, Gothenburg’s maritime identity pervades everything. Walking along its waterfront is delightful, with numerous 17th Century canals crisscrossing the city. Ships lie alongside its port and sea-related museums can be found here and there. With some lovely architecture on show, there is a vibrant arts and cultural scene and lots of different events and festivals going on throughout the year. Its large student body gives it a youthful feel, and the bustling bars, cafes and fine shopping options — as well as its delicious fish-filled cuisine — provide yet more reasons to visit Gothenburg.

Stockholm

Spread across fourteen islands, residents understandably call their capital ‘beauty on water,’ and it is easy to see why. With its fantastic mix of modern and traditional architecture, there are different sides to Stockholm — the old town is particularly delightful. Lovely cathedrals, a sumptuous palace and winding cobbled streets are surrounded by water, making it magical to explore. Practical yet attractive design is everywhere you look, whether it is in cafes, bars and restaurants, or demonstrated in the buildings themselves — there are a couple of great museums on the subject. A fashionable place, Stockholm is a trendy city to go out in, whether it is to the lively nightclubs or the incredible restaurants that deal up such delicious and varied cuisine.

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