Sweden, a land of breathtaking landscapes, modern cities, and rich history, is one of the best travel destinations for Indian tourists. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic countryside, vibrant urban life, or the Northern Lights, Sweden offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. This guide covers everything you need to know—from travel routes, budget options, and cultural experiences to safety, food, and the best time to visit.
Why Visit Sweden?
Sweden stands out as a tourist destination for its well-preserved natural beauty, innovative urban planning, and a rich Viking past. Here’s why you should add Sweden to your travel bucket list:
✅ Nature at its Best: Stunning fjords, lakes, and forests.
✅ Historical Attractions: Viking history, medieval castles, and museums.
✅ Modern Scandinavian Cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
✅ Unique Natural Phenomena: Northern Lights and Midnight Sun.
✅ Clean and Safe: Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world.
How to Reach Sweden from India?
India has excellent connectivity to Sweden through multiple flight routes. Direct flights are limited, but you can reach Sweden with a single layover.
Best Flight Routes from India
- Direct Flight: No direct flights from India to Sweden as of now.
- One-Stop Flights:
- Delhi to Stockholm (Layover in Frankfurt, Doha, or Dubai).
- Mumbai to Stockholm (Layover in Helsinki, Istanbul, or Amsterdam).
- Bangalore to Stockholm (Layover in Dubai, Doha, or Munich).
Flight Duration
- Delhi to Stockholm: 11-14 hours.
- Mumbai to Stockholm: 12-15 hours.
- Bangalore to Stockholm: 13-16 hours.
Visa Requirements for Indians
- Schengen Visa required for tourism.
- Processing Time: 15-20 working days.
- Visa Fee: Approx ₹7,000-₹8,000.
Best Time to Visit Sweden
The best time to visit Sweden depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Summer (June to August) → Perfect for city tours, outdoor activities, and experiencing the Midnight Sun in northern Sweden.
- Winter (December to March) → Ideal for Northern Lights, skiing, and Christmas markets.
- Spring & Autumn (April-May, September-November) → Fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and great weather for sightseeing.
✅ For Indian tourists: Summer is the best time (June-August) as the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing.
Top Places to Explore in Sweden
Sweden offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and natural wonders. Here are some must-visit places:
1. Stockholm – The Capital City of Sweden 🇸🇪
Stockholm is the heart of Sweden, blending rich history with modern Scandinavian charm. Built across 14 islands, it is known as the “Venice of the North” due to its beautiful waterways and bridges. The city is full of historical landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
🌟 Top Attractions in Stockholm
🚢 Vasa Museum – A 17th-Century Warship Preserved in Time
One of the most visited museums in Sweden, the Vasa Museum houses a fully preserved warship from 1628 that sank on its maiden voyage. Raised from the sea in 1961, it provides a rare glimpse into maritime history.
📍 Location: Djurgården Island, Stockholm
🎟️ Entry Fee: ~ ₹1,200 (150 SEK)
🏰 Royal Palace – Witness the Changing of the Guard
Home to the Swedish royal family, this massive 600-room palace is one of Europe’s largest royal residences. A highlight is the daily changing of the guard ceremony, which offers a grand spectacle.
📍 Location: Gamla Stan (Old Town), Stockholm
🎟️ Entry Fee: ~ ₹500 (50 SEK)
🌉 Gamla Stan (Old Town) – A Step Back in Time
One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, Gamla Stan is full of narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and souvenir shops. The area has a fairytale-like charm with its old churches, hidden alleys, and historic squares.
📍 Must-Visit Spot: Stortorget Square
🌊 Stockholm Archipelago – A Scenic Boat Tour
With over 30,000 islands, the Stockholm Archipelago is perfect for a boat trip, kayaking, or island hopping. Some islands are uninhabited and great for relaxing in nature, while others have cozy villages and seafood restaurants.
📍 Best Islands: Sandhamn, Grinda, Vaxholm
🚤 Boat Tour Cost: Starts from ~ ₹2,000 (250 SEK)
2. Gothenburg – Sweden’s Vibrant Port City 🚢
Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a lively city known for its stunning waterfront, theme parks, and seafood culture. It’s a cheaper alternative to Stockholm while still offering amazing experiences.
🌟 Top Attractions in Gothenburg
🎢 Liseberg Amusement Park – A Must-Visit for Families
Liseberg is Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, featuring thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and seasonal events. It’s perfect for both adventure lovers and families.
📍 Location: Central Gothenburg
🎟️ Entry Fee: ~ ₹4,000 (450 SEK) for all rides
🌳 Slottsskogen Park – A Green Escape
A massive urban park in the heart of Gothenburg, Slottsskogen is ideal for picnics, jogging, and enjoying nature. You’ll also find a free zoo with moose, penguins, and seals!
📍 Best Time to Visit: Summer
🍣 Feskekörka (Fish Church) – Sweden’s Best Seafood Market
An indoor seafood market shaped like a church, Feskekörka is paradise for seafood lovers. Try fresh salmon, shrimp, oysters, and local Swedish fish dishes.
📍 Best Dish to Try: Räksmörgås (Swedish Shrimp Sandwich)
3. Kiruna – Sweden’s Northern Lights Destination 🌌
If you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, Kiruna is the best place in Sweden to experience this magical phenomenon. It’s located in Lapland, where Arctic adventures await.
🌟 Top Attractions in Kiruna
🛷 Dog Sledding & Reindeer Safaris – Arctic Adventures
Kiruna offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences like dog sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling. You can ride with Huskies through snow-covered forests or meet indigenous Sami tribes who herd reindeer.
📍 Best Time: December – March
💰 Cost: Starts at ~ ₹10,000 (1,200 SEK)
❄️ Ice Hotel – Sleep in a Hotel Made of Ice
Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, the Ice Hotel is entirely built from ice and snow. Each room has unique ice sculptures, and guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on ice beds.
📍 Open From: December – April
💰 Room Price: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per night
🌌 Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – A Natural Wonder
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, Kiruna has minimal light pollution, making it a prime spot for viewing the green, blue, and purple auroras.
📍 Best Time to See: December – March
4. Malmö – Sweden’s Coastal Beauty 🌊
Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city, offering a mix of modern architecture, medieval landmarks, and stunning beaches. It also has a strong cultural influence from Denmark due to its close proximity.
🌟 Top Attractions in Malmö
🌉 Öresund Bridge – Connecting Sweden to Denmark
This 8 km-long bridge links Malmö to Copenhagen, Denmark, and is one of Europe’s most impressive engineering marvels. You can drive or take a train across the bridge in 20 minutes.
📍 Cost: ~ ₹1,200 (150 SEK) train ticket
🏛️ Malmö Castle – A Historic Fortress
Built in 1434, Malmö Castle is one of the oldest Renaissance castles in Scandinavia. It houses historical exhibits, a museum, and an aquarium.
📍 Entry Fee: ~ ₹500 (50 SEK)
🏖️ Ribersborg Beach – A Relaxing Spot
A beautiful sandy beach near the city center, great for sunbathing, swimming, and scenic evening walks.
5. Uppsala – Sweden’s Historic & University Hub 🎓
Uppsala is known for its prestigious university, ancient Viking history, and religious landmarks. It’s only 40 minutes from Stockholm, making it a great day-trip destination.
🌟 Top Attractions in Uppsala
🏛️ Uppsala Cathedral – Scandinavia’s Largest Church
A massive Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century, known for its stunning interiors, high ceilings, and historical significance.
📍 Must-See: The tomb of King Gustav Vasa
📚 Uppsala University – One of Sweden’s Best Universities
Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is Sweden’s oldest university, attracting students from around the world. Its beautiful library, historic halls, and botanical garden make it worth visiting.
Swedish Food to Try
Sweden’s cuisine is simple yet delicious, with a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
🍴 Swedish Meatballs – Served with lingonberry sauce.
🐟 Gravlax (Cured Salmon) – A must-try for seafood lovers.
🥔 Jansson’s Temptation – A creamy potato and anchovy dish.
🍞 Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) – Sweden’s famous sweet treat.
🌱 Vegetarian Options: Falafel, Lingonberry Pancakes, Cheese Pies, and Veggie Wraps.
✅ For Indian travelers: Many Indian restaurants are available in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Safety & Local Culture
- Crime Rate: Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world.
- Women’s Safety: Extremely safe for solo female travelers.
- Public Transport: Well-connected trains and buses.
- Languages Spoken: Swedish (English is widely spoken).
Accommodation – Where to Stay?
Sweden offers budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations depending on your travel style.
Best Areas for Tourists to Stay
- Stockholm: Gamla Stan (Old Town), Södermalm (Hipster vibe).
- Gothenburg: City Centre, Haga.
- Malmö: Lilla Torg, Västra Hamnen.
- Kiruna (Northern Lights Spot): Abisko Mountain Lodge.
Hotels for Every Budget
🛏️ Budget Stays (₹3,000-₹7,000/night): Generator Stockholm, STF Malmo Hostel.
🏨 Mid-Range (₹7,000-₹15,000/night): Elite Hotel Marina Tower, Scandic Grand Central.
🏡 Luxury (₹15,000+ /night): Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Ice Hotel Kiruna.
Currency & Cost of Living vs. India
- Currency: 1 Swedish Krona (SEK) ≈ ₹8.
- Sweden is Expensive Compared to India:
- Budget per Day for Travelers: ₹8,000-₹12,000 (Budget), ₹15,000-₹25,000 (Luxury).
- Meals: ₹700-₹1,500 per meal at an average restaurant.
- Public Transport: ₹300-₹600 per day (Unlimited travel cards available).
💡 Tips to Save Money: Use public transport, buy groceries, and choose budget hotels.
How Many Days to Plan?
The ideal Sweden itinerary depends on what you want to explore.
✈️ Short Trip (5-6 Days): Stockholm + Gothenburg + Malmö.
❄️ Adventure & Northern Lights (7-10 Days): Stockholm + Kiruna + Abisko.
🗺️ Full Sweden Experience (10-14 Days): Stockholm + Gothenburg + Malmö + Uppsala + Kiruna.
Final Thoughts: Is Sweden Worth Visiting for Indians?
✅ YES! If you love scenic landscapes, history, and modern cities, Sweden is an amazing destination.
✅ Great for solo travelers, couples, and families.
✅ Slightly expensive, but budget options exist.
Pro Travel Tips
✔️ Buy a Swedish Rail Pass for unlimited train travel.
✔️ Plan your Northern Lights tour in advance.
✔️ Pack warm clothes (even in summer, Sweden can be chilly!).
✔️ Book flights and hotels early for the best deals.
Sweden is a dream destination waiting to be explored. So, when are you planning your trip? 🌍✈️
Related Posts
Christmas in Harlow: A Heartwarming Festive Experience with Lights, Pubs & Traditions
London Travel Guide: A Complete Tourist Handbook for Indians
