Written by Kelsey
24 Jan 2026
Looking for fun things to do in Sweden? Me too! I’ve put together a list (in no particular order) of both my favorite recommendations, plus my bucket list Swedish activities.
1. Explore the Swedish archipelagos
An archipelago is an extensive group of islands, and Sweden is full of them! There are thousands of islands with beautiful nature and charming tiny villages, extending all across Sweden. It’s definitely worth exploring the islands near you! I can certainly recommend visiting Gothenburg’s southern archipelago. The islands are beautiful and peaceful, full of preserved nature. I particularly loved Brännö and Galterö, where wild sheep roam around! There’s also some great spots to swim on the islands, though the water can be chilly. You can find out more about Sweden’s archipelagos here. I would love to go beyond Gothenburg, and check out some of Sweden’s other gorgeous islands.
2. Go to a sittning
Sittnings are a staple of Swedish student life. Sittnings are essentially dinner parties, with lots of singing and games. I’ve been to two sittnings, one hosted by the Göta International Committee and another that was a combination of political science master’s programmes. They are a fun opportunity to dress up, hang out with your friends, sing and dance, and meet new people! I would definitely recommend attending at least one sittning during your studies, so you can immerse yourself into Swedish traditions and student life! For more information, Ravi breaks down everything you need to know about sittnings here.
3. Celebrate Midsummer under the Midnight Sun
I would love to travel above the Arctic Circle this summer, to see the Midnight Sun. The sun stays above the horizon for several months, which means that the daylight lasts all day, even in the middle of the night. With the darkness of the winter, I think I’m craving some sunlight! I’d love to go to a Midsummer celebration on June 20. I’ve also seen Midnight Sun hikes in the north, which I’m sure would be an absolutely stunning view from the summit. Visit Sweden gives recommendations, from triathlons to golfing, here. I think I’ll pass on the triathlon, but I’m looking forward to celebrating in other ways!
4. Visit the Young Royals Castle – Kaggeholms Slott
If you haven’t heard about Young Royals, it’s a popular Swedish TV show full of drama and romance. Before coming to Sweden, I binge-watched the series. It’s a great way to pick up a few Swedish words and phrases, but I was hooked by the plot. Like everyone else, I loved the show. So, I think it would be super cool to visit Kaggeholms Slott, the castle where many of the scenes were recorded. The castle is leaning into the Young Royals hype, offering events, guided tours, and stays specifically geared towards fans of the show. Kaggeholms Slott is about an hour outside of Stockholm.
If castles are your thing, you’re in luck! Sweden has over 200. One of the most impressive ones I’ve been to is Tjolöholms Slott. This castle is about an hour outside of Gothenburg, and it’s totally worth the journey! It was so much fun exploring the beautiful castle and its grounds, and learning more about its history. When I visited, there was a Christmas market going on. The castle was decorated with lights and Christmas trees, and it was extra gorgeous. I also liked Gunnebo Slott, which is more of a manor house than a castle. The gardens were beautiful, and we even saw deer as we were walking by the lake! I’d recommend checking these spots out, but also just generally exploring the castles in your area!
5. Canoe on the Sävelången & visit Nääs Slott
Speaking of castles, Nääs Slott is on my list. The estate is about an hour train ride from Gothenburg. I’d love to spend some time walking around the grounds, and maybe even take a guided tour of the castle. Beyond the history and culture, I’d love to spend some time outdoors. There’s a lake called Sävelången in Nääs. Apparently, you can rent a canoe for the day, and spend some time exploring the lake. I always enjoy kayaking and canoeing, and it’s a bonus to explore a new place while I’m at it. It’s supposed to be beautiful in the summer, with some good swimming opportunities. This sounds like the perfect day trip to me!
6. See the Northern Lights!
Seeing the Northern Lights is high on my bucket list! I’ve seen beautiful photos of them in Sweden, but so far I’ve missed them. Even if you go further north, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll see them. However, there are plenty of apps and websites that you can use to see the forecast. You can even enable aurora alerts on your phone with some of these apps. I put a picture of the Northern Lights on my 2026 vision board, so I’m crossing my fingers that my manifestation pays off. When I do see them, I will definitely take countless pictures of my own!
7. Go on weekend trips to nearby Nordic cities
Everyone loves a good weekend trip! I’d like to explore more of Sweden, but also nearby countries. I’m hoping to venture out to Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway this year. Both of these destinations are accessible by public transportation, either buses or trains. The journey takes around 3.5 hours from Gothenburg, which is totally doable for a weekend trip And if you’re studying in Malmö or Lund, you can get to Copenhagen in under an hour! I’ve never been to Denmark or Norway, so I would love to take advantage of the close proximity and public transportation.
8. Visit Liseberg!
If you find yourself in Gothenburg, I’d highly recommend visiting Liseberg! Liseberg is an amusement park with 42 rides and attractions. It is also a concert venue! Liseberg has 3 different seasons— summer, Halloween, and Christmas. The park is transformed to match the season, with spooky decor and scare actors for Halloween and lights and a huge tree for Christmas. I went during Halloween and absolutely loved it (you can read about my experience there here)! The rides are so much fun. It’s also nice to walk around and explore the park, and maybe even play one of the games for a chance to win an enormous candy bar. And there are plenty of food and drinks to try, in case you get hungry. I definitely recommend, and I hope to go back during the other seasons!
9. Check out local museums
It’s always fun to explore the local museums in your area (especially on cold or gloomy days). As a student, you normally can get free or discounted entry, so that’s worth taking advantage of. In Gothenburg, my favorite so far is the Gothenburg Museum of Art. They have a rotating special exhibition, so you can visit more than once to check it out. If art isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options focusing on natural science, history and culture, design, maritime, sports, and more. In Stockholm, I hope to one day visit the ABBA Museum for the music, the National Museum for the art, and the Vasa Museum for the 17th century ship. I’m sure there are plenty of cool museums all over Sweden, so check out the options near you!
