5 Reasons to Add Sweden to Your Travel Plans

Swept away by stunning images of Sweden? It certainly looks a lot better in high-definition. It’s time to include this Scandinavian country in your travel plans this year.

According to the last official count, Sweden has 221,800 islands. The Stockholm Archipelago alone has about 24,000 islets and islands. Island hopping is instantly one of the best things to do in Sweden. But there’s more to this eco-friendly nation than boating, fishing, and sightseeing.

Allow yourself and your loved ones to be whisked away on a Scandinavian vacation like no other. Here are five of the best reasons to book flights to Sweden now.

Icehotel 365 (World’s First Year-Round Ice Hotel)
Since the opening of Icehotel 365 in December 2016, cool accommodations just got a whole new meaning. Once a temporary, pop-up frozen castle near the Arctic, discover how 20 million snowballs and 728 solar panels have kept it open for 365 days. Choose among its 20 suites, 11 of which are artfully decorated. Book your airport transfers in advance and arrive at this igloo-looking structure free of stress.

It’s located in Kiruna, one of the rare places on the planet where the sun doesn’t set at least for a couple of weeks during winter. As if this dream-like set-up is not enough, you also get a chance to witness the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis when you visit anytime from September to late March. Outdoor and adventure lovers also have plenty of fun winter activities to choose from. Fancy snow rides, skis, and sled dog tours? This peculiar hotel has got you covered.

Visit the coastal city of Västerås.
To capture the soul of Sweden, take a trip to one of Sweden’s oldest cities, Västerås. Now known as a bustling industrial and tourist-friendly city, Västerås offers travel experiences you won’t forget anytime soon. Say you need a unique place to stay during the night, reserve an underwater room at Utter Inn, and sleep surrounded by the weird and wonderful underwater view and marine residents of Lake Mälaren.

Granted that it feels like you’re inside an aquarium sans the water, staying in the Utter Inn’s twin beds may be the closest encounter you’ll have with the marine biosphere. Once you get over the overwhelming awe, begin your sightseeing tour around town. Check out the city’s charming 13th-century cathedral, explore the cultural gems within the Open Air Museum, or simply trace the history of the H&M store, a shop that originated in this city.

Join the festive Midsummer celebrations.
If you miss Christmas in Sweden, you can still make it to another significant holiday in Sweden: Midsummer festivals. This year, it falls on June 23. Get ready for public and flamboyant singing and dancing. Learn about Swedish folklore related to the occasion. For example, women pick flowers and put them under their pillows during the Midsummer night.

The best part? Tourists and newcomers are welcome to join. Sample some traditional Swedish dishes, such as marinated salmon and pickled herring. Stir or clear your palate with a glass or two of schnapps. Whatever you do, you will blend in well if you stay in a positive, cheerful mood.

Take a slow train ride from the heart of Sweden to the Arctic Circle.
Slow down and book a trip on a classic, Sweden’s most scenic train ride through Inlandsbanan (Inland Rail). The trip takes two days, but the memory of Sweden’s spectacular landscapes will stay with you for the rest of your life. Be sure to reserve a seat between June and August, the only time this rail is open for tourists and locals alike.

There are a few sights and attractions on the way that will likely take your breath away. If odds are in your favor, you may spot a few highlights, including the Beaverland (Sami Craft gallery), mountain lakes (warm and swimmer-friendly), Jamtli Historieland (heritage museum), Inland Railway Museum, Velhilmina, waterfalls at Strorstupet, Lake Storsjon, and wildlife creatures unique to the area. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey you can’t miss.

Take a ride inside the Norsjö Cable Way.
One of Sweden’s best-kept secrets is the Norsjö Cable Way. Get a fantastic bird’s eye view of the country’s lakes, forests, and their wildlife residents on board this aerial tramway. Spanning about 13 kilometers, the cableway gives you enough time to take in the awe-inspiring view and splendid environment down below.

You can’t help but get curious how this engineering marvel was built. If you are truly intrigued, there’s a film that explains its construction. Want another fun fact? This ropeway is open year-round. Be sure to drop by the Cable-Way Museum.

These are just some of the best reasons to add Sweden to your 2017 travel plans (if you haven’t yet). Some dream of cruising the scenic Göta Canal. Some want to go on an island hopping tour around the Stockholm Archipelago. Others simply desire trekking the High Coast Trail.