1 Week in Sweden - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Winter Aurora Adventure in Northern Sweden

Brimming with winter-inspired activities, this weeklong winter adventure is ideal for those keen to see the aurora borealis light up the night sky and glide through frozen pine forests on a dogsledding excursion. You'll stay overnight at the Icehotel and have a rewarding alpine ski tour in the mountains of Abisko. Plus, with plenty of opportunities to relax in spas and indulge in Nordic-inspired cuisine, there's no doubt you'll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Welcome to Sweden! Your winter adventure begins in Kiruna, where you'll spend the first day exploring the tunnels of Kiruna Iron Mill and warming up in a sauna. Refreshed and ready for adventure, transfer to Jukkasjärvi to check into the famous Icehotel and spend the day admiring the hotel's hand-carved ice sculptures, dining on a five-course meal, and waiting for the northern lights to appear. After a bucket-list-worthy evening, continue to Bjorkliden and check into Abisko Mountain Lodge. Dress warm as your next activity takes you into the heart of Abisko National Park on an exciting snowmobile excursion. 

After warming up at your hotel, it's time to take a chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station for an evening of dining on Nordic-inspired cuisine. The excitement continues the next day with a guided backcountry ski tour, and following a relaxing evening and a flight, you'll find yourself back in Kiruna on Day 5. Embark on a thrilling dogsledding excursion through pine forests and over frozen lakes; then, fly to Stockholm, where you'll spend your last two days treating yourself to a spa at Centralbadet, visiting the Royal Swedish Opera, and roaming the National Museum before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Southern Sweden's Countryside & Coast 

Discover southern Sweden's rugged coastlines and remote villages on this weeklong itinerary, ideal for those who prefer isolated landscapes to bustling cities. With exciting excursions to untouched islands and an overnight stay on a farm, each day promises the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Then, add on a visit to a historic monastery, a beautiful theater, and a 13th-century castle, and you'll also get a well-rounded introduction to Sweden's vibrant culture.

Your southern Sweden adventure begins with a short transfer from Malmö to Österlen. After checking into Örums Nygård farmstay, you'll say goodbye to any jetlag with a spa treatment, glass of wine, and gourmet dinner. Wake early the following morning for a packed day featuring a scenic stop at the fishing village of Smygehuk, a visit to the medieval port town of Ystad, and an evening attending a performance at the Ystad Theater. Next, settle in for a 3.5-hour transfer to Kalmar, located on the Baltic Sea and home to the famous storybook-like Kalmar Castle.

Kalmar is also the perfect base to explore Öland, Sweden's second-largest island. With the help of a bike, you'll cycle through the island's quaint villages and alongside the spectacular coastlines. Continue to Helsingborg the following day, stopping by Söderåsen National Park for a horseback tour, and spend your final days in this charming historic city. Don't miss out on a trip to the Kullaberg Nature Reserve to hike Mölle Trail and visit the nearby Södåkra Vineyard before transferring back to Helsingborg to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Outdoor Adventures in Southern Sweden: Malmö to Stockholm 

Seven days will fly by as you hike, kayak, bike, and boat your way around southern Sweden on this activity-packed itinerary crafted with adventurous explorers in mind. With a night each in six different cities or villages, including Helsingborg, Gothenburg, and Strömstad, you'll experience Sweden's diverse land and cityscapes while keeping daily driving times to a minimum. Top off your adventure with a night in Stockholm, and you'll no doubt leave with a new appreciation for Sweden's endless outdoor adventures in cities and the country's remote corners.

Upon your arrival in Malmö, get your first experience of Sweden's unique culture with a visit to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, an open-air bath, followed by a self-guided tour of Gamla Staden. After a transfer to Helsingborg, choose between hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding to get up close to the wild beauty of Söderåsen National Park; then keep the adventure going with a drive north along the coast to Gothenburg. Spend the afternoon roaming Gothenburg Botanical Garden and join a private boat ride along the Göta Älv River. Then, continue to Kosterhavet National Marine Park for an afternoon of exploring.

Following a relaxing night in Strömstad, it's time to head inland to Örebro, a city on the Svartån River—but not before stopping at Dalslands Moose Ranch. Once you've reached Örebro on Day 5, the choice is yours to embark on a city tour or explore Tiveden and Garphyttan National Parks. The end of your trip nears all too soon, so after a transfer to Stockholm, you'll settle in for a last day of exploring. Head out on a self-guided city tour taking in City Hall and the Drottningholm Palace, then join a three-hour guided kayak tour down scenic canals until it's time to say a Swedish farewell at the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Sweden's History & Culture

This weeklong self-drive itinerary showcases Sweden's captivating history and culture through visits to unique museums, exciting castle tours, and traditional meals of the country's southeast. While traveling at your own pace, it's easy to sink into the laid-back lifestyle and spend relaxing days wandering cobblestone streets, touring archaeological remains from the Viking Age, and cycling through quaint villages. Travelers who enjoy a mix of good food, great stories, and remarkable landscapes will surely delight in this culture-focused adventure.

Your Swedish adventure begins in Stockholm, stretching your restless plane legs with a day of roaming the capital city's must-see sites; then, pick up your rental car the following morning and board a ferry to Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea. After landing at the main town of Visby, you'll join a guided walking tour of this medieval town, stopping by Almedalen and the Sant Maria Cathedral. With another full day in Visby, take a deep dive into the region's history with a tour of Gotland's archaeological remains and visit Viking Village to test your axe-throwing skills.

On Day 4, you'll ferry to Oskarshamn back on the mainland and farther south to Kalmar. Famous for its 13th-century castle and renowned Kalmar Art Museum, the day will fly by as you discover the town's lavish history and modern-day art. Next, set off on a self-guided trip to Öland, where you'll pick up a bike and pedal through quaint villages until reaching the fishing village of Grankullavik. With just one more full day left on your adventure, you'll pack in an overnight in Söderköpin and a hike up Ramunderberget Hill before dropping off your rental car and catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Foodie Adventure in Copenhagen & Stockholm

Arrive hungry as this multicountry food-themed adventure touching Denmark and Sweden is all about local delicacies, perfected meatballs, and refreshing beer. Starting in Copenhagen, you'll join a private food tour and learn the ins and outs of creating Danish smørrebrød. But save room, as, after a train journey to Stockholm, you'll be met with a Nordic food walk and an evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant. In between indulging yourself, experience both countries' natural and architectural beauty with a day trip to Møns Klint (Denmark) and a wander through the King's Garden (Sweden) on the cards.

Welcome to Denmark! Your adventure begins with three nights in Copenhagen, where you'll take a deep dive into the capital's decadent cuisine. Start with a leisurely day biking along the waterfront and stopping at a few of the many cafés, restaurants, and bakeries; then, spoil your inner foodie with a full day of cooking and eating. Learn how to create Danish smørrebrød and embark on a guided tour to some of Copenhagen's best food stands before calling it a night. Ready to put your fuel to good use, wake early the following day for a trip to the towering cliffs of Møns Klint and a climb up Forest Tower.

As the halfway mark of your trip draws near, it's time to board a train and transfer to Stockholm. After settling into your accommodation, get your first taste of Sweden's relationship with alcohol through a visit to Spiritmuseum and a beer tasting in the Old Town of Vasastan. With so much more to see, you'll enlist the help of a guide on Day 5 for a tour of the city's best-kept secrets, followed by a trip to the Östermalm area to visit the Östermalms Market Hall. Spend your final evening indulging in contemporary Nordic cuisine at Frantzén Stockholm, a Michelin-starred restaurant, before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Culture & Relaxation in Stockholm & Jönköping

Slow the pace down and soak up Sweden's cultural highlights on this relaxation-forward trip. You'll indulge the senses in numerous spa visits, stroll through historic neighborhoods, and join guided food-focused walks. With three nights each in Stockholm and Jönköping, there's never a need to hurry, and instead, you can experience the city's must-see sites at your own pace. Plus, you'll spot moose on a tractor safari and take to the air in a hot-air balloon for further insight into Sweden's nature-loving way of life.

After arriving in Stockholm, you'll spend your first day exploring the city's various districts, including the Norrmalm downtown and the historical Gamla Stan, followed by an evening soaking in Roman baths at Centralbadet. With two more days in Stockholm, take your time wandering through the Fotografiska Museum and the Spiritmuseum, and embark on a guided sunset kayak along Långholmen island. Then, before saying your goodbyes to the city, sink into ultimate relaxation at the Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa. On Day 4, travel south to Jönköping, a city on Lake Vättern, for three days of dining and relaxing.

Start with a visit to Huskvarna, an old mining town, then, once hunger strikes, join a guided food walk to sample Swedish dishes. A day trip to Gränna is on the itinerary the following day, and after spending the morning strolling through the town's quaint streets, you'll take to the sky for a memorable hot-air balloon tour. Before transferring back to Stockholm, spend your final day at Skullaryd Moose Park, joining an exciting tractor safari through forest and marshland searching for moose, and end the day at Rosenlundsbadet soaking in peaceful pools and treating yourself to a massage. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Sweden Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sween? Check out these other one-week Sweden itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.