Discover
essential travel information for Sweden - from visa tips and local
customs to the best times to visit. Plan your Scandinavian adventure
with expert insights and practical advice.
Country: Sweden
Continent / Region: Europe / Scandinavia
Capital City: Stockholm
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy & Parliamentary Democracy
Population: Approx. 10.6 million
Official Language(s): Swedish
English Usage: Very high (~90% speak English)
Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+1 / GMT+2 (summer)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/F – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (all emergency services)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 2–2.5 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–September (summer) / December–February (winter activities)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in 180 days
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Sweden):
Average Daily Costs: £60 / £110 / £200+
Tipping Culture: Not expected; rounding up appreciated
Public Transport Options: Trains, trams, metro, buses, ferries
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: SEK 35–45 (city transport)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Telia, Telenor, Tele2, 3
Main Climate Type: Temperate in south; subarctic in the north
Average Temperature: Winter −10–3°C; Summer 15–25°C
Major Cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Umeå
Natural Attractions: Lakes, forests, archipelagos, mountains, northern wilderness
Popular Destinations: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Swedish Lapland, Abisko, Malmö, Gotland
Main Religions: Christianity (Lutheran); highly secular society
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Meatballs, gravlax, crayfish, cinnamon buns, Västerbotten cheese, seafood dishes
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Royal Palace Stockholm, Ice Hotel (Jukkasjärvi), Drottningholm Palace, Abisko National Park
Overall Safety Rating: Extremely safe
Common Scams: Rare; occasional tourist-price taxis
Health Risks: Winter ice; extreme cold in Lapland
Recommended Clinics: High-standard hospitals throughout the country
Insurance Recommendation: Recommended — especially for winter sports
Internet Speed: Among the fastest in Europe
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Stockholm Archipelago, Ice Hotel, Abisko Northern Lights, Vasa Museum, Gothenburg canals
Unique Experiences: Dog sledding, sauna culture, midnight sun in Lapland, archipelago island-hopping
Hidden Gems: Gotland’s medieval town, Åre mountains, Skåne beaches, Kiruna mines, Luleå archipelago
Popular Areas to Stay: Stockholm city centre, Gothenburg Haga, Malmö old town, Lapland lodges
Average Hotel Prices: £60 / £110 / £200+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Stockholm Södermalm, Stureplan, Gothenburg Avenyn
Local Drinks: Aquavit, Swedish cider, craft beer, glögg (mulled wine)
Entertainment: Saunas, live music, bars, winter lounges
Car Rental: Useful for rural areas
Trains: Excellent national network (SJ trains)
Buses: Reliable across the country
Ferries: Common in archipelago regions
Taxi / Ride Apps: Uber, Bolt, Taxi Stockholm
Best Markets: Östermalms Saluhall, Malmö markets, Gothenburg Nordic shops
Popular Souvenirs: Dala horses, Swedish design items, glassware, lingonberry jam, wool goods
Local SIM Card Providers: Telia, Telenor, Tele2, 3
Typical Business Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Extremely safe — some of the purest in the world
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Sweden is the birthplace of ABBA, IKEA, Spotify, and has over 100,000 lakes across the country.