The best day trips in Sweden include everything from exciting family activities at unique museums and relaxing dinners, through to great shopping and dining options in charming historic quarters. The north is home to the resplendent northern lights and incredible sled dog excursions over pristine snow-capped landscapes, as well as great places to spend the night, at hotels nestled in the treetops or constructed entirely out of ice. Older settlements such as Stockholm and Visby boast historic sights together with some great places for a tranquil stroll. Finally, the country's educational and entertaining museums offer the chance to learn all about a wide range of subjects, from a 17th-century warship to the world famous pop sensation, ABBA.

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    Vasa Museum

    Uncover the fascinating history behind a once-sunken warship

    Vasa Museum
    • Historia

    The Vasa Museum is home to the mighty Vasa Warship, which is famous for capsizing and sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628. You'll also see more than 40,000 artefacts found on the ship and in its vicinity. The museum is a great place to learn more about what life at sea was like in the 17th century and is located on the island of Djurgården, just a few hundred metres from where the ship originally sank.

    Once inside, you'll come face to face with people who died on the ship and you'll have a chance to learn more about the role played by women in society back then. You'll also find plenty of information on what it takes to build a warship like the Vasa and the work that went into dredging up such an ancient wreck.

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    Adress: Galärvarvsvägen 8, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

    Telefonnummer: +46 (0)8 519 548 80

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  • 2

    Stockholm Archipelago

    Go island hopping and discover activities for all the family

    Stockholm Archipelago
    • Budget
    • Fotografering

    The Stockholm Archipelago is the place to go for an excellent day trip in Sweden. You can look forward to relaxing boat journeys between islands, gorgeous beaches and incredible restaurants, not to mention castles and museums with heaps of fun and fast-paced activities for all the family to enjoy.

    Many choose to begin their adventure on one of the boats which depart from Nybroviken between the districts of Norrmalm and Östermalm in central Stockholm. But the archipelago is expansive and the options are many. Perhaps you'll opt to begin your archipelago adventure on the mainland with a visit to one of he area's longest sandy beaches, Gålö Havsbad. Or take yourself to the Fjäderholmarna Islands and relax in the sunshine at one of the pub terraces before swinging by the local chocolate factory for an indulgent treat. You might also take the whole family on a trip back in time at the Viking Village of Storholmen. Another great option is to hire a sailboat and chart your own course through the patchwork of islands. With so many things to see and do, the only limit will be your own imagination.

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  • 3

    Visby

    Take a trip back into Sweden's history

    Visby
    • Budget
    • Historia
    • Fotografering

    Forgotten times feel close in Visby, where the medieval city wall, old ruins and charming alleys combine to create a completely unique, old-timey atmosphere. Visby is located on the large island of Gotland and can be reached by ferry from the port towns of Nynäshamn, Oskarshamn or Västervik, or you can fly directly to Visby Airport. The extra planning it takes to get here is well worth the time and effort as Visby has much to offer and makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of Gotland.

    Start with a walk around the city walls and admire the gorgeous views. If the sun is shining then you'll want to stop off at the Glassmagasinet Ice Cream Parlour to cool off, or simply slip into one of the many charming little shops. Visby is a great city for simply strolling around with plenty of shops, gardens and old church ruins to captivate your attention.

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  • 4

    Liseberg Amusement Park

    Enliven your senses on an exciting ride or at a sublime performance

    Liseberg Amusement Park
    • Äventyr
    • Familjer

    Liseberg is the whole package when it comes to entertainment and adventure. The amusement park boasts everything from hair-raising rides, nostalgic carousels and food to suit all tastes through to bombastic performances and a warm bed at the end of the day. Liseberg is located centrally within Gothenburg which makes it easy to reach, especially if you book one of the many accommodation options offered by the park itself.

    Adrenaline junkies will want to make a beeline right for the Valkyria Diver Coaster or the terrifying and utterly awe-inspiring AtmosFear Drop Tower. Or if you've got the kids in tow, head instead to the mellower carousels such as Rabbit Land or the Bushållplatsen Playground. But remember, you don't need to be a thrill seeker or a parent to enjoy a great time at Liseberg. The park is also home to a number of wonderful restaurants and it often puts on huge concerts featuring international super stars.

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    Adress: Örgrytevägen 5, 402 22 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Telefonnummer: +46 (0)31 400 100

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  • 5

    Abisko National Park

    Experience mountains and the northern lights

    Abisko National Park
    • Budget
    • Fotografering

    Abisko National Park offers great hiking in the summer with majestic views over glimmering waters and looming peaks. In winter it transforms into a snow-capped paradise where you can pursue outdoor adventure and chase the northern lights.

    Abisko National Park is located around 55 miles to the north of Kiruna and can be reached by car, bus or train. Come in the summer for striking and expansive views, incredible birdlife and an array of Europe's most northerly flowering plants in glorious bloom. Or wait a few months and come when the summer mosquitoes have gone away and the birch forests have burst into a stunning display of fiery reds and vibrant golds. Once the snow comes, the majestic northern lights won't be far behind and the landscape will open up for pulse-raising winter activities such as skiing and dog sledding.

    Adress: Abisko, 981 07 Abisko, Sweden

    Öppettider: Open daily

    Telefonnummer: +46 (0)10 225 55 44

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  • 6

    Gamla Stan

    Shop, snack, discover historic sights and enjoy Stockholm's nightlife

    Gamla Stan
    • Budget
    • Historia

    One of the best day trips in Sweden takes you to Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming and historic heart with plenty of sights, shops, cafés and restaurants lining its cobblestone streets. The neighbourhood can be easily reached in less than 10 minutes by foot from Stockholm Central Station but you can also arrive by metro or bus.

    Be sure not to miss the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace or your chance to check out the crown jewels in the treasury beneath the castle. Afterwards, grab some lunch at one of the many cafés in the neighbourhood or shop for souvenirs in the unique shops which lie just around the corner. The area is particularly well known for is broad array of vintage fashion.

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  • 7

    Djurgården

    Stroll through leafy surroundings and discover fun museums

    Djurgården
    • Budget
    • Familjer
    • Historia

    It's not often you find as many renowned and popular sights gathered together in the one place as you do on Djurgården – and most are great for families. This little island in the heart of Stockholm takes just 15 minutes to reach by bus from Stockholm Central Station.

    The fun never ends on Djurgården. There are pulse-raising activities like the Gröna Lund Amusement Park and a charming historical environment at the Skansen Open-Air Museum. On this magical island, the stories of beloved Swedish children's author Astrid Lindgren come to life and the whole family can get into their groove at ABBA the Museum. Older visitors will also appreciate the art on display at Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde and the Liljevalch's Art Gallery (Liljevalchs konsthall), or combine contemporary art with a bracing tipple at Spritmuseum and the Absolut Art Collection.

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  • 8

    Treehotel in Norrland

    A luxurious and comfortable tree house hotel in northern Sweden

    Treehotel in Norrland
    • Familjer
    • Unika upplevelser

    Treehotel is a unique hotel where you can spend the night surrounded by nature in a modern tree house with amenities such as underfloor heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The hotel is located just outside the village of Harads, around 50 miles from the northern coastal city of Luleå.

    Choose between spaces such as the Mirrorcube, which is exactly what it sounds like – a reflective glass cube suspended in the treetops. Or opt for the UFO, a flying-saucer-shaped structure which looks like it may take off at any minute and features interiors themed on space exploration. The hotel also has several tree houses measuring up to 559 sq. ft. and boasting a modern, functionalist feel. Be sure to also check out the hotel restaurant which serves innovative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

    Adress: Edeforsvägen 2, 960 24 Harads, Sweden

    Öppettider: Open daily

    Telefonnummer: +46 (0)928 103 00

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  • 9

    Canoeing on Ivö Lake

    Enjoy gorgeous views and adventure on a large and open lake

    Canoeing on Ivö Lake
    • Äventyr
    • Familjer

    Ivö Lake boasts an archipelago-like environment with beautiful views and tranquil waters which are just perfect for exploring by canoe or kayak. You'll find the lake to the north west of Bromölla, which is a town located about 12 miles away from larger Kristianstad and 6 miles from Sölvesborg.

    Simply make your way to the lake, rent a canoe and set out onto the water in whatever direction takes your fancy. You can also join a canoe and kayaking tour led by an expert guide who will help you find some of the more secluded spots that you might end up missing on your own. Some tours also include overnight accommodation, dinner and the chance to soak in a wood-fired bathtub.

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  • 10

    Cycle through Värmland

    Discover the enchanting forests from the saddle of your bike

    Cycle through Värmland
    • Äventyr
    • Budget

    Värmland is known for its enchanting forests and boasts a large network of connected bike trails which you can use to explore pretty much the entire region. For example, begin in the small village of Sysslebäck and cycle along the old country roads which make up the Klarälvsleden Trail before traversing the 55-mile-long Klarälvsbanan Greenway which will take you all the way to the regional capital of Karlstad. You'll pass many magnificent sights such as the glorious Klarälven River and the 10-metre-tall Brattfallet Waterfall.

    The paths will also take you through charming towns with cosy cafés, shops and museums. Or if you prefer shorter bike rides, there are a number of shorter trails you can take around the towns and villages of Värmland where you will find accommodation to book into.

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