12 Essential Sweden Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Sweden is a beguiling land of sleek design, ancient forests, cosy cafés, and clean, efficient cities. From the cobbled streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan to the northern lights in Lapland, it’s a country that offers both serenity and sophistication.
If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s helpful to understand the customs, costs, and pace of life that define this Scandinavian gem. Our 12 essential Sweden travel tips will help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your first visit.
12 Essential Sweden Travel Tips
1. Sweden Is Cashless (Bring a Card, Not a Wallet) 💳
Sweden is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Don’t be surprised if even small cafés or public toilets don’t accept cash. We didn’t use cash at all on our latest trip.
Tips:
- Bring a credit or debit card with contactless functionality. We always recommend bringing more than one payment card, just in case.
- Mobile payments (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Swish) are widely used.
- Currency is the Swedish krona (SEK). There’s no need to exchange cash in advance as you’ll need little of it.
💡 Tip: Some restrooms, especially in stations, require card payment to enter.
2. Learn the Art of Fika ☕🍰
One of Sweden’s most charming traditions is fika, a coffee break with a sweet treat, enjoyed with friends or solo. Embrace the fika culture and make it a part of your Swedish experience!
Tips:
- Fika is more than coffee; it’s a moment to reset and connect. Don’t rush it, slow down and savour it.
- Try a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) or kladdkaka (chocolate cake).
- Locals often take fika mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
💡 Tip: Embrace fika as a way to recharge. We think it’s a lovely cultural habit, not just a snack!
3. Get a Transport Card in the Cities 🚌🚇
Swedish cities have clean, punctual, and eco-friendly public transport systems. They’re also surprisingly affordable compared to other European cities.
Tips:
- In Stockholm, use contactless payment on buses, metro, and ferries. You can also buy travelcards and single journey tickets to an electronic smart card which you can purchase at Metro or rail stations or on the SL app. This green SL smart card currently costs SEK 50 and can be reused.
- In Gothenburg, get a Västtrafik card or use the Västtrafik To Go app. You can buy timed tickets in Gothenburg that allow unlimited travel on any transport (including ferries) in 90 minutes. You can go a long way in 90 minutes!
- Tickets can’t usually be bought onboard so plan ahead.
💡 Tip: Most city transit apps offer English versions and route planning tools.
4. Pack for All Seasons (Even in One Day!) 🧥☀️🌧️
Swedish weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, even in summer.
Tips:
- Bring layers, even in June–August, as mornings and evenings can be cool.
- A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are a must at any time of year.
- In winter (especially in the north), pack thermals, layers and proper boots. We also recommend a warm down coat and woolly hat and gloves.
💡 Tip: Pack eye masks for the midnight sun in summer and you may want to bring sleep aids for polar nights in winter.
5. English Is Widely Spoken 🗣️🇸🇪
Swedes of all ages are highly proficient in English, especially in urban areas. However, we found that a few phrases in Swedish were always appreciated and helped to break the ice.
Try:
- Hej! – Hello
- Tack – Thank you
- Ursäkta – Excuse me
- Var är toaletten? – Where is the toilet?
💡 Tip: Locals will likely switch to English immediately but your effort still counts!
6. Alcohol Is Controlled So Plan Ahead 🍷🕒
You can’t buy wine or spirits in supermarkets or convenience stores. You can only buy alcohol in restaurants and cafes or at Systembolaget, the government-run alcohol store.
Tips:
- Bring ID (including as a tourist) as they card everyone under 25.
- Systembolaget is closed on Sundays and closes early on Saturdays.
- Beer under 3.5% can be bought at grocery stores.
💡 Tip: Dining out? Alcohol in restaurants is expensive so budget accordingly. Local craft beer is often cheaper than imported beer.
7. Swedes Value Personal Space and Calm So Don’t Rush Around 🚶♀️🧘
Swedish society is orderly, and often reserved. People tend to be calm and generally quieter than you might be used to elsewhere. If you shout, talk loudly and rush around, you’ll stand out.
Tips:
- Queuing is a national pastime (like for us Brits!), so be polite and always wait your turn.
- Don’t strike up conversations on public transport. You’ll find buses and trains are much quieter than in other European locations.
- Keep volume low in shared spaces.
💡 Tip: Silence isn’t rude, it’s considered respectful.
8. Be Prepared To Pay For Public Toilets 🚻💳
Public toilets are clean and widely available, but often require payment.
Tips:
- Have a contactless card to hand as cash is rarely accepted.
- Some cafés will allow access to their toilet with a purchase.
- Train stations and bus terminals have paid facilities.
💡 Tip: Carry hand sanitiser as not all restrooms offer soap.
9. Nature Is Free and Open to All 🌲🏞️
Sweden has a law called Allemansrätten (The Right of Public Access), allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Tips:
- You can hike, camp, swim, and forage nearly anywhere as long as you do it respectfully.
- Stick to marked trails and adhere to the leave no trace ethos.
- The countryside is full of lakes, islands, and forests which are all free. If you’re keen to keep costs down, go explore the Swedish countryside!
💡 Tip: Summer is perfect for kayaking, hiking, or berry picking but make sure you pack mosquito repellent. In winter, try cross-country skiing or ice skating.
10. Tipping Is Optional But Appreciated 💰
Service staff are paid a living wage in Sweden, so tipping is not mandatory. However, it’s still an appreciated gesture for good service.
Tips:
- In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is generally the norm.
- There’s no need to tip taxi drivers, but rounding up is fine.
- Hotel staff and guides don’t expect tips, but it’s welcome for excellent service.
💡 Tip: If a service charge is included, it will usually say so on the bill.
11. Sweden Is Not Cheap So Plan For High Prices 💷🇸🇪
Sweden is known for its high cost of living (which reflects its high standard of living). However, a trip to Sweden doesn’t have to break your budget.
Tips:
- Use lunch deals (dagens lunch) at restaurants. We found them great value for money.
- Staying at accommodation where breakfast is included can save money on buying both breakfast and lunch separately.
- Use convenience stores for snacks or search out city centre supermarkets such as Coop.
- Book train travel early for discounts (especially SJ rail).
- Explore free attractions such as museums, parks, old towns, and island archipelagos.
💡 Tip: Stockholm has several free museum days so check schedules in advance to take advantage of the scheme.
12. Respect the Environment As It’s a National Priority ♻️
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture. You’ll encounter green initiatives everywhere.
Tips:
- Recycle whenever possible. You’ll find clearly marked recycling bins in towns, parks and cities.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag as many shops charge for plastic bags.
- Pack a reusable water bottle. You’ll find cafes and restaurants are happy to fill your bottle for you.
- Public transport, cycling, and walking are the norm.
💡 Tip: Want to blend in? Bring a reusable coffee cup for your takeaway coffee.
Final Thoughts
Sweden is calm, clean, and full of quiet charm. Whether you’re soaking up city life in Stockholm or hiking through forests in the countryside, it’s a country best enjoyed slowly and respectfully. We felt recharged after our trip to Sweden and hope to return soon.
Using our tips above, your first visit to this incredible country will be smoother, more enjoyable, and full of fika-fuelled memories.
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