9 Most Charming Small Towns in Sweden
Sweden is a country of fierce origins and fiercer landscapes. In a land where Vikings thronged to launch raids across Europe and where IKEA and Volvo achieved global conquest in their industries, Sweden has calmed down considerably in this modern milieu. These days, Sweden is known for its sauna-like culture of cool and friendly tourism. The most charming small towns of Sweden are perfect epitomes of Scandinavia’s hospitality and wonder. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Visby to former Viking settlements like Sigtuna and Marstrand, these idyllic villages continue to be splendid places that tourists keep coming back to. So venture into a dramatic land brimming with bears and berserkers and experience all the runic and rustic enchantments that Sweden’s small towns have to offer.
Visby
On the whimsical Swedish island of Gotland, the fairytale village of Visby delights travelers with its hometown atmosphere. As one of Sweden's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Visby has “outstanding universal value” for everyone who wants to find contentment and excitement in the Baltic Sea. Visby is chiefly famed for its well-preserved medieval Hanseatic architecture. Among these ancient stone edifices are church ruins such as St. Clemens, St. Nicolai, Drotten, and St. Karin. Contrary to the other churches, the Visby Cathedral (formerly Visby Saint Mary's Cathedral), built at the end of the 12th century, still welcomes the faithful to God’s house.
In addition, the formidable 2.17-mile-long medieval ring wall—the Visby City Wall—and the original 1200s watchtowers still stand protectively around the village. The Gotland Museum’s Fornsalen (Hall of Antiquities) exhibits numerous Viking artifacts. Furthermore, Visby was the filming site of the famous Pippi Longstocking movies, and the original Villa Villerkulla can be found at Kneippbyn Resort. So, fulfill your fairytale adventure by staying a while at fine domiciles like Scandic Visby, Visby Fängelse, or Kalk Hotel.
Ystad
If you have ever watched the famous detective show Wallander, then the town of Ystad will be a nostalgic location. Journey to this mysterious coastal town at the southern tip of Sweden, where the titular detective gallivanted through the pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets to solve his latest cases. Ystad is so renowned for its film-suitable atmosphere that Scandinavia's largest film studio, Ystad Studio, can be found in the town.
Aside from the urban centers, the 25 miles of sandy beaches and beautiful Skåne countryside lull travelers to blissful relaxation. If you want to relax in this vibrant, colorful town, then spend the day and evening at the Villa Strandvägen or Ystad Saltsjöbad.
Sigtuna
Sigtuna is a tranquil little village halfway between Uppsala and Stockholm. This community may look simple and laidback, but Sigtuna may be the most historically vital town in all of Sweden because it happens to be Sweden’s oldest town. For over 1000 years, Sigtuna’s runestones tell an epic saga of the many people who lived and thrived in this ancient dwelling. Stora Gatan said to be Sweden’s oldest main street, dates back to the reign of 10th-century King Erik the Victorious. The first Swedish coin was minted in Sigtuna, and Princess Ingegerd—Sweden’s first female saint—was born there. Beautiful buildings from different periods of time dominate the town, from the Baroque Skokloster Castle and Rosersberg Palace to the 12th-century ruins of St. Olaf, St. Peter, and St. Lawrence churches. Consider strolling through the serene Lake Mälaren and consider booking rooms at the STF Sigtuna Vandrarhem or Sigtunahöjden.
Mariefred
About 70 miles away from Stockholm, Mariefred is an idyllic town rife with ideal attractions. The town derived its name from Mariefred Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery translating to "Peace of Mary." The town will certainly give travelers peace of mind as they roam the medieval halls of Gripsholm Castle, the former abode of King Gustav Vasa, who played a vital role in Sweden's formation.
Consider riding a historic steam locomotive along the Narrow Gauge Railway that winds through Mariefred and its neighbors, Läggesta and Taxinge Näsby. Similar to Sigtuna, you can take boat trips through Lake Mälaren, or you can sample at least 60 different kinds of cakes at Taxinge Castle. The Callanderska gården functions as a museum and a 1780s manor house for coffee-brewing meditation. Most of all, one might chance upon deer at the Gripsholms hjorthage (deer park). Remember to schedule a stay at the Gripsholm Inn, the Röda Magasinet, or Vandrarhem Djurgårdsporten.
Kiruna
Far north of Swedish Lapland, where the Northern Lights burn the cold skies, the town of Kiruna welcomes travelers with a bracing atmosphere. Kiruna is renowned for the massive iron ore mine owned by Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB), a state-owned Swedish mining company. Furthermore, the LKAB ore mine contains an underground visitor center with an educational exhibit on mining. Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, the 19th-century residence of LKAB’s first managing director, serves as a museum featuring the history of LKAB and its many mining enterprises.
You might want to visit Kiruna Church for its bell tower and its fitting resemblance to the traditional huts of the indigenous Sámi people. Moreover, you might want to spend your time at the lovely Camp Ripan, Husky Lodge, or the unique Ice Hotel of Jukkasjärvi, about nine miles away from Kiruna. Either you can stay in the summer to experience the Midnight Sun—a 24/7 phenomenon when there is perpetual daylight—or in winter when the Aurora Borealis blazes brightly.
Jokkmokk
Jokkmokk, about three hours away from Kiruna, is another heartwarming town in the frigid Swedish Lapland. The quaint town is known for the centuries-old Jokkmokk Winter Market, an annual event where one can eat exotic food and watch live shows. Furthermore, thousands flock to the Winter Market for handicrafts fashioned by the Sámi people. However, if you want to see more Sámi artifacts, especially silverwork, and traditional outfits, visitors can find them on display at the Ájtte Museum. Within the museum is the unique Jokkmokk Mountain Garden, a botanical chamber featuring alpine flora. You will also be treated to enticing water adventures at the Arctic Camp Jokkmokk. Do consider checking in at the Hotell Akerlund, Hotel Jokkmokk, or the STF Åsgård.
Rättvik
The dynamic town of Rättvik is widely regarded as the birthplace of Swedish tourism. Beside the pristine Lake Siljan, Sweden’s first tourist hotel, Turisthotellet (literally “tourist hotel”), was inaugurated in 1894. Although the hotel was demolished, the town campaigns many more unique structures, such as the Rättvik Church and the impressive Vasa Monument.
Nowadays, Rättvik is visited by vehicle enthusiasts who wish to attend the annual Classic Car Week, an Oldsmobile festival celebrating the veneration of veteran cars from July 26 to August 1. Rättvik also commemorates a cheerful Midsummer at Rättviks Gammelgård (Historical Farm) on June 21. Undoubtedly, the most exciting event for each year is Dalhalla, a spectacular concert held in Rättvik’s closed limestone quarry from June to September. International and national artists flock to the acoustic-perfect, natural amphitheater to enchant and enthrall. So please enjoy your stay at the Stiftsgården, the Jöns Andersgården Bed & Breakfast, or Hotell Rättvik.
Kalmar
Overlooking the Baltic Sea, the town of Kalmar is a site of strategic value. The Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, home of King Gustav Vasa, testifies to Kalmar’s vital period as a military and political stronghold on the Swedish-Danish border during the Middle Ages. No need for museums to exhibit the past because you need only saunter down the cobblestone streets and ogle at the 18th- and 19th-century buildings lining your travels.
On your journey, you might stumble into Kvarnholmen, a walled neighborhood with unique ties to the past. Among the stunning structures, there are Castenska Gården and Kalmar Cathedral, designed in classical Baroque by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. Perhaps you might fancy traversing the Öland Bridge to the sun-gleaming island of Öland, one of the largest islands in the Baltic Sea. Or you might enjoy seeing the Regalskeppet Kronan, a 17th-century shipwreck in the Kalmar County Museum. Lastly, you should spend the night at the Slottshotellet Kalmar or Hotell Hilda.
Marstrand
The town of Marstrand, on the captivating island of Marstrand, remains a testament to the nation’s maritime beauty. The formidable Carlsten Fortress, a 17th-century stronghold, looms majestically atop a rocky hill overlooking the North Sea. Now functioning as a living museum, visitors can stroll through the dungeons, ramparts, and courtyards to learn how this fortress contributed to Sweden’s maritime defense. July is a special month for Carlsten Fortress since war reenactment games are hosted annually.
These days, Marstrand’s jetties and marinas still service the many sea vessels braving the awesome North Sea tides, labeling Marstrand as Sweden’s sailing capital. The Strandverket Konsthall (Strandverket Art Museum), housed in an old fort, showcases many modern or medieval sculptures and artworks. There are many more wonders to find in this town built by Norwegian king Håkon Håkonsson. Do stay a while at the Marstrands Havshotell, Villa Maritime Marstrand, or Hotell Nautic.
As wonderful as it might be to lounge in a sauna in the middle of Sweden’s freezing temperatures, the most charming small towns of this warm-sharing nation are not to be missed. Whether you are watching the rainbow bridge of the Aurora Borealis in Kiruna or bracing the icy sea winds in Kalmar, Sweden’s small towns celebrate the beauty of nature and the ingenuity of humankind. Experience all the fairytale majesty, the epic medieval and Viking-age landmarks, and the natural Scandinavian wonders of the Swedish towns. You will feel like a raven traveling over vast seas and finding a land of new promises and endless opportunities.
