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Sweden - Land of Fika and Forests
Sweden, a country of serene natural beauty and balanced living, offers a perfect mix of modern cities and tranquil wilderness. Embrace the Swedish tradition of fika—a coffee break with pastries—while exploring the cobbled streets of Stockholm or Gothenburg. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the lush forests of Abisko National Park, or wander through the stunning Stockholm Archipelago. Don't miss trying authentic Swedish meatballs, gravlax (cured salmon), and fresh seafood in coastal towns. Whether chasing the Northern Lights or enjoying summer hikes, Sweden offers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Turku to Stockholm via Silja Line
We paid for an overnight cabin from Turku to Stockholm, 79.80 euros for two. Additionally, we paid 41 euros per person for the dinner buffet. So far, Viking Line is our least favorite among the three dinner buffets on the ships (Finnlines, Silja, and Viking). My vote goes to Silja since they have better desserts, while Mikko prefers Finnlines.
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Here’s Mikko, who didn’t want to join initially. We had so much fun playing together on just my bingo paper. In the end, we spent (and lost) the 10 euros at the ship’s casino playing roulette. It was my first time playing and losing at roulette.
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Stockholm:
Artikel2 Second hand Slussen (tidigare Emmaus Stockholm)
Stockholm City Museum (free entrance)
Sergel Fountain
Röda Huset | The World's 50 Best Bars 2023 | Ranked No. 31
Lucy's Flower Shop (bar)
The Royal Palace (and The Royal Guards Ceremony)
Museum Tre Kronor
Nobel Prize Museum
Stockholm's narrowest street (Mårten Trotzigs gränd)
Skansen (and Skansen Aquarium)
National Museum (entrance fee 160SEK)
Östermalm Saluhall
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm Cathedral
Stockholms Gästabud (restaurant)
Fika & Wine (cafe)
Vasa Museum
Gamla stan
Gustav III Statue
Skeppsholmsbron (bridge)
Biblioteksgatan
National Library - see Codex Gigas: Also known as the "Devil's Bible," this is one of the largest medieval manuscripts in the world.
Moderna Museet (entrance fee 150SEK)
This is äitiyspakkaus, literally meaning ‘maternity package.’ It’s what mothers in Finland receive when they have a baby. Other countries have adopted this amazing offer for moms.
I recommend getting Julmust (the Swedish Christmas soda) from Café Blom inside the Moderna Museet.
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We visited a few places on Södermalm, where some of the key locations from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were filmed. It was fascinating to see the real-life settings from the movie and imagine the scenes as they played out in the story.
Södermalm:
Fiskargatan
Södra Teatern
Systrarna (sculpture)
St. Mary Magdalene Church
Bellmansgatan
Monteliusvägen
Mariaberget
Lundabron
Johan & Nyström (cafe)
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We thought it was about 6 euros for 24 hours, but it turned out to be per hour. We ended up paying about 30 euros in total for just a few hours.
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Dinner at Max, Sweden’s Jollibee ;) Don’t be fooled into thinking it will be cheap—we spent over 35 euros here for two.
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We opted not to cross the Øresund Bridge because it costs 60 euros one way. Instead, we decided to take the ferry, which was about half the price—349 SEK for the campervan, including 2 persons. However, you need to book in advance, as the price can double without much notice, as happened to us. The price went from 30 euros to 60 in about an hour. I recommend booking in advance. You can use the ticket one hour before or after the time you actually purchase it. The ferry ride took 20 minutes and has a restaurant, cocktail lounge, bars, etc.
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Gothenburg:
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Slottsskogen (park)
Erikshjälpen Second Hand Citybutik (thrift store)
Feskekörka (market)
Saint Andrew's Church
APLACE - Göteborg (clothing store)
Ragtime (thrift store)
The Haga Church
Ullevi (stadium)
Fika and Lagom
Fika is a deeply rooted Swedish cultural tradition that revolves around taking a break, typically for coffee and a sweet treat like a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle). However, fika is more than just a coffee break—it’s a moment to slow down, relax, and socialize with friends or colleagues. It can happen multiple times a day and often involves pastries, sandwiches, or other light snacks. Fika is an important part of Swedish work culture, emphasizing balance and the value of stepping away from tasks to recharge.
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Lagom is a Swedish concept meaning "just the right amount," reflecting the idea of balance, moderation, and harmony in all aspects of life. It applies to everything from work-life balance to how much food you serve or how you behave in social situations. Lagom is not too little, not too much—just right. It encapsulates Sweden’s cultural ethos of avoiding excess and finding satisfaction in simplicity and balance.
Both fika and lagom are key elements of Swedish culture, promoting well-being, connection, and a balanced approach to life.
6 Must-Visit Places in Sweden
Sweden is rich in history, nature, and vibrant cities. Here are 10 must-visit places in Sweden, showcasing its beauty and culture:
1. Stockholm
Sweden’s capital city is a mix of old and new, spread across 14 islands. Visit the medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town), the stunning Vasa Museum housing a 17th-century warship, the Royal Palace, and the innovative ABBA Museum. Don’t miss a boat ride in the Stockholm Archipelago.
Key Attractions:
Gamla Stan (Old Town)
The Royal Palace
Vasa Museum
Skansen Open-Air Museum
ABBA Museum
Drottningholm Palace
Stockholm Archipelago
Fotografiska Museum
Moderna Museet
Stockholm City Hall
2. Göteborg (Gothenburg)
Sweden’s second-largest city is known for its charming canals, lively seafood scene, and cultural festivals. Visit the Liseberg Amusement Park, stroll down the leafy Avenyn street, or explore the Gothenburg Archipelago.
Key attractions:
Liseberg Amusement Park
Gothenburg Archipelago
Haga
Botaniska Trädgården (Botanical Garden)
Slottsskogen Park
3. Kiruna and the Icehotel
Located in Swedish Lapland, Kiruna is famous for its Icehotel, a unique hotel built entirely from ice that is reconstructed each winter. You can also see the Northern Lights, go dog sledding, or visit the Esrange Space Center.
Key attractions:
Kiruna Church
Kebnekaise
Icehotel
Nutti Sami Siida
Jukkasjärvi Church
4. Gotland
This island in the Baltic Sea is steeped in history, particularly the medieval town of Visby (a UNESCO World Heritage site), with its well-preserved city walls and church ruins. Gotland is a popular summer destination with beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes.
Key attractions:
Visby
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Gotland Museum
Almedalen Park
Tofta Strand
5. Malmö
Situated in the south, Malmö is a modern city connected to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. The city boasts cultural landmarks like Malmöhus Castle, the modern architecture of Turning Torso, and the lush Folkets Park.
Key attractions:
Turning Torso
Malmö Castle
Lilla Torg
Kungsparken
Oresund Bridge
6. Abisko National Park
Situated in Swedish Lapland, this is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and experience the Midnight Sun during summer. The park is ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing, and spotting reindeer and arctic wildlife.
Key attractions:
Kungsleden (King’s Trail)
Abiskojaure Lake
Aurora Sky Station
Abiskojåkka Canyon
3 of the World’s 50 Best Bars and Restaurants in Stockholm
Frantzén
Ranked No. 35 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, Frantzén offers a blend of Nordic cuisine with Asian influences, presented in an immersive dining experience.
Reservations: Frantzén typically opens bookings one month in advance. Reservations are made online through their official website.
Tips: Due to high demand, it's recommended to book as soon as reservations open. You can join a waiting list if no tables are available.
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Lucy’s Flower Shop
Listed at No. 49 in the World's 50 Best Bars 2022, this hidden gem features creative cocktails in a retro setting.
Reservations: Lucy’s Flower Shop operates mainly on a walk-in basis, but reservations are sometimes possible for larger groups.
Contact: It’s best to visit their Instagram or contact them directly for reservation inquiries. Since it’s a hidden bar, it may require contacting them for directions.
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Röda Huset
A sustainable cocktail bar in Stockholm, recognized with the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2023.
Reservations: Reservations are usually not required for Röda Huset, but if you’re visiting with a group, you may want to contact them.
Website: Röda Huset doesn't have a dedicated website for reservations, but their Instagram is the best point of contact for queries.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo key places
Mikael Blomkvist's Apartment – Located on Bellmansgatan in the Södermalm district.
Milton Security Office – Fictionally located on Södermalm.
Kvarnen Bar – A popular pub in Södermalm, where Lisbeth Salander often visits.
Millennium Magazine Office – Fictionally located in the area around Götgatan, Södermalm.
Stockholm City Library – Featured in the novel and film.
Salander’s Apartment – Located in the neighborhood of Fiskargatan on Södermalm.
Sandhamn Island – A real island in the Stockholm archipelago, referenced in the series.
These places are all in Sweden, and most are concentrated in Stockholm, particularly Södermalm, which is the heart of the tour.
Must-eat dishes, drinks, and desserts
Sweden is known for its simple, hearty, and delicious cuisine, often rooted in tradition. Here are some must-eat dishes, drinks, and desserts from Sweden:
Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)
Perhaps the most famous Swedish dish, these tender meatballs are traditionally served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers.
Gravlax
Cured salmon marinated in salt, sugar, and dill, often served with mustard sauce on crisp bread. It’s a popular dish during special occasions and often enjoyed as part of a smorgasbord.
Janssons Frestelse
A classic Swedish casserole made from potatoes, onions, cream, and pickled sprats (a type of small fish), usually served during Christmas and Midsummer.
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Must-Try Drinks:
Coffee
Sweden has one of the highest coffee consumption rates in the world. Enjoying a cup of coffee is integral to Swedish culture, especially during fika, where it’s accompanied by pastries.
Aquavit
A traditional spirit flavored with spices like caraway and dill, often consumed during festive occasions or with pickled herring.
Glögg
A warm, spiced mulled wine, popular during Christmas. It’s typically served with almonds and raisins and is a key drink in Swedish holiday celebrations.
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Must-Try Desserts:
Cinnamon Bun (Kanelbulle)
A beloved Swedish pastry, this soft roll flavored with cinnamon and cardamom is often enjoyed during fika.
Princess Cake (Prinsesstårta)
A traditional Swedish layered cake with sponge, whipped cream, and custard, all covered in a layer of bright green marzipan.
Semla
A seasonal treat, usually eaten during Lent, this soft cardamom-spiced bun is filled with almond paste and whipped cream.
Some interesting facts about Sweden
Home of the Nobel Prize
The prestigious Nobel Prize ceremonies are held in Stockholm every year (except the Peace Prize, awarded in Norway). Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the award.
Largest Scandinavian Country
Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries in terms of area, covering 450,295 square kilometers, though it has a relatively small population (about 10 million).
Fika Culture
Swedes are famous for their "fika," a daily break involving coffee and pastries. It's a deeply ingrained social tradition and a way to relax with friends or coworkers.
World's Oldest Open-Air Museum
Skansen, located in Stockholm, is the world’s oldest open-air museum. It opened in 1891 and showcases Sweden’s traditional culture with historical buildings, costumed staff, and a zoo featuring Scandinavian animals.
Innovators of Flat-Packed Furniture
IKEA, the world-famous furniture retailer, originated in Sweden. It revolutionized the furniture industry with its flat-pack products.
Must-Learn Basic Phrases in Sweden
Greetings and Common Phrases
Hej! – Hi! / Hello!
God morgon! – Good morning!
God kväll! – Good evening!
Hejdå! – Goodbye!
Tack! – Thank you!
Tusen tack! – Thank you very much!
Varsågod. – You're welcome. / Here you go.
Ursäkta. – Excuse me. / I’m sorry.
Hur mår du? – How are you?
Jag mår bra. – I’m good.
Vad heter du? – What’s your name?
Jag heter… – My name is…
Getting Around
Var är toaletten? – Where is the restroom?
Hur mycket kostar det? – How much does it cost?
Kan du hjälpa mig? – Can you help me?
Jag behöver hjälp. – I need help.
Talar du engelska? – Do you speak English?
Jag förstår inte. – I don't understand.
Kan du säga det igen? – Can you say that again?
Var är…? – Where is…?
…tågstationen? – the train station?
…bussen? – the bus?
…hotellet? – the hotel?
Eating and Ordering
Jag skulle vilja ha… – I would like to have…
Vad rekommenderar du? – What do you recommend?
Kan jag få notan? – Can I get the bill?
Är det vegetariskt? – Is it vegetarian?
Skål! – Cheers!
Politeness and Essentials
Ja – Yes
Nej – No
Kanske – Maybe
Snälla. – Please.
Jag är turist. – I’m a tourist.
Jag gillar Sverige. – I like Sweden.
Must-Bring and Wear for a (Mid-October) Campervan Trip
Sweden's weather in mid-October can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days and rainy spells. Here's what you should pack:
Clothing:
Warm layers: A waterproof jacket, fleece, and warm sweaters are essential for staying comfortable in chilly temperatures.
Insulated pants: Consider bringing thermal underwear or insulated pants for extra warmth on cold days.
Comfortable shoes: Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Hats and gloves: Protect your extremities from the cold with warm hats and gloves.
Rain gear: A waterproof jacket and pants are a must, as rain can be frequent in autumn.
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Essentials for Your Campervan:
Sleeping bags: Choose warm-rated sleeping bags suitable for autumn temperatures.
Cooking equipment: A stove, pots, pans, and utensils for preparing meals.
Food and water: Stock up on non-perishable food items and plenty of water.
Camping supplies: A tent, sleeping pads, and camping chairs if you plan to camp outside your campervan.
First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any outdoor adventure.
Flashlights and batteries: Ensure you have enough light sources for nighttime activities.
Warm blankets: Extra blankets can be useful for added warmth in your campervan.
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Additional Tips:
Check the weather forecast: Keep an eye on weather predictions to adjust your packing accordingly.
Pack versatile clothing: Layers allow you to adjust to changing temperatures.
Consider a heater: If your campervan doesn't have a built-in heater, a portable one can be a lifesaver on cold nights.
Bring entertainment: Books, games, or a portable device can help you pass the time on rainy days.
Temperature variations: While average temperatures in mid-October might be around 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit), there can be significant variations between different regions and even within the same day.
Daylight hours: The days are shorter in mid-October, so plan your activities accordingly.
Camping conditions: Some campsites might be closed for the season or have limited facilities during this time. It's advisable to check their websites or contact them in advance.
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Sweden allows wild camping under the right of public access, which extends to parking campervans overnight in nature, as long as you respect private property, avoid disturbing others, and do not damage the environment. While wild camping is generally relaxed, certain areas, such as national parks or urban areas, might have restrictions, so it’s essential to look for signs or local regulations.
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Also, it’s quite common for campervan rental companies to ask renters to clean the vehicle before returning it. The cleaning checklist can sometimes be extensive, covering tasks like emptying waste tanks, cleaning the kitchen area, sweeping the floors, and wiping down surfaces. If the van isn’t returned clean, renters may face additional cleaning fees. Some companies also offer a cleaning service for a fee if you prefer not to do it yourself.
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You can generally ask for free water at gas stations in Norway, especially for filling up water tanks in campervans. Many gas stations offer this as a service, though it’s always a good idea to ask politely. Some stations might have a designated area for water, while others might allow you to fill up inside. Just keep in mind that practices can vary, so not every station may offer free water.
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A car is much easier to drive. We could have just used our Tesla. The good thing about renting a campervan is that there’s no need to plan much ahead. Being spontaneous works; we can wake up and drive right away. However, it’s also more expensive. So far, we’ve spent about 150 euros on refueling 3 times, and we’re returning the campervan on Saturday. It’s only Thursday morning.
This was a trial for us, and we’re happy we did it for 10 days. However, this experience has made us reconsider our plan of buying a campervan and living in it for a few months. We’re a low-maintenance couple, but using a car and staying in hotels is much easier—and more affordable—than traveling with a campervan.
There’s a lot to manage, like water usage or cooking. Mikko says there’s always something to think about—flipping this switch, refilling that. Also, this is a larger campervan, but Mikko, who is 6 feet tall, can’t fully stretch out on the bed. Even with a heater, a duvet or comforter isn’t enough, so we’re glad we brought our sleeping bags.
For those who can travel in a campervan for months, hats off to you. It’s not for us. I’m really glad my Finnish gym membership works in both Sweden and Norway, where I can comfortably shower in warm, spacious facilities. Maybe we’ll try campervanning again, but this time, the cons outweighed the pros.
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Our Roadsurfer Campervan Rental Experience
If you're considering a road trip in Scandinavia, renting a campervan can be an excellent choice for both comfort and flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of our experience with Roadsurfer, highlighting the pros, cons, and essential things to know before you go.
Pros
One of the standout features of our rental was that the campervan was relatively new, with only about 48,000 km before we took the wheel. This gave us confidence in its reliability. The Roadsurfer staff were quite accommodating and provided good service, which added to our positive experience.
Financially, everything was straightforward; our deposit of 8,300 SEK was promptly returned the same day we returned the campervan, with no issues.
In terms of expenses, we found that we spent about 250 euros on gas for our week-long adventure. The total rental cost, including insurance, came to 897 euros.
Cons
However, not everything was perfect. We noticed a weird smell inside the campervan, which was quite off-putting. Additionally, the bottom drawer was broken and would come out during drives.
Another significant drawback was the water heating and pressure. Even after waiting for a while, the water was still too cold for showering, which was disappointing. We rented the 'couple cottage' campervan, and the staff recommended that we opt for an LMC-type campervan the next time we rent, as it may have better facilities.
Fortunately, we had a workaround: as members of Fitness24Seven gym, we could use their facilities in Norway and Sweden, in addition to Finland. This allowed us to shower in the gyms instead of the campervan, which was much more comfortable and spacious.
Must-Know Tips
Before you embark on your campervan journey, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Trash Policy: You are required to put away all dirt and trash yourself. Expect to pay 10 euros in some campsites if you’re not staying overnight, and 26 euros if you are.
Cleaning Checklist: There are 16 tasks you need to complete before returning the campervan. Failure to do so may result in additional charges, so it's essential to stay organized and follow the guidelines provided by Roadsurfer.
Conclusion
Overall, our experience with Roadsurfer was a mix of enjoyable moments and a few hiccups. While we faced some challenges, the convenience of having a campervan made our road trip through Scandinavia memorable. With the right preparation and understanding of the rental terms, you can ensure a fantastic experience on the road. Happy travels!