Sweden in winter is cold and a true winter wonderland. Come December, large parts of the country are covered in snow, while other parts offer frosty days and open seas.
For a once in a lifetime winter tip, check out these 11 tips on things you can see and do in Sweden this.
Discover things to do in Sweden in winter
- Things to see and do in northern Sweden
- Things to see and do in central Sweden
- Things to see and in southern Sweden
Things to do in northern Sweden in winter
When you think of Sweden in winter, you most likely have the landscapes of northern Sweden in mind — forests, white snow, and frozen streams. The Norrland area extends over 60% of Sweden and here you can expect to experience a real winter in Sweden.
Stay in the trees outside Harads
Spend a night out in the middle of the forest and up among the snow-covered treetops at the Treehotel outside Harads. These unique hotel rooms alternately float between the trees and are camouflaged among the tree branches.
Each of the 7 hotel rooms is therefore different and you can choose to live in anything from a large mirror cube, to a bird’s nest or a UFO. But they all have one thing in common, and that is the breathtaking view. Especially in winter, when it is extra cozy to look out over a winter-clad landscape from your hotel room among the trees.
Do as the locals do at Winter Park in Östersund
Östersund is a lovely winter town that offers many fun winter activities. When visiting you must not miss the Winter Park, Östersund’s natural meeting place in winter. Here you can try everything from skating, and cross-country skiing to going to museums.
In the Winter Park, there is also a playland for children, a cable car, a pedal car track, wood-fired hot tubs, and for a real Swedish experience — cold ice baths.
Stay in Sweden’s famous Ice Hotel
In Jukkasjärvi you can stay at one of Sweden’s most famous winter hotels, The Ice Hotel is open from December to April, when it melts. A truly unique hotel, you will sleep on reindeer traps in a suite made of ice in freezing temperatures.
The hotel has been built every year for more than 30 years using ice harvested from the Torne River, which means that the hotel takes on a new appearance every year. In addition to the hotel itself, you can see snow and ice sculptures at the hotel’s art and design gallery.
The ice hotel is located 20 miles north of the Arctic Circle, giving you a great chance to see the Northern Lights in the dark night sky.
Visit the market in Jokkmokk
Even if Jokkmokk’s market is only organized for a few days during the winter in Sweden, it is worth a visit. The market has been held every year since the 17th century for just three to four days in February, attracting both Swedish and international tourists. In 2024, the market will take place on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of February.
Nowadays, the stalls consist of sellers of local handicrafts and the usual market sellers who travel between markets throughout Sweden. In addition to market stalls, there are a number of different cultural activities to discover.
Dog sledding at the Vindelälven
Straddling the Arctic Circle, Vindelälven is a fairytale-like environment full of partially frozen and sparkling rapids and an enchanting winter light.
Here you can go dog sledding and whiz through this winter fairy tale. There are several different organizers of dog sled tours and you have the option to drive yourself or ride with a group on a sled behind the dogs.
Go skiing and see prehistoric animals in Funäsfjällen
Funäsfjällen is another winter paradise in Sweden primarily known for being one of Sweden’s best ski resorts with six different ski areas. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful winter landscape from the cross-country trails or by horseback.
Another winter activity that is unique in Sweden is seeing the awesome Muskox at the Muskoxcentrum. It is an activity for the whole family where you can then learn more and come face to face with these prehistoric animals.
Try winter glamping and hiking on the High Coast
Höga Kusten is known for its magnificent nature, which attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts all year round. In winter the High Coast turns into a sparkling winter paradise where you can experience total silence.
Take the opportunity to combine the experience with a unique winter holiday in Sweden — winter glamping! On the High Coast, you can sleep in a luxurious glamping tent in the middle of the snow-covered forest. And of course, the tent has a wood stove to keep you warm and cozy.
Things to do in central Sweden in winter
Central Sweden is not as big as Norrland, but still has a lot to offer in winter. Here you can find everything from cross-country skates in the archipelago to fairy-tale Tomteland in the Dala forest.
Visit Tomteland fairytale amusement park
In the valley forests, where you can sense the fairy-tale essence behind every tree and stone, lies the fairy-tale amusement park Tomteland. Here, adults and children alike can discover different magical worlds such as Trollrike, Tomten Village, and Sagotorget.
Watch as the winter elves play with the children in the snow, look for mountain trolls along the roads, or visit Santa and Mrs. Santa in their house. When dusk falls, you can ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the enchanted forest.
Go cross-country ice skating in the Stockholm archipelago and Lake Mälaren
There are many things you can do in Stockholm in winter, but when the ice is thick enough and you can cross-country skate. If you ask me, there is no better way to experience the archipelago or Mälaren than on a pair of cross-country ice skates on a cold winter’s day. So fill your thermos with something hot to drink and set off on a winter adventure you won’t soon forget.
Things to do in southern Sweden in winter
In southern Sweden, snow is not always a matter of course, but there is still a lot to see and do. Especially if you are looking for a winter holiday in Sweden without skiing.
Winter bathing spa weekend in Båstad
Hotel Skansen in Båstad is the place for you if you want to include a spa break on your trip to Sweden this winter. At Hotel Skansen you can walk directly from the sauna and out along the 60-metre-long jetty to the Kallbadhuset. From here you can take a cold bath directly in the Kattegatt.
People have taken cold baths in Sweden for over 100 years, and today you also have access to a relaxation area and a warm outdoor bath. If that sounds like something for you, the hotel has a special spa package that includes winter bathing.
Winter paddling in Bohuslän
Experience total silence and glide silently over the water with winter paddling in Bohuslän. Compared to paddling in the summer, you get the West Coast archipelago all to yourself in the winter.
As a result you’ll have a better opportunity to see the archipelago’s wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a curious harbor seal coming to the surface.
There are many safe tours and winter paddling experiences which you can book in Bohuslän. There you get the equipment you need to keep you dry and warm.
Discover more winter vacations
For more long distance winter travel inspiration check out the 10 best UK and European cities to visit this December. Looking for something a little closer to home? KAYAK’s guide to the 10 best winter vacations in the US has you covered.
