Tourist Attractions & Monuments Sweden

Erected on the heights of the city, the Kärnan tower has watched over Helsingborg for more than 600 years. 35 m high, its walls are 4,50 m thick. It served as a defense tower and a lookout to prevent attacks by Danish troops. After the end of the Nordic wars, the fortress fell into disrepair and all the buildings were destroyed except for the tower which was restored in 1894. From the top (after having climbed the 188 steps!), a superb view on the bay and, in the distance, the contours of the Danish neighbor Helsingør.

A very beautiful building, whose originality lies in the double belfry that juts out from the imposing orange-red façade. According to legend, the church was first built in wood around the year 1000 by St. Sigfrid, who came from England (a sculpture shows him with his three nephews). In the 12th century it was rebuilt in stone, and the base of the tower still dates from this period. The cathedral found its final configuration around 1500.

A strategic stronghold on the border of Denmark and Sweden in the Middle Ages, then a major player during the War of Skåne in 1676, this solid orange castle surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea was initially built in the 12th century. It was the place where the Kalmar Treaty was signed in 1397 before being transformed by the Vasa dynasty until it took on its present appearance at the end of the 16th century. It is now the best preserved Renaissance castle in the country. A guided tour is offered at the reception desk, included in the ticket price.

The fortifications are undoubtedly the most striking feature of this city, as they are almost perfectly preserved. The wall surrounding the old town was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. It was initially very basic, but in the late 1300s it was raised and strengthened with high, solid towers to protect the city from Danish attempts to take over. Today, the walls stand all around the city. It is possible to walk along the ramparts and climb the two towers overlooking the sea at the north-western end.

The beautiful early 1960s brick museum building is located in the centre of Falun. It houses the permanent exhibitions. Dalarna is presented in a mixture of history and art, old and new. Favorite:

Folk paintings

inspired by dramatic tales with dragons or telling biblical stories. The painters used only fashion stereotypes as models.

The Dalarna horse room. Of all colors, from various periods, this collection is incredible.

The province of Bohuslän became Swedish following the Roskilde Peace Treaty in 1658. Realising the strategic value of the port of Marstrand, King Charles X ordered the construction of fortifications and so the construction of the fortress began. It took about 200 years to complete. The fortress was built by convicts over the years. The most famous of these prisoners was Lasse-Maja - a kind of Swedish Robin Hood - who managed to escape from the fortress by disguising himself as a woman.

Given the worldwide success of the thriller and its film adaptation, the City Museum has decided to follow suit and offers a tour that takes the visitor to the various key sites in the novel. It is also possible to obtain the map where these places are indicated and to carry out the walk at one's own pace, mainly in the Södermalm district where the heroes of the novel live, but also on Kungsholmen (central police station, agent Monica Figuerola's apartment...), and in Norrmalm (lawyer Nils Bjurman's office and apartment).

This village is a symbol of the history of industry and commerce in the country. A kitschy experience for some, exciting for others, the village consists of houses made entirely by hand in the Viking way. Torch, straw and wood. Dressed in period costumes, the inhabitants are busy in the shipyard, carving the bow of the last drakkar, or weaving leather shoes, tanning skins and sharpening arrows. Children can dress up.

Höga Kusten nature site is located on the left when you arrive at Docksta. In this elegant modern building surrounded by a typical Swedish wild landscape, you will find all the necessary information about the High Coast, its history, excursions, guide bookings, and access to the via ferrata that winds up the steep slopes of the Skuleberget mountain. The site also includes a café and restaurant as well as exhibitions on the local landscape and environment. The site is also popular for rock climbing!

This boat tour company dates back to 1809, on comfortable, vintage boats. Their top 5: a dinner on the water, a Christmas cruise, fresh shrimp cruises, brunch cruises, or the famous Royal Canal Tour with fika on board! The Christmas cruises are available in winter, and offer sailing around the Stockholm archipelago with an all-you-can-eat buffet. This tour is a classic because you can see the whole city lit up for the festivities! It is magical.

Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Mälaren and located not far from the Parc aux biches nature reserve, Gripsholm Castle captivates visitors with its picturesque location. This architectural gem was built in the ^14th century during the reign of King Gustav Vasa, offering a fascinating immersion in Swedish history. Art and history enthusiasts will be delighted by the wealth of exhibits, highlighting the castle's evolution through the centuries. Not-to-be-missed rooms include Duke Karl's bedroom and Gustav III's theater.

The façade, in the shape of a Greek cross, evokes ancient temples. Inaugurated in 1906, this church has a quiet and spacious interior. The dome, decorated with a fresco depicting the transfiguration of Christ, provides a vast shaft of light. The four evangelists are represented at the intersection of the transepts. The altar was originally created to adorn the cathedral in Uppsala, but was finally installed here after a long stay at the Nordic Museum in Skansen.

At the bottom of the cellars of the Royal Castle, behind doors of remarkable thickness and under the watchful eye of the guards, sleep the treasures of the royal family since the times of Gustave Vasa. The museum is small and often filled. But take a look at the sword of Gustave Vasa and the royal crown of Sweden executed in Stockholm for the coronation of Erik XIV, in 1561.

Located south of the Gavleån River, a group of traditional wooden houses painted in bright colors and narrow cobblestone streets take you back to the Gävle of two centuries ago. The strange double mirrors you will see in front of the windows are spy-glass. A curious detail, the inhabitants used them (and probably still do) to see what was going on in the street without moving from their armchair! A superb corner to take pictures.

On the island of Djurgården, roller coasters light up the Baltic. To dedicate an entire island to fun, only Stockholm could do it! At nightfall, passers-by crowd the opposite shore to contemplate the multicolored lights of the park and listen to the cries (of fear or joy) of those who have ventured on the Eclipse or the Insane. Attractions include carousels, raffles, shooting ranges, a haunted house, roller coasters and more to keep young and old alike entertained.

It is the largest church in Scandinavia. Gothic in style, with a renovated interior after the fire that ravaged it in 1702, it is a curious mixture of medieval architecture, Art Nouveau (most of the frescoes were done in the early ^20th century) and Baroque, with the largest pulpit in the country. Behind the altar lies King Gustav Vasa with two of his wives, in a majestic azure chapel. A chapel is also dedicated to St. Brigid.

You will appreciate the atmosphere of this beautiful church, whose interior turns blue in winter, because of the snowy reflection through the windows. The somewhat naive representation of the aurora borealis behind the altar is truly magical. It is the work of the painter Ivar Hjertqvist. This church dates from 1902; it replaces an older one that was demolished. It was designed by the architect Gustaf Hermansson in an experimental neo-gothic style and has 3 naves. Its architecture is inspired by the church of Jokkmokk, erected 15 years earlier.

Story Tours offers unique guided tours of the city, taking you on a journey through the history of Stockholm and Sweden in general. All the stories, facts and anecdotes told are related to the charming streets, historical buildings like the Old Town Market Square, the German Church, the narrow streets of Stockholm, the house that was once the home of two members of ABBA, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral. You can even enjoy a tour in French with Lydie. Follow the guide!

The purpose of the Volvo Museum is to preserve the history of Volvo and to make it known to the public. The museum is operated by the Volvo Car Group and the Volvo Group. Since the museum opened in 1995, the collection has grown steadily to showcase this national pride. In addition to the exhibits in the building, the museum has also built up a comprehensive archive of historical documents and images, providing a unique insight into the history of what has become one of Sweden's most successful companies.

A very original air museum, installed in a former underground military base. The place is rather unusual and is mainly aimed at aviation enthusiasts, young and old. You can discover all sorts of things about flying machines, their history, their performance... Get a small "Aeroseum" information card at a tourist office or in your hotel to have a free experience in one of the flight simulators! An unforgettable experience, for those who are not afraid of flying at least! Exciting!

Originally, the pavilion was smaller and built of wood. Today, the building is made of stone and can be fully visited. Completed in 1769, it was extensively restored at the end of the ^20th century so that the public could visit it. This curious building is planted in the east of the gardens of Drottningholm. It is unique in its kind. At the end of the ^18th century, trade with China, via the East India Company in particular, allowed the Swedish monarchs to discover the beauty of porcelain and silk and to taste the tea of this distant empire, which they turned into a garden of Eden. Inspired by the observations of travelers and in particular the sketches of the architect William Chambers, Swedish painters and sculptors created "chinoiseries" which mixed Asian influences and the often distorted symbols of imperial China with typically European and Swedish ornaments.

The Green Room or Pleasure Room. Decorated with representations of nature and scenes of Chinese characters relaxing, covered with a pale green painting, this room overlooking the gardens was, with its windows open, a place where one could indulge in the pleasures of life: reading, music, and tea tasting.

The yellow and red rooms. Furnished and designed by William Chambers, these two rooms are almost twins. They contain Chinese calligraphy signs that mean... nothing!

Millesgården houses the major works of the renowned Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, who was also a discerning art connoisseur. His personal collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are worthy of the greatest interest. Temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year in this charming residence, whose terraces offer a vast view of Stockholm. A delightful café invites visitors to linger in front of a verdant garden where sculptures are reflected in the waters of the fountains.

Founded in 1792, the Nationalmuseum (then called Konglig Museum - Royal Museum) is one of the oldest museums in Europe dedicated to the fine arts. In 1866, it opened its doors to the public in its current form, housed in a building designed by the German architect Friedrich August Stüler.

Five years of work. Although the museum has undergone many changes over the course of its history, it is from 2013 onwards that the most important rehabilitation work will take place, lasting five years. When the museum reopens in 2018, visitors will discover a beautifully renovated space that is resolutely turned towards the future, with the aim of better preserving the works of the past. The collections have also been considerably enriched, and there are now no less than 700,000 works and objects, ranging from painting to design, drawing and engraving, that you can admire through a chronological display that will take you on a journey from the ^16th to the ^20th century. One of the major additions to the museum's collection is the Treasure Room, a room featuring part of the world's largest collection of miniature portraits (600 works visible out of the 5,700 in the collection). Design lovers will not want to miss a stop in the café and restaurant. Furniture, lighting, tableware... everything here has been created to order by the finest Swedish designers and craftsmen: a shining example of the country's know-how in this field!

On arrival, one is immediately impressed by the gigantic hole caused by a landslide in 1687, which can be better appreciated from a small observatory opposite the museum. This copper mine is one of the largest in Europe. It can be visited today, as its activity was stopped in 1992. Helmets and overalls are provided, then the long descent leads you into huge rooms dug by hand, then by machines for centuries, and along galleries and gutters that spread over 80 km!

This completely human amusement park offers everything that a park of attractions worthy of this name can offer! There are carrousels, raffles, shooting fields, restaurants, haunted house, a "funny" house, a "vampire train", a "lover" train, a papa train, pop-corn, clowns, big wheels, Russian mountains and lots of other things that can attract both children and others. The whole is a combination of pastel colours, light tubes and colorful light bulbs that create an atmosphere dedicated to children! It is even possible to find a small quiet corner close to the water for those who will have enough to queue, alas, before each attraction.

These red huts with white windows and sills are unique. They were built to allow parishioners who lived far away to come and attend church services and therefore to stay for a few days. Even today this tradition is respected and the owners cannot live here all year round! At number 253, located at Framlänningsvägen, the cottage Kyrkstuga is open during the summer months. Built around 1750, it reflects the constructions made by the bourgeoisie at that time.

Between the beginning of the ^12th and the end of the ^13th century, the city was an important commercial crossroads in the Hanseatic League. Slavic, Russian, German, Polish and Baltic communities settled in the various districts of Visby and, quite naturally, built places of worship there. Damaged by the attacks of the Danes or the Lübeck troops, by fires or by wear and tear over the centuries, seven churches stand today with their medieval skeletons between the ramparts. An exceptional and astonishing concentration that the visitor will discover during his walks. Take the time to stroll around and have a good look at everything, because there are many very interesting buildings to discover. Here is the list:

Sankta Katarina. On Stortorget, completed around 1250 by the Franciscan order. The ruins of this gothic church dominate the main square.

Sankt Nikolaus. Also called "the cultural cathedral" (Kulturdralen) where concerts and plays are held in summer.

St.Helge Ands. Built around 1200, this church is unique in Sweden: its bell tower is octagonal, like those in the medieval castles of Charlemagne's Europe.

Sankt Lars. A church whose architectural structure is characteristic of the Byzantine style.

The other ruined churches : Sankt Drotten, almost next to Sankt Lars, Sankt Clemens, Sankt Hans, of which almost nothing remains. So you'll have to imagine!

Here, just a stone's throw from Gustav Adolf Square, you can see the remains of several ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, with collections of objects dating back to 5,000 B.C. Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, the Roman and Greek empires, the Maghreb... The museum takes you into a fascinating past. The most striking points of the visit are undoubtedly the two Egyptian rooms with their magnificent sarcophagi and their human and animal mummies.

Located on the island of Skeppsholmen, ArkDes takes you on a journey of discovery of Swedish architecture and design through the ages. This place hosts a great permanent collection of many models, projections and plans of buildings of all kinds, built in Sweden or abroad by Swedish architects. The visit is not very long but is of real interest for the lovers of Scandinavian architecture, design and urbanism.

The largest private museum in Stockholm and also one of the most important contemporary art galleries in Sweden. It is owned by the powerful media empire of the Bonnier family, and was created on the initiative of Charlotte Bonnier in memory of her late daughter who studied art. The private collection of the family, for whom art has become a character trait, is on display. You will also find exhibitions of contemporary artists from all over the world.

Built on the site of the former convent of St. Clare founded in 1280, the present church dates from the ^18th and ^19th centuries. This beautiful red brick building, located in the heart of the modern center, is adorned with the most impressive (and probably the highest) bell tower in the city. Freshly renovated, it shoots a copper spire into the sky and houses the largest carillon in Stockholm. The southern façade is covered with ivy, giving the garden a poetic touch.

The church was built in 1893 by Helgo Zetterwall in the neo-Gothic style. The windows in the choir and the frescoes depicting the three wise men and the baptism of Jesus were painted in 1930 by the artist Albert Eldh. In the chapel to the left of the choir, a wardrobe dates from 1893. The sound is provided by large organs with 47 registers built in 1967. The choir organ with 6 registers dates from 1952, a real wonder!

Here, over 7 km, it stretches from large and beautiful white sandy beaches lined with dunes and pine forests.

Bosjökloster, beautifully situated between two lakes, was built on an unknown date. The oldest document related to it dates back to 1181 and evokes a convent. During the Reform, the convent was closed before being, in the th century, forfeited by the Swedish State. Today, the noble Bonde family (the first name of the chamberlain is James) occupies and preserves this two-storey building with a bright white. The castle is open to the public as well as the park which includes an aromatic garden and a rose garden. Beautiful lawns overlook the lake.

A church built between 1768 and 1774, renovated several times until 1997. It is worth a short stop for its neoclassical interior and its rococo ornaments, the fresco on its dome and the Descartes Monument, a sculpture by the artist Johan Tobias Sergel dedicated to the French philosopher who died in Stockholm after his stay at the Swedish Court during the reign of Queen Christine. In the cemetery surrounding the building lies the assassinated Prime Minister Olof Palme.

On the ground floor of the House of Culture (at the level of the large Sergels Torg fountain), a huge model of the city can be seen, on a scale of 1:10, which allows the visitor to see the amazing topography of the city and to better find his way around the city. The visitor can move around this very realistic, colourful and freely accessible reproduction. Illuminated displays point out the key places in Stockholm.

In Abisko, you can see the Northern Lights 200 days a year. The Aurora Sky station is set up high up, away from the artificial lights; you can sit outside with a blanket waiting for them. In summer, the station is transformed into a midnight sun observatory (from mid-June to mid-July). There is also a restaurant for an unforgettable dinner. The guided tour, although instructive, is not essential. We will gladly take you up for the panoramic view of the Abisko Park, and for a snack with a view!

A power station from the beginning of the 20th century that until recently housed the Rooseum contemporary art centre. Completely revamped by the architects Tham and Videgård, this magical place has been home to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art since 2009, which presents temporary exhibitions largely drawn from the permanent collections of its parent, the Moderna Museet in Stockholm. A must-see for art lovers!

Discovered in the ^15th century, this silver mine was extracted until 1908, that is five centuries of activity! Today it is the property of the city of Sala and is a popular attraction in the region. Several guided tours are offered: one at 60 meters underground, another at 150 meters, and a combined tour. As a miner of the time, you will discover impressive rooms, lakes and underground waterways!

Established in 1909, when the first laws on nature conservation were passed, Abisko National Park, classified as Natura 2000, covers 77 km² of plains, lakes, mountains in the Scandinavian Alps... beautiful and varied landscapes that never fail to surprise in all seasons. Abisko Turiststation is also the northern entrance to the royal trail, Kungsleden Trail, which runs from Abisko to Hemavan. It is a privileged place for hunting the Northern Lights.

The Textile Museum is located in the Textile Fashion Center, a large creative center that brings together students, professionals and visitors in one place dedicated to fashion. The first floor is dedicated to Borås' special connection to textiles, including an immersive exhibition that takes you on a tour of an old factory. Upstairs, you can discover temporary exhibitions of textile art and thematic retrospectives. A vast and very rich place, which will make you discover the textile under various facets!

Gysinge Brukshandel is located in the former laboratory of the Gysinge foundry. Here you can buy delicacies from the region and the rest of Sweden. The store has an old-fashioned atmosphere, with traditional wooden toys, paper dolls, vintage postcards and handmade soaps. There's also a café, pharmacy, kiosk and parcel service. The Nedre Dalälven tourist office can arrange day trips, guided tours and events on request. You can also rent one of their eight camping pitches, located near the Dalälven River at the Gysinge Foundry. They also have a party and conference room for up to 40 people, which you can rent at Gysingehemmet. The store is open all year round and offers free parking.

A beautiful gallery that exhibits and sells Saami crafts. The place is constantly developing new projects that highlight Saami artisans and their know-how. Recently, a project mixing Saami gastronomy and crafts was born, in order to pay tribute to the people who perpetuate ancestral traditions and who continue to develop their knowledge and their arts. Worth a look. There is also a restaurant and a store near the gallery, to do some shopping before leaving!

Following the road 363 to the north, we reach the river Vindel which we can follow up to the town of Åmsele. In several places, the river accelerates to form rapids that are sometimes impressive. A little after Åmsele, about a hundred kilometers from Umeå, a superb site has been created where the river splits into several arms. Ideal for a picnic in the middle of nature. Or for an afternoon of fishing. Trout are predominant!

The Västerbottens Museum, in the Gammlia district, presents the history of the region and the works of local artists (photos, paintings, modern art), as well as several temporary exhibitions often related to social or artistic life. One room is dedicated to skiing and its history. Around the main building, the open-air museum, open in summer, illustrates the traditional life of the region's inhabitants. The museum is open in the summer and shows the traditional life of the inhabitants of the region. The museum features figures dressed in traditional costume who show the techniques and environment of the last century.

A stop at this centre overlooking the river is a must. Open all year round, there is a small museum, information on all the prehistoric sites in this part of the country between Umeå and Östersund, and a very well made film (in English only). Children can dress up as hunters from those ancient times in the reconstructed stone village next door, try their hand at harpoon fishing and pretend they are cavemen!

This is a little known site, but it has the largest concentration of rock engravings in Northern Europe, made between 4000 and 1500 BC. The tribes and groups of hunters and fishermen who populated this valley have left thousands of frescoes, drawings and symbols on the rocks. Characters, elks, footprints, tapered boats... These works can be seen every day from June 15 to August 15, when the water level drops due to the action of dams.

This pavilion appears in a surreal way in the middle of the forests of fir trees. This construction commemorates the arrival in the region of Kung Chulalonkorn, in 1897. A real point of interest for the local population, with a sumptuous Thai garden. It is the only Thai pavilion in the world outside Thailand. It has already been visited by tens of thousands of people. It is probably also the only one to be covered with a beautiful snow coat during the winter.

A small guidebook is available at the tourist office to help you understand the French and Italian-inspired architecture of the buildings in the city center, which the Swedes call the "stone city". Most of the buildings were built after the great fire of 1888: there are no less than 573 buildings built between 1891 and 1895, some in the Art Nouveau style. From now on, this visit can be done with an audioguide. For those who are passionate about late ^19th century architecture.