Welcome to Sweden

With its dapper design, revered reindeer and sublime seafood, Sweden pulls out all the stops for its visitors. Soak in the simple, practical Swedish style in cafes, shops, restaurants and museums throughout the country.

Venture out of Stockholm and you’ll find that the natural beauty of the country is just as impeccable. Find solitude on a remote island, trek in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and gaze up at the Northern Lights in the Arctic tundra. Go dog sledding in Lapland, spend the night in an ice hotel and meet with local Sami residents, who will share their reindeer husbandry and handicraft traditions.

Go on a seafood safari in west Sweden, where thousands of mussels are pulled in daily – and can even be cooked up immediately by fishermen on the beach. Do plan for several days in Stockholm, made up of 14 islands, each with its own personality and appeal. Creative, cultural and captivating – this is Sweden.

Unique Facts

• It’s not hard to find nature in Sweden – two-thirds of the land area is covered by forest. (And there are 300,000 to 400,000 moose roaming about in those woods.
• Go beyond ABBA when you’re prepping for your Sweden trip. The country also gave the world Roxette, Europe, Alcazar and Ace of Base. Quite a few heavy-meatal bands originated in Sweden, as well. They’re the third-largest music exporter in the world.
• Need a coffee break? In Sweden, you’ll take a The Swedes drink more coffee than anyone, except the Finns, largely due to their love of the fika, getting together for a quick coffee and pastry. It even takes the place of after-work cocktails.
• A lot of great ideas have come out of Sweden, including cutting-edge green technology, popular music, telecommunications technology, Volvo, the seatbelt and even, recently, an “invisible bicycle helmet.” The country’s holds the world record for number of patents.
• Europe’s oldest national parks can be found in Sweden. There are currently 29 of them in the country.

Language

Sweden’s official language is Swedish Svenska.

When To Go

The best time to go to Sweden is the summer when there are almost 24 hours of sunlight. If you’re craving shellfish, visit in the fall for the best lobster, crayfish, oysters, mussels, shrimp and more. The best time to see the Northern Lights is late September through early April and, overall, winter is the best time for dog sledding, skiing and snowmobiling.

Airports

Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Sweden: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Swedish Krona

Getting Around

Swedish roads are comparable to those in the United States. Road signs use standard international symbols and Swedish text.

Sweden has an effective, efficient and punctual public transportation system. Long-distance trains operate throughout the country. Most major cities offer a subway or aboveground tram network. Ferries shuttle travelers around the islands and to other countries within the Baltics and Nordics.

Taxis are notoriously expensive.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Stockholm
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31,
SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300
Fax: +(46) (8) 783-5480
stkacsinfo@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Arlanda Visitor Center

Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Terminal 5 and Terminal 2
Tel: +46(0)10-109 10 00
infospecialist@swedavia.se

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Sweden has a low crime rate. Most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles, residences and public areas. Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in and around major tourist attractions, especially Stockholm’s Old Town, as well as at restaurants, amusement parks, museums, bars, on public transportation and at airports.