Sweden’s strategic location in Northern Europe makes it an ideal starting point for exploring a diverse range of neighbouring countries. Each destination offers unique cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and rich histories that complement a Swedish adventure. From Nordic fjords to Baltic beaches, medieval towns to modern metropolises, the countries surrounding Sweden provide travellers with an array of captivating options for extending their Scandinavian journey.
Nordic neighbours: exploring denmark and norway
Sweden’s closest Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark and Norway, share deep historical and cultural ties with the country. These connections are evident in their similar languages, Viking heritage, and contemporary social values. Exploring these Nordic nations offers a comprehensive view of Scandinavian culture and natural beauty.
Copenhagen’s tivoli gardens and nyhavn harbour
Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a mere 30-minute train ride from Sweden’s southern city of Malmö. The city’s blend of historical charm and modern design makes it a fascinating destination. Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, enchants visitors with its nostalgic rides and lush gardens. In contrast, the colourful 17th-century townhouses lining Nyhavn harbour offer a picturesque setting for enjoying Danish cuisine and hygge – the famous Danish concept of cosiness and contentment.
Oslo’s viking ship museum and vigeland sculpture park
Norway’s capital, Oslo, showcases the country’s rich maritime history and artistic prowess. The Viking Ship Museum houses remarkably well-preserved Viking vessels, offering insights into Norse seafaring traditions. For art enthusiasts, Vigeland Sculpture Park presents over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, set in a sprawling green space. These monumental works explore the human condition in striking detail, making the park a unique outdoor gallery experience.
Cross-border train travel: the øresund bridge experience
The Øresund Bridge, connecting Sweden and Denmark, is an engineering marvel that transforms a cross-border journey into a memorable experience. This combined bridge and tunnel system spans the Øresund Strait, offering travellers stunning views of both countries. The train ride from Malmö to Copenhagen takes just 35 minutes, making it an easy day trip or the start of a longer Danish adventure.
Crossing the Øresund Bridge feels like traversing two worlds – from Sweden’s rugged coastline to Denmark’s gentle landscapes – in a matter of minutes.
Baltic beauty: latvia, lithuania, and estonia
The Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, while not immediate neighbours, are easily accessible from Sweden by ferry or short flights. These countries offer a fascinating blend of medieval charm and post-Soviet rejuvenation, making them compelling destinations for travellers seeking to explore lesser-known European gems.
Riga’s art nouveau architecture and old town
Latvia’s capital, Riga, boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture. Strolling through the city centre, you’ll encounter elaborate facades adorned with mythical creatures, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its winding cobblestone streets and medieval churches, provides a stark contrast to the Art Nouveau districts, showcasing Riga’s diverse architectural heritage.
Vilnius’ baroque splendour and užupis republic
Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and the quirky, self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features an impressive array of Baroque churches and grand palaces. Meanwhile, Užupis, an artistic neighbourhood that declared itself an independent republic in 1997, offers a whimsical exploration of Lithuanian creativity and humour.
Tallinn’s medieval charm and digital innovation
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, presents a captivating juxtaposition of medieval history and cutting-edge technology. The Old Town, with its well-preserved city walls and towers, transports visitors to the Middle Ages. However, Tallinn is also known as the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” with a thriving tech scene and digital nomad community. This unique blend of old and new makes Tallinn a fascinating destination for history buffs and tech enthusiasts alike.
Baltic way: tracing the historic human chain
The Baltic Way, a peaceful political demonstration that took place on August 23, 1989, saw approximately two million people form a human chain spanning 675 kilometres across the three Baltic states. Today, travellers can trace this historic route, visiting key sites and memorials that commemorate this powerful act of solidarity against Soviet rule.
Finland: land of lakes and northern lights
Finland, Sweden’s eastern neighbour, offers a unique blend of natural wonders, design innovation, and cultural experiences. From the vibrant capital of Helsinki to the serene wilderness of Lapland, Finland provides diverse attractions for every type of traveller.
Helsinki’s design district and suomenlinna fortress
Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is renowned for its cutting-edge design scene. The Design District, comprising 25 streets and 200 design-focused destinations, showcases the best of Finnish creativity in fashion, furniture, and art. For a historical contrast, visit Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site spread across six islands. This 18th-century sea fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s maritime history and provides stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago.
Lapland’s aurora borealis and santa claus village
Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland that captivates visitors with its otherworldly natural phenomena and festive charm. The region is one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. For a more whimsical experience, visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where it’s Christmas all year round. Here, you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy a range of winter activities like reindeer sledding and snowmobiling.
Archipelago national park: Island-Hopping adventures
Finland’s Archipelago National Park, comprising over 40,000 islands and skerries in the Baltic Sea, offers unparalleled opportunities for island-hopping and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore this unique landscape by kayak, sailboat, or ferry, discovering secluded beaches, traditional fishing villages, and diverse wildlife. The park’s sustainable tourism initiatives ensure that this pristine environment remains protected for future generations to enjoy.
Finland’s Archipelago National Park is a labyrinth of islands, where each turn reveals a new vista of rocky shores, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters.
Poland: rich history and modern dynamism
While not an immediate neighbour, Poland is easily accessible from Sweden by ferry or short flight. This Central European country offers a compelling mix of historical significance, cultural richness, and rapid modernization that makes it a worthwhile addition to any Scandinavian itinerary.
Gdańsk’s hanseatic heritage and solidarity movement
The coastal city of Gdańsk boasts a fascinating history as a Hanseatic League trading port and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that helped end Communist rule in Poland. The meticulously reconstructed Old Town showcases the city’s medieval prosperity, while the European Solidarity Centre provides a poignant exploration of Poland’s struggle for democracy. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the picturesque Long Market, lined with colourful burgher houses and the iconic Neptune Fountain.
Kraków’s wawel castle and wieliczka salt mine
Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. The imposing Wawel Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, offers insights into Poland’s royal past and houses an impressive art collection. Just outside the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, amazes visitors with its underground chambers, tunnels, and even a chapel carved entirely out of salt.
Warsaw’s Phoenix-Like rebirth and POLIN museum
Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital, stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. After being almost completely destroyed during World War II, the city was painstakingly rebuilt, with its Old Town now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cutting-edge POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews provides a comprehensive look at the thousand-year history of Jewish life in Poland, using interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations to tell this complex story.
Germany’s baltic coast: hanseatic gems
Germany’s Baltic coast, easily accessible from southern Sweden by ferry, offers a string of charming Hanseatic towns and seaside resorts. These destinations provide a unique perspective on Northern European history and culture, complementing the Scandinavian experience with their distinct German flavour.
Lübeck’s marzipan legacy and gothic architecture
Lübeck, the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and marzipan tradition. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dominated by seven church spires and the iconic Holstentor gate. Visit the Niederegger Marzipan Salon to learn about Lübeck’s 200-year history of marzipan production and indulge in this sweet almond confection.
Stralsund’s UNESCO world heritage and ozeaneum
Stralsund’s historic old town, with its distinctive Brick Gothic architecture, earned UNESCO World Heritage status alongside Wismar. The city’s maritime heritage is celebrated at the Ozeaneum, a state-of-the-art aquarium and oceanographic museum. Here, visitors can explore the underwater world of the Baltic Sea and learn about marine conservation efforts in the region.
Rügen island’s chalk cliffs and seaside resorts
Rügen, Germany’s largest island, is famous for its dramatic chalk cliffs, pristine beaches, and elegant seaside resorts. The Jasmund National Park showcases the island’s natural beauty, including the iconic Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) cliff. For a touch of nostalgia, ride the “Rasender Roland” narrow-gauge steam train or visit the charming resort town of Binz, known for its classic German Bäderarchitektur (seaside resort architecture).
Exploring these diverse neighbouring countries offers travellers a comprehensive Northern European experience, complementing their Swedish adventures with a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and historical narratives. Whether you’re drawn to Nordic fjords, Baltic beaches, or Central European castles, the countries surrounding Sweden provide endless opportunities for discovery and enrichment.