Exploring Sweden

We invite you to join us in exploring Sweden. This is our home turf, but there is always something new to explore. Towns and localities are spread out over an area equal to the size of California. It is the third-largest country by area in the European Union after France and Spain, but the population of around 10 million places Sweden only as the 12th largest. This makes Sweden a perfect place to both enjoy European cities as well as the nature that is never far away.

We have visited each one of the towns and villages that we have written about and try to include as much information as possible, both from our research before going as well as what we have found out afterward. Unfortunately, we have not been able to see every single sight in each place. The posts are not only meant as guides for you, but they are also for ourselves. It is our way to share and at the same time take notes if we ever return. And all photos are our own from our visits, weather and season of the year might not always have been the most optimal for a visit.

We have sorted the places we have written about by the historical provinces that they belong to. They might not have any political or administrative importance but still affects the culture within their borders. Below you can either find the posts using the map or explore them region by region. Exploring Sweden has never been easier to explore.

Population of Sweden

Sweden’s population is approximately 10.7 million as of early 2025. This makes it the most populous Nordic country. Most Swedes reside in urban areas. Stockholm, the capital, is its largest city. It’s a bustling hub of culture and technology. Swedes are known for their progressive values. They prioritize sustainability and innovation. The official language is Swedish. English is exceptionally widely spoken across the country. This makes communication very easy for visitors.

Location of Sweden

Sweden holds a dominant position in Northern Europe. It occupies the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia border its east and south. This provides extensive coastlines. To the west, Sweden shares a long land border with Norway. Finland lies to its northeast. Denmark is to the south, across the Øresund Strait. This northern location has shaped Sweden’s history. It has deep maritime traditions. Today, it remains a vital player in Nordic and European affairs.

Geography of Sweden

Sweden’s geography is remarkably diverse. Vast forests cover over half its land area. These are mostly coniferous forests. They stretch from south to north. Thousands of lakes (over 100,000) dot the landscape. Vänern, Vättern, and Mälaren are its largest. They are popular for recreation. The Scandinavian Mountains form its western border with Norway. Kebnekaise (2,097 m) is Sweden’s highest peak. Long coastlines offer beautiful archipelagos. The Stockholm archipelago is famous. In the far north, you find Arctic wilderness. This includes Lapland. It’s home to indigenous Sámi culture. Rolling plains exist in the south.

Entry Points to Sweden

Sweden offers excellent international access by air, sea, and land. Its well-developed infrastructure ensures smooth travel.

By Air: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden’s largest and busiest airport. It serves as the primary international gateway. Numerous airlines connect Stockholm to destinations worldwide. Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is another major international hub. It serves the west coast. Malmö Airport (MMX) is important for southern Sweden. Other regional airports also handle international flights. They provide access to different parts of the country.

By Sea: Ferry services are vital for connections within the Baltic Sea region. Regular passenger ferries operate frequently. They link Sweden to Finland, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States. For instance, routes run from Stockholm to Helsinki and Turku (Finland). Other routes connect Trelleborg to Rostock and Sassnitz (Germany). These offer convenient and scenic travel options. Cruise ships also frequently visit Stockholm and Gothenburg.

By Land: Sweden is well-connected to its neighbors by land. The Øresund Bridge links Malmö to Copenhagen, Denmark. This provides a direct road and rail connection. A long land border exists with Norway to the west. Several border crossings are available. Trains connect major Swedish cities to Oslo and Copenhagen. International bus services, like FlixBus, also operate frequently. They connect major Swedish cities to destinations across Scandinavia and Europe. Direct land access from Finland is also possible in the north.