Sweden surprised me in the best way. I had this idea of snow, forests, and quiet cities, but once I started exploring, it opened up into something much more layered and full of life. If you're looking for a travel guide that balances nature and urban adventure, Sweden is a perfect choice. And if you’re wondering about the top things to do in Sweden, I’ve got a few ideas to get you started.

Let’s talk about Kiruna first. Way up in the north, it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been. When I arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. The snow was thick, the air was so clean, and at night the sky would dance with Northern Lights. This isn’t just something you read about in a travel guide. It’s a real, unforgettable experience. If you’ve never stayed in a hotel built from ice and snow, you’ll find the Icehotel in Kiruna completely wild and kind of magical. And during the day, I tried dog sledding for the first time. You get to glide across frozen lakes and through quiet forests, and it’s the kind of peace that stays with you. There’s also the Kiruna Mine. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the tour gave me a new appreciation for the town’s history and how deeply connected it is to the landscape.

Then you’ve got Stockholm. Totally different vibe. It’s busy, but not overwhelming. It’s stylish, but still has that old-world charm. One of my favorite things to do in Sweden was just wandering through Gamla Stan in Stockholm. You get lost in the winding streets, stumble across cafes, and find yourself suddenly standing in front of a palace or a centuries-old church. If you’re into art or design, this city will keep you busy. I stopped into Moderna Museet one afternoon and ended up staying way longer than planned. You’ll also want to explore some of the city’s islands. Stockholm is spread out over water, and I used boats just like buses. Whether it’s summer with open water or winter when the ice takes over, the views are always changing.

A good travel guide to Sweden will point out how different the north and south can be, and that contrast is part of what makes a trip here so special. You can be sipping coffee in a hip café one day and watching reindeer trek through snow the next. I always recommend mixing it up. There are so many things to do in Sweden that don’t make it onto most people’s itineraries. From ice skating in a city square to hiking under the midnight sun, this country finds small ways to impress you every day.

Sweden isn’t loud about how amazing it is. It lets you discover it slowly. And whether you start in Kiruna or Stockholm, your own travel guide to this place is going to fill up quickly. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and you’ll find more things to do in Sweden than you ever expected.