When traveling to Northen Europe, it’s important to visit some of the famous landmarks in Sweden that make this country so unique.
Regardless if you’re looking for historical monuments, beautiful natural wonders, or modern architecture, Swedish landmarks have a lot to offer and each with unique stories to tell.
Whether you’re in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, or anywhere else in Sweden, be sure to check out these amazing landmarks of Sweden.
Most Famous Landmarks In Sweden
The Royal Palace, Stockholm
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sweden. It’s also the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
The palace was built in the 18th century and has been expanded and renovated many times over the years. It’s a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and houses several museums, including the Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Royal Gifts.
Stockholm, Sweden Landmarks
The Vasa Museum, Stockholm
The Vasa Museum is a must-see for any history lover traveling to Sweden. The museum is home to the world’s only remaining fully intact 17th century ship, the Vasa.
The ship was originally built as a royal warship, but unfortunately sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628. The museum was founded in 1990 to preserve the ship and its artifacts. It’s now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Stockholm.
Avicii Arena, Stockholm
Avicii Arena, originally known as The Ericsson Globe is a popular tourist attraction in Stockholm. It was opened in 1989 and it has become one of Sweden’s most famous landmarks.
Avicii Arena is an indoor arena with a diameter of 110 meters (361 ft) and a height of 85 meters (278 ft). The seating capacity for this stadium is around 13,000 people.
Avicii Arena is used for a lot of events such as ice hockey, basketball, handball, and concerts. You can also go up to the top of the globe and have a great view over Stockholm from there.
The Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm
The Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most well-preserved royal castles in Sweden dating back to the 1600s.
It was a former royal residence and Royal Swedish Family’s home until 1973. The palace is located on the shore of Lake Mälaren near Drottningholm village which lies about 30 kilometers west of Stockholm, Sweden.
The Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sweden. It’s a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and is surrounded by lush gardens. The palace has been open to public since 1699 and admission is free.
It is famous for its Chinese Pavilion, which was given to Queen Lovisa Ulrika by King Adolf Fredrik as a birthday present in 1753. The palace is also home to the Drottningholm Theatre, which is the oldest functioning theatre in Europe.
Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Gamla Stan is one of the most famous landmarks in Sweden. It is the old town of Stockholm founded in 1252 by Birger Jarl. The district constitutes about one-third of the total area of Stockholm. Gamla Stan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town features charming narrow streets, buildings, and alleyways dating back to the Middle Ages. It also has many bars, restaurants, and tourist shops, making it a lively tourist zone for all visitors.
The Royal Palace of Stockholm is located in Gamla Stan and it is the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
Skogskyrkogården
Skogskyrkogården, also known as the Woodland Cemetery, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by the famous architect Gunnar Asplund and opened in 1940.
The cemetery has naturalistic design, featuring winding paths and tall trees that create a forest-like atmosphere. It is also home to several famous graves, including those of the poet Erik Axel Karlfeldt and the artist Dag Hammarskjöld.
Skogskyrkogården is in the district of Södermalm, just south of central Stockholm. You get there by bus or tram from the city center.
Gothenburg, Sweden Landmarks
The Götaplatsen
The Götaplatsen is a famous square in Gothenburg, Sweden. It marks the center of the city and was built in 1923. The square is named after the Göta River, which flows through Gothenburg.
The Götaplatsen is known for its impressive statue of Poseidon by Carl Milles. It is also home to 3 famous buildings – the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Concert Hall, and City Theatre.
Ullevi Stadium
Ullevi Stadium is an iconic football stadium in Gothenburg. It has a capacity of 43,000 people. The stadium is the home arena of the Swedish football team IFK Göteborg and the annual Gothia Cup youth football tournament.
The stadium has hosted a number of major events, including the UEFA Euro 1992, the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, and the 2013 European Athletics Championships.
The Liseberg Amusement Park
The Liseberg Amusement Park is an amusement park founded in 1923. It is one of the most visited amusement parks and famous thrill seekers landmarks in Sweden.
The Liseberg Amusement Park is known for its many roller coasters and other thrill rides, as well as its annual Christmas market. It is a fun getaway option for children and adults.
Scandinavium
If you’re looking to experience some of the best attractions that Sweden has to offer, be sure to include a visit to Scandinavium in Gothenburg. This modern arena is home to the world-famous Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and it regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in music.
In addition to its musical offerings, Scandinavium is also a top venue for sports events. It’s hosted the world ice hockey championships, the UEFA Champions League Final, and the IAAF World Athletics Championships.
Other Famous Landmarks In Sweden
Turning Torso, Malmö
The Turning Torso is a skyscraper in Malmö, Sweden. It was designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2005. At 190 meters, it is the tallest building in Sweden.
The Turning Torso is famous for its unique spiral design, which gives it a distinctive appearance. It’s a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in several movies, including The Da Vinci Code and The Dark Knight.
Öresund Bridge, Malmö – Copenhagen
The Öresund Bridge is a bridge that crosses the strait of Öresund, between Malmö in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark. The bridge was opened on July 1st, 2000 and it’s 8 kilometers long.
It consists of a road bridge and a railway bridge. Both the road bridge and railway bridge are approximately 4 kilometers long each. The Öresund Bridge is the longest combined road and railway bridge in Europe.
Birka (Lake Mälaren)
Birka is a former Viking city which was located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. The city was founded in the 8th century and it was an important center of trade and commerce.
Birka was mentioned in several medieval manuscripts and it’s believed that it was home to around 2000-3000 people. Today, the ruins of Birka are a popular tourist attraction and they’re open to visitors all year round.
Kiruna Kyrka, Kiruna
Kiruna Kyrka is a beautiful church located in the city of Kiruna, Sweden. The church was built in 1921 and it’s now a popular tourist attraction.
Kiruna Kyrka is famous for its unique architecture that resembles a tent and its beautiful Gothic Revival style. The church is also home to a number of interesting historical artifacts.
However, there are plans to relocate the church in 2025 to make space for city developments.
Kalmar Castle, Småland
Kalmar Castle is a famous landmark in Sweden in the city of Kalmar, Småland. The medieval castle dates back to the early 14th century but has been rebuilt and renovated. It features Renaissance-style architecture and was an important fortification credit to its strategic location.
The castle is now open to visitors and contains several interesting historical exhibits. You can take a guided tour to explore the interiors and galleries.
The Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi
The Ice Hotel, located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a famous landmark and tourist attraction. It’s world-renowned for its stunning architecture and design, which is all made out of ice and snow.
The hotel is rebuilt every winter and it currently has 54 rooms. It’s open from December to April and it’s a popular destination for honeymoons and winter weddings.
The Ice Hotel is definitely one of the most unique landmarks in Sweden.
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Natural Landmarks Of Sweden
Trolltunga, Hordaland
Situated in the picturesque Hordaland county of western Norway, Trolltunga is a famous tourist attraction and nature wonder. The cliff formation juts out horizontally from the mountain about 700 meters above the valley below, and it’s become a popular spot for hikers and tourists to visit.
The history of Trolltunga is shrouded in mystery, and there are many legends and myths associated with it. It’s said that the cliff was named after Trolltunga, a tongue of a troll.
Tanum Rock Carvings
The Tanum Rock Carvings are a series of rock carvings in the Tanum Municipality of Sweden. The carvings date back to the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, and they’re considered to be some of the finest examples of Nordic rock art.
The carvings depict various scenes from Norse mythology, including scenes from the Viking sagas. They’re a popular tourist attraction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kebnekaise, Lappland
Kebnekaise is the tallest mountain in Sweden in Lappland. It is a popular tourist destination for hikers and climbers, with its peak at 2,101 meters above sea level. The mountain is made of granite and is often covered in snow and ice. Kebnekaise was first ascended in 1732 by Lars Levi Laestadius.
Höga Kusten, Bothnia
Höga Kusten, meaning “High Coast” in Swedish, is a region in Sweden on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. The region is known for its dramatic cliffs and coastline, as well as its picturesque villages and towns.
Höga Kusten is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a popular tourist destination for hikers, cyclists, and kayakers.
The region is also known for its seafood, with dishes such as smoked salmon being popular.
Discovering Swedish Landmarks In Sweden
Although the list of famous Swedish landmarks is by no means exhaustive, it should give you a good starting point for discovering Sweden’s rich history and culture. These are some of the places and things that Sweden is famous for.
Each of these landmarks tells its own unique story, and they offer an interesting glimpse into Sweden’s past.
Sweden is a country that is full of beautiful landmarks. If you’re looking to visit some of the most famous historical landmarks in Sweden, be sure to add some of these to your itinerary.
