In Sweden we have a large selection of breathtaking nature, fun activities and interesting sights. But we also have incredibly exciting summer spots – whether you are travelling by yourself, with your friends or with your family for a weekend holiday. Here are our tips on which 5 Swedish cities you must not miss when you visit Sweden this summer!
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Vibrant and historic Visby
Gotland is a very popular destination for both Swedish and international tourists during the summer months. In Visby, aka the City of Roses and Ruins, you get a charming and historic experience. The fact that Visby has become so popular as a summer destination is not very strange – the city is both relaxing and vibrant at the same time.
The City Wall is what many people associate Visby with most and has contributed significantly to the city being designated a World Heritage City by UNESCO. From Visby you are not far from Kneippbyn – one of the most famous tourist facilities on Gotland. In this area, which is open all summer, there is an amusement park, a water park and a variety of attractions and sights.
Almedalsveckan is held annually in Visby and gathers together Swedish political parties, interest groups and private individuals together to discuss politics and social issues. Almedalsveckan attracts approximately 40,000 unique visitors and is being held this year between 3 and July 7. Round off the evening at one of all the nice outdoor cafés in the marina – in Visby, the selection of what’s on offer is both large and of high quality.
Clarion Hotel Wisby is a hotel with a unique history and atmosphere – located in the centre of the city inside the City Wall. Meeting rooms, a party floor, spa facilities with pool and the popular restaurant The Social Bar & Bistro can be found in the hotel and all in the most pleasant of atmospheres. The hotel combines history with modern design. In this way you live beautifully, comfortably and with the city's entertainment life right outside the door.
Falkenberg – a real summer city
If you are looking for a wonderful weekend in a real summer town, Falkenberg is definitely worth a visit. The town is known for its beautiful beaches – the fact of the matter is that there are very few Swedish municipalities that have as much beach as Falkenberg. More than 13 kilometres of Falkenberg’s coast is sandy beaches and about 4 kilometres consists of cliffs, stone and beach meadows.
Tullbron (which literally means the Toll Bridge) is a stone arch bridge in the city, built between 1756 and 1761. The bridge crosses the Ätran river and is considered one of Sweden's very finest stone bridges. Go to the spa, enjoy the summer or visit Vallarna – the outdoor area with the popular outdoor theatre Vallarna – in the summer town of Falkenberg, there is something for everyone.
Treat yourself right at Clarion Collection Hotel Fregatten in beautiful nearby Varberg. The hotel is located in the beautiful handicraft neighbourhood near both Varberg station and the beach promenade. The colours of the hotel are inspired by rocks, sand, sea and sails and staying in the hotel is undeniably like experiencing a piece of Varberg's history.
Castle, outdoor seating and fantastic events in cosy Kalmar
Kalmar is one of Sweden's oldest cities and also always reaches the top of the very best summer towns in Sweden year after year. With a rich cultural life, long history and close proximity to Öland, Kalmar attracts a large number of tourists every summer. At Slottsholmen is Kalmar Castle which is considered one of Sweden's most beautiful and most important strongholds.
Enjoy the proximity to the coast at one of the many delightful outdoor cafés and you’ll soon understand why the city is voted the best summer town in Sweden every year. One of the highlights of the summer in Kalmar is Iron Man which will be launched this year on August 20th. The race gets everyone out of their houses and is a real people party.
Is it raining? No worries, Kalmar County Museum is one of the city's most popular and interesting destinations and is only 5 minutes from Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset. The hotel is situated in an unbeatable location on the quay with the Kalmar sound as its closest neighbour. Here you have the possibility of staying in elegant rooms, in a rich building with the city's entertainment facilities right outside the door.
Hanging out on the beach in the popular city of Halmstad
Music, events, nightlife, the beach and close to everything – there is much to see and do Halmstad in the county of Halland during the summer months. The fact that the city is often voted one of Sweden's best summer towns is not hard to understand. The popular and award-winning Tylösand beach is over 4 miles long and a perfect place for hanging out with friends and family on a sunny summer’s day - whether you are alone or with family or friends.
With its cosy charm, Halmstad is a big city in miniature that is close to everything you could ever want. Golf courses, biking paths, hiking trails and a host of lovely outdoor cafés make the city a bustling summer town worth a visit.
Wapnö Castle is a relaxing place that gives you the chance to enjoy Afternoon Tea with scones, jams and cheeses in all their various forms.
Clarion Collection Hotel Norre Park is a unique gem of a hotel in central Halmstad – opposite the beautiful Norre Katts Park. In the hotel you can stay in an environment characterised by the house's centuries-old history with beautiful original roofs from the early 1900s. If you stay at this hotel you will be in a green area of the city which is centrally located, close to shopping, restaurants and attractions such as the County Museum and Galgberget (literally “the Gallow Hill”).
Strömstad – a little summer gem
In northern Bohuslän is the small summer town of Strömstad. With an idyllic harbour, magical views and a relaxed atmosphere, it is no wonder that the town is so popular every summer. The perfect definition of "Swedish summer" can undoubtedly best be found in Strömstad, with its picturesque buildings, cosy outdoor cafés, and friendly locals.
If you tire of the quiet little town feeling, you can easily continue your journey on to both Oslo and Gothenburg by car, bus or train, where you can experience the city pulse and entertainment on another level. Here you can read more about what you can do in Gothenburg during a summer weekend.
Kallbadhuset (a sauna with water outside for cooling down in) in Strömstad is located along the promenade and with a beautiful view towards Västerhavet. From Strömstad you are also close to the archipelago known as the Koster islands – the westernmost inhabited place in Sweden.
