Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Sweden! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Sweden, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Sweden Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Sweden for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Sweden currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Sweden need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Sweden Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Sweden throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | -5° / 0° | -5° / 0° | -3° / 4° | 1° / 10° | 5° / 15° | 10° / 19° |
| Malmö | -1° / 3° | -1° / 3° | 0° / 6° | 3° / 11° | 7° / 15° | 11° / 19° |
| Kiruna | -16° / -8° | -16° / -8° | -12° / -4° | -7° / 1° | 0° / 7° | 5° / 13° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | 13° / 22° | 12° / 20° | 8° / 16° | 4° / 10° | 0° / 5° | -3° / 1° |
| Malmö | 13° / 21° | 13° / 20° | 10° / 17° | 7° / 12° | 3° / 7° | 0° / 4° |
| Kiruna | 8° / 16° | 6° / 14° | 2° / 8° | -4° / 1° | -11° / -4° | -15° / -7° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Sweden depends on what you’re going for! If you’re after warm weather and outdoor activities, then Summer is your best bet, between the months of June-August. Winter (December-March) is the best time for seeing the Northern Lights, and snow-based activities like dog sledding and skiing. You’ll experience less crowds in Spring and Autumn, with lower prices too.
Getting around in Sweden
Children under 7 travel for free (accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket).
Public transport in Sweden is cashless – Use credit cards, apps, or travel cards for getting around. SL (Stockholm), Västtrafik (Gothenburg), and Skånetrafiken (Skåne) all have apps for tickets.
Stockholm has an SL Pass, where you can purchase 24-hour (€16), 72-hour (€32), 7-day (€42) and 30-day (€95) travel cards for unlimited travel on buses, ferries, trams and the metro. There is also the Stockholm Pass, which includes the SL Pass and also free entry to over 60 attractions. You can purchase a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5-day pass, ranging from €81-€169.
In Gothenburg, you can buy 24-hour, 72-hour, and 30-day travel cards on the Västtrafik app. A day tickets costs around €10. The Gothenburg Card includes transport and free museum and attraction entry. You can purchase a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass, ranging from €38-€65.
For trains, you can purchase an Interrail Sweden Pass (EU travelers), which gives unlimited train travel over 3 (€167), 4 (€194), 5 (€217), 6 (€238) or 8 (€275) days.
Trains
SJ (Statens Järnvägar) runs most of the long-distance trains, while Snälltåget, VR, and Öresundståg also operate trains in Sweden. Common routes include Stockholm to Gothenburg, which takes 3 hours, and Gothenburg to Malmö, which takes 2.5 hours.
For Northern Lights trips, you can catch night trains to the Arctic Circle, Kiruna, and Abisko. Book through SJ.
Buses
Sweden’s bus network is well connected, making both city and rural locations easy to navigate.
Long-distance buses are a cheaper alternative to trains, and companies like Flix, Vy Bus4You and Ybuss all offer services across Sweden.
Note: In Stockholm, blue buses are express routes, while red buses make more stops.
Metros
Stockholm’s Tunnelbana (T-bana) has 3 colour-coded lines. The Blue Line (10, 11) runs northwest to Akalla and Hjulsta. The Red Line (13, 14) runs between Norsborg/Ropsten and Fruängen/Mörby centrum. The Green Line (17, 18, 19) covers Skarpnäck, Farsta strand, and Hässelby strand.
A single fare costs about €3.50 on the SL app, and is valid for 75 minutes including transfers. Metro tickets also include buses, trams, and ferries in Stockholm.
Trams
Gothenburg and Stockholm both have tram networks.
Gothenburg has 13 lines, connecting Liseberg, Haga, Slottsskogen, and the central station. They run to 1am, then night buses take over.
Stockholm has 4 lines, connecting most of the central city. Line 7 runs from T-Centralen to Djurgården and stops at some popular tourist attractions. Line 21 connects Lidingö island with Stockholm. Line 12 runs from Alvik to Nockeby. Line 22 connects the suburbs from Sickla to Solna, and links with metro, commuter trains, and buses.
Boats
Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö all have ferries as part of their public transport network. SL ferries connect Djurgården, Slussen, and the archipelago.
Taxis
Registered taxis in Sweden have a yellow licence plate. While you can hail taxis on the street, the best way to get a fair price is to pre-book. Bolt and Uber operate in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Traditional Swedish taxi companies like Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Göteborg and Taxi Skåne also have apps.
Note: Each company taxi set their own fares in Sweden, so always check the price before getting into a cab.
Bikes
Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala have bike-sharing programs. Voi and Tier both operate in Sweden.
In Stockholm, you can use Gamla Stans Cykel to rent a bicycle, or go on a bike tour with Stockholm Adventures.
Luggage storage
You can store your luggage at Stockholm Central Station using storage lockers, which are paid for by card. They’re open 05:00–23:00 daily, and you can use them for a maximum of 7 days.
| Locker Size | Locker Dimensions | Cost per hour | Cost 24 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 36x44x57 cm | SEK 39 (€3.50) | SEK 199 (€18) |
| Large | 46x60x82 cm | SEK 69 (€6.20) | SEK 299 (€27) |
There is also a manned left luggage station located in the lower hall, which is open from 09:00-18:30 daily, and costs SEK 120 (€11) per item per day.
Gothenburg Central Station and Malmö Central Station have self-service lockers available which are open 05:00–23:00 daily, with prices starting from SEK 40-50 (€3.50-€4.50).
There are other luggage storage solutions in Sweden including LuggageHero, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Sweden
What language is mainly spoken in Sweden?
Swedish is the official language of Sweden, and around 90% of people speak English.
What is the main currency of Sweden?
The currency of Sweden is the krona (SEK).
What is the emergency number in Sweden?
If you need emergency services in Sweden, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Sweden?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Sweden. Sweden operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Sweden?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Sweden.
Are public toilets free in Sweden?
Public toilets in Sweden are free of charge to use.
Is there free public wi-fi in Sweden?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Sweden, including on some public transport. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Sweden?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to round up the bill 5-15% to a convenient number, for example €27 to €30, but it’s not expected.
What is the drinking age in Sweden?
Depending on the regional requirements and the percentage of alcohol involved, the drinking age in Sweden is 16-20. At age 16, drinks containing less than 1.2% of alcohol are consumable, while you must wait until age 18 to drink spirits with more than 1.2% distilled alcohol, and age 20 to buy drinks with more than 3.5% alcohol.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Sweden?
There isn’t much dangerous wildlife in Sweden, as the only venomous animal is the European Adder, but always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 22/02/2025
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Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Scandinavia!