STAGE 1 - Vellinge
Ranked the best place to live in southern Sweden, there’s no finer place to start your Swedish adventure than Vellinge. Roam the white, sandy beaches of this quaint municipality, famed for its spectacular birds-of-prey-watching opportunities.
Enjoy local bounty from the farmlands at Hotel Ängavallen - fresh, organic foods and loving treatment of the animals is the philosophy of this gastronomic retreat. If you wish to elongate your stay, book a night in one of the 19 exquisitely decorated rooms.
STAGE 2 - Malmö
With a rested mind and full belly, head north to Sweden’s third-largest city. From the grandeur of its Old Town to the contemporary architecture, Malmö is effortlessly cool. It’s home to Scandinavia’s tallest building - a neo-futuristic skyscraper named the Turning Torso - as well as Öresund bridge, which connects the dynamic metropolis to its Nordic neighbour, Copenhagen. Wander pretty cobbled streets, elegant parks and long stretches of sandy beaches before your next stop, Kalmar.
STAGE 3 - Kalmar
Head to Sweden’s south-east coast - and be sure to pack your swimming gear - because Kalmar is the country’s top summer destination. The coastal city is awash with seemingly endless beaches, including one with the intriguing name ‘Kattrumpan’ meaning ‘the cat’s bottom’. Drive across what was once Europe’s longest bridge and visit the remarkably preserved Kalmar Castle before a short half-hour drive to Söderåkra.
Rest up nestled in the Örarevets Nature Reserve at 16th century inn Stufvenäs Guesthouse. Spa-time, wine-tasting, craft workshops and golfing galore may tempt you to stay longer than just one night.
STAGE 4 - Gotland
Hop on a ferry to the largest and arguably most beautiful island in the Baltic Sea. Just off Sweden’s south-eastern coast, Gotland’s beauty lies in its ever-shifting landscapes. As you move around the island, you’ll come across grassy meadows, quaint hamlets, blue lagoons and blooming gardens - it’s worth staying to explore them all.
Four-star Hotel Slottsbacken is a boutique hotel located in the medieval town of Visby - rooted inside medieval city walls, you’ll find restaurants, galleries, shopping and all the charming cobbled alleyways you’d want from a Swedish island right on your doorstep.
STAGE 5 - Karlstad
Image source: Wikimedia
Back on Sweden’s mainland, but not far from glittering waters, is Karlstad. This fun and feisty city nudges the shores of Sweden’s biggest lake. Art galleries, museums and restaurants should be top of your agenda here - Karlstad is rich with cultural goings-on. Beyond the modern musings, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures, as well as top-drawer restaurants boasting traditional Swedish fare.
Just a 20-minute drive away is Dömle Herrgård, a classic mansion in the Värmland countryside. It has its own private beach, outdoor jacuzzis, park, church... and even a ski resort.
STAGE 6 - Gothenburg
No Swedish bucket list is complete without a trip to Gothenburg. This is a place where you’ll sit down in the amiable buzz of a cafe and end up friends with at least one friendly Gothernburger. It’s small wonder the locals are good-natured: the city is a hodgepodge of ancient canals, neoclassical architecture and glorious waterfront views.
While you’re here, don’t miss a chance to stay at Styrsö Skäret Guest House. You can reach it in half an hour by ferry from Gothenburg - those who do are rewarded with a soothing haven boasting sea-view rooms on a quaint, traffic-free island. What a place to end your Swedish adventure.
