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Sweden: A Scandinavian Gem of Innovation, Equality, and Natural Beauty
Sweden: A Scandinavian Gem of Innovation, Equality, and Natural Beauty
Sweden is a Scandinavian nation known for its stunning landscapes, progressive society, and rich cultural heritage. With a history that includes Viking explorers, medieval power struggles, and a role in shaping modern Europe, Sweden is a fascinating blend of old and new. Its cities, like Stockholm and Gothenburg, are hubs of innovation and design, while its countryside offers serene lakes, vast forests, and picturesque coastal towns. Known for its high standard of living, Sweden places a strong emphasis on equality, education, and environmental sustainability. It's also the birthplace of many influential figures in music, literature, and technology, contributing significantly to global culture. Whether you're interested in its historical sites, natural beauty, or vibrant arts scene, Sweden has something to offer everyone.
The MAX IV Laboratory is a super-modern synchrotron radiation facility in Lund, south Sweden.
Metro Station, Escalator Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
Stockholm Public Library
A country of innovation
Innovation in Sweden is about more than the vital startup scene, which has garnered much international attention. The country has a long history of innovation.There are several factors that might explain why, for example Sweden's global outlook – export is an important driving force for Sweden, seeing that the domestic market is relatively small. Other factors are social stability and the access to government support, as well as a high degree of equality.
Sweden has long fostered innovation and entrepreneurship. Here’s how.
Sweden has long fostered innovation and entrepreneurship. Here’s how.
Innovation in Sweden is about more than the vital startup scene, which has garnered much international attention. The country has a long history of innovation.There are several factors that might explain why, for example Sweden's global outlook – export is an important driving force for Sweden, seeing that the domestic market is relatively small. Other factors are social stability and the access to government support, as well as a high degree of equality.
Education and research
Sweden’s long-term focus on education and research has also had a major impact on the capacity for innovation. In 1842 the country introduced compulsory schooling for 7- to 13-year-olds (today for 6- to 15-year-olds). This was a game-changing move, as it raised the overall level of education among the people, and became a vital component in Sweden’s journey from poor agricultural nation to prosperous innovation leader. Today about one-third of the population has post-secondary education.When it comes to research and development (R&D), Sweden proves its commitment by investing, as a rule, more than 3 per cent of the country’s growth domestic product (GDP) in R&D.Green technology and life sciences are two fields in which Swedish researchers and companies excel. The government has created an office of life sciences dedicated to developing a national strategy for the life sciences to further promote the field.Education and research
A traffic roundabout seen from above during a snowy winter.Sweden is a key player in road safety innovation. Roundabouts have proven safer than any other form of intersection, Photo Credits: Ulf Grünbaum/Imagebank.sweden.se
Graphene research, The material graphene, similar to graphite, consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, which makes it extremely strong, yet lightweight and flexible. There is intense research on various applications for the material, for example at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Credits: Sofia Sabel/imagebank.sweden.se
"Discover a country where nature is ever-present—in our cities, our innovations, and our minds. Our natural surroundings influence what we eat, where we live, and how we live. Welcome to a destination like no other. Welcome to Sweden!"
Our Services Highlights
Practical information before your trip to Stockholm, Sweden
Practical information before your trip to Stockholm, Sweden
How to get here
How to get here
By train: You can reach Stockholm by train from almost anywhere in Sweden, thanks to the national rail service SJ.
By bus: Flixbus and Vy provide regular services to the capital from most major cities in Sweden, along with connections from international centres. The journey takes approximately 6 hours from Gothenburg and 8.5 hours from Malmö.
By plane: Stockholm has two airports, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Bromma Stockholm Airport (BMA). Read more about the Stockholm Airports and how to get to and from them.
How to get around
How to get around
Thanks to its relatively compact centre, getting around Stockholm is easy, either on foot or on two wheels, with cycle paths making biking safe and convenient.
Public transport, operated by SL, is easy to navigate, with most instructions in English. You can use a contactless card or mobile for pay-as-you-go journeys lasting 75 minutes. You can buy and store almost all tickets in the SL App. Travelcards and single-journey tickets can also be stored on an electronic smart card sold in the SL App, at Metro and commuter rail stations, and ticket agents. Visit the SL website for more information.
Sightseeing tours are a great way to see a lot of the city in a short time. Visit Stockholm has a list of available trips in Stockholm by bus and by boat.
Accommodation
Accommodation
If you’re not sure where to stay in Stockholm, the city offers a wide range of accommodations, from innovative budget options to classic high-end hotels.
Grand Hotel is a luxury landmark that overlooks Stockholm Old Town and the Royal Palace.
If you prefer modern style, check out hotels like At Six for sleek design and a rooftop terrace.
Urban design hotel Miss Clara, housed in a sumptuous Art Nouveau building in the city centre, is another classy alternative.
Immerse yourself in nature in the historic settings of a castle at Rosersberg Palace, Häringe Castle and Åkeshof Castle (where dogs are allowed), all within an hour of the city centre.
Things to do
Things to do
As for what to do in Stockholm, whether it’s eating, shopping, sightseeing, or all of the above you’re after, you’re in luck.
Swedish ‘fika’ has received global renown and the capital has plenty of cafés in which to treat yourself. For suggestions, check out our Cafés in Stockholm guide.
The country is also synonymous with design and fashion. Whether you want chic independent designers, secondhand vintage boutiques like Beyond Retro, Brandstationen and Judits Second Hand, or high-end icons such as Malmstenbutiken and Svenskt Tenn, the city has you covered. For inspiration see our Swedish fashion guide.
For updated listings of events and things to see in Stockholm, check out Visit Stockholm’s events calendar.
With kids
With kids
Enjoy Stockholm’s numerous city parks, such as Humlegården and Tantolunden, most of which have excellent playgrounds.
Take your kids on an educational adventure in museums such as the National Museum of Science and Technology (Tekniska Museet), the Viking Museum or the open-air museum Skansen.
Ocean Bus offers sightseeing tours in an amphibious vehicle, while Gröna Lund amusement park and Junibacken – an immersive world based on the stories of world-famous children’s book author Astrid Lindgren – are perennial favourites. Find more tips in Visit Stockholm’s Stockholm for kids guide.
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