There is no denying that the largest Nordic country, Sweden, replete with lush greenery, verdant forests, glaciated mountains and picturesque landscapes is a travellers’ delight. While Stockholm and Gothenburg are the country’s biggest, most populous and most visited cities, Sweden is also home to a number of charming small cities that offer unique experiences spanning nature, art, architecture, culture and much more. So, if you are looking to travel the offbeat path, here is a low down on some places that you can visit while in this Scandinavian country.
Sigtuna
If history is your calling, Sigtuna is the ideal Swedish town to visit. Sigtuna is Sweden’s first town and is home to the country’s oldest pedestrian street. Dating back to 980 A.D, the city has several reminders of the past in terms of runestones, ruins and remnants of the Vikings. While here, there is plenty you can do apart from going on a runestone trail and a castle trail (there are five castles in the vicinity of Sigtuna). In the town centre, the ruins of the 12th century St.Olof church form for a compelling visit just like the Sigtuna museum where you can engage yourself in the country’s Viking history. Take a walk along Stora Torget, Sigtuna’s main square to see the country’s smallest town hall apart from little boutique stores and quaint cafes in the area. And once you are done, take some time to unwind by the shores of Lake Mälaren where you can swim, go boating or just sit along the shore and watch the world go by.
Lund
This city is located in the Swedish province of Scania and is an easy day trip from Copenhagen. Dating back to over thousand years, Lund is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and is famous for its 12th century cathedral as well as its 17th century university. Do not miss the magnificent medieval astronomical clock while in the cathedral. If you are a lover of museums, the History Museum has some insightful information about Lund university while the Skissernas Museum which is the museum of creative art is filled with sculptures and sketches. Strolling within the university campus is a delightful experience as it is home to some beautiful buildings of the yesteryears as well as abundant lush greenery. Saluhallen which is a food hall is the ideal place to indulge in some tasty treats and hang out.
Malmo
A coastal city located in Southern Sweden, this one is the third largest city in the country after Stockholm and Gothenburg. A ship building hub, Malmo in the 1800s had some of the biggest ship building yards in the world. With a predominantly young population, this city has an eclectic vibe and is today a delightful mix of the old and the new. Best explored by foot, the ideal way to start your tour of the city is in the city centre that is adorned by numerous medieval buildings. In the heart of the main square aka Stortorget is the Malmo Radhus or city hall which is an attractive brick building with ornate architecture. Apart from this, do not miss the 14th century Gothic Saint Peter’s Church (St.Petri Kyrka), the Lion Pharmacy (Apoteket Lejonet) and the Jørgen Kock’s House. In sharp contrast, the city also boasts of some cutting-edge design in its modern creations like the Öresund Bridge which connects the city to Copenhagen and the iconic Turning Torso which is a neo futuristic skyscraper with 54 floors with its twisting design snaking 190 meters into the sky. Lilla Torg is bustling locality with trendy restaurants and bars and is a great place to savour a delectable meal and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Uppsala
A bustling university city where history and innovation seem to blend seamlessly, Uppsala is often dubbed as the ‘Cambridge of Sweden’ and is an easy drive from Stockholm. Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest one in the Nordic region. The city centre hosts some iconic monuments like the Uppsala Cathedral and the Uppsala Castle. Take an excursion to the Royal mounds in old Uppsala; an area that is steeped in myth and mystery. It is believed to house the remains of the ancient pagan Gods and said to be a significant religious centre before Sweden followed Christianity. Today, Uppsala which is also home to world famous botanist, Carl Linnaeusis known for its work in science and sustainability, is in fact on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and climate positivity by 2050.
