Guide: 10 Secret Places in Sweden You Must Visit

Guide: 10 Secret Places in Sweden You Must Visit

April 11, 2025

Sweden, a country known for its picturesque fjords, modern design and iconic IKEA furniture, holds many more secrets than you might think. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through 10 fascinating places that rarely appear on tourist maps, but which are sure to delight any adventurer. From wild national parks to intriguing museums, each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere that you absolutely must experience firsthand. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the mysterious corners of Sweden that will change your view of this Scandinavian country.

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Mysterious national parks and natural wonders

Start our journey with the wildest side of Sweden - its national parks and natural wonders. Fulufjället National Park, located in the western part of the country, is a true paradise for wildlife lovers. The vast expanses, covered with dense forests and dotted with crystal clear lakes, are home to many rare plant and animal species. Particularly noteworthy is the world's oldest tree, Old Tjikko, which grows right here and is over 9,500 years old! The park offers a number of hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, making it ideal for both families with children and experienced trekkers. However, remember to prepare properly - the weather in Fulufjället can be capricious, and the hiking infrastructure is quite limited.

Another place that is sure to delight nature lovers is the Njupeskär waterfall. This is the highest waterfall in Sweden, measuring an impressive 93 meters in height. It is also located in the Fulufjället National Park, which makes the area even more attractive to tourists. The path leading to the waterfall is relatively easy and well-marked, making it an ideal place for a family outing. The best time to visit is in late spring or early summer, when the waterfall is most impressive thanks to the melting snows.

We can't forget Store Mosse National Park, which is the largest peat bog complex in southern Sweden. This place is a true paradise for ornithologists and bird lovers - many rare species can be found here. The park offers the unique experience of walking on wooden footbridges among marshes and bogs, which gives you the feeling of being in a completely different world. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear and anti-mosquito products, which are quite numerous here, especially in the warmer months.

Comparing these three natural wonders, each offers something unique. Fulufjället National Park is the most extensive and wild, an ideal place for those looking for a real adventure and wanting to escape civilization. Njupeskär Waterfall is the most visually spectacular and the most easily accessible, making it a great destination for a day trip. Store Mosse National Park, on the other hand, is a paradise for birders and unique ecosystems, offering the most educational experience. Whichever place you choose, each guarantees an unforgettable experience and the chance to commune with Sweden's wildlife in its purest form.

Fascinating museums and historical attractions

Let's now move on to fascinating sites that will allow us to delve into Sweden's rich history and culture. The first item on our list is the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. This place is home to the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was recovered after spending 333 years at the bottom of the sea. The museum offers an unusual experience - we can see the almost intact 17th century ship, learn about its history and learn more about the lives of sailors of the time. This place is especially popular with families with children, who can participate in interactive exhibitions and workshops.

Another fascinating place is the Marinmuseum in Karlskrona. This naval museum offers an extraordinary journey through the history of the Swedish navy. Here we can see impressive ship models, naval weapons and many interactive exhibitions. Of particular interest is the opportunity to board a real submarine! This museum is ideal for those interested in maritime history and technology.

For lovers of military history, a must-stop will be the Stockholm Army Museum. This place presents the history of the Swedish army from the Middle Ages to modern times. Here we can see an impressive collection of weapons, uniforms and military vehicles. The museum also offers interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to feel like soldiers from different eras.

Moving on to the realm of art and culture, we can't leave out Millesgården Museum. This remarkable place is the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles, converted into an outdoor museum. Strolling through the beautiful gardens, we can admire the artist's impressive sculptures, and enjoy the magnificent view of Stockholm. This is the perfect place for art lovers and those looking for a moment of peace surrounded by beauty.

Comparing these museums, each offers a unique experience. The Vasa Museum is the most impressive in terms of its central exhibit and its history, but it can be quite crowded, especially in high season. The Marinmuseum offers the most interactive experience, especially for children, but its location in Karlskrona may be less convenient for some tourists. The Army Museum in Stockholm has the most comprehensive collection, but may be less appealing to those not interested in military history. Millesgården Museum stands out for its beautiful location and atmosphere, but its collection is more focused on a single artist.

Ticket prices for these museums are comparable, ranging from about SEK 100 to 150 for adults (as of 2023), with most offering discounts for children, students and seniors. It's worth checking the museums' official websites before visiting, as they often offer online tickets at lower prices.

Mysterious places and hidden gems

At the end of our tour of Sweden's secret places, let's take a look at some lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions. We'll start with Ales stenar, also known as 'Sweden's Stonehenge'. Located on the southern coast of Sweden, this mysterious site consists of 59 huge boulders arranged in the shape of a boat. Dating to the Viking period (about 1,400 years ago), Ales stenar remains a mystery to archaeologists to this day. Some believe it served as a burial site, while others claim it was a place of worship or even an ancient calendar. Regardless of its true purpose, the site offers not only a fascinating history, but also beautiful views of the Baltic Sea.

Another place worth visiting is Kungsträdgården in Stockholm. Although it is a central park in the Swedish capital, it holds many secrets and surprises. In the past it served as a royal vegetable garden, and later as a private park for the aristocracy. Today it is a vibrant place where concerts, exhibitions and festivals are held. It looks especially beautiful in spring, when hundreds of cherry trees are in bloom. It's the perfect place to relax and observe the daily life of Stockholmers.

At the end of our trip we will visit Uppsala Cathedral. This impressive Gothic building is the largest church in Scandinavia and hides many secrets. Inside we can see the tombs of many Swedish monarchs, including Gustav Vasa and his family. Of particular interest is the crypt of St. Eric, where the relics of Sweden's patron saint are kept. The cathedral is also famous for its organ, which is one of the largest in Northern Europe.

Comparing these places, each offers a unique experience. Ales stenar is the most mysterious and away from the main tourist routes, making it ideal for adventurers and lovers of ancient mysteries. However, getting there can be more difficult and requires good travel planning. Kungsträdgården is the most accessible and offers the most attractions for different age groups, but it can also be the most crowded, especially during the summer season. Uppsala Cathedral combines elements of history, architecture and spirituality, making it an ideal destination for those interested in culture and religion.

As for prices, Ales stenar is free, making it the most attractive in terms of money. Kungsträdgården is also free, but costs may increase if you decide to attend some of the events or visit nearby cafes. Uppsala Cathedral charges a small admission fee (about SEK 100 for adults, as of 2023), but offers free entry for children and young people under 18.

All in all, each of these 10 secret places in Sweden offers a unique experience and allows you to discover a lesser-known facet of this fascinating country. Whether you're a nature, history or culture lover, Sweden has something to delight you and inspire you to travel further. Be sure to check current information on opening hours and ticket prices before visiting, as they are subject to change. We wish you unforgettable adventures in discovering mysterious Sweden!

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