Let’s take a look below at famous things Sweden is known for.
Ah, Sweden! There are so many gifts it has given to the world, such as IKEA, Minecraft, and ABBA.
However, there are many more wonderful things Sweden is known for, and today we are going to explore some of them.
If you’re planning a trip to Sweden, you should have the most authentic experience you can. This list will help with that, so make time in your itinerary for the most Swedish things.
Table of Contents
What is Sweden Known For?
The Kingdom of Sweden is a truly wonderful place to visit and it’s the largest country in Northern Europe, so there are plenty of must-sees in Sweden that you can’t miss.
With its Northern lights, rich traditions, and delicious chocolates, this country won’t disappoint.
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital of the country, so it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sweden. The atmosphere in Stockholm is incredible because it combines the contemporary with the timeless.
Not only is Stockholm safe to visit and explore all year round, the architecture in the city is impressive. There’s lots of history and culture, not to mention a great variety of activities to enjoy and places to visit.
Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka is one of the most well-known Swedish things. The vodka is made in Scania, a region in the southern part of the country.
It’s made using only the grain from this region, so you know you’re tasting a part of Sweden and is a popular gift from Sweden you can surprise someone from anywhere as Absolut is sold outside of Sweden.
Though Absolut Vodka is one of the most popular distilleries, there are many more Swedish brands you can discover so you can get a taste of what the country is about.
ABBA
ABBA is one of the most famous things in Sweden and it’s one of the many gifts the country has given to the world. This pop group dominated the 70s and they continue to be relevant to this day.
Their songs are timeless and they were the first foreign group to dominate the English-speaking world with their music. If you’re in Stockholm, you can visit ABBA: The Museum to learn more about them.
Vikings
If there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think of Scandinavian countries, it’s Vikings, and Sweden is not the exception. Though Norway is more well-known for its Viking history, Sweden also has a lot to say on this front.
It’s impossible to talk about the country and not mention Vikings. You can easily have a Viking-themed adventure by visiting Viking villages and other places of historical interest.
Smörgåsbord
Smörgåsbord is basically a buffet where you can sample all kinds of different foods and enjoy the Swedish cuisine in all its glory.
The assortment of foods is truly surprising and you’ll find many different dishes, both hot and cold. There are many forms of fish and seafood, not to mention cold cuts, bread, cheeses, salads, and even delicacies.
IKEA
IKEA is one of the main things Sweden is known for, so we can’t talk about the country without mentioning it. It was founded in 1943 and now it’s known all over the world. They started selling their flat-pack furniture in 1956 when the concept was brought forward by Gillis Lundgren, and the rest is history!
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are one of the must sees in Sweden and it’s often one of the reasons why thousands of people choose the country as their destination.
The Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful and popular natural occurrences in the world and Sweden is one of the best places to see them. This spectacle can be enjoyed between November and March in Abisko National Park, among other locations.
Avicii
Tim Bergling, known as Avicii, was a Swedish DJ, remixer, songwriter, and musician that became very popular in 2011.
His blend of electronic music with elements from other genres made him very popular and both his remixes and singles became a staple in the party scene.
Sadly, he suffered from poor mental health for many years and he ended his life in 2018. However, he’ll always be remembered for his music.
Fika
Fika is one of the many things Sweden is known for and it’s a huge part of the Nordic culture. Fika is a coffee break where people can enjoy their coffee with open-faced sandwiches, baked goods, and fruit.
It’s a tradition that’s exclusive to Sweden, so you will see people enjoy Fika with friends and families. It’s worth partaking in Fika even if you don’t or can’t drink coffee, you can substitute it with lemonade or juice.
The Skarsgårds
The Skarsgårds are considered to be the second royal family and they are very well-known around the world as wonderful actors.
Stellan Skarsgård and 3 of his 8 sons, Alexander Skarsgård, Gustaf Skarsgård, and Bill Skarsgård are all well-known for their work on the big and small screen.
The Icehotel
The Icehotel is the first ice hotel in the world, so if you’re looking for a unique experience in Sweden, this is it! The entire hotel is made of snow and ice blocks from the Torne River, and it’s rebuilt every year.
Everything is made of ice, including the decorations, rooms, beds, chairs, and even the glasses in the bar of the room. The temperature is kept at −5 °C (23 °F so it’s freezing, but it makes for a memorable experience.
Recycling
Recycling is another one of the things Sweden is known for. They have an obsession with recycling, so you will find plenty of trash bin options when you need to throw something away. It can be confusing for foreigners, but it works very well.
99% of the trash in the country is recycled or turned into energy, which is just incredible, and you can be a part of that while you’re there.
Human Rights
Human rights are also very important in Sweden and they are famous for their treatment of others.
It was the first country in the world to pass a law to provide freedom to the press, and today, they welcome immigrants and continue to be at the forefront of human rights.
What is Sweden Known For?
These are only a few of the most outstanding things about Sweden, but there’s a lot more to discover about this amazing Scandinavian country.
There are so many activities that will make your time in the country unforgettable, so make sure you make room for them in your itinerary.
For a truly authentic experience, seek out some of the things we mentioned in our list. You won’t regret it!
So, when will you visit? Sweden attracts thousands of tourists every year and it’s one of the cleanest countries on earth, so it will be a joy to explore it and discover what it has to offer.
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