Sweden – Wolters World

Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Stockholm: Tourist Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on November 4, 2025September 29, 2025 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting Stockholm

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re sharing some of the don’ts of visiting Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. Mark studied in Scandinavia and has spent a lot of time in Stockholm.

While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to see in Stockholm, we also want to share what you should NOT do!

Don’t Bother with Cash

There is no need for cash in Stockholm; we never ran across a business that did not accept credit cards. Some places wouldn’t even accept cash. This may not apply to all cities in Sweden, but no cash is necessary in Stockholm. Just bring a credit card. Or three.

Don’t Worry About Speaking Swedish

The people of Stockholm are generally very well-educated, and most of them speak English quite well. Swedish is not a common language to speak outside of Sweden, so they don’t expect you to know anything other than English. Even if you try to speak in Swedish, they’ll switch to English pretty quickly.

Don’t Be Shocked if Nobody Speaks to You

Swedish culture is pretty reserved, so they aren’t super outgoing or chatty. If you get to know someone from Stockholm, they are great fun people, but getting to know them is the hard part. Don’t expect anyone to just strike up a conversation with you, and don’t take it personally.

Likewise, when you’re out and about, be sure to respect their personal space whether you’re on the train or bus, waiting in line, or grabbing a seat at the bar. It’s kind of taboo to sit right next to someone if there are other spots available. Don’t even try to make small talk!

This is reflected in the service in Stockholm as well. There’s no tipping, so the service can often seem indifferent.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia

Don’t Miss Stockholm in Summer

Of course, summer is the best time to visit Stockholm. You’ll have tons of sunny days, and the parks of Stockholm come alive in the summer. Everyone eats dinner outdoors and savors the extended hours of daylight. Summer in Stockholm is unforgettable.

Don’t Visit Stockholm in Winter

If you have a choice, we don’t recommend visiting Stockholm between October and March. Winter in Stockholm is cold and dark, and usually rainy or snowy. The lack of daylight can really put a damper on your plans, as there’s just not enough daylight hours to do too much sightseeing.

If you don’t have a choice, then winter is a good time to visit some of the best museums in Stockholm. These are just a few:

Additionally, much of the Royal Palace is open to the public, even though it is still the official residence of the King and Queen.

Don’t Miss the Vasa Museum

The Vasa is a beautiful wooden warship that sank before it even left the harbor. In seafaring terms, it wasn’t much of a success. But once the ship was brought up from the sea floor, the Vasamuseet was built around it, and it’s one of the most popular things to see in Stockholm. It’s one of the best museums in the world. Mark has been to this museum on every single trip to Stockholm.

Don’t Forget to Explore the Surrounding Islands

Stockholm is part of an archipelago that is made up of 14 islands. There are ferries you can take between them, as well as sailing or sightseeing cruises. There are dozens of bridges so you can walk to some islands as well, but getting out on the water will really help you see the beauty of Stockholm.

Don’t Miss Old Town

While Stockholm is a modern city, they have preserved the Old Town so you still get that old European feel when you visit Old Town (Gamla Stan) Stockholm. Take in the colorful buildings and architecture which ranges from Medieval to Art Deco. The bridges are extra picturesque and you can easily fill a whole day just wandering through Gamla Stan.

Don’t Skip Skansen

Skansen is an open-air museum that recreates a village from past centuries. There are shops and businesses as you would have seen back in the day, as well as community gardens. This living museum is a great way to see the evolution of life in Stockholm. If you’re visiting Stockholm with kids, this is a must!

Don’t Pick the Wrong Airport

Stockholm has two main airports; they are not all close to the city but don’t take taxis from the airport. It’s super expensive. Arlanda is the main airport for international arrivals, and there’s a train that takes you straight to the city center in less than 20 minutes.

Don’t Worry About Safety in Stockholm

Stockholm is a pretty safe city, where there’s not much to worry about. If you’re out late at night you may see some drunken scuffles in the street, but it’s not a city that anyone would consider dangerous. Use your usual travel smarts, and you’ll probably be just fine.

Don’t Let Prices Scare You Away

Yes, Sweden is more expensive than many European countries, but it’s not prohibitively so. Prices are comparable to US cities and much more affordable than visiting London. You might spend a little more, but don’t let that keep you from visiting Stockholm. It’s totally worth it.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Stockholm

Don’t Miss Fika

Fika is a Swedish tradition that is like a coffee break for your soul. It often involves coffee, conveniently. You might do Fika with a friend for a quick catch-up in the afternoon, perhaps with a pastry and coffee or tea. This is one time when you might actually get some locals to open up and chat.

Don’t Forget to Dress for the Clubs

If you’re here to enjoy Stockholm nightlife, you can’t assume you will get into the nightclubs. They have face control, so if you don’t look the part, they might not let you in. So, do your best to look the part and cross your fingers that you can get in.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Stockholm is such a beautiful city, with the surrounding archipelago islands, beautiful museums and lovely people. Just don’t feed the seagulls and don’t walk in the bike paths! Want more tips for traveling in Scandinavia? Check out these blog posts:

Best Scandinavian Cities and Baltic Capitals to Visit

Posted on September 16, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Northern Europe, which includes Scandinavia and the Baltics region. Europe is such a vast and diverse destination, and there are thousands of cool places to visit. I lived in Lithuania for over three years, and in Finland for a year, so I’ve spent a lot of time in this region. To help you build out a northern Europe itinerary, I’m going to help you narrow down some of my favorite Scandinavian cities and Baltic capitals to visit.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a great city and one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Europe. The city is made up of an archipelago, so there are different islands that form neighborhoods. It’s really a fun city to wander around. Stockholm has great restaurants and a busy nightlife scene. Just make sure you dress the part if you want to get into the nightclubs. Besides wandering around Old Town, some of my favorite things to do in Stockholm include:

Take a boat tour to see Stockholm from the water. There are cruises, water taxis, and hop-on-hop-off tours available.
Visit the Vasa Ship Museum. It’s an old ship that sank in the harbor and it’s been restored at the museum. In the same area, you can also check out the ABBA museum.
Visit the Nobel Museum, home of Alfred Nobel and the world-famous Nobel prize
See the collection at the National Museum of Art
Visit the Photography Museum (eat at the restaurant on the top floor for great views of Stockholm!)
Visit the Museum of Modern Art. See why Sweden is the capital of modernity!
See the Royal Palaces, as Stockholm is the home of Swedish royalty. There are some good museums in the palaces.
Tour City Hall, which also happens to be where the Nobel Prize is awarded each year
Go to the Stockholm Cathedral and see the statue of St. George slaying the dragon
Go to Skansen Open Air Zoo and Museum. It’s open year-round, but summer is really a fun time to visit and they have interpreters
Another great place to learn about Swedish culture and history is the Nordiska museum. While I prefer Skansen, Nordiska is better if you are visiting during colder weather
Head south of town to the Royal Game Park (Kungliga Djurgårdens,) where the locals go to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is one of the friendliest cities we’ve ever been to, and the architecture is really fantastic. Oslo is often the gateway for travelers who are visiting the fjords of Norway, but I do recommend spending a few days in the capital city as there is a lot to see and do!

Visit the Viking Ship Museum, which contains three restored long-boats. It’s my favorite museum in Norway.
Go to the Norwegian Folk Museum, an outdoor living history museum where you can learn about the last 200 years of Norwegian history
Visit the National Gallery, where you can see “The Scream” by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. There’s also an entire Munch Museum, where you can see more of his work.
Go to the Akershus Fortress, to see well-preserved history of Norway
See the City Hall, Cathedral, and the Opera House which is a really cool modern building.
Visit the Freedom Center, Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum. These niche museums show a fun aspect of Norwegian history.
Try some classic Norwegian dishes, including reindeer, elk, and salmon. For dessert, try a Kvikk Lunsj, which is a Norwegian version of the Kit-Kat. For a budget-friendly meal, try the Norwegian hot dog.
Walk Karl Johans gate from the Palace to the Station. This is the main shopping street of Oslo, as well as a nightlife hub.
Go to Holmenkollbakken, the oldest ski jump of its kind in the world. There’s also a museum of ski jumping on site.

Norway is very expensive, so look into getting the Oslo Pass that includes transportation and entry to several of the best Oslo attractions.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has a very small, but very cool, Old Town area. The entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great town to just wander around and enjoy the sights and the views. Tallinn also has a really great nightlife scene; one of the best on this list.

Check out several Tallinn museums, including the KGB Museum, the Museum of Occupation, and the Estonian History Museum.
Old Hansa is one of my favorite restaurants in Northern Europe, I highly recommend eating here when you visit Tallinn.

See the Baltic Capitals in this Ten-Day Itinerary

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is another great city in Scandinavia. There are tons of fun things to do in Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens is the world’s oldest amusement park
Drinking a beer and people watching at Nyhavn is my favorite thing to do
See the Little Mermaid statue in the harbor
Visit the Royal Palaces

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Copenhagen

Riga travel — Mom and I in Riga back in the day.

Vilnius, Lithuania

I worked in Lithuania for several years, so I have some great memories here. It’s also one of the more affordable cities on this list. The best thing to do in Vilnius is just to wander around. I say that for many cities, but getting lost amongst the winding streets and alleys is the best way to see a new city. You’ll see lots of cool architecture, find neat cafes and bars. I have lots of tips and recommendations for Vilnius, but these are my top recommendations for anyone visiting Vilnius.

Visit Castle Hill, which is where most of the Vilnius sites are located. This includes the Cathedral, Cathedral Square, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. You can climb the cathedral tower for great views of the city.
Take a day trip to Trakai, the summer palace of the Dukes. The castle is cool, but it’s also in a beautiful park surrounded by a lake, so it’s a great day spent in nature. You can rent paddleboats and paddleboards, or enjoy the beaches.
Explore Pilies Street, which is the main street lined with restaurants and bars
Visit St. Anne’s Church, one of the cutest churches in Northern Europe

Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital city is another great town to visit in Scandinavia. Whether you visit Finland and explore the various areas, or you visit Helsinki on the ferry from Tallinn or Stockholm, there are some great things to see and do in Helsinki.

Visit Luther Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral
Wander around Kauppatori Square (Market Square)
Take in the Harbor on a harbor cruise
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
Try a Hesburger, my favorite fast-food joint in Finland

Riga, Latvia

Riga is kind of like a Baltics version of Las Vegas. Riga is known for casinos and nightlife, and with low prices, it’s become a popular weekend destination in Northern Europe. There is a lot more to see in Riga besides cheap drinks, cool clubs, and casinos!

Admire the various architectural styles. Riga has 14th-century ornate architecture like the House of the Black Heads and early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture.
See the remaining city walls at the Swedish gates
Explore Riga museums, including the Occupation Museum, which details the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. There are a lot of great museums in and around Riga.
Climb the tower at St. Peter’s Church
Eat at LIDO. It’s kind of a cheesy buffet, but it’s a great way to sample different Latvian dishes
Try Rigas Balzams, a black liquor that is featured in many mixed drinks.
Visit in the summer if you can. Even then, it’s not terribly warm, but the winters in Riga are bitter cold!

Riga is another affordable city on this list. There are many hotels, but you can also get an apartment rental for a great price, and staying in a private home is the perfect way to experience Latvian culture.

baltic and scandinavia travel tips — Hanging out in Lithuania.

Bergen, Norway

For the best scenery in Northern Europe, you should visit Bergen, Norway. This is the best place to visit if you want to see the famous fjords of Norway. In addition to being a gateway for scenic tours, Bergen is also a university town. There’s a great fish market and the wharf is fun to explore, but most people visit Bergen for the outdoor adventures to be had.

Lapland

Lapland is the area near the Arctic Circle and it encompasses parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. The area is very remote, but it is spectacular. In winter, travelers come here for adventure tours like dog-sledding and sleeping in igloo hotels.

St. Petersburg, Russia

While technically not in the Baltics or Scandinavia, St. Petersburg is so close and it’s an awesome city to check out. You can take a ferry to St. Petersburg and if you visit as part of a cruise, you can get around some the laborious Russian visa process. Some of the best things to see in St. Petersburg include:

Hermitage / Winter Palace
Peter and Paul Fortress
Palace Square
St Isaac’s Cathedral
St. Petersburg has several interesting museums to explore as well

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

There are so many more Scandinavian cities worth visiting, but we’ll leave some to be discovered by surprise. I think these are some of the best places to visit in Scandinavia and the Baltics, and I think you’ll enjoy them if you decide to plan a trip to this region. Looking for more tips on travel in Northern Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates of Visiting Sweden

Posted on July 21, 2019July 17, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we take a trip to Sweden! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about your Sweden vacation.

Hate #1: The Line Culture

The line culture is very particular in Sweden. If you are shopping or at the bank and you see a line, look around to see if everyone is holding a ticket. Sometimes you need a ticket just to be in line and your place in line doesn’t determine your turn, the number on your ticket will. There’s also not as much respect for personal space, so if you leave a gap in the line, you can expect it to be filled and you’ve just lost your spot.

Hate #2: Sweden Weather

The weather in Sweden can be unpredictable and very cool, even in summer. The winters are downright cold and very dark, thanks to being so far north. You always want to have layers you can wear when you visit Sweden and be prepared for cold and rain any time of year. The darkness of winter means lots of daylight in the summer, and this is great, except for the effect it can have on your sleep schedule.

Hate #3: Swedish Restaurants

Sweden isn’t exactly known as a culinary destination and Swedish food isn’t always super interesting. Ever see a Swedish restaurant in your hometown? There are definitely some quintessentially Swedish foods you should try, such as meatballs and cinnamon rolls, but the best food in Sweden is the international cuisine and New Scandinavian cuisine. The Swedish restaurant experience can be frustrating, as many restaurants close early so if you’re used to eating late, you might miss dinner and end up eating street kebabs or fast food.

Hate #4: Prices in Sweden

Like most of Scandinavia, Sweden is expensive! I’d say it’s about 20% more than prices in the US. Plan to pay about $7 for a beer in Sweden. Dinner will be about $20 – $25, plus drinks. Sweden also has high taxes on alcohol, so expect to pay quite a bit to have a beer or cocktail with dinner. If you have a big meal at lunch, you can take advantage of lunch specials. Even public transportation is expensive in Sweden. On the bright side, if you’re visiting Sweden from Norway, the prices will seem cheap by comparison!

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #5: Lack of Public Toilets

Some cities, like Gothenburg, are fine, but many other cities don’t have a lot of public toilets. When you do find one, you usually have to pay. What’s even worse is that the pay toilets only take coins and Sweden is pretty much a cashless society, so it’s not common to carry coins around. However, I suggest having a few on hand just in case.

Love #1: Safety & Organization in Sweden

One of the best things about Sweden is that it’s super safe and very organized. You really do not have to worry about safety at all while you’re in Sweden. If you’ve watched a lot of our videos, you know that pickpockets are usually on the top of our list of “hates” but that’s not an issue in Sweden. Furthermore, Sweden is very organized. Transportation is easy to understand and there are tourist offices set up to help you out.

Read: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia Travel

Love #2: Nature in Sweden

Sweden is gorgeous! If you get the chance to travel around the country, you’ll see oceans, lakes, forests, the islands, and archipelago. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, boating or swimming, make sure you try to see some of Sweden outside of the major cities.

Love #3: Summer Days in Sweden

Most travelers visit Sweden in the summer, and you’ll enjoy daylight all day and almost all night. This gives you so much time to explore. Even the locals get totally excited to emerge from the darkness of winter, so you’ll find tons of festivals, live music, and art shows. Swedes love their festivals, especially Midsummer Festival.

Love #4: Swedish People

At first, the Swedes seem very reserved, but once you break through that outer shell, the people of Sweden are really fantastic. They love to show off their country and culture; it just takes a bit for them to warm up.

Love #5: Language in Sweden

Nearly everyone in Sweden speaks English very well. No matter where you go in Sweden, you won’t have trouble finding someone to help you in English. You’ll be shocked at how well they speak English and will even have a hard time detecting an accent sometimes.

Sweden is a really great place to visit, and easy to get around for first-time international travelers! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a trip to Sweden. Want to know more about traveling to Sweden? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What to Know Before You Visit Sweden

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Stockholm

Posted on July 19, 2019July 16, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Stockholm, Sweden! Sweden’s capital city is one of the coolest design cities and nightlife destinations in Europe. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, when you visit Stockholm.

Hate #1: Prices in Stockholm

Stockholm, like pretty much all of Scandinavia, is expensive. A meal, not including drinks, will cost around $25 to $30. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and even taxis are very expensive. It’s about 20-30% more expensive than traveling in the United States. On the bright side, it is cheaper than Oslo. There are a few ways to save money, including taking advantage of lunch specials or buying groceries instead of eating out. Fortunately, a lot of the things to do in Stockholm are free, so that helps a bit, too.

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Stockholm Bus Tickets

Taking public transportation is a great way to save money while traveling, but getting a bus ticket in Stockholm is surprisingly complicated. You cannot buy a bus ticket on the bus or at the bus stop. First, you have to buy a card and then load it up with how much money you think you will need to have on the card. You can buy these at convenience stores and kiosks, but they’re not on every street corner. What is nice, though, is that the card works for buses, trains and some ferries.

Hate #3: Stockholm “Face Control”

Stockholm has a lively nightlife scene, and some pretty cool bars and restaurants. A lot of them have bouncers, and the bouncers have a lot of discretion as to who is let into the establishment. It seems to vary from day to day, even at the same club. So, to improve your chances, you really have to step up and dress the part. Swedes in Stockholm really get dressed up to go out, and you should too if you want to get into some of the hottest clubs.

Hate #4: Service in Stockholm

Service levels in Stockholm are all over the place. It can vary from good to totally indifferent. It’s not that the Swedes aren’t nice people, they just aren’t overly attentive. If you want good service and attention from your server, you have to ask for it. It might feel like you are being rude, but you really just need to be assertive and be direct in your requests.

Hate #5: Stockholm Weather

If you visit Stockholm in the winter, be prepared for cold weather and very dark days. Stockholm summers are amazing with tons of daylight, but winters are unpredictable. You can have cold, rain and wind, so you need warm clothes and lots of layers.

Love #1: Stockholm Sightseeing

The city of Stockholm is fantastic and you can’t help but fall in love with the Old Town and the Royal Palace and the Cathedrals and shops. The design and architecture in the city are amazing. And then there are the day trips from Stockholm. You can hop a ferry to other islands or just ride around on the water. Skansen is a really cool open-air museum, and there are tons of cool museums. There’s even an ABBA museum!

Love #2: Stockholm Outdoors

When the weather is nice, everyone in Stockholm heads outside. You can hit up sidewalk cafes and outdoor bars, or you can head to one of many parks in the city. The Royal Palace has beautiful gardens you can stroll through. There are tons of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, cycling, and hiking.

Love #3: Safety in Stockholm

Stockholm is extremely safe, even late at night. Sure, you may run into a few drunks on the weekends, but it’s nothing you should worry about. There may be a few areas to avoid, but they aren’t someplace you would find yourself, and most importantly, you won’t see the typical tourist scams you would see in places like Paris, Barcelona or Rome.

Love #4: Ease of Travel

Stockholm is just an easy city to visit. Nearly everyone here speaks perfect English so you don’t have to worry about interpreting a foreign language. Between being extremely safe and not worrying about speaking a foreign language, it’s just easy to be a traveler in Stockholm. It’s also very kid-friendly and has good accessibility for disabled travelers.

Read: Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #5: Going Out in Stockholm

Between cafes and bars and nightclubs, there are a lot of fun options for going out in Stockholm. The restaurants in Stockholm are fantastic; not necessarily Swedish food, but there’s a great international food scene here if you’re willing to pay for it. Whether you prefer clubs or pubs, the nightlife scene in Stockholm is something to experience.

Obviously, we love Stockholm and can’t recommend it highly enough! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a trip to Stockholm. Want to know more about traveling to Sweden? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia Travel

Posted on July 15, 2019July 15, 2019 by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Helsinki Finland. For our purposes today, I’m considering Scandinavia to include Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. I know some people don’t consider Finland to be part of Scandinavia, but we’re counting it today! (You could even include Iceland in this list of loves and hates!) Here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new country. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, on your Scandinavia trip.

Hate #1: Prices in Scandinavia

Yes, everything is expensive in Scandinavia. Norway is the most expensive, but you’ll find much higher prices than other countries in Europe, like Germany. The biggest drawback to visiting Scandinavia is knowing how much money you are going to spend. (This is the only true “hate”; everything else on this list is more of mild irritation.)

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Weather and Darkness

From October through April, the weather in Scandinavia is not great. It’s cold, rainy and very dark. If you go as far north as Lapland, you’ll have almost 24 hours of darkness in the winter. The people have a more subdued, depressed state in the winters vs the smiling faces you will see in the summer when the weather is great.

Read: Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #3: Scandinavian Food

I love food, but there aren’t that many dishes that I love in Scandinavia. The salmon is good, anything with mushrooms or a mushroom sauce and the reindeer is unique. The cuisine just isn’t too exciting, but they do a good job of adapting other cuisines, so don’t be afraid to try Spanish or Italian restaurants as they’re not bad!

Hate #4: Alcohol

There are a few issues with respect to alcohol. There’s actually a lot of alcoholism in Scandinavia, and it’s not really a problem for tourists, but you might run into some drunken crowds late at night. This really just affects tourists when you want to buy alcohol, perhaps to have a drink at your hotel before going out. You can only buy alcohol at state-run liquor stores. They have weird hours and are very expensive.

Hate #5: Not Enough Bang for Your Buck

Scandinavia is gorgeous, but it can feel like you’re not quite getting enough for the money you’re spending. There are good museums, but they’re not the Louvre, yet they cost just as much. Once you resign yourself to just spending a lot of money and not worrying about the prices, you’re going to LOVE Scandinavia!

Love #1: Natural Beauty

You can’t even imagine how much natural beauty there is in Scandinavia. Seeing the fjords for the first time from Bergen, or the Northern Lights of Lapland are practically a religious experience. There are lakes, forests, islands and so much to explore; a visit to Scandinavia is really a nature vacation.

Love #2: National Pride

People in Scandinavia are really proud of their countries. They love to celebrate their history and share their culture with travelers. The festivals are a great way to experience Scandinavian culture, but you can really learn a lot from the locals about their country.

Love #3: Safety & Cleanliness

Maybe it’s due to that national pride, but the countries of Scandinavia are some of the safest countries in the world to visit. A lot of our travel guides talk about pickpockets in various parts of Europe and South America, but it’s not really an issue when you visit Scandinavia. The air is fresh and the streets are kept very clean. Because it’s so safe, Scandinavia is a great destination for newer travelers who want an overseas experience without some of the risks of larger European cities.

Love #4: Cities & Towns of Scandinavia

Stockholm and Oslo are both super cool; I change my mind often which one I like better. Copenhagen, Bergen, and Helsinki are all really fun to visit. The cities all have great museums, lots of culture and some nightlife. They are really perfectly sized cities for visitors; not too big to be overwhelming, but big enough to occupy several days of your trip.

Love #5; No Language Barrier

So many speak multiple languages in Scandinavia, and some of them speak better English than we do! You get all the benefits of experiencing a foreign culture, without having to mime things in the street to communicate with the locals. Best of all, they don’t get insulted at “having to” speak English. They do love it if you throw out a few local words, but there’s no attitude about using English. This is another reason Scandinavia is a great first-time overseas destination.

As you can see, I really love the countries of Scandinavia! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take Scandinavian vacation. Want to know more about Scandinavia travel? Check out some of our other blog posts!

10 Culture Shocks of Visiting Sweden for Tourists

Posted on February 21, 2019May 9, 2019 by admin

Ten Things That Will Shock You on Your Sweden Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re posting from Sweden. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks when you visit Sweden.

Sweden Vacation Shock #1: Buying Alcohol

If you want to buy alcohol in Sweden, you have to go to a special store, called the System Bolaget. You can buy beer at convenience stores, but liquor in Sweden is only sold at the government-run stores, which have very inconvenient hours. Don’t wait until evening or the weekends to buy alcohol in Sweden.

Sweden Vacation Shock #2: Swedish People Aren’t Actually Reserved

At first, the people in Sweden seem so reserved, but once Midsummer arrives, or any festival, the Swedes go crazy and love to sing along at festivals. The Swedes really loosen up at the festivals, which is a shock if you are used to the normally reserved nature of Sweden’s culture.

Sweden Vacation Shock #3: Natural Beauty of Sweden

As you travel around Sweden, you will be shocked at the natural beauty of Sweden. From the archipelagos to the forests, lakes and summer homes, Sweden has so much natural beauty. So, make sure you leave the cities during your Sweden vacation, and see all that Sweden has to offer.

Watch: Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Sweden

Sweden Vacation Shock #4: Extremes of Daylight in Sweden

Depending on when you visit, you’ll notice an extreme of daytime and nighttime in Sweden. If you visit Sweden in the summer, the sun is up before 5am and it stays light out until 10 or 11pm, even midnight around Midsummer. The flip-side is that winter in Sweden is very dark. The payoff for all that darkness, though, is the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Sweden Vacation Shock #5: Quiet Public Transport

If you take public transportation in Sweden, it’s shocking how quiet it is. People don’t really talk on the trains and buses in Sweden, and if you are being loud, locals may ask you to be quiet.

Sweden Vacation Shock #6: Attractiveness of the Swedes

It is really shocking how attractive everyone in Sweden is. The men and the women in Sweden are gorgeous. They also have a really keen fashion sense, and Sweden is known for cool design. So don’t be surprised if you feel like a schlub when walking amongst the beautiful people of Sweden.

Sweden Vacation Shock #7: Nudity is Normal

The Swedes are not prudes; they will often strip down nude to jump into the lake or the sauna. Obviously, this is more common in the summer, when it’s warm, but expect that you might see some nudity in Sweden.

Sweden Vacation Shock #8: Safety in Sweden

Sweden is such a safe country; we never worry about our safety when we visit Sweden. Unlike some other European countries and cities, you don’t have to be on high alert for pickpockets all the time, because nobody will bother you in Sweden. Of course, there are urban areas to avoid, and common travel sense must be used like anywhere else, but in general, Sweden is super safe.

Sweden Vacation Shock #9: Shopping on Sundays

A big shock for many travelers to Europe is finding many stores closed on Sundays. However, there are actually stores open on Sundays in Sweden, which is a nice surprise if you’ve gotten used to European shop hours.

Sweden Vacation Shock #10: Swedish Service

People in Sweden are very reserved, and it can be hard to get to know them. Likewise, the service in Sweden isn’t great. Servers in Sweden are paid very well, so they aren’t going above and beyond to get a tip from you. However, once you do get to know the Swedes, they are super friendly and helpful. (Knowing a few words of Swedish really helps!)

Watch: Tipping in Sweden

Sweden Vacation Shock #11: Swedish Line Culture

Queuing up in Sweden is a unique part of Swedish culture. When you get in line for something, you need a ticket just to wait in line, or your spot won’t count. Also, when you are in line, you really want to be right up next to the person in front of you. If you leave too much space, someone will fill it!

We hope these ten tips help you prepare to visit Sweden, and lessen the shocks you have upon arrival. Have you been to Sweden? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

14 Things Tourists Should NOT Do When They Visit Sweden

Posted on November 2, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

The Don’ts of Sweden: Sweden Tips for Travelers

Greetings from the Islands of Stockholm. Today, we’re sharing the don’ts of travel in Sweden, based on some of our best Sweden tips.

Sweden Tip #1 Don’t Ignore the Line Culture

Swedes love their line etiquette, and passionately adhere to it, even when there is no obvious line. Whether it’s at the bus, or the ferry, travelers should use caution not to jump any lines and flout the line culture of Sweden.

Sweden Tip #2 Don’t Wear Shoes Inside a Swedish Home

For travelers fortunate enough to be invited into a Swedish home, it’s important to remove shoes first. There is usually a place to put shoes near the door, and often hosts will have slippers available for guests to use.

Sweden Tip #3 Don’t Expect to Get Into a Club Without Dressing the Part

Many nightclubs in Sweden, especially Stockholm, use something called “face control.” Dressing up is a required part of going to nightclubs. Bouncers can reject anyone who they deem isn’t dressed accordingly. Sweden has some great fashion, so hit up an H&M before you hit the clubs, and you’ll be good to go.

Read: What to Know Before You Visit Sweden

Sweden Tip #4 Don’t Get Freaked Out About Visiting Sweden

Sweden has been getting a lot of news attention as of late, but it’s actually a very safe place to visit. If travelers stick to the parts they are supposed to, and avoid the areas they’re not supposed to visit, they’re very unlikely to experience any problems. Just like anywhere around the world, it’s best to pay attention and be aware of your surroundings, but there’s no need to avoid Sweden for safety issues.

Sweden Tip #5 Don’t Forget a Credit Card with a PIN

They don’t always take cash in Sweden, and to use a credit card, a PIN is often required. Transactions will go much smoother in Sweden if a PIN is readily available with a credit card purchase.

Sweden Tip #6 Don’t Bring Euros

Sweden uses the Swedish Crown, or the Krona. Going back to #6, don’t take a bunch of money from the ATM, as you’ll most often use a credit card in Sweden, so you won’t need much cash to get by.

Sweden Tip #7 Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation in Sweden

Unless you are coming from Norway, don’t expect low prices in Sweden. Drinking, eating and accommodation in Sweden are all quite expensive. A good way to balance out the expense of a vacation in Sweden is to also visit the Baltic countries, which are relatively affordable.

Read: Advice on Getting The Most Out of Traveling in Your 20’s

Sweden Tip #8 Don’t Expect Swedish Food to Wow You

New Scandinavian cuisine is actually really good, but traditional Swedish food like herring aren’t super exciting. There’s a reason you don’t see Swedish restaurants in every city. However, there are a few standouts, like Swedish cinnamon rolls.

Sweden Tip #9 Don’t Worry if You Don’t Speak Swedish

Swedish words are pretty complicated, and many times it’s not even possible to sound it or, or guess at what a word might mean. It’s OK; people throughout Sweden speak English really well. Also, don’t try out a “Swedish Chef” impression from the Muppets. They won’t get upset, but I wouldn’t recommend it!

Sweden Tip #10 Don’t Worry About Swedish Silence

Travelers are often caught off guard by the silence on buses and trains in Sweden. The Swedes are very reserved and quiet, so silence, or absence of talking, is very normal in Sweden. There’s nothing to be alarmed or upset about.

Sweden Tip #11 Don’t Let a Swede Trick You Into Surströmming

Surströmming is fermented Baltic herring, possibly the most pungent thing you can eat in Sweden. Sometimes, Swedes like to trick unsuspecting travelers into trying Surströmming. Don’t fall for it! If you decide to try it, do it outdoors, or your house/hotel will stink for a while!

Sweden Tip #12 Don’t Gawk at the Really Pretty Swedish People

People in Sweden are very good looking. The men and women are equally gorgeous. It can be unnerving, so just remember not to gawk.

Sweden Tip #13 Don’t Look for Bags of Swedish to Buy

Swedish Fish are sold in Sweden, but they come in the bulk section of the candy store. If you look for the bag you’re used to seeing in the States, you won’t find it.

Sweden Tip #14 Don’t Pronounce IKEA Incorrectly

It’s pronounced Eee-Kay-Ah, not Eye-Key-Ah as we say in the States. It’s nowhere near as popular in Sweden as it is in the United States, but you can visit one if you wish.

Our final don’t for Sweden is more personal advice. Don’t take a tour on a boat called “Broken.” Just take our word for it! Sweden is a really cool place that we highly recommend to all of our readers. For more Sweden travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts:

A Few Important Things to Know Before You Visit Sweden

Posted on August 14, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

Know Before You Go: Differences Between the US and Sweden

Greetings from Stockholm, Sweden! Today I’m sharing with you some of the differences between Sweden and the U.S. When you visit Sweden from the US, you’ll be more prepared with these Sweden travel tips!

Language in Sweden

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but they also speak English very well. This is one reason I recommend Sweden for first time international travelers who want to visit a non-English-speaking country but be able to get by with only English. If you want to learn a few Swedish phrases, these are easy:

Hi = Hej
Bye = adjö
Thank You = Tack

Money & Prices in Sweden

In Sweden, they tend to prefer credit cards as payment. To avoid any issues, make sure you have a PIN for your credit card or debit card, and try to bring cards that have the chip in them. When dealing with cash in Sweden, the currency is the Krona, SEK or Kr. In 2018, the Swedish exchange rate is about 9 Kr per US Dollar.

Swedish currency comes in bills and coins. There are 1000Kr bills, but beware of those, and ask for two 500Kr instead as it will be hard to spend. The other bills are 500Kr, 100Kr, 50Kr and 20Kr. Coins come in 10Kr, 5k, 1Kr and .50 Kr.

ATM’s are found throughout the cities, and this is the best exchange rate for withdrawing Swedish currency. There are also exchange houses around, but you won’t get as good of a rate as you would from an ATM. Be sure to call your banks ahead of time to let them know you’ll be using your cards in Sweden!

I find prices in Sweden to be about 20 to 30% more expensive than the U.S. So, it’s fairly expensive, but it’s worth it!

Swedish Restaurants

Plan on spending about $20 – $25 for a meal, without drinks in most Swedish restaurants.

Sweden in general has very good restaurants, especially in Stockholm. There’s a lot of great international cuisine throughout the country, so it’s not always traditional Swedish food at the best restaurants. Traditional food in Sweden includes meatballs and gravy, lots of potatoes, herring served many ways, crispy cracker bread, lingonberries and so much more. Check out our video “Swedish Food: What You Should Eat in Sweden.”

Service in Sweden

Tipping in Sweden is around 5%, but service in Sweden is not that great compared to American standards. You need to be proactive in your needs when it comes to Swedish service. The service isn’t overly friendly or helpful, which isn’t to say that the people aren’t friendly or helpful, you just have to ask for help. Swedish culture is just a little more reserved, but it sometimes gives the reputation of rudeness, which isn’t true.

Watch: Do You Tip in Sweden?

Drinking in Sweden

Try Swedish micro-brews for some good beer. In general, the beer isn’t great in Sweden. If you want something stronger, you have to go to a System Bolaget, which is the government-owned liquor store. These stores close at 1pm on Saturday and are closed on Sunday, so you really need to plan ahead if you want to make cocktails over the weekend. If you prefer to go in Sweden, be sure to dress the part. Many Swedish nightclubs enforce a dress code.

Ask a local for bar, restaurant and beer recommendations in Sweden.

Queuing Up in Sweden

Be prepared for less personal space in Sweden. When you’re waiting in line for something, be right up behind the person in front of you, or you could lose your spot. If you leave too much space in the line, others will assume you’re not waiting in line. We speak from experience on this one, having lost our spot in a breakfast line a few times!

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Sweden

Swedish Store Hours

Swedish stores are open on Sundays, which is unusual for Europe. This is a nice change, so you can do some shopping any day of the week.

Electrical Outlets in Sweden

Electrical outlets in Sweden are similar to the rest of Europe, with two round plugs.

Safety in Sweden

Sweden is super safe, with very low crime. There may be occasional pickpockets in big cities or in No Go neighborhoods.

Getting Around Sweden

Sweden has a very good public transportation system. Beware that the trains often run late, and it can be expensive. Sometimes getting public transportation tickets in Sweden can be difficult. It can be frustrating getting hold of a the card you need to load up for access to trains and buses.

Toilets in Sweden

Toilets in Sweden are normal, sit-down toilets. However, flushing can be a bit different. Sometimes, you have to hold the button down to release all of the water needed. Check the bowl before you walk away to ensure you don’t leave any surprises for the next visitor. As you are out and about in Sweden, there aren’t many public toilets. If you do find a public toilet in Sweden, be prepared to pay 10Kr to use it. It’s always good to have a few 5Kr and 10Kr coins in your pocket, should you need to use a public toilet.

Additional Sweden Travel Resources

Sweden is such a cool destination. We’ve got lots more Sweden travel videos to help you get ready for your trip.