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Red wooden houses with gabled roofs stand amid lush gardens, featuring blooming roses and manicured shrubs. A Swedish flag waves on a pole under a partly cloudy sky.

Summer in Sweden

Cities in Sweden you can't miss this summer

Stroll along the cobblestone streets. Take a morning swim in the ocean. Sip a cup of coffee on the terrace. Here are 5 tips for getting the most out of your holiday in Sweden's most beautiful cities to visit in the summer months.

A narrow cobblestone street winds through a village with colorful, tightly packed buildings featuring red-tiled roofs and pastel walls. Sunlight illuminates the scene, adding warmth to the quaint setting.

1. Visby

In the summer, Visby is an utterly magical place where the aroma of roses and ocean breezes, and the views of medieval byways, and the unique city walls inspire curiosity, and make it clear why this is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Cities.


Visby is full of cafes, restaurants, and outdoor dining areas along with a medieval atmosphere that makes for a glorious ambiance. Visit Sankt Hans Café, in the heart of town along the city walls, and nestled in a lush garden for a coffee or lunch. In the evenings, you can admire the views of the city and ocean from the Krönet restaurant, which serves medieval-inspired tapas dishes until sunset.


Just a short trip by bike or car outside of Visby, you can visit the stone-oven bakery and farm store Leva Kungslador--a perfect destination with freshly baked buns and breads. South of Visby is one of the Nordics' most beautiful locations--Tofta Strand with sun, swimming, activities, and beautiful views.

A medieval church towers above a town with colorful buildings. A stone wall and leafy trees surround the area. A fountain sprays water in a nearby park pond.
  • When to visit Visby

    Visby blooms in the summer months, but for a more relaxing stay, you can visit Gotland early in the summer.

  • Where to stay in Visby

    Stay in the heart of Visby, inside the medieval city walls, at Clarion Hotel® Wisby.

  • Tip!

    When you're in Gotland, you have to try Gute-style ice cream - an organic ice cream made locally and sold throughout Visby.

2. Kalmar

Experience one of Sweden's oldest cities, which has landed at the top of the list of Sweden's best cities to visit during summer year after year. Kalmar offers a rich cultural life, historical roots, and countless cosy cafes. Discover Kalmar Castle at Slottsholmen, considered by many to be one of Sweden's most important and beautiful fortresses.


For amazing coffee, you have to stop by Kullzénska Café a unique cafe with a homey atmosphere in the spirit of the 1800s. You can also enjoy the sunshine in their outdoor serving area right along one of the city's most charming pedestrian streets. Visit Gamla stan old town area, where you can wander around the cobblestone streets, alongside wooden houses, and enjoy a coffee or lunch at Krusenstiernska gården.


If you want to build in a day-trip, Lilla stenhuset an interior design boutique, is just a short drive outside of Kalmar in the Smaland countryside, with a carefully curated selection of goods. South of Kalmar is Villa Famiglia with a beautiful garden, bistro with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, coffee, art gallery, and shop - all assembled together in one fantastic spot.

Colorful wooden houses with red, yellow, and blue façades line a quiet street. Each house features plant boxes filled with flowers beneath the windows, contributing to a picturesque neighborhood.
  • When to visit Kalmar

    Kalmar is delightful all summer - from the rainy days to the very warmest of summer weather.

  • Where to stay in Kalmar

    You can stay right on the water at Home Hotel Packhuset which includes both breakfast, afternoon snack, and dinner.

  • Tip!

    Take the bridge to Öland to explore Borgholm, beautiful beaches, and unique natural spaces.

A historic stone castle sits on grassy banks with three green copper-roofed towers, surrounded by a moat under a cloudy sky.

3. Halmstad

It's easy to see why Halmstad is often voted one of Sweden's best cities to visit in the summer- it is a city that embodies summer vibes right down to its core, with the ocean and beautiful beaches right nearby. Halmstad is a charming large city in miniature, with much to offer right in the vicinity. Golf courses, bike paths, walking paths, and a wide array of charming outdoor cafes make this a bustling summer destination, well worth a visit.


For a dream summer holiday by the sea, visit Söderpieren on Västra beach in Halmstad. The hotel has a cafe, a restaurant, and access to a hot tub and event spaces with unbeatable views of the ocean. Just a short bike ride away, you'll find Restaurant Fyr right by the water, where you can enjoy the late summer evenings with the sound of the water in the background. A 15-minute drive away is Tylösand with its 400 square metres of sandy beaches, restaurants, ice cream, beach activities, and places for post-beach-day drinks, where you can cool off with a cold one.

A sandy beach stretches alongside the ocean, bordered by grassy dunes under a clear sky. People are leisurely walking and sunbathing along the shoreline.
  • Where to stay in Halmstad

    Right beside Norre Katts Park is the cosy Home Hotel Norre Park, which includes breakfast, afternoon snack, and dinner in the price of your stay.

  • When to visit Halmstad

    In high summer! Spend the summer's sunniest days on the beach.

  • Tip!

    Not ready to head home after a day on the beach? At Solgården in Hotel Tylösand there is a daily after-party with great vibes, live music, and free entry.

4. Helsingborg

Helsingborg has everything you could dream up for a true summer holiday - it's a perfect destination for summer. Enjoy the views of the city from Möllebackens Restaurant & Cafe--a waffle factory and well-known favourite in the heart of Helsingborg.


To get closer to the water, stop by Strandhuset which offers fantastic meals, views of the ocean, and swimming areas directly nearby.


A 15-minute drive north of Helsingborg is the beautiful Sofiero Castle and Garden. It was previously a royal summer residence where guests can now enjoy coffee, lunch, or dinner.

A red-brick clock tower rises above colorful city rooftops in a sprawling urban landscape, with a blue sky and distant sea in the background.
  • When to visit Helsingborg

    Helsingborg is perfect for a visit all summer long - regardless of the weather!

  • Where to stay in Helsingborg

    Stay in the heart of the city, Home Hotel Grand, Helsingborg or if you're after ocean views, Clarion Hotel® Sea U is absolutely unbeatable.

  • Tip!

    Take the ferry over to Helsingør and explore the Danish coastal city.

A small rocky island with a few buildings stands in a calm sea under a cloudy sky, with distant land visible on the horizon.

5. Strömstad

Do you want to experience the Swedish archipelago on the west coast? Then Strömstad is a perfect destination this summer, with its idyllic stretch of ocean, magical views, and relaxed atmosphere. Check out the boats along the quay or Kallbadhust along the promenade - where the summer vibes radiate everywhere.


If you like golf, Strömstad Golfklubb is just a stone's throw away, and if you really want to explore the natural spaces in the area, there are lots of cycling and walking paths.

Red wooden boathouses with docks line a calm waterfront. In the background, white houses with orange roofs rise on a hill under a clear blue sky.
  • When to visit Strömstad

    The city is fantastic in August when crayfish season is in full swing.

  • Where to stay in Strömstad

    Enjoy a spa day at Strömstad Spa & Resort with Finnish sauna and outdoor hot tub with ocean views.

  • Tip!

    Take the ferry over to the Kosterøyene (Koster Islands) and discover unique natural spaces, beaches, and restaurants.

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