Looking for an autumn weekend in Sweden? It's getting darker and darker, but we still have nice days, and what could be better than a weekend getaway? Today we're sharing 11 great cities to visit this autumn, whether you're travelling by campervan, car or even train.
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Autumn weekend in Sweden
This year we've travelled a lot in Sweden, so it's nice to be able to give you some tips on Swedish destinations. Today we offer tips on 11 Swedish cities that could be perfect for an autumn weekend in Sweden. Please note that the links go to articles that contain both summer and year-round tips. Stay tuned!
1. Trollhättan (Västergötland)
Trollhättan has grown up along the Göta River and the mighty Trollhätte Falls. It has seen three rounds of lock construction, industries and the manufacture of Saab cars. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Experiencing the lock area
- Admire the view from the Kopparklinten mountain.
- Visit the SAAB Car Museum
2. Norrtälje (Uppland)
Norrtälje is an idyllic archipelago town with beautiful old wooden houses, charming alleys and cosy cafés. However, many of the museums are only open in the summer. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend in Sweden:
- Stroll through charming neighbourhoods
- Hanging out in cosy cafes
- Walk along the river
3. Vadstena (Östergötland)
In Vadstena, history is everywhere. The castle and abbey church rise high above all other buildings, just as they did in the Middle Ages. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Take a tour of Vadstena Castle
- Visit the Sancta Birgitta Abbey Museum
- Stroll in cosy neighbourhoods
4. Kristianstad (Skåne)
Kristianstad, and the area around Kristianstad, offers everything from castles and charming farms to wonderful nature experiences and delicious, locally produced food. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Learn about animals and nature at Vattenriket Nature Centre
- Enjoy a good dinner at Kipper's cellar.
- Take a trip to the charming town of Åhus
5. Västerås (Västmanland)
The old city centre of Västerås is filled with winding alleys and charming wooden houses. The Svartån river also flows through here. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend in Sweden:
- Stroll among the wooden houses at Kyrkbacken.
- Swim in Sweden's first action pool Kokpunkten
- Experience nature at Djäkneberget
6. Söderköping (Östergötland)
Söderköping is an idyllic little town on the Göta Canal. The town had its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries, and was also the setting for the Madicken films. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Walking in the old Drothem neighbourhood
- Make your way up the Ramunderberget mountain for great views
- Take an excursion to Stegeborg Castle ruins!
7. Stockholm
The Swedish capital has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and museums, but also nature. It's almost impossible to choose, but here are the top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Djurgården
- Drottningholm Castle
- Oceanbus amphibious bus
8. Vänersborg (Västergötland)
Vänersborg is the start of the Trollhätte Canal, but it also has beautiful scenery and interesting museums. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Visit the Museum of Vänersborg
- Hiking in the Halle and Hunneberg escarpments
- Walking or cycling in Skräckle Park
9. Motala (Östergötland)
Motala likes to call itself the capital of the Göta Canal, and that's not a bad description. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend in Sweden:
- Cycling along the Göta Canal
- Strolling in the harbour
- Visit the Motala Motor Museum
10. Trosa (Södermanland)
Trosa is a cosy little town with narrow alleys and beautiful wooden houses. Top 3 things to see and do during an autumn weekend:
- Walk along the canal
- Hang out in restaurants and cafés
- Take a trip to Tullgarn Castle (currently not open for tours).
11. Sigtuna (Uppland)
Sigtuna is the very oldest town in Sweden, of those that still exist. It was founded around 980 by Erik Segersäll, father of the first Christian king of Sweden, Olov Skötkonung. Top 3 things to see and do in Sigtuna during an autumn weekend:
- See historical remains from the Bronze Age and Iron Age
- Coffee at Tant Brun's coffee shop
- Walk along the seafront
More tips on great cities for an autumn weekend in Sweden?
Do you have any other tips for great cities to visit during an autumn weekend in Sweden? Let us know!
Liniz Travel says:
Great tips! Karlstad and Gothenburg are nice too!
Hugs
15 October 2020 - 8:17
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! Gothenburg is obviously a great weekend city! I considered mentioning Gothenburg, but since we don't have many good tips (since we've been there), I dropped it.
15 October 2020 - 17:40
Elisabeth says:
Nice and familiar cities! Many of them very windy in late autumn. So put on windproof clothes!
15 October 2020 - 8:25
Helena says:
Yes, autumn is autumn in Sweden! Good clothes make the experience better! 🙂
15 October 2020 - 17:40
Ditte says:
Great tips! And yes, Sweden has a lot to offer in most areas.
15 October 2020 - 9:40
Helena says:
That's right! And this year at least we have become even better at discovering Sweden! 🙂
15 October 2020 - 17:41
Ama de casa says:
Many great tips! But I think we will stay in Spain for a while longer.
Have fun!
15 October 2020 - 9:50
Helena says:
Hope you have a nice autumn in Spain! 🙂
15 October 2020 - 17:41
Travel Friday/Annika says:
Recently came home from an autumn dressed Visby, loved every second. Perfect for an autumn weekend!
I also think that most Swedish cities have something to offer in the autumn, but that we Swedes are unfortunately pretty much set in our minds that we MUST have heat to prolong the summer feeling....
15 October 2020 - 14:06
Helena says:
Lovely, what a great tip! Yes, you may have a point. You may have to rethink a little there, that it's about getting away and having an experience, not just heat 😉.
15 October 2020 - 17:45
bmlarstravellingblog says:
What great tips for short trips! Some of the cities, including Vadstena and Motala, we have visited now after the high season and we hope there will be more this winter....
15 October 2020 - 18:43
BP says:
I'll probably take Norrtälje and Sigtuna. The picture you posted from Norrtälje reminds me that Norrtälje looks different from three or four years ago when we were last there. The harbour area is totally changed now that the high-rise buildings have replaced the old silos. Maybe it's time to explore the "new" Norrtälje.
15 October 2020 - 21:20
TravelAnna says:
Great list with good tips! I realise that I haven't explored Vänersborg and Kristianstad properly. Great that you not only the "most common" cities as a destination. I am going to Trosa myself shortly, it will be cosy!
Your own tips? Yes, my current hometown Strängnäs of course! Have just published a moderate post with tips on things to do in this Mälaridyll. 🙂
https://www.newyorkmybite.com/en-dag-i-strangnas-har-ar-11-tips-pa-saker-att-se-och-gora/
16 October 2020 - 14:05
Lena in Wales and Spain says:
Oh, how I want to travel around Sweden, but it will probably take some time, unfortunately.
Have a nice weekend!
17 October 2020 - 12:30