Beautiful small towns in Sweden! In summer, it's great to visit those picturesque and idyllic towns with charming alleys and cosy outdoor cafés. Here we recommend 40 Swedish towns, both small and larger, that are perfect for a summer holiday or excursion.
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Small towns in Sweden
There are many beautiful small towns in Sweden, as well as larger cities with cosy neighbourhoods. In this list we've gathered our favourites, and added some cities we haven't visited yet, but which are on our bucket list.
1. Hunnebostrand
Hunnebostrand is a picturesque fishing village on the west coast of Sweden, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, blue sea and shades of blue. Here you can enjoy fresh fish and a genuine coastal feel.
2. Strängnäs
Strängnäs is a historic town on the beautiful banks of Lake Mälaren, with an impressive cathedral and charming old buildings. Here the past and present meet in a harmonious blend.
3. Mariefred
Mariefred is an idyllic gem on the waters of Lake Mälaren, with its well-preserved Gripsholm Castle, inn, steamboat and steam train. Here you can wander among beautiful houses and enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
4. trosa
Trosa is a charming seaside town with a romantic touch. Picturesque wooden houses, a nice harbour and many restaurants attract visitors. Here you can stroll along the canal and enjoy a genuine summer town atmosphere.
5. Söderköping
Söderköping is a historic town dating back to the Middle Ages. The old town offers pastel-coloured alleys and picturesque squares. Here you can taste Söderköping's ice cream and experience the Göta Canal lock.
6. Smögen
Smögen is a popular summer destination on the west coast, with colourful boathouses, fresh seafood and beautiful sunsets. Stroll along the pier and enjoy the boating, the smell of salt water and the sea outside.
7. Norrköping
Norrköping is an industrial city with a rich history and charm. With its beautiful canals and impressive industrial landscape, you can explore art and culture and feel the pulse of the city's old neighbourhoods.
8. Vadstena
Vadstena is a historical gem on the clear waters of Lake Vättern. Wander along the medieval alleys and visit impressive sites such as Vadstena Castle and St Birgitta's Abbey.
9. Gränna
Gränna is an idyllic small town on the coast of Lake Vättern, best known for its colourful candy canes. Here you can stroll the charming alleys, enjoy the view of Lake Vättern or take a boat trip to Visingsö.
10. Eksjö
Eksjö is a small town in Småland known for its well-preserved wooden buildings. The town has over 50 beautiful wooden houses that are classified as listed buildings, making it one of the best preserved wooden towns in northern Europe.
11. Klädesholmen
Klädesholmen is a picturesque island in the Gothenburg archipelago known for its historic herring production and charming fishing village character. Here you can enjoy fresh fish, beautiful beaches and a genuine seaside atmosphere.
12. Visby
Visby is a UNESCO heritage site and a medieval town on the coast of Gotland. With its city walls and cobblestone alleys, this is a historical treasure where you can explore ruins and Gotlandic culture.
13. Karlskrona
Karlskrona is a UNESCO heritage site and marine town located on an island in the Blekinge archipelago. Here you can experience the beautiful archipelago, stroll on Stumholmen and see all the idyllic wooden houses.
14. squid
Kalmar is a historic town on the Baltic Sea coast with an impressive castle and a well-preserved old town centre. Wander through cobbled streets, see well-preserved wooden houses from the past and enjoy cosy cafés.
15. Fiskebäckskil
Fiskebäckskil is an idyllic fishing village on the Swedish west coast. Here, you can experience red cottages, a picturesque harbour, fresh fish, salty sea breezes and captain's villas scattered around, giving it a cosy feel.
16. Borgholm
Borgholm is a picturesque town on Öland. The town is best known for Solliden Castle and Borgholm Castle Ruin, which are popular tourist destinations. Borgholm is beautifully situated on the coast and offers fine beaches and scenic surroundings.
17) Kristianopel
Kristianopel is a historic town on the Baltic Sea coast in south-eastern Sweden. It was founded in the 17th century as a fortified harbour and played an important role in Sweden's history. Today Kristianopel is a charming little town with preserved ruins, picturesque houses and beautiful nature.
18. Simrishamn
Simrishamn is a beautiful coastal town in Österlen, Skåne. The town is known for its picturesque harbour, fishing village and charming wooden houses. Simrishamn also offers a rich maritime history, art scenes and proximity to beautiful beaches.
19. Ängelholm
Ängelholm is a pleasant town located in north-west Skåne. The city offers beautiful beaches along the coast. Ängelholm also has a well-preserved old town centre and several museums.
20. Lund
Lund is a historic city in Skåne. The city is known for its prestigious university, founded in 1666. Lund also attracts visitors with its beautiful cathedral, charming streets and squares and a lively cultural scene.
21) Varberg
Varberg is a picturesque coastal town in Halland. The town is known for its impressive fortress castle, Varberg Fortress, which stands on a cliff by the sea. Varberg also offers beautiful beaches, scenic surroundings and a thriving cultural life.
22nd Marstrand
Marstrand is an idyllic island and a popular holiday resort on the west coast, outside Gothenburg. The town is known for its beautiful archipelago, its picturesque wooden houses and the impressive Carlsten fortress that watches over the island.
23. Hjo
Hjo is a charming small town on the northern shore of Lake Vättern. Here you can see a well-preserved town centre and beautiful wooden villas. You can also hang out in the cosy harbour or go on boat trips.
24th Grundsund
Grundsund is a picturesque fishing village on the west coast of Sweden. It is characterised by its colourful wooden houses, its cosy harbour and its genuine fishing traditions. Grundsund is a popular destination for sailing, fishing and relaxing by the sea.
25th Mariestad
Mariestad is a charming town on the northern shore of Lake Vänern in Västergötland. The town is characterised by its well-preserved wooden buildings and the impressive cathedral. The area also offers opportunities for great nature experiences.
26th Lysekil
Lysekil is an idyllic coastal town on the Gullmarsfjord on the west coast of Sweden. The town is known for its beautiful archipelago, rocky coastline and historic wooden houses. Lysekil also offers an excellent range of fish and seafood dishes.
27. Nora
Nora is a historic small town in Bergslagen. The town is known for its well-preserved wooden buildings and its charming atmosphere. Nora offers visitors opportunities for cultural experiences, antique shops and beautiful surroundings close to lakes and forests.
28. Strömstad
Strömstad is a beautiful coastal town on the west coast of Sweden, close to the Norwegian border. It has a beautiful archipelago and it is possible to take boat trips to the Koster Islands.
29. askersund
Askersund is a charming little town located on Lake Vättern in Sweden. The town is characterised by its idyllic harbour, beautiful wooden houses and picturesque town centre.
30. Västerås
Västerås is a historic city located in Mälardalen. The city is known for its rich industrial history, its impressive cathedral and the old Kyrkbacken which is a fantastic wooden house neighbourhood.
31. Old Town church town
Gammelstad is a unique and well-preserved church town located in Luleå, in northern Sweden. The town is known for its impressive collection of over 400 17th century houses and the stone church. Gammelstad is a World Heritage Site and an important historical and cultural location.
32. Grebbestad
Grebbestad is a picturesque fishing village on the west coast, in northern Bohuslän. The town is known for its rich fishing tradition and delicious seafood. Grebbestad offers beautiful cliffs and charming harbour areas.
33. Falkenberg
Falkenberg is a beautiful coastal town located on the Halland coast in Sweden. The town offers visitors opportunities for sun and swimming, walks along the long sandy beach and a cosy atmosphere with good restaurants and cafés.
34. Säter
Säter is a charming town located in Dalarna. The town is known for its beautiful wooden buildings and its well-preserved old town centre. Säter also offers a rich history and lush nature.
35. Torekov
Torekov is an idyllic coastal town on the Bjäre Peninsula in Skåne. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, its rocky coastline and its picturesque harbour. Torekov offers visitors opportunities for relaxation, sun and bathing as well as proximity to nature reserves and hiking trails.
36. Ystad
Ystad is a historic town on the southern coast of Skåne. It has a well-preserved medieval town centre, charming cobbled streets and beautiful beaches. You can also follow in the footsteps of the famous police series 'Wallander', which is set here.
37. Sigtuna
Sigtuna is a historic town on Lake Mälaren. It is known as one of Sweden's oldest towns, founded in the 10th century. Sigtuna offers well-preserved ruins, cobbled streets and a genuine atmosphere that takes you back in time.
38. Öregrund
Öregrund is a charming coastal town in Roslagen. The town is known for its beautiful wooden houses, its picturesque harbour and its long sandy beach. Öregrund offers relaxation by the sea, boat trips to the archipelago and a genuine archipelago town feel.
39. Vaxholm
Vaxholm is a popular archipelago town in the Stockholm archipelago. Here you will find, among other things, the impressive fortress Vaxholm Castle. Vaxholm offers charming wooden houses, a pleasant harbour and opportunities for boat trips and archipelago experiences.
40. Norrtälje
Norrtälje is an idyllic town on the Norrtälje Bay in Roslagen. The city is known for its well-preserved wooden houses, its cosy square and its charming harbour. Norrtälje offers cultural experiences, shopping and proximity to beautiful nature and the archipelago.
More tips for beautiful small towns in Sweden?
Do you have even more tips for beautiful small towns in Sweden? Let us know!
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Nyköpingshus - the site of Nyköping's guest house.
Noor's castle - a Carolingian wooden castle in Uppland
Castles in Sweden - 30 very beautiful Swedish castles
Artwork Nimis - directions and interesting facts
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Petra says:
Fun list and many great tips on cities to visit! Have visited 18 of these 🥰.
15 July 2023 - 8:24
Helena says:
Well done! There are many nice cities in Sweden! 🙂
15 July 2023 - 11:46
Magnus says:
Västerås and Norrköping can hardly be classified as small towns in Sweden...
16 July 2023 - 14:03
Helena says:
Quite true really! As we wrote in the introduction, we also included some larger cities that we think have a cosy city centre. But that selection can be questioned, of course.
17 July 2023 - 7:19
Mr Håkan Hellqvist says:
Mölle is a nice little coastal town!
Also Arild, which is next door on the Kulla peninsula.
17 July 2023 - 16:44
Lotta says:
Västerås city centre is supermysig🙌🏾🌺☀️🌺.
18 July 2023 - 9:10
Lisbeth Jönsson says:
LAHOLM IN SOUTHERN HALLAND IS
A NICE OLD TOWN DATING BACK TO THE 13TH CENTURY! IS NICELY SITUATED NEXT TO THE LAGOON.
HAS A NICE CITY PARK THAT HAS BEEN THE PARK OF THE YEAR.
21 July 2023 - 21:48
Erik says:
Since 1971, not a single city in Sweden...
16 July 2023 - 22:24
Helena says:
That's true, but in common parlance you often say cities, so that's why we used that word.
17 July 2023 - 7:20
Anonymous says:
Here an old beautiful old town in Norrland, Härnösand town in 1585. There is also a Sweden north of the Dalälven river.
19 July 2023 - 13:23
Mr Holger says:
A bit strange with only one city north of Roslagen. But perhaps you have not been north of Uppsala? Or maybe you think that there are no qualitatively beautiful small towns north of Roslagen apart from the old town.
17 July 2023 - 12:23
Mr Mattias says:
What are you talking about? Do you usually say that e.g. Gothenburg is? A collection of buildings? What ended in 1971 was an ADMINISTRATIVE reform, not a change in the Swedish language.
27 July 2023 - 9:37
Christina Högström says:
Västervik for example! A real summer town with the magnificent Slottsholmen and the picturesque Båtmansgränd and much more!!!
17 July 2023 - 8:57
Mr Christher says:
Why is Piteå not included?
17 July 2023 - 11:55
Mr Forsberg says:
Öregrund is not on the Bay of Norrtälje.
17 July 2023 - 0:22
Helena says:
Thank you for pointing this out! It was a mistake that we have now corrected.
17 July 2023 - 7:21
Lisa Ivansdotter-Olson says:
Sunne in Värmland should be added to the list of small towns worth seeing - Selma Lagerlöf's Mårbacka is close by and there is a hotel where you can bring your dogs.
Beautiful surroundings on the Fryken
17 July 2023 - 7:35
Anonymous says:
There is no town in Norrland to visit in the list. Gammelstad is part of Luleå and has no wooden church. Only a stone church. The design of the list clearly shows that Norrland has not been honoured with a visit.
17 July 2023 - 17:14
Ulla Pettersson says:
It is strange that there is no place in northern Sweden, apart from Gammelstad, that is of interest. It shows ignorance and disinterest. You can do better.
19 July 2023 - 22:17
Eva says:
Totally agree. I think it is a sad and stupid attitude.
21 July 2023 - 10:49
Anonymous says:
Agree with everyone who wrote who lives north of the Dalälven. We are, as usual, not included because Norrland does not seem to count at all to Sweden..strange that🤔 There are so many nice places to visit in Norrland so it is a shame that we are not allowed to be on the list.
20 July 2023 - 12:28
Roy Johns says:
If you have not visited Arboga then you have missed a medieval town. In 1435, Sweden's first parliament was held here. There are many old wooden houses along the Arbogaån river.
03 August 2023 - 22:36
Only British says:
How have you managed to miss Västervik??? The Båtsmansstugorna and the wooden quarters there are famous, as are those on Gamla Norr, the Visfestivalen and the archipelago... Every year the city ends up in one of the top positions when lists of Sweden's summer cities appear.
15 July 2023 - 8:46
Helena says:
Västervik seems very charming! Well, I don't know why we didn't think of Västervik, but thanks for the tip!
15 July 2023 - 11:48
Knob-roll says:
Never visited GBG. It is a dream. My life is in danger of being overlooked in the same way as a person who missed Bremenshaven and lives outside Hamburg.
16 July 2023 - 18:56
Lars sahlqvist says:
Säter is not close to Lake Siljan!
Why is Falun not on the list?
With the mine and the wooden city
17 July 2023 - 6:35
Helena says:
That is absolutely true! There had been a mistake there that we have corrected. Falun could definitely have been included!
17 July 2023 - 7:22
Ivar Johansson says:
There were few cosy towns north of Gävle. The listed cities are very similar to each other. I just visited the beautiful Höga Kusten. Must it be cities - not towns?
17 July 2023 - 21:32
Arne Lindh says:
You are a real 08 if you count Norrköping, Västerås and Lund among the cosy small towns. We thank you from "Peking".
15 July 2023 - 9:14
Helena says:
Yes, they are pretty big cities, it's true. We probably got lost in the idea of cosy neighbourhoods ...
15 July 2023 - 11:50
Maija Lalic-Israelsson says:
You have forgotten cosy Valdemarsvik 🤔🤔.
20 July 2023 - 20:53
Ditte says:
Fun list and figured out that I visited all the places... There are so many nice small/large cities/resorts in the north as well. Yes, the whole country has so many nice things to offer.
Considered Tällberg, (and many places in Dalarna) Luleå with Gammelstad, Kalix, Arjeplog, Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna and lots of mountain villages.
Yes, Sweden is fantastic.
Wishing you a nice trip and that the weather stays the same.
15 July 2023 - 12:10
Helena says:
Impressive that you visited all of them! And thanks for more great tips!
17 July 2023 - 7:22
Håkan Freij says:
Why is kungsbacka not included?
17 July 2023 - 10:32
Mr Ingemar says:
Is there absolutely no "cosy place" north of Västerås? Where do you come from
20 July 2023 - 15:41
Mrs Anne says:
Missing tips on all the beautiful smaller and personal towns in Norrland
16 July 2023 - 10:15
Christina Mattsson says:
Båstad
16 July 2023 - 16:26
Otherwise says:
Rättvik is number one on this list! HOW is it possible that the town is not even included?!
16 July 2023 - 11:09
Helena says:
Rättvik would certainly fit perfectly on the list too! Thanks for the tip! (The numbers do not represent any value, however, but are only a numbering).
17 July 2023 - 7:23
Helena Wikman says:
When did Västerås become a small town? Sixth largest city in Sweden over 100,000 inhabitants! 🤔
At the same time, there are a lot of nice real small towns missing from the list.
16 July 2023 - 11:46
Helena says:
You are right about that, and as we answered before (and as we wrote in the introduction), we also included some larger cities with cosy city centres or areas. But the selection is of course questionable.
17 July 2023 - 7:24
Norrland is the best says:
Hudiksvall. And small villages around it, like Enånger etc.
17 July 2023 - 21:09
David Jinder says:
Gävle is a nice summer town.
16 July 2023 - 12:50
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips!
17 July 2023 - 7:25
Anonymous says:
I also wonder how they could have missed Västervik.
16 July 2023 - 13:00
Helena says:
Västervik would certainly fit perfectly on the list! Thanks for the tip!
17 July 2023 - 7:25
Maj Löwengreen says:
Many of the beautiful places are not cities in Sweden.
16 July 2023 - 13:06
Get-Ante says:
Exactly
17 July 2023 - 5:57
Anonymous says:
There are no beautiful cities in northern Sweden.
All of these were from the south of the country...
16 July 2023 - 19:24
Anonymous says:
Fully agree!
It's a bit of a stretch to miss half of Sweden's surface area.
17 July 2023 - 7:06
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
My old hometown of Enköping would have been suitable if they hadn't demolished so much and done something about what we call the pit, i.e. the place where the old city hotel was located. But nearby are Sala and Arboga, two nice small towns.
17 July 2023 - 5:51
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips Anna!
17 July 2023 - 7:26
Anna-Lena Larsson says:
The nice small towns of Ulricehamn and Alingsås are missing from the list.
17 July 2023 - 9:46
Gunnel says:
WHAT did Skanör-Falsterbo become of
17 July 2023 - 8:05
Helena says:
Great tips! We have so far only visited the beaches there, and they were fantastic!!!
20 July 2023 - 8:48
Krissie says:
Åmål in Västra Götaland is a very small but beautiful lakeside town. Surrounded by water, beaches, deciduous forest and meadows. I think there is a lot of interesting things if you like music, literature and other art. Has one of the country's finest golf courses, it is said. Unfortunately, poor or completely outdated accommodation in the city, but to the south there is an extremely nice and affordable accommodation called upperud 99.
17 July 2023 - 10:21
Helena says:
Thank you very much for the tips!
20 July 2023 - 8:49
Mr Håkan Hellqvist says:
Then there's beautiful Karlshamn with its Baltic Sea Festival starting on Wednesday 19 July!
17 July 2023 - 16:52
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! We haven't been there yet, but we have something to look forward to!
20 July 2023 - 8:50
Arne Östlund says:
Too bad you missed Eskilstuna. Köpmangatan with its frontage on the river, with houses that are a hundred years old and more, is as picturesque and beautiful as ever.
There is also the Rademacher's Forges, a centuries-old industrial monument. Also very picturesque.
There are also many beautiful old industrial buildings in the centre.
17 July 2023 - 19:13
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! We will look around a bit more in Eskilstuna at some point!
20 July 2023 - 8:51
Christian says:
Great list, thanks!
Arboga was missing, https://sv.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arboga
Became a town in the 13th century, there are some really old houses left. The best time to go is during Medieval Week in August.
20 July 2023 - 9:40
Lena - good for the soul says:
How many cosy cities there are! I could check at least 21 of them. I saw that Anna mentioned my home town, Enköping. Although the city centre is not the most beautiful with nice buildings, it is a beautiful city with all the parks. Very appreciated by many.
Hug Lena
17 July 2023 - 20:13
Helena says:
Not bad! Yes, there are many nice places! We will look around a little more in Enköping on occasion!
20 July 2023 - 8:52
Daniel on the Experience Blog says:
"Beautiful small towns in Sweden's southern third" would be a more appropriate title when only one place north of the centre qualifies for the list and the majority are places south of Stockholm/Örebro/Karlstad? I realise that Sweden is long and that you can't keep track of everything but... well, no. I have to give a nod to beautiful Funäsdalen, Tänndalen, Ramundberget, Klövsjö (named Sweden's most beautiful village) but also Håverud, Sunne, Mora if we are still in the lower half of the country.
That said - welcome to the north. 😉
18 July 2023 - 11:39
Helena says:
Hi Daniel! Yes, we have understood the criticism and we take it to heart, of course. We have chosen cities that we have visited and we have visited fewer cities/resorts in northern Sweden. But we are on our way there now. We are travelling north along the Finnish coast and then enter Sweden. Then we have a few weeks to look around. We are looking forward to that!
20 July 2023 - 8:55
Daniel on the Experience Blog says:
Sounds like a really nice road trip! Fun!
20 July 2023 - 13:16
KarinCarnby says:
Wrong heading:
Should read SOUTHERN Sweden.
Misleading in geographical terms.
By the way, I agree that in every small town, municipality, city or place there are gems to visit.
20 July 2023 - 8:06
Helena says:
Hi Karin! We understand the criticism and accept it. We have travelled much less in northern Sweden, which is reflected in our personal selection. But we are heading towards Norrland now (via Finland) so there will be much more about northern Sweden here. Maybe we can make a new list, or supplement this one. The term "southern Sweden" is tricky because it is unclear what is meant.
20 July 2023 - 8:59
Mr Anders Öhlund says:
1 place north of the Dalälven river, you have left out almost 75% of Sweden. But it's business as usual.
Make a new better 160 list with only 1 place south of the Dalälven river.
But that's not likely to happen in the usual way.
20 July 2023 - 8:29
Helena says:
Hi Anders! The 160 - 1 list may not happen, but new lists (or an improved one perhaps?) can definitely happen. We are on our way to Norrland right now (via Finland).
20 July 2023 - 9:00
Eva says:
So a fair article that does not discriminate against half of Sweden will be published in the autumn when the topic is out of date?
21 July 2023 - 10:58
Rva says:
You are absolutely right. It's pure discrimination because they also publish the list just in time for the holiday season. Ugh, how bad.
21 July 2023 - 10:55
Hälsingland says:
How marvellous! Is this a list produced by the Tidö parties? There is actually a Sweden north of the Dalälven river too...🤯
20 July 2023 - 8:47
Helena says:
We have travelled considerably less in northern Sweden, which is reflected in our selection, as we want to write entirely about places we know well. But we're heading to northern Sweden right now (via Finland), so you can expect a lot more content from that part of Sweden soon!
20 July 2023 - 9:02
Anonymous says:
Never mind, you've already "burned your bridges". Stay within the borders, I know.
20 July 2023 - 20:25
Daniel on the Experience Blog says:
So you can't visit more places? An incredibly stupid comment. Where and when do you draw the line at "staying inside the borders"? Sounds just as narrow as what you accuse Freedom of being. 🙃
20 July 2023 - 22:48
Nisse says:
Embarrassing southern Sweden to Mälardalen focus.
20 July 2023 - 9:37
Ditte says:
I think it is sad with all the negative comments from "offended" readers. Would like to see a much nicer and more positive tone in many of the comments. You can think whatever you want, but on the other hand it is not necessary to include it in sour and patronising comments.
Of course, it's hard to pick and choose, and Helena and Peter have chosen to present the cities they've been to and loved.
More cities from the north are sure to follow.
21 July 2023 - 11:28
Fredrik Holmqvist says:
Arboga is missing, so beautiful with the old wooden houses by the river.
21 July 2023 - 21:41
Erika Kristoffersson says:
visit 20 pcs. but Norrköping is not cosy. or a small town...missed places on the high coast or in, Dalarna or Järsvö.
22 July 2023 - 19:45
Dennis Grimberg says:
Bönan in Gävle is beautiful and a fishing spot.
23 July 2023 - 5:35
Mr Lennart Stenfelt says:
What is wrong with Arboga? Famous places around are included, is there no idyll?
23 July 2023 - 10:39