10 Swedish Cities for Your Year-End Trip – Photo Spots, Easy Plans, All the Vibes.

10 Swedish Cities for Your Year-End Trip

Photo Spots, Easy Plans, All the Vibes.

Sweden is a nation of multifaceted charm, encompassing a modern capital, romantic historic towns, and captivating natural landscapes. This appeal is particularly pronounced in the late year, featuring the Northern Lights, Christmas markets, and a romantic, snow-filled atmosphere. For Thai travelers seeking a novel experience, a curated list of 10 recommended cities is presented. These destinations are conveniently accessible and offer a diverse array of activities, ranging from shopping and urban exploration to Northern Lights observation and skiing. Importantly, the guide includes easily locatable suggestions for dining and photography. This ensures a Swedish itinerary that can be tailored to fulfill a wide spectrum of traveler preferences.

1. Stockholm

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is nicknamed the "Venice of the North." It sits on 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges. The city perfectly blends modern and old, with palaces, museums, chic cafes, and a very romantic old town.

Recommended attractions:

Gamla Stan – The old town, with beautiful orange-red cobblestone streets like a fairytale. Enjoy a panoramic view of Gamla Stan.

Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) – The Grand Palace of Stockholm

Located on Stadsholmen island in the Gamla Stan old town, easily accessible and near the Gamla Stan metro station.

Admission Fee: Approx. 180 SEK (around 600 THB), but the surrounding area and the front square are free to visit and photograph.

Recommended photo spot

- The front of the Royal Palace at the main square (Stortorget)
- Norrbro Bridge, for a full view of the palace and the waterfront
- At sunset, the light reflecting on the golden stone walls is magnificent

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)

The red brick building by Lake Mälaren, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held

• Photo spot: The City Hall tower (open for views in summer) or outside by the waterfront.
• Getting there: 10-minute walk from Stockholm Central Station

Skeppsholmen Bridge – Skeppsholmsbron

A beautiful photo spot from the iron bridge with golden crowns, a viewpoint for the city and sailboats by the bay.

• Photo Spot: The most popular spot is a photo with the golden crown, with Gamla Stan in the background.
• Directions: About a 10-minute walk from Kungsträdgården.

2. Gothenburg

A laid-back and friendly west coast port city, Gothenburg is famous for fresh seafood, an amusement park, and one of the most beautiful Christmas light displays in Europe.

Getting there: Take a train from Stockholm (about 3.5 hours) or a domestic flight (about 1 hour).

A panoramic view of Gothenburg, Västergötland and Bohuslän, Sweden.

• Points of interest:

Feskekôrka – Fish Church

Directions: Get off the tram at Grönsakstorget.

A fish market in an old church building, famous for fresh seafood, its canal-side Gothic architecture, and fresh oysters.

Haga District – Old town, charming cafes and vintage shops

• Picturesque: Älvsborg Bridge at night

Donsö Island, Southern Gothenburg Archipelago
Located in the Southern Gothenburg Archipelago, only ~15 km from Gothenburg city. It is easily accessible by a 20–30 minute ferry ride from the Saltholmen terminal.
It is a peaceful, quiet island with no private cars (only service vehicles are permitted), giving it the feel of a traditional fishing village. Perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and enjoying the views.

3. Kiruna

Sweden's northernmost city and a popular destination for hunting the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Kiruna offers a unique ice hotel, snow-white nature, and exciting winter activities.

• Getting there: A domestic flight from Stockholm takes about 1.5 hours.

Riding a dog sled and a reindeer sleigh.

Abisko National Park – A popular spot to see the Northern Lights.

Icehotel, the unique ice hotel.

Kiruna Church – Red wooden church

4. Malmö

Located in the south, Malmö is Sweden's third-largest city. It connects to Denmark via the Øresund Bridge, making it an easy destination to reach. The city offers contemporary art, skyscrapers, and an old town full of cafes and restaurants.

Getting there: A 30-minute direct train from Copenhagen or about 4.5 hours from Stockholm.

A beautiful aerial view of the Västra Hamnen (Western Harbor) district in Malmö, Sweden.

Attractions:

Malmo Town Hall (Radhus) at Stortorget Square

A photo of the historic architecture of Malmo City Hall.

Beautiful views of Vastra Hamnen (The Western Harbour) in Malmö

Turning Torso – The futuristic twisted skyscraper

Malmö Castle – Historical Castle

The oldest castle in Malmö was built in the 16th century to defend the city and serve as a military base. It now houses several museums, such as the Malmö Art Museum, the City Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Lilla Torg – A small square filled with restaurants.

View of the Øresund Bridge connecting to Copenhagen.

5. Visby (Gotland)

Visby, a historic medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
is located on Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. It is an ancient walled town with stone streets, colorful wooden houses, medieval churches, and old homes that retain their timeless charm.

Getting there: A 50-minute direct flight from Stockholm or a 3.5-hour ferry from Nynäshamn.

Recommended attractions:

Visby City Wall – A medieval stone wall

A medieval town on Gotland, Sweden.

Views around Visby, a fortified medieval city.

6. Uppsala

A classic historic city in Sweden, Uppsala is home to an old university with a scholarly and peaceful atmosphere. The city features the largest cathedral in Sweden, an ancient library, and a beautiful river that flows through its center.

Eat: Cinnamon roll with Fika coffee

Travel: A 40-minute train ride from Stockholm.

Recommended attractions: Uppsala Cathedral, Carolina Rediviva Library, Botanical Garden

Visit Uppsala Castle, a historic royal castle in the heart of the historic city of Uppsala, Sweden.

Uppsala Cathedral

Visit the old church in Gamla Uppsala

Uppsala University

7. Kalmar

A historic Swedish coastal city, Kalmar was once the center of a kingdom and today still has a beautiful seaside castle and a peaceful old town.

Travel: The train from Stockholm takes about 4 hours.

Eat: Smörgåsbord (Swedish buffet)

Recommended attractions:

Kalmar Castle – An old seaside Renaissance-style castle, first built in the 12th century and renovated many times. There is a church and gardens around the castle where you can walk or take photos along the way.

Södra Kapellet (Southern Chapel) is a small, historic chapel located near Kalmar Castle. It features simple yet uniquely beautiful ancient architecture. A popular photo spot, it is often included in tourist itineraries for Kalmar Old Town and Kalmar Castle.

Admire the beautiful exterior of Kalmar Cathedral in Kalmar, Småland, Sweden.

Gamla Stan Kalmar – A peaceful old town

Aerial view of the old town of Västervik in summer. Västervik, Kalmar County, Sweden.

8. Lund

A small, warm, and romantic city, Lund is one of the oldest university towns in Europe, filled with churches, botanical gardens, and pastel-colored wooden houses.

Photogenic: A small street with pastel-colored wooden houses.

Getting there: The train from Malmö takes just 10 minutes, or about 40 minutes from Copenhagen.

Lund, a small, historic city in Sweden, is filled with Scandinavian architecture and a beautiful atmosphere, perfect for strolling and taking photos.

Attractions:

Lund Cathedral – one of the oldest cathedrals

Lund University – Beautiful old buildings

Visit the Lund University Library, a beautiful historic building surrounded by greenery.

A beautiful vertical view of the Cathedral School gate on Stora Södergatan in central Lund.

A classic old building in the historic city center of Lund, Scania, Sweden.

At the botanical garden in Lund, Sweden.

9. Helsingborg – Sweden's most romantic southern coastal city

A southwestern coastal city near Denmark (easily accessible via the Øresund Bridge or by ferry to Helsingør).
It is a city that blends history with modernity, featuring old castles, medieval buildings, and modern shopping districts. Ideal for tourists who want to enjoy a seaside city, go shopping, and take beautiful photos.

Transportation
From Stockholm: Train ~5 hours or fly to Malmö then take a train/bus for ~1 hr.
From Copenhagen: Ferry from Helsingør ~20 minutes or train ~1 hr.

A beautiful aerial view of downtown Helsingborg and its port in Sweden. The old town is located by the beach and the city harbor.

Recommended Activities

• Walk in the old town and by the sea
• Shopping at Drottninggatan
• Visit the Christmas market at year-end

Recommended attractions:

Stortorget – the main square with cafes and restaurants

Kärnan Tower – A medieval tower in the city center

Sofiero Palace & Gardens – A beautiful palace and flower garden

Admiring the beautiful houses along Raavagen road on a peaceful evening in Raa, a small, old fishing village south of Helsingborg. The atmosphere is perfect for taking photos and a leisurely stroll.

Visit St. Mary's Church in Helsingborg, with its shady green lawn and peaceful atmosphere.

The Helsingborg Terrace Stairs (Terrace of King Oscar II), are historic stairs built between 1899–1903 on a hill in the heart of Helsingborg.

Stunning high-angle views of Helsingborg. The city center is by the beach and harbor, an atmosphere of old town mixed with seaside modernity.

Helsingborg Marina

10. Luleå – Northern Sweden

Luleå is a port city and the center of the Norrbotten region in northern Sweden. The city is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea (Bothnian Bay) and is known for its frozen sea in winter, as well as for being a hub of technology and culture.

Transportation
Luleå Airport (LLA) connects to Stockholm (Stockholm Arlanda), with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The night train from Stockholm to Luleå is also a popular option, taking ~12–13 hours.

Popular Winter Activities

• Walking on a frozen lake
• Husky and Reindeer Sledding
• Snowmobiling
• Hunting for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
• Ice fishing

Recommended Destination
Gammelstad Church Town (Old Church Town, a World Heritage Site)
Over 400 red wooden houses surround an old 15th-century stone church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ice Road
A famous winter highlight – a multi-kilometer road built on the frozen sea, open for driving, walking, or skiing.

✈️ Travel from Thailand to Sweden

Thai tourists can fly directly from Bangkok to Stockholm with Thai Airways. The national airline offers world-class service, making your year-end trip fun, complete, and comfortable.

Benefits of flying with Thai Airways

• Direct flights, no transfers. Save time and travel comfortably.
• Convenient flight times. Fly overnight and arrive in the morning, ready to explore. Perfect for any lifestyle.
• Premium full service with a warm, friendly welcome and helpful assistance throughout your flight.
• Earn miles with Royal Orchid Plus. Miles can be redeemed for more than just flight tickets; use them for Lifestyle Awards like chic items, hotel stays, travel packages, and dining deals in Thailand and abroad for full benefits.

Estimated Fares

• Route Bangkok – Stockholm, Sweden
• Round-trip fares start from approximately 25,000–40,000 Baht, depending on the travel period and promotions
• It is recommended to book 2–3 months in advance for the best price.

You can check prices and flights at the Thai Airways website.