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Renowned for its friendly locals, stunning landscapes and beautiful architecture, Sweden is a perfect autumn holiday destination. From the cold wastelands of the north that brush the Arctic Circle to the lively cosmopolitan cities in the south, the country is among the most delightful you can visit as a rush of autumn colour heralds the arrival of winter, creating a magical setting that is sure to live long in your memory.
Arriving by Air from the UK
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Situated less than 1,000 miles from the UK, Sweden is easily accessible by air with a flying time of approximately two hours 20 minutes between London and Stockholm. With a comprehensive selection of direct flights from the UK provided by a variety of airlines including SAS, Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet, travellers can reach Stockholm or Gothenburg effortlessly, including from some regional UK airports. For those travellers wishing to enter Sweden via the regional gateways of Malmö and Skåne, flying to Copenhagen will enable them to join a short connecting flight to their preferred destination; a number of airlines serve the Danish capital from the UK. With scheduled services offered by low-cost and regular airlines, it's possible to secure fares that will suit every budget and, if you have the flexibility to be able to travel at off-peak times this autumn, such as during the school term, you can achieve some impressive savings in the process.
Places to Stay
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Whether you prefer an international hotel brand or something a little more unusual, you are sure to be able to find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Sweden. From world-class hotels in the heart of the capital Stockholm to homely guesthouses in quiet hamlets, high quality accommodation is widely available at a price to suit every visitor. For those travelling on a budget who yearn to be in touch with nature, inexpensive campsites are scattered across the country, giving you access to some of Sweden’s unspoilt rural landscapes for a minimal price. Alternatively, for an unforgettable holiday quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before, you can select from a range of unique places to stay. From the Treehotel in Harads – which, as its name suggests, affords guests a fantastic view of pine woodland some four to six metres above ground level – to the underwater rooms at Utter Inn on Lake Mälaren close to Stockholm, Swedish accommodation is as varied as it is high quality, offering you a truly unique perspective on the stunning landscapes of this beautiful country.
Things to Do
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Many travellers head to Sweden in autumn lured by the prospect of witnessing the northern lights and cold, clear nights are a perfect opportunity to see one of nature’s most enthralling natural light shows. While it is possible to see the northern lights from across the country, the best viewing spots are in rural areas away from the distracting city lights, particularly in the north of the country towards Swedish Lapland. Among the prime locations are Abisko National Park, the tiny village of Porjus (where you can rent a lakeside apartment for a comfortable vantage point) and Jukkasjärvi, from where the unique Ice Hotel organises unforgettable sightseeing trips. Nature also reveals itself in a mesmerising show of autumn colour and, with fewer tourists amassing in Stockholm, the season is an ideal time to absorb the stunning landscapes as winter marches inexorably closer. From a leisurely hike through the dense forests of Langholmen to a serene boat ride around the Stockholm archipelago, autumn is worthy of a second look - and a few photographs - as it is unleashed in a riot of colour. As winter sets in from November, outdoor ice rinks spring up in many towns and cities, offering an entertaining couple of hours for a couple or the entire family. The rink Norrmalmstorg, for example, which is surrounded by beautiful Swedish architecture, is a picturesque and atmospheric spot to hone your skating skills. If the cooler weather draws you back indoors, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. From inspiring theatrical performances to world-class museums and art galleries, Sweden’s cultural fabric is unmissable, while a glass of traditional Swedish glögg - a spiced mulled wine that is synonymous with the country - is sure to bring warmth on a cold autumn evening.
Eating Out
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Eating out in Sweden is a culinary delight, with locally-produced, natural ingredients the basis for a variety of tantalising dishes including seafood, such as salmon, eel and herring, and wild game, such as reindeer and elk. Vegetarian dishes are widely available, with the widest choice to be found in towns and cities. Wild berries are a feature of many dishes; for example, lingonberries are highly prized as an accompaniment for traditional Swedish meatballs. If your preference is for the international cuisine commonly found at home, you’ll be relieved to know that the foods of most cultures can be found in Sweden, particularly in the cities which have become increasingly multicultural with the relaxation of international borders. From global fast food outlets to Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants, most cultures are well catered for, although in less densely populated rural areas you’re more likely to come across traditional Swedish cooking. Breakfast is usually included with your accommodation and, like lunch, offers exceptional value. The Swedish buffet breakfast, which often allows for unlimited servings, is an ideal way to fill up in preparation for a day’s active hiking, while most restaurants offer ‘dagens rätt’ (lunchtime special), consisting of a main course, salad, bread and drink, for a very reasonable price. Swedes tend to eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime and portion sizes can be generous, but lighter snacks are also available at cafes and bars. Specials may also be on offer during the evenings, if you prefer to wait until then for your main meal. If you’re self-catering and fancy whipping up your own seafood treat, autumn is the perfect time to fish, particularly as the larger pike are attracted to the waters in their hunt for food as they prepare for winter.
Shopping
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Shopping centres are common in Sweden, particularly in the major tourist districts and larger towns and cities, featuring many recognisable international brands including H&M, Next, The Body Shop and Zara, while many of the high-class Swedish fashion labels also have retail outlets, so investing in some new styles for autumn shouldn’t be a problem during your visit! As well as sprawling department stores offering just about anything you could possibly need, specialist shops also cram into the shopping districts, such as at Drottninggatan in Stockholm. Street markets are the ideal place to pick up some fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, while the weekend flea markets are a great way to pass the time of day, investigating the various oddities on sale.
You really can “shop til you drop”!
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Autumn is the perfect time to visit Sweden, as the landscape is dominated by fantastic displays of colour, guaranteeing you an unforgettable vision of this beautiful country at its finest.
Title Image Credit: Magnus Johansson (flixkr.com) (Image Cropped)