10 places to visit in Sweden that are connected to inspiring women

Sara Lidman was a famous Swedish author originally from Skellefteå municipality, one of Västerbotten’s main cities, in northern Sweden. Sara Culture Centre was inaugurated in the city centre last year and is – one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The name of the building refers to Sara Lidman, a source of inspiration. Explore this new hub for art, concerts, show, meeting and congress – a modern example of sustainable design and construction.

Karin Larsson was a famous and trendsetting designer in the 19th and 20th centuries and the wife of Carl Larsson, one of Sweden’s major artists. In 1888, the couple received a small cottage from Karin’s father, where they raised their eight children. In parallel to their other artistic activities, they decorated and transformed this modest cottage into the famous home Lilla Hyttnäs, which is still today a reference for Swedish interior design. Karin played a major role in the design of the cottage. She designed most of the bold interior decoration and creative textiles. Their homestead, located in the idyllic village of Sundborn, is a must-see in Dalarna.

Selma Lagerlöf is not only a world-famous Swedish author, she was also committed to gender equality and the first female Nobel laureate in Literature. Did you know that she was born and raised in a mansion from 1793 in the village of Sunne in middle Sweden? Head to this lovely part of Värmland and visit her estate with its original decor. Take a walk in the garden full of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers and learn more about Lagerlöf’s life in Värmland and her achievements.

Viveca Sten is one of Sweden’s most famous contemporary crime novelists. This best-selling author is especially known for her Sandhamn murders series, which have been sold in millions of copies around the world. The story takes place in Sandhamn, on the island of Sandön in the outer part of Stockholm archipelago. All year round and in just an hour, you can take the boat from the city centre to this idyllic island. Off-season you can enjoy a peaceful walk in nature or in the summer a vibrating tour in the archipelago.

Born in 1703 in Örebro, Christina – or Cajsa as she was called – was a young talented Swedish girl with a passion for cooking. When she was a teenager, she moved to Stockholm to work as a cook for different families and in 1755 she published an 800 pages long book which turned into a huge success. It became one of Sweden’s most famous and beloved cooking books, and nowadays she is known as the mother of modern Swedish cuisine. You can visit her house in Örebro (Wadköping) to learn more about Cajsa Warg’s life and 18th century Swedish cuisine.

Birgitta Birgersdotter, known as St Bridget of Sweden, was an influential woman who in the 14th century founded the Bridgettines nuns and monks. Her strong influence on the powerful leaders as well as all the religious-oriented actions she succeeded to lead while being a wife and mother of eight children, inspired many women of her time and later. Visit Östergötland and hike the St Bridget’s Trail between Söderköping and Vadstena, a pilgrimage path associated with Saint Bridget's life.

The archipelago of Fjällbacka is connected to inspiring women. The international actress Ingrid Bergman used to spend the summers at what she used to call “her paradise on earth”. Born and raised in Fjällbacka, crime novelist Camilla Läckberg has placed this village as the crime-scene setting in several of her detective novels. Located in Tanum, Fjällbacka is a fishing place on the coastline of Bohuslän in West Sweden, known for its charming, cobbled streets and red boathouses and for its delicious seafood.

Heir to the Swedish throne, Crown Princess Victoria is also Duchess of Västergötland, one of the 25 historical provinces of Sweden. Located in the western part of Sweden, its main city, Gothenburg, is a must in the region and the second-largest city in Sweden. You will also find in Västergötland lots of lakes, magnificent mountains, a rich cultural history and a peaceful nature.

Astrid Lindgren is an internationally known author whose books have sold approximately 165 million copies around the world. She is especially known for the fictional characters of her children’s books Pippi Longstocking – the strongest girl in the world and a source of inspiration for many kids – and Emil of Lönneberga. Visit Astrid Lindgren’s World and watch them come alive through a hundred actors and live performances. The park is situated in Vimmerby, a village in Småland where the author was born and raised.

Birgit Nilsson needs no introduction for opera lovers. This talented soprano from the 20th century is certainly still today Sweden’s most internationally known opera singer. Where did this Swedish icon come from? Until she was 23 years old, Birgit Nilsson was raised at a farm in Svenstad, between Båstad and Torekov in Skåne. Today, her well-preserved home has been turned into a museum dedicated to “La Nilsson” where you can learn more about her career through images, films and tunes.