21 new reasons to visit Sweden in 2024

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• Anniversaries
• Hotels
• Nature experiences
• Museums
• Family fun
• Food and drink

Anniversaries

Sala city 400 years

15 April marks the anniversary of the day Sala in Västmanland county was granted city privileges 400 years ago. However, the celebrations will last all year, from art exhibitions to music events. The city’s main attraction, Sala Silver Mine, played a crucial role in Sala receiving its city status and also has many exciting activities planned.

The National Museum of Science and Technology 100 years

The National Museum of Science and Technology (Tekniska Museet) kicked off its centenary celebrations in December with the inauguration of the new Wisdome Stockholm. In this spherical dome, you can explore the galaxy in 3D and 360°. Numerous small and large events will also be held throughout the year.

Svenskt Tenn 100 years

A century has passed since Estrid Ericson founded Svenskt Tenn in 1924. Today, it is considered one of Sweden’s most prominent interior brands thanks to its timeless accessories, high-quality furniture and Josef Frank prints. The jubilee has already started with a new collection of products adorned with a slightly updated version of the iconic Stockholm print.

ABBA's "Waterloo" win 50 years

On 6 April 1974, ABBA performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton with their song “Waterloo”. The victory marked the outset of the Swedish pop group's journey towards achieving iconic status as pop stars. At the ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, you can see the original costumes and experience an updated version of the Waterloo exhibition.

Norrlandsoperan 50 years

The world’s northernmost opera house celebrates half a century. Since its opening in 1974, Norrlandsoperan in Umeå has transformed from an individual opera ensemble to an innovative centre for performing arts with four stages. The anniversary is being celebrated with, among other things, a dance production of the classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Bergman Week 20 years

Legendary Swedish film director and writer Ingmar Bergman has been celebrated with The Bergman Week on the small island of Fårö, just outside Gotland, since 2004. The anniversary is marked with the theme ‘Cirkus Bergman – 20 years of light and darkness’ on 24-28 June.

Hotels

The Ark, Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve, Blekinge

This spring, spectacular wildlife park Eriksberg expands its hotel offering with a new distinctive building. The Ark is reminiscent of a ship and allows guests to get closer to the animals, with some of the 23 rooms featuring glass floors overlooking a feeding spot.

Villa Dahlia, Stockholm

Renowned Hotel Diplomat and Villa Dagmar in Stockholm will get a sister hotel in early autumn. Guests of Villa Dahlia can expect a centrally located boutique hotel with an ambience of 1920s Milan. The relaxed elegance and Italian interior design permeate all 103 hotel rooms, restaurant, cocktail bar and private spa.

Hernö Gin Hotel, Härnösand

Hernö Gin, the award-winning distillery from northern Sweden, expands its empire further in December with the opening of Hernö Gin Hotel. The concept hotel will include several bars and 120 rooms, spanning nine floors by the Bothnian Sea.

For more hotel openings 2024, see our article New and trendy hotels.

Nature experiences

Flying ferry to the Stockholm suburbs

This summer, the world’s fastest and most energy-efficient electrical boat will reduce the travel time from central Stockholm to the island of Ekerö (commuter ferry line 89) from 55 to 25 minutes. The Candela P-12 Shuttle has hydrofoils that allow the ship to lift itself above the water and go faster than traditional buses and subways while offering beautiful water views. The lush island of Ekerö also offers some great sights for a day trip – from castles to cafés.

New cold bath house, Landskrona

The Swedish cold bathing tradition is as strong as ever, and this year, bathing enthusiasts can look forward to a new cold bath house in Skåne. Accessible via a 300-metre-long pier in central Landskrona, the cold bath house will offer two sauna sections with a connecting relaxation area, a sun deck and stunning views over the Öresund strait. The cold bath is expected to open in autumn.

Stockholm Archipelago Trail

This November, a new hiking trail will connect 19 islands in Sweden’s largest archipelago. Spanning from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail will be 270 kilometres long and accessible from public ferries. The trail highlights cultural and natural diversity while promoting responsible tourism. A digital platform will list all available services along the way.

Museums

World of Volvo, Gothenburg

Volvo Cars and Volvo Group’s new universe revolves around interactive exhibitions and entertaining events. Situated in a circular five-storey building next to Liseberg amusement park, World of Volvo will replace the former Volvo Museum and aims to become a vibrant meeting place and new landmark in Gothenburg. The opening date is 14 April.

Swedish Railway Museum, Gävle

After nearly seven years of renovations, the Swedish Railway Museum (Järnvägsmuseet) will open this spring. Admire the collection of 300 well-preserved vehicles, including Prince August, the world’s oldest operable locomotive. Or travel back in time during a journey on one of their historical trains.

ArkDes, Stockholm

ArkDes – Sweden's National Centre for Architecture and Design – has undergone a year-long reconstruction. When it re-opens on 14 June, the museum’s hidden cultural treasure of four million objects is promised to be unveiled. And the yearly Gingerbread House Exhibition that had to be cancelled last winter will return better than ever later this year.

Gustavianum, Uppsala

History nerds should plan a trip to Uppsala this summer. After more than four years of renovations, Uppsala University’s oldest preserved building will open again in June. Gustavianum is a museum and house of treasure that showcases everything from mummies and Viking helmets to Celsius’ very own thermometer.

Mjellby Art Museum, Halmstad

After extensive renovations, Mjellby Art Museum re-opens as an even more vital Nordic surrealism hub on 7 September. In addition to its impressive collection of 500 pieces by the internationally renowned Halmstad Group, the museum has expanded its treasury with the work of surreal artist Thea Ekström (1920-1988). Temporary exhibitions based on gender, norms, society and politics will also be available.

Family fun

Leksand Sommarland, Dalarna

Leksand Sommarland celebrates 40 years by throwing an all-summer anniversary party featuring special events, activities and deals. With 46 attractions spread over a water park and an amusement park in combination with the neighbouring five-star campsite, Leksand Sommarland remains a firm family favourite destination by Lake Siljan in Sweden’s inland.

High Chaparral, Småland

Looking for adventure but worried about bad weather? Then High Chaparral, in southern Sweden, is your answer. The Wild West theme park offers train robberies, paddle steamers, panning for gold and breathtaking shows. During the summer of 2024, it also includes a rain guarantee, allowing guests to return another day if it rains more than 10 millimetres.

Food and drink

Tegellådan, Stockholm

The former boiler room Gasverket in Stockholm buzzes with life again as Tegellådan opens a combined restaurant, brewery and tap room in the ancient venue this March. The initiative is made by the popular restaurant Lådan and is already the talk of the town.

Want to know more about the restaurants opening in Stockholm in 2024? Have a look at New and trendy restaurants in Stockholm.

Feskekôrka, Gothenburg

Gothenburg’s iconic seafood Mecca reopens this spring after four years of renovation. Feskekôrka (translated as ‘The Fish Church’) dates back to 1874 and got its name as the building resembled a church. With several fish counters and restaurants, this is the place to savour freshly caught seafood from Sweden’s west coast.

Curious to try some of the new restaurants opening in Gothenburg in 2024? Have a look at News restaurants in Gothenburg.