Explore Sweden's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Located in southern Sweden, the Naval Port of Karlskrona is a remarkably well-preserved example of a European naval town from the Age of Sail. Founded in 1680, the site features one of the few remaining dockyards in the world where you can still see buildings and docks originally designed for constructing sailing warships. The World Heritage Site includes the naval dockyard and harbour, fortifications, installations in the surrounding area and the historic town itself.

Karlskrona is a charming coastal city with plenty of accommodation options – many offering sea views. You’ll also find a great selection of restaurants, cafés and bars.

Öland, just off Sweden’s south-east coast, is a beloved summer destination – even for the Swedish Royal Family, who spend their holidays at Solliden Palace on the island. In the south, a vast limestone plateau shapes the landscape, creating a dry and open terrain that’s been home to human life for over 5,000 years. Despite the challenging conditions, people have cultivated the land and developed a distinct way of life, resulting in a unique cultural landscape that still thrives today. The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland is recognised by UNESCO for its long-standing harmony between people and nature.

You can reach the island by a six-kilometre bridge from the mainland city of Kalmar.

Gotland, just north of Öland, is a favourite summer island for many Swedes – and its main town, Visby, is a must-visit for history lovers. Dating back to the 12th century, Visby is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic towns in Europe. Its medieval ring wall, complete with original towers, still encircles the city centre, and atmospheric church ruins dot the townscape. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby offers a striking blend of history, culture and coastal charm.

The town is also known for its excellent restaurants and cosy cafés – so many, in fact, that choosing where to eat can be a challenge. Accommodation is plentiful, but July is peak season, so it’s wise to book ahead.

One of the more unexpected entries on Sweden’s World Heritage list is the Grimeton Radio Station, just outside the west coast town of Varberg. Built in the early 1920s, it’s an exceptionally well-preserved example of early telecommunications technology. With its original buildings, transmitter system and six iconic steel towers still intact, Grimeton offers a rare glimpse into the pre-electronic era of long-distance radio communication. In fact, it’s the only surviving major radio station of its kind in the world – a fascinating stop whether or not you’re into vintage tech.

Grimeton is located about 9.5 kilometres inland from Varberg, in the scenic Halland province.

The ancient rock carvings in Tanum, in western Sweden’s Bohuslän region, are an outstanding example of Bronze Age art and daily life. More than 1,500 carving sites have been discovered in the area – including detailed scenes of people, animals, weapons and rituals etched into the smooth granite surfaces.

Among the most famous is the Vitlycke panel, believed to depict a bridal couple. A six-kilometre, well-marked trail allows visitors to explore many of the site’s highlights at their own pace.

Besides its cultural riches, Tanum and Bohuslän offers west coast flavours, scenic nature and outdoor adventures.

The Woodland Cemetery (‘Skogskyrkogården’), just south of central Stockholm, might seem like an unusual World Heritage Site at first glance. But its serene design and architectural significance earned it a place on the UNESCO list in 1994. Designed by Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz in the early 20th century, the cemetery introduced a new approach to burial grounds – one that has since inspired similar sites around the world.

The peaceful setting is complemented by a Visitors Centre with a café and shop.

Drottningholm, the private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, was the first Swedish site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, back in 1991. Just 10 kilometres west of Stockholm, this grand estate includes the Royal Palace, landscaped gardens from different eras, the Chinese Pavilion and an 18th-century theatre – still in use and complete with its original stage machinery and sets.

The estate is considered a prime example of European royal architecture from the period, and it remains a popular day trip from the capital.

If you’re not bringing a picnic, head to Karamellan Restaurant and Café near the palace entrance, or enjoy a treat at the summer café by the Chinese Pavilion.

Located about 30 kilometres west of Stockholm, the archaeological site of Birka on the island of Björkö is one of the best-preserved examples of a Viking trading settlement. Together with Hovgården on the nearby island of Adelsö, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Viking Age and its far-reaching trade networks from the 8th to 10th centuries.

Birka is easily reached by boat from central Stockholm. Hovgården, once home to the royal estate that governed Birka, is just across the water on Adelsö. You’ll find a restaurant and café on Birka, along with a guest harbour for those arriving by private boat.

North of Stockholm lies Engelsberg Ironworks (‘Engelsbergs bruk’) in the village of Ängelsberg – one of the best-preserved industrial sites from the 17th to 19th centuries in Europe. Recognised by UNESCO for its historical and technological significance, the site includes a blacksmith’s forge, smelting house, formal gardens and a manor house dating back to 1746.

In summer, a small café and crafts shop open on-site, making it a perfect destination for a cultural day trip while visiting Västmanland county.

Mining in the Falun area of Dalarna began as early as the 9th century and continued all the way until 1992. This influential site helped shape mining technology across the world. Today, the well-preserved buildings, structures and equipment form a UNESCO-listed example of traditional mining and industrial heritage.

Visitors can descend 67 metres underground into the Giant Pit – a mine that dates back to the 1600s – or explore the mining museum, which includes an interactive journey through Falun’s copper-rich past.

Dalarna county is full of culture, charm and outdoor experiences.

In the forests and valleys of Hälsingland, seven richly decorated wooden farmhouses stand as striking examples of 19th-century rural life. These large homes, located within 100 kilometres of each other, reflect the social ambition and artistic flair of the farming families who built them.

Recognised by UNESCO for their folk-art traditions, the interiors feature intricate Dalecarlian paintings – created by travelling artists from neighbouring Dalarna. While most of the houses are still privately owned, several offer guided tours and even B&B stays through the local visitors’ centre.

The High Coast in northern Sweden is the country’s only Natural World Heritage Site. Paired with the Kvarken Archipelago on the Finnish side of the Gulf of Bothnia, this dramatic landscape was shaped by the last Ice Age. Here you’ll find the world’s highest coastline, along with thousands of islets, shallow bays and fields of glacial boulders – all part of a unique geological story.

With open sea, mountains and forests, the High Coast offers endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking and exploring nature.

Best of all? There are stunning views, cosy accommodation and excellent food – without the crowds.

Just outside the northern city of Luleå lies Gammelstad, Sweden’s largest and best-preserved church town. Once the original location of Luleå before the city was relocated in the 17th century, Gammelstad has over 400 red-painted cottages, a medieval stone church and several historic buildings.

These cottages were used by farmers from surrounding villages as overnight lodging when attending church services, markets and community gatherings – a tradition unique to northern Scandinavia. Guided tours and audio guides are available to help bring the 17th century atmosphere to life.

Laponia, in the heart of Swedish Lapland, is a rare World Heritage Site recognised for both its cultural and natural value. Located within the Arctic Circle, it’s home to the Indigenous Sámi people, who still practise seasonal reindeer herding – a tradition that has continued for generations and is now one of the few of its kind left in the world.

Covering a vast and largely untouched landscape of mountains, forests and wetlands, Laponia is a place of profound stillness and beauty.

Stora Sjöfallet National Park offers the only commercial accommodation within the site itself, with a hotel, cabins, camping and a restaurant. For more options, nearby towns like Jokkmokk, Gällivare and Jukkasjärvi offer both places to stay and eat.

The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey points stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, crossing ten countries. Measured between 1816 and 1855, the project was led by German astronomer Wilhelm von Struve and helped determine the exact size and shape of the Earth.

Seven of the original 265 stations are located in Sweden, with four recognised as part of the UNESCO site: Kiruna, Pajala, Övertorneå and Haparanda.

These towns offer accommodation and dining options, with Kiruna – Sweden’s northernmost municipality – serving as the main hub.