Short answer: For a first Sweden trip, start in Stockholm and add one more region: Gothenburg on the west coast (about 3 to 3.5 hours by SJ high-speed train), Malmö in the south, or Swedish Lapland for snow and the northern lights. In winter, Lapland is the big draw. In December, the cities have Christmas markets and Lucia.
Sweden is long. From Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north is about 1,400 km (870 miles) in a straight line, so it pays to pick one or two regions rather than trying to see everything. Here’s how I’d think about each.
Stockholm
The capital is built on islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic. Gamla stan, the old town, has narrow lanes, the Royal Palace and Stortorget, the square with Stockholm’s best-known Christmas market. Djurgården is the museum island, with the Vasa Museum, Junibacken and Skansen, the open-air museum that has held a Christmas market since 1903.
From Arlanda airport, the Arlanda Express reaches Stockholm Central in 18 minutes. My guide to Stockholm in winter with kids has the details.
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second city sits on the west coast, about 3 to 3.5 hours from Stockholm on SJ’s high-speed trains. In winter, the big draw is Christmas at Liseberg, with about five million lights and several themed Christmas markets in the amusement park. See Liseberg Christmas market 2026.
Malmö and the south
Malmö is Sweden’s third city, linked to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge. In December, its Christmas market fills Gustav Adolfs torg on the four Advent weekends.
Kalmar and the southeast
Kalmar has a Renaissance castle by the sea. In late November, the castle hosts a large Christmas fair with food and craft stalls in its halls and courtyard.
Swedish Lapland
Far above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is snow, reindeer and the northern lights.
- Kiruna: the main town and airport, close to the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.
- Abisko: a small village by Lake Torneträsk, home of the Aurora Sky Station and known for clear skies.
The polar night in Kiruna runs from 11 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Read Abisko vs Kiruna for the northern lights to pick your base.
Questions about where to go
What is the best city to visit in Sweden?
Stockholm for a first trip. It has the most museums, the old town and, in December, the biggest choice of Christmas markets and Lucia concerts.
Is Stockholm or Gothenburg better at Christmas?
Both are good. Stockholm has Skansen and Gamla stan, while Gothenburg has Christmas at Liseberg, which Gothenburg’s tourism office calls Sweden’s largest Christmas market.
Where is the best place in Sweden to see the northern lights?
Abisko and Kiruna in Swedish Lapland are the classic choices. Abisko is known for clear skies, and Kiruna has the airport and more activities.
Sources (checked 21 October 2026)
- Skansen Christmas market history and dates: skansen.se
- Liseberg: goteborg.com (Christmas at Liseberg Park)
- Malmö market: malmocity.se
- Kalmar Castle Christmas fair: svenska-slottsmassor.se
- Arlanda Express: arlandaexpress.com
- Polar night: kirunalapland.se