As the summer heat dies down and nature changes color, Sweden reveals a side ideal for those seeking both relaxation and experiences. On hiking trails and in the archipelago, the pace is slower, the air is high and the scents whisper of the season's delicacies – earthy truffles, flavorful artisanal cheese and freshly baked cinnamon buns.
When autumn arrives, Sweden offers the perfect destination for all those who want to combine culinary experiences, cultural events and adventures that go hand in hand with the tranquility of nature. From truffle walks and cheese tasting to light art festivals and newly opened hotels – here are ten reasons for those who want to take a break from everyday life and travel in Sweden this autumn!
1. Newly opened hotel on car-free archipelago island
Sweden's west coast has been designated as one of Europe's top destinations 2025 by the British BBC. The justification highlights Bohuslän's barren granite archipelago, fresh seafood and ideal conditions for kayaking and hiking. At the end of August, new Coastal Hotel Styrsö on the car-free island of Styrsö, only 30 minutes from Gothenburg. Here relaxation is the focus and guests can enjoy the sound of the sea, the peaceful archipelago environment and a game of boules on charming Öbergska The Boulebaren – complete with café, greenhouse and garden.
2. Spend the night among reindeer in Lapland
In the heart of Swedish Lapland offers Kaati's Reindeers opportunity to get close to the reindeer in their natural environment. Have a coffee by the fire in the traditional grill hut, pet and feed the reindeer, and learn more about their lives and importance in Sami culture. For those who want to take the experience a step further, there is the opportunity to spend the night in the middle of the reindeer herd.
(Overnight stays are offered until the end of September).
Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Sweden
3. Experience the Stockholm archipelago on foot during the ”magical season”
From mid-August to the end of September, a special atmosphere takes over the Stockholm archipelago. The temperature is often milder than on the mainland, the water keeps the summer heat at bay and the islands offer a more leisurely pace. And thanks to the newly opened Stockholmskärgårdens Pilgrimsvandring You can now discover the archipelago's unique island world on foot. The trail stretches across 21 islands and is connected by boat traffic that takes you between hiking trails, natural harbors and charming archipelago communities.
4. From mild to ripe at the Cheese Festival in Gothenburg
The weekend of October 10–11 is The Cheese Festival back in Gothenburg and is being arranged for the third time at the beautiful Auktionsverket Cultural Arena. On site you will find a large selection of Swedish cheese and matching accessories. This year's focus is Swedish drinks.
5. Experience the Northern Lights and be part of a historical event
I Abisko You can experience the Northern Lights from the end of August – without freezing temperatures or snow. All you need is a clear night and a clear view of the vast landscape. Abisko National Park, located south of Torneträsk in Kiruna municipality, is also one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. If you are in Kiruna on August 19–20, you can also be there when the entire Kiruna church is moved to a new location. A unique event in Swedish cultural history!
Photo Särtshöga Vineyard
6. Stockholm Food & Wine and Baking & Chocolate
In parallel with Baked Goods Festival November 7–9 will be arranged Stockholm Food & Wine – Sweden's largest food fair. Here, natural wines, pralines, street food and fine dining are combined in a feast for all the senses. From June 1st this year, it is also possible to buy wine directly from Swedish vineyards. Why not combine the festival with a road trip to some of Sweden's vineyards!
7. Truffle Festival on Gotland
The most luxurious season of the year for all mushroom lovers is almost here and during the autumn the forests and land are filled with a range of delicacies ready to be harvested. One of these is the Gotland ”black gold” – the truffle – which is celebrated for a whole month and ends with a Truffle Festival November 15-17. Then Gotland will be transformed into a paradise for all truffle enthusiasts who can immerse themselves in the world of truffles, enjoy creative truffle menus and go on a taste tour of the island's best restaurants. If you are on Gotland, you might also want to visit the newly opened Sibbjäns, a "boutique farmstay" hotel and restaurant that serves farm and island produce, framed by the beautiful Gotland nature.
8. Hike in autumn-bright landscapes – combine nature with architecture
Autumn offers wonderful experiences for those who enjoy hiking – colorful forests, quiet trails and not a mosquito in sight. On October 3–5, there will be extra speed on the trails around Umea when the walking festival Hike invites you to everything from solo hikes and husky tours to northern lights nights, forest concerts and fellowship in the great outdoors. If you are south of Stockholm, you can hike Sörmland Trail – 1000 km in Sörmland's cultural landscape filled with history, forests, archipelago and lakes. Along the trail there are three new architect-designed wind shelters to rest and sleep in this year; Fagerö, Västra Femöre and Örstigsnäs. The wind shelters are part of ArkNat – a concept where functional design meets Swedish nature.
Photo Credits: Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com
9. The Light over Smögen – art and seafood
From September 4th to 13th, Smögen will be transformed into an atmospheric outdoor gallery when the light art festival Island of Light illuminates the iconic wooden pier and you can take part in installations, video art and projections. If you like the delights of the sea, you can take a trip north to Grebbestad and join a seafood safari – a tasty experience where you can harvest oysters and mussels directly from the sea.
10. Celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day – Sweden's sweetest holiday
October 4th is celebrated the cinnamon bun all over Sweden on Kanalbullen Day. It tastes best freshly baked so why not experience it in person during a trip to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm.
According to the press release.
