Sweden is known for its beautiful small towns that showcase good design and are surrounded by natural beauty. These towns have fishing villages with traditional wooden cottages and medieval town squares with winding streets. The country is abundant with castles, churches, and villas set against a backdrop of farmland, beaches, and mountains.
Whether you explore the frozen north and Lapland, home to the Sami people, or the sparkling seas and islands in the south, each small town in Sweden has its own charm that you should experience now.
15. Molle
Mölle, a charming coastal town in southwest Sweden, has been a beloved seaside retreat for many years and remains so today. Its harbor is adorned with enticing shops and idyllic cafes, where the delectable waffles are highly praised.
Originally a thriving fishing village, Mölle gained fame for being the place where mixed-gender bathing started in the late 19th century, causing quite a scandal at the time. This notoriety also paved the way for Mölle to become a hub of sensual entertainment.
However, nowadays, the town is primarily known and appreciated for its stunning scenery and attracts visitors for that very reason.
14. Vadstena
Vadstena is a charming town located in southeastern Sweden, resting by the beautiful southern shores of Vättern, which happens to be the country’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Europe.
One of the town’s notable attractions is its castle, originally constructed in 1545 as a fortress, but later transformed into a livable royal castle in 1660. Unfortunately, it lost popularity over time and was eventually repurposed for grain storage, which now serves as a museum.
Another interesting feature is Vadstena Town Hall, boasting the title of the oldest town hall in Sweden. Additionally, the town is home to a 14th-century abbey that was established by the revered Swedish Saint Bridget. Lastly, Vadstena boasts a picturesque medieval town square that is both charming and steeped in history.
13. Ystad
Ystad is an ancient town in the southernmost part of Skåne County, Sweden. It has a long history that dates back to the 11th century. One of the reasons why people visit Ystad is because it is the hometown of the fictional detective Kurt Wallander.
The town is famous for its beautiful heritage buildings, many of which can be found around the Stortorget or Main Square. Ystad is also home to Greyfriars Abbey, which is one of Sweden’s best-preserved monasteries. The medieval St. Mary’s Church is another notable attraction, showcasing the impressive Brick Gothic style.
If you go east of Ystad, you will find the remarkable megalithic monument called Ales Stenar. This monument consists of 59 large boulders arranged in the shape of a stone ship.
12. Jokkmokk
The town of Jokkmokk is located in the far north Lapland province of Sweden and experiences snowy weather due to its location. However, this snowy climate adds to the town’s charm, resulting in a visually pleasing place to visit with its wooden houses and stunning landscapes.
Visitors can explore a museum dedicated to the Sami people, admire a picturesque 19th-century Gothic Revival church, and take part in the Jokkmokk Market, which has been a tradition for 400 years. This market occurs on the first Thursday of February each year and draws in thousands of people. It offers concerts, trade opportunities, and exhibitions, making it a significant event for the Sami people.
11. Visby
Visby has a famous medieval town wall that was built for defense and includes towers and churches, although they are mostly ruined now. The town is located on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea and was once a member of the Hanseatic League, a group of guilds and market towns that worked together for trade and protection.
The main square of Visby, called Stora Torget, is surrounded by cobblestone streets and has cozy cafes where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
10. Karlskrona
Karlskrona was established in 1680 as a naval base to safeguard against invasion and raids from the south. Remarkably, the town still retains its original architecture and arrangement, making it Sweden’s sole baroque town. At the heart of Karlskrona stands the Fredrikskyrkan church, built during the 1690s.
Additionally, there are two other notable churches in the town: the Church of the Holy Trinity, constructed in the early 18th century to cater to the German residents, and the Amiralitetskyrkan, which is Sweden’s largest wooden church and follows a more traditional style.
9. Gammelstaden
Located near Luleå in northern Sweden is the town of Gammelstaden. It is well-known for its charming community that developed around the Nederluleå Church, which was built in the 14th century.
The Lutheran church, featuring a square tower and a large sloping roof, can be found at the heart of the town, surrounded by 424 traditional wooden cottages that are painted in the classic Swedish Falu red color.
This church is the largest of its kind in the sparsely populated region of Norrland and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of how many towns used to appear in Scandinavia.
8. Marstrand
Marstrand is a small seaside settlement that was given city status in 1200 AD. Despite its population of only 1,000, it is still commonly referred to as a city by Swedes.
The settlement is located on an island called Marstrandsön and is famous for its historical landmarks, including the Carlsten fortress from the 17th century and a medieval church from the 14th century.
Marstrand is also well-known as a popular destination for sailing and hosts the prestigious Match Cup Sweden as part of the World Match Racing Tour. In addition to its sailing culture, Marstrand is a favorite spot among celebrities and wealthy Swedish residents, who flock to the town in the summer to enjoy the sea, shopping, and nightlife.
7. Kiruna
Kiruna is a unique town because it is currently relocating to a new location about 3 kilometers to the east. This is happening because the Kiirunavaara mine is causing the land under the town to become unstable. Kiruna is also the northernmost town in Sweden and offers a great view of the beautiful Northern Lights.
It is also a convenient starting point to explore the nearby Abisko National Park. Another interesting fact is that the world’s first Icehotel was built around 11 miles north of Kiruna.
Additionally, in 2001, the town’s Gothic Revival church, known for its stylish and elegant wooden design, was voted as Sweden’s favorite building constructed before the 1950s. It has become a standout icon of Kiruna.
6. Simrishamn
Simrishamn is a charming coastal town located in the southern part of Skåne County. It is situated in Österlen, which is known for its stunning natural scenery, orchards, and peaceful villages. In Simrishamn’s vicinity, you will find the town of Simris.
Here, there is an old church that dates back to the 1100s and a fascinating attraction called the Simris Runestones. These ancient standing stones have inscriptions written in the Old Norse language, adding a sense of mystery to the area.
5. Mariefred
Mariefred, a beautiful town just an hour away from Stockholm, has many charming 18th-century wooden buildings. These buildings range from traditional summer houses to the old wooden railway station, which is now a museum. Tourists can still enjoy the sight of steam trains passing through the station.
One of the town’s highlights is the impressive Gripsholm Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. The castle, originally a fortress, later became a royal residence and now serves as a museum. It is still accessible to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Mariefred used to be home to Scandinavia’s only Carthusian monastery, but it was unfortunately demolished. Today, the town’s parish church stands in its place.
4. Trosa
Trosa, a beautiful town, has an interesting coincidence in its name. In Swedish, “Trosa” means the same as “panties” in English. However, the local people are not surprised by the jokes anymore. During certain times of the year, some famous Swedish celebrities, like Benny Andersson from Abba, also spend their summers in Trosa.
Many of them have chosen to have their summer houses located along the serene banks of the Trosa River. Trosa has been functioning as a town since the 14th century and is well-liked for its charming town center which offers a variety of establishments, ranging from modern to traditional.
3. Alby
Alby, a small village situated on the island of Öland, has a rich historical background. It is considered to be the oldest settlement on Öland, with evidence of farming communities living here as early as 4000 BC. There are ancient standing stone circles found in various locations, which suggest that they were used as burial grounds.
Additionally, the iron age ringfort of Eketorp can be found nearby, along with medieval structures like stone bridges. The village is also home to several iconic wooden houses from the 17th century. Alby offers a delightful blend of historical heritage that is highly recommended for history enthusiasts.
2. Nora
When you arrive in Nora, it feels as if you have traveled back in time. The town is filled with traditional wooden houses that have been preserved over the years. These houses are from the 18th century and have not been destroyed by fire or torn down.
A famous Swedish poet, Anna Maria Lenngren, once described Nora as a small town with a lot of character. The houses are tucked away in charming streets made of cobblestones, making it a delightful experience to explore the town that was built in the 17th century.
Nora is located near Örebro and can be reached by train from Stockholm in just two-and-a-half hours. Because of its central location and historical charm, Nora is a popular destination for tourists.
1. Sigtuna
Little Sigtuna, a charming town, can be found situated in the north of Stockholm. It proudly holds the distinction of being Sweden’s oldest continuously inhabited town. Its establishment took place in the year 980 under the rule of King Erik Segersäll.
Today, this millennium-old settlement is renowned for its captivating medieval town center, which showcases picturesque traditional wooden buildings. Within this center, one can discover delightful shops and restaurants lining the narrow, meandering lanes. Additionally, visitors can explore the remnants of ancient churches made of stone.
Furthermore, the town’s main street, known as Stora Gatan, holds significance as Sweden’s oldest street, originating from the time when King Erik Segersäll governed the land.
