Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Famous ancient vasa vessel in Stockholm
Famous ancient vasa vessel in Stockholm

The Best of Sweden

#42 best destination in the world

Map view

Njakajaure Nature Trail and Marmorbrottet Quarry, Abisko National Park

Njakajaure with Lapporten in background in september with autumn colors and snow on the mountain, Abisko national park, Swedish Lapland, Sweden

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Njakajaure Nature Trail and Marmorbrottet Quarry are notable features within Abisko National Park, offering a variety of hiking experiences
  • The trail is part of the Kungsleden, Sweden's oldest hiking trail, and provides a scenic route through diverse habitats, including birch forests, bogs, and open mountain heaths
  • Hikers can enjoy views of Lake Njakajaure, and the area is also home to various wildlife, including protected orchids in the surrounding marshland
  • The trail starts from Abisko and follows the Abiskojokk river, leading to a quarry before continuing to Lake Njakajaure

Øresund Bridge, Malmö

The Oresund Bridge is a combined motorway and railway bridge between Sweden and Denmark (Malmo and Copenhagen). Selective focus.
  • The Øresund Bridge serves as a combined railway and motorway link between Denmark and Sweden, which connects the Danish capital, Copenhagen, with the Swedish city of Malmö
  • The bridge is a cable-stayed design that transitions into an underwater tunnel
  • Opened in 2000, it is one of the busiest crossings in the region, enhancing economic and cultural ties between Denmark and Sweden

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Stockholm old town (Gamla Stan) cityscape from City Hall top, Sweden

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Gamla Stan, which translates to "Old Town," is the historical center of Stockholm, and has been the heart of the city since its establishment
  • Founded in the 13th century, Gamla Stan is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cobblestone streets
  • The area is home to numerous historical buildings, museums, and landmarks, including the Royal Palace and several ancient churches

Vasa Museum, Stockholm

Famous ancient vasa vessel in Stockholm

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • The Vasa Museum is a prominent maritime museum located in Stockholm, on the island of Djurgården
  • It is renowned for housing the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1628
  • The ship was salvaged in 1961 and is the only almost fully preserved ship from that era in the world
  • The museum provides a rich historical context about life at sea, naval battles, and shipbuilding during the early 17th century through various exhibits and artifacts

Djurgården, Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden - September 5 2023: Exterior view of the Nordiska Museet, or Nordic Museum, located on Djurgården, an island in central Stockholm, Sweden

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Djurgården is an island located in central Stockholm, that historically served as a royal game park and has evolved into a popular destination known for its recreational offerings
  • It is home to several attractions, including museums, amusement parks, and historical buildings, such as Skansen, an open-air museum showcasing Swedish history and culture, and amusement park Gröna Lund
  • The island is part of the Royal National City Park, providing a green oasis with walking paths, gardens, and scenic views

ABBA The Museum, Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - OCTOBER 31 2020: The ABBA Museum on October 30, 2020 in Stockholm. The ABBA museum has become of Stockholms major tourist attractions. This was during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • ABBA The Museum is an interactive exhibition dedicated to the iconic Swedish pop band ABBA, located in Stockholm
  • It opened in 2013 and offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the band's history and music
  • The museum showcases a variety of memorabilia, including costumes worn by the band members, their gold records, concert footage and interviews, as well as, personal artifacts and photographs from their careers
  • The museum also highlights the individual careers of the band members before they formed ABBA

Stockholm Palace

Sweden, Stockholm, Gamla Stan, Old Town, Royal Palace, palace chapel, interior (Editorial Use Only)

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Stockholm Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarch and one of the largest palaces in Europe, featuring over 600 rooms
  • The palace is an example of Baroque architecture and has a history dating back to its construction, which began in the late 17th century after the previous castle, Tre Kronor, was destroyed by fire
  • Today, it houses several museums, including the Treasury, which displays royal regalia, and the Tre Kronor Museum, which provides insights into the palace's history