Explore Sweden on a 16-day private tour with unforgettable sights, local charm, and plenty of scenic driving routes. You won’t need to worry about driving, as each private tour includes a private driver guide to take you and your travel group from sight to sight.
You’ll kick things off in Stockholm, exploring the capital’s old town, world-class museums, and beautiful waterfront neighborhoods. From there, head into the countryside to visit historic locations such as Sigtuna and Uppsala, before traveling through the mountains of Dalarna and the alpine village of Åre.
The adventure continues north to Östersund, then east to the stunning coastline of the High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before making your way down through lively towns like Umeå, Sundsvall, and Gävle. You’ll soak up traditional Swedish culture in Dalarna, enjoy some relaxing time by the lake in Västerås, and then wrap things up back in Stockholm, where it all began.
The itinerary below is merely a template. When our tour designers speak to you, they will design a complementary itinerary for you, tailored specifically to the locations you want to visit.
Summary of Our 16 Day Sweden Tour Itinerary
Day 3: Stockholm to Sigtuna to Uppsala
Day 6: Sälen to Östersund via Härjedalen
Day 10: Sundsvall to Höga Kusten (The High Coast)
Day 11: Höga Kusten (High Coast) to Umeå
Day 13: Gävle to Dalarna Region
Days 1-2: Stockholm
The first 2 days of your tour will be spent in the capital city of Stockholm. Your driver guide will collect you from the airport or your accommodation and take you to Gamla Stan, otherwise known as the old town in Stockholm. You’ll explore this beautiful part of the city, admiring the medieval streets and colorful buildings, and enjoying traditional Swedish fika in one of its cozy cafes. The highlight of your time in Gamla Stan will be a guided tour of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarchy.
You’ll spend a day on Djurgården Island, home to some of Stockholm’s best museums. Visit the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th-century warship, and the ABBA Museum to learn about one of history’s most iconic pop bands. Explore Swedish traditions at the Skansen Open-Air Museum, where you can walk through villages built to reflect life from previous centuries.
Day 3: Stockholm to Sigtuna to Uppsala
On your 3rd day, you’ll leave the capital city and head to the oldest town in Sweden, Sigtuna. Your guide will show the historic rune stones, with carved messages from Viking times. It will really feel like you’re in Sweden’s oldest town as you walk past the quaint wooden buildings and well-preserved streets.
Continue to the university city of Uppsala, starting with a guided tour of Uppsala Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. You’ll then head to Gustavianum Museum, where you can see Viking artifacts and a unique theater where doctors once performed dissections in front of the public. Your day will finish with natural beauty as you walk through the Botanical Gardens and the Fyris River.
Day 4: Uppsala to Falun
On Day 4, your driver guide will take you to Falun, located in the Dalarna region, known for being an incredibly beautiful part of Sweden.
Start with a guided tour of the Falu Gruva copper mine (Falun Mine), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll visit its underground tunnels, hear stories of miners’ lives, and learn about the role of this mine in Swedish history.
Take the short drive to Sundborn, a small village once the home to Carl Larsson. Visit the artist’s house and learn about his life’s work before returning to Falun for the evening.
Day 5: Falun to Mora to Sälen
Drive past pine forests and lakes on your way to Mora. Visit the Zorn Museum, which is dedicated to one of Sweden’s most prominent painters. Next, head to the Nils Olsson Dalahästar workshop and learn how Dala horses are still made using traditional methods.
Your driver guide will then take you to the mountain village of Sälen, one of the best alpine destinations in Sweden. Enjoy a night in a boutique hotel or chic lodge, chosen specifically based on your tastes. You can expect stunning forestry views and spend the evening either relaxing in a sauna or with a glass of wine by the fireplace.
Day 6: Sälen to Östersund via Härjedalen
On your 6th day, your private guide will drive you north through Härjedalen, one of Sweden’s most beautiful remote regions. The scenery is simply breathtaking with expansive open alpine views, beautiful lakes, and wildlife like reindeer and elk. You’ll stop in the village of Funäsdalen, where you can stretch your legs and take a coffee break in a cozy village cafe. While in Funäsdalen, you’ll also visit the Mountain and Sámi Museum to learn about the life of the Sámi people.
Continue driving north and arrive in Östersund, a picturesque lakeside city on the shore of Lake Storsjön, where you can relax for the rest of the evening.
Day 7: Östersund
You’ll spend your 7th day exploring this lakeside city with your private guide. Explore the Jamtli Museum, where you can see interactive exhibits on Sámi culture and Viking artifacts.
Head over to the neighboring island Frösön, and see historic attractions such as Frösö Church, a 12th-century stone church with lakeside and mountain views, and Frösöstenen, a runestone estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old!
Enjoy a wellness escape at Storsjöbadet Spa & Pool before returning to central Östersund for dinner.
Day 8: Östersund to Åre
After 2 relaxing nights in Östersund, you’ll depart the lakeside city for the alpine resort of Åre. For the highlight of your day, take a cable car up Mount Åreskutan, one of Sweden’s highest ski mountains. When you reach the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Åresjön, and if the weather is clear, you can even see distant mountains in Norway.
Spend some time in the village of Åre, where you can visit artisan shops and local cafes, before spending the afternoon in an elegant spa with mountain views.
Day 9: Åre to Sundsvall
Spend the morning exploring the alpine village one last time before heading towards the Baltic coast on your way to Sundsvall with your driver guide. Enjoy a walking city tour, visiting attractions such as Esplanaden, Kulturmagasinet, and the Sundsvall Museum. Your guide will then take you above the city to Norra Berget, an outdoor museum with panoramic city views.
Day 10: Sundsvall to Höga Kusten (The High Coast)
On day 10, visit the breathtaking High Coast region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty. Stop at the iconic Högakustenbron (High Coast Bridge) that spans the Ångerman River. You’ll then head to Docksta, where you hike the Skuleberget mountain for views of the Baltic Sea. At the bottom of the mountain, learn about the region’s unique geological story at the Naturum Höga Kusten Visitor Centre. After a day of exploration, you’ll spend a luxurious evening in your accommodation perched above the sea.
Day 11: Höga Kusten (High Coast) to Umeå
Enjoy a scenic drive to Umeå, known as the “city of birches,” for the thousands of birch trees that line its streets. Your city tour of Umeå will include visits to:
- Bildmuseet – Riverside museum of contemporary art
- Guitars The Museum – Unique museum showcasing one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of vintage guitars
- Väven Cultural Centre – Explore the centre, which features a library, cinema, art space, and local shops.
After a day of exploring the city, you’ll spend the evening at one of Umeå’s most exclusive restaurants, chosen specifically for you, based on your food preferences.
Day 12: Umeå to Gävle
Your 12th day is one of the longer driving days of the tour, but the journey is filled with beautiful scenery as you drive south along Sweden’s northern coastline.
Enjoy fika in Örnsköldsvik, a Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee with pastries. Carry on to Hudiksvall for a traditional Swedish lunch. After your hearty meal, you can walk along the harbor and admire the town’s colorful wooden houses.
You’ll arrive in Gävle late afternoon and explore Gamla Gefle, a historic area with narrow streets and 18th-century cottages. Visit the Swedish Railway Museum, a fascinating exhibit showcasing Sweden’s transport history.
Day 13: Gävle to Dalarna Region
Your 13th day will be spent in the Dalarn region, where you’ll get a feel for traditional Sweden as you spend the day in charming villages on the shores of the famous Lake Siljan.
Start in the village of Leksand, where you can visit unique artisan shops and the historic 13th-century Leksand Church.
Enjoy a leisurely hike on the Siljansleden Trail, a short route with lakeside views and lush forestry. You’ll stay overnight in Tällberg, a beautiful village filled with family-run hotels with views of Lake Siljan.
Day 14: Dalarna to Västerås
The great thing about Sweden is that it is filled with so many picturesque lakes, and day 14 is no different as you head to the lakeside city of Västerås on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Start your time in Västerås at the Vallby Open Air Museum, where you’ll get a feel for what rural Sweden was like centuries ago in a recreated 19th-century Swedish village. Explore hidden gems like Djäkneberget, a beautiful green space with city views and ancient artwork.
Finish your evening with a walk along the lake promenade and a drink at a rooftop bar, before dining at one of the city’s lakeside restaurants.
Days 15-16: Stockholm
On your way back to Stockholm, you’ll stop for a guided tour of Drottningholm Palace, a private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent drawing rooms and library before walking through the beautiful palace gardens.
You’ll spend the next 2 days in Stockholm, where you can revisit some favourite spots from the start of your tour, or see some more spots of the city that you didn’t get around to. A fantastic way to end your time in Sweden is a luxurious cruise of the Stockholm Archipelago. You can enjoy stunning views from the waters and even enjoy dinner on one of the many tiny, tranquil islands. At the end of your tour, your private guide can drop you back to the airport for your flight home.
