Who is the greatest pop group of all time? There’s no correct answer, as it’s all down to opinion. People of different ages and backgrounds will have different groups in mind. One thing that we are sure of is that ABBA will always be in that conversation as one of the greatest pop bands of all time. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, there are so many hits, and don’t pretend you didn’t just start singing along to one of those catchy hits!

ABBA remains a global phenomenon to this day, and there’s no better place to follow their legacy and walk in their footsteps than Sweden itself! Here are some must-visit ABBA locations for Sweden, from trips to their hometowns to immersive museums and experiences.

Where the Members Grew Up

  • Agnetha Fältskog – Agnetha was born in Jönköping, a city in Southern Sweden on the banks of Lake Vättern. She released solo music before later being a member of the hit pop group. You can visit Jönköping and learn more about Agentha’s early years.
  • Björn Ulvaeus – Björn grew up in Västervik, a small town on Sweden’s east coast. On a trip to Västervik, you can learn about Björn’s background in folk music!
  • Benny Andersson: Benny was born in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, where ABBA was formed and had its early success. Benny later lived in Västerås, a coastal city about 60 miles west of Stockholm.
  • Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida): Frida was actually born in Norway but moved to Sweden at an early age, living in the small town of Torshälla, near Eskiltuna.

Stockholm – The Heart of ABBA

Entrance sign of ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, featuring distinctive lit-up letters on a wooden facade.
ABBA The Museum, Stockholm, Sweden.

Stockholm is deeply significant to ABBA, and we would argue that it’s the heart of ABBA’s legacy. Stockholm is where the band came together, recorded their greatest hits, and where the band rose to the top of Swedish pop music. There are also so many amazing ABBA-related activities here, so if you could only visit one place in Sweden on an ABBA tour, we recommend Stockholm. Here are some of the best ABBA activities and locations for you to visit:

ABBA The Museum – Take a trip to the only museum solely dedicated to ABBA. It’s located on Djurgården Island in Stockholm and is the ultimate ABBA museum. You can sing with holograms, record your own ABBA tracks, see behind-the-scenes stories of the band’s journey, and so much more! It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about ABBA, whether that’s die-hard fans or those brand new to the pop group.

Hotel Rival – This charming boutique hotel in Stockholm is owned by Benny Andersson! The hotel features subtle ABBA themes and music-inspired design and has even been referred to by Dorling Kindersley as “one of the trendiest places to stay in Stockholm.” The Swedish premier of Mamma Mia was at the hotel’s cinema, with all ABBA members present. Visiting or staying in a hotel is a great way to feel a personal connection to the band.

Polar Studio – This was ABBA’s recording studio from 1978-1982. Iconic albums like Voulez-Vous and Super Trouper were recorded here. The building is now privately owned, so you can’t go inside, but fans still love walking outside the studio to see where some of their favorite songs were born.

Skansen Open-Air Museum – This museum is an excellent visit in its own right, featuring a recreated 19th-century Swedish village. However, it’s also where ABBA performed in their early years. It’s a great location to feel a piece of the band’s history as well as learning about Swedish folk traditions.

Mamma Mia! The Party – Enjoy an immersive dinner show experience based on ABBA’s music and Mamma Mia! Film setting. The show features a four-course Mediterranean meal, a live show, and a real celebration of ABBA.