Sweden is a calm destination that combines historic cities with waterside nature, ideal for a trip away from the crowds of southern Europe’s capitals. This 7-day itinerary focuses on Stockholm, its archipelago and Uppsala, then Gothenburg on the west coast, with a version ready for your Schengen visa file.
Best time to visit Sweden
June to August is the best season: long days of up to 18 hours, and mild weather ideal for boat trips between the islands. Winter is cold with short days, but suits those looking for snow or the Northern Lights in the north.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stockholm | Arrival, Gamla Stan (the old town) | Flight to Arlanda, then Arlanda Express train | Hotel, Stockholm |
| 2 | Stockholm | Vasa Museum, Djurgården island | Ferry and walk | Hotel, Stockholm |
| 3 | Stockholm Archipelago | Boat trip between the islands | Ferry | Hotel, Stockholm |
| 4 | Uppsala | Day trip, the cathedral and university | Train (about 40 minutes) | Hotel, Stockholm |
| 5 | Stockholm → Gothenburg | Transfer, the canals and harbour | Train (about 3 hours) | Hotel, Gothenburg |
| 6 | Gothenburg | Liseberg amusement park, the southern archipelago | Tram and ferry | Hotel, Gothenburg |
| 7 | Gothenburg | Departure | Flight from Landvetter Airport | — |
Getting around and practical tips
The Arlanda Express is the fastest way from the airport to central Stockholm (about 20 minutes). Ferries are part of Stockholm’s public transport, and some are covered by the daily travel pass. The high-speed train between Stockholm and Gothenburg is comfortable and saves you a domestic flight. Cash has become rare in Sweden, so rely on your card.
Visa and trip documents
All nights are in Sweden, so you apply to the Swedish embassy for a Schengen visa. The general documents are in our guide to Schengen visa requirements. Match your nights in Stockholm and Gothenburg with your hotel bookings, and note that you depart from a different airport than you arrive at, so your flight reservation should be multi-city (arriving in Stockholm and departing from Gothenburg).
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, with a multi-city flight reservation and hotel bookings in both cities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add Norway or Denmark?
Yes. Copenhagen is about 4 hours from Gothenburg by train, as long as most of your nights remain in Sweden.
Is this itinerary suitable for winter?
Partly, because archipelago trips are reduced in winter and Liseberg is seasonal. Replace them with Stockholm’s museums or a trip to the north.
Does the Swedish embassy require an itinerary?
Not always, but it explains the purpose of your trip and links your bookings in two cities.
