Sweden Like a Pro: Expert Tips for the Budget backpacker

Sweden, the land of a thousand lakes, majestic mountains, and mysterious forests, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky like a symphony of colors. A place where design and functionality meet, where minimalism is a way of life, and where the concept of ‘lagom’ (not too little, not too much, but just right) is the ultimate goal. But, beyond the stereotypes of IKEA and ABBA, lies a country that is as elusive as a Swedish summer, as enchanting as a midnight sun, and as unforgiving as a Nordic winter. Join me on a journey through the Sweden that lies beyond the clichés, a journey that will take us from the streets of Stockholm to the wilderness of Lapland, and from the design studios of Gothenburg to the music festivals of Malmö. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!

when to go:

Winter (December-February)

Pros:

  • Cheap accommodations: Prices drop significantly during winter.
  • Fewer tourists: You’ll have popular attractions almost to yourself.
  • Winter sports: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

Cons:

  • Cold weather: Temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
  • Short days: Limited daylight hours (around 6 hours).
  • Some attractions closed: Some museums and attractions may be closed or have limited hours.

Expensive: No

Spring (March-May)

Pros:

  • Mild weather: Temperatures rise, and snow melts.
  • Blooming flowers: Beautiful cherry blossoms and tulips.
  • Shoulder season prices: Accommodations and attractions offer discounts.

Cons:

  • Some attractions still closed: A few attractions may still be closed.
  • Rainy weather: Spring showers are common.

Expensive: No

Summer (June-August)

Pros:

  • Warm weather: Temperatures rise, and days are long (up to 18 hours of daylight).
  • Festivals and events: Enjoy music festivals, Midsummer celebrations, and outdoor events.
  • Nature in bloom: Sweden’s nature is at its peak beauty.

Cons:

  • Peak tourist season: Expect crowds and higher prices.
  • Expensive accommodations: Prices skyrocket during summer.

Expensive: Yes

Autumn (September-November)

Pros:

  • Mild weather: Comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.
  • Fewer tourists: Crowds dissipate, and prices drop.
  • Attractions open: Most attractions are open with regular hours.

Cons:

  • Rainy weather: Autumn showers are common.
  • Some attractions closed: A few attractions may be closed for maintenance.

Expensive: No

best Itineraries:

1 Week Itinerary:

  • Day 1-3: Stockholm (explore the Old Town, Royal Palace, and Vasa Museum)
  • Day 4-5: Gothenburg (visit the Archipelago, Botanical Garden, and Haga neighborhood)
  • Day 6-7: Return to Stockholm (enjoy the city’s nightlife and shopping)

2 Weeks Itinerary:

  • Day 1-4: Stockholm (explore the city’s museums, parks, and neighborhoods)
  • Day 5-7: Gothenburg (enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe and cultural attractions)
  • Day 8-10: Malmö (visit the Old Town, Castle, and vibrant food scene)
  • Day 11-14: Return to Stockholm (explore the surrounding nature and archipelago)

3 Weeks Itinerary:

  • Day 1-5: Stockholm (explore the city’s hidden gems and day trips)
  • Day 6-10: Gothenburg (enjoy the city’s festivals and events)
  • Day 11-14: Malmö (visit the nearby castles and nature reserves)
  • Day 15-21: Lapland (experience the Northern Lights and winter sports)

1 Month Itinerary:

  • Week 1: Stockholm (explore the city’s neighborhoods and attractions)
  • Week 2: Gothenburg (enjoy the city’s cultural scene and festivals)
  • Week 3: Malmö (visit the nearby castles and nature reserves)
  • Week 4: Lapland (experience the Northern Lights and winter sports)

Transportation:

Buses

  • Long-distance buses: Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines connect major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
  • Regional buses: Local buses operate in smaller towns and rural areas, often connecting to larger cities.
  • City buses: Urban buses navigate through cities, making it easy to get around.

Trains

  • SJ trains: The national rail company connects major cities, offering comfortable and efficient travel.
  • Regional trains: Local trains operate in smaller regions, often connecting to larger cities.
  • Commuter trains: Frequent trains connect suburbs to city centers.

Hitchhiking

  • Popular spots: Look for designated hitchhiking areas near highways and bus stops.
  • Safety first: Always prioritize safety and trust your instincts.
  • Be prepared: Bring a sign, water, and snacks.
  • Check out hitchwiki.org for guides to hitchhiking in every country.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use public transportation apps: Plan your route and track your journey with apps like SL, Västtrafik, and Skånetrafiken.
  • Buy a student card: If you’re a student, get a student card for discounted fares.
  • Consider a travel card: Cards like the Eurail Pass or Sweden’s own travel card offer unlimited travel.
  • Be mindful of peak hours: Avoid traveling during rush hour for shorter journeys.

accommodations:

Couchsurfing

  • Sign up: Create a profile on (link unavailable) and start requesting hosts.
  • Be respectful: Follow house rules and be considerate of your host’s space.
  • Build relationships: Connect with your host and learn about their culture.

Best places for couchsurfing:

  • Stockholm: Vibrant city with many hosts
  • Gothenburg: Friendly community and cultural events
  • Malmö: Diverse city with a strong couchsurfing community

Hostels

  • Dorms: Shared rooms starting from €15-€30 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €30-€60 per night.
  • Kitchen facilities: Cook your own meals and save money.

Best hostels:

  • Stockholm: STF af Chapman (dorms from €20)
  • Gothenburg: Gothenburg Hostel (dorms from €18)
  • Malmö: Malmö Hostel (dorms from €22)

Budget Hotels

  • Basic rooms: From €40-€70 per night.
  • Shared bathrooms: Keep costs low.
  • Breakfast included: Start your day with a Scandinavian breakfast.

Best budget hotels:

  • Stockholm: Ibis Stockholm (rooms from €50)
  • Gothenburg: Comfort Hotel Göteborg (rooms from €55)
  • Malmö: Moment Hotels Malmö (rooms from €50)

Airbnb

  • Shared apartments: From €20-€40 per night.
  • Private apartments: From €40-€80 per night.
  • Kitchen facilities: Cook your own meals and feel at home.

Best Airbnb options:

  • Stockholm: Cozy apartment in Södermalm (from €30)
  • Gothenburg: Central apartment with balcony (from €35)
  • Malmö: Charming apartment in the old town (from €30)

Camping

  • Tent pitching: From €10-€20 per night.
  • Camping cabins: From €30-€60 per night.
  • Nature connection: Wake up to Sweden’s beautiful outdoors.

Best camping spots:

  • Stockholm: Stockholm Camping (tent pitching from €15)
  • Gothenburg: Göteborgs Camping (tent pitching from €12)
  • Malmö: Malmö Camping (tent pitching from €15)

Food:

Supermarkets

My go-to spot for affordable food is the supermarket. I stock up on basics like pasta, rice, and canned goods, which are surprisingly cheap. I’ve found that Lidl and Willys are the most budget-friendly options.

Street Food

Street food is another great option for cheap eats. I’ve tried delicious falafel and kebabs from food trucks and markets, all for under 100 SEK ($10).

Cafes

Cafes are a great place to grab a budget-friendly breakfast or lunch. Look for cafes that offer daily specials or discounts. I’ve found that cafes in smaller towns are often cheaper than those in big cities.

Food Courts

Food courts are a great option for a quick and affordable meal. I’ve found that the food court at the Mall of Scandinavia in Stockholm has a variety of options for under 100 SEK ($10).

Cooking My Own Meals

To save money, I’ve started cooking my own meals. I’ve found that hostels and Airbnb apartments often have kitchen facilities, making it easy to whip up a meal. I’ve even started making my own falafel and hummus!

Top things to do:

Explore Stockholm

  • Old Town (Gamla Stan): Wander through narrow streets and admire colorful buildings.
  • Vasa Museum: Marvel at the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship (free admission).
  • Royal Palace: Watch the changing of the guard (free admission).
  • ABBA Museum: Learn about Sweden’s famous pop group (discounted tickets available).
  • Moderna Museum: Enjoy modern and contemporary art (free admission).
  • Skansen Open-Air Museum: Explore Swedish culture and history (discounted tickets available).

Discover Gothenburg

  • Haga Neighborhood: Admire charming wooden houses and boutique shops.
  • Gothenburg Museum of Art: Enjoy modern and contemporary art (free admission).
  • Botanical Garden: Stroll through beautiful gardens (free admission).
  • Gothenburg Cathedral: Admire the impressive architecture (free admission).
  • Feskekörka: Explore the fish market and try some seafood (affordable prices).

Experience Malmö

  • Old Town (Gamla Stan): Explore charming streets and canals.
  • Malmö Castle: Visit the city’s oldest building (free admission).
  • Modern Museum: Enjoy contemporary art (free admission).
  • Malmö Saluhall: Try some food at the market (affordable prices).
  • Ribersborg Beach: Relax at the beach (free admission).

Nature Escapes

  • Trek in the Swedish Lapland: Hike through stunning landscapes and forests.
  • Visit the Archipelago: Explore islands and beaches in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
  • Relax in a sauna: Unwind in a traditional Swedish sauna (many offer affordable prices).
  • Explore the lakes: Visit Lake Vänern, Lake Vättern, or Lake Mälaren for some scenic views.
  • Hike in the mountains: Visit the Swedish mountains for some breathtaking views.

Festivals and Events

  • Midsummer (Midsommar): Celebrate with dancing and feasting.
  • Way Out West: Enjoy music and art in Gothenburg.
  • Stockholm Pride: Join the largest Pride parade in Scandinavia.
  • Gothenburg Film Festival: Watch some movies and meet filmmakers.
  • Malmö Festival: Enjoy music, food, and culture.

Nightlife:

Stockholm

  • Södermalm: This trendy neighborhood is full of bars and clubs that won’t break the bank.
  • Kungsholmen: Head to this island for a lively nightlife scene with affordable prices.
  • Old Town: Explore the narrow streets and find some hidden gems, like the Absolut Icebar.
  • Debaser: A popular club with live music and affordable drinks.
  • The Drunken Horse: A fun bar with a relaxed atmosphere and cheap beers.

Gothenburg

  • Haga: This charming neighborhood is full of bars and cafes with a cozy atmosphere.
  • Andra Långgatan: A popular street with bars and clubs that offer affordable prices.
  • Östra Nordstan: Head to this area for a lively nightlife scene with a mix of bars and clubs.
  • Brewdog: A popular craft beer bar with affordable prices.
  • The Rover: A fun bar with a relaxed atmosphere and cheap beers.

Malmö

  • Lilla Torg: This charming square is full of bars and cafes with a cozy atmosphere.
  • Malmö Saluhall: Head to this market for some food and drinks at affordable prices.
  • Stortorget: Explore the bars and clubs around this main square.
  • Far i Hatten: A popular bar with a relaxed atmosphere and cheap beers.
  • The Bishops Arms: A fun bar with a wide selection of beers and affordable prices.

Tips and Tricks

  • Happy hour: Look for bars with happy hour deals to save money.
  • Beer is cheaper than cocktails: Stick to beer or cider for a more affordable night out.
  • Avoid fancy clubs: Stick to bars and smaller clubs for a more affordable and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Drink at a systembolaget: These government-run liquor stores offer affordable drinks to go.
  • Join a pub crawl: Many cities offer pub crawls that include drinks and entry to bars and clubs.

Backpacking Sweden costs:

Accommodation

  • Hostels: Expect to pay around 200-300 SEK ($20-30 USD) per night for a dorm bed.
  • Camping: Camping is a great option, with prices starting from 100 SEK ($10 USD) per night.
  • Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free!

Food

  • Supermarkets: Buy food from supermarkets like Lidl or Willys for affordable prices.
  • Street food: Try falafel or kebabs for around 50-70 SEK ($5-7 USD).
  • Cook your own meals: Many hostels offer kitchen facilities.

Transportation

  • Public transportation: Use buses and trains for affordable prices.
  • Long-distance buses: Companies like FlixBus offer cheap tickets.
  • Hitchhiking: A great way to meet locals and save money.

Attractions

  • Free museums: Many museums offer free admission.
  • National parks: Explore Sweden’s beautiful nature for free.
  • Walking tours: Join free walking tours in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 200-300 SEK ($20-30 USD) per night
  • Food: 50-100 SEK ($5-10 USD) per meal
  • Transportation: 50-100 SEK ($5-10 USD) per journey
  • Attractions: free or 50-100 SEK ($5-10 USD)

Total daily budget: 500-800 SEK ($50-80 USD)

Tips and Tricks

  • Use cashback apps: Apps like Cashback and Ibotta offer rebates on certain purchases.
  • Avoid touristy areas: Eat and shop at local places for better prices.
  • Use public transportation: Affordable buses and trains connect cities.
  • Cook your own meals: Save money by preparing your own food.

Conclusion:

As I bid farewell to Sweden, I am left with a heart full of wonder and a soul that is forever changed. This enchanting land has woven a spell around me, and I am now a part of its tapestry.

With a backpack full of dreams and a heart full of determination, I set out to conquer Sweden on a broke budget. And, oh, what a conquest it was! From the majestic mountains to the vibrant cities, I explored it all without breaking the bank (granted I didn’t really have anything in the bank to break).

But, Sweden has given me so much more than just a thrifty travel experience. It has given me a new language of courage, a currency of resilience, and a passport to the world. It has taught me to embrace the unknown, to dance with uncertainty, and to never lose my sense of wonder.

As I depart, I leave behind a piece of my heart, but I take with me a lifetime of memories, a soul that is forever Nordic, and a spirit that is ready to take on the world.

Tack Sverige, for being my home, my sanctuary, and my forever love. May our paths cross again, and may my heart always remain Scandinavian at heart.