How to see the best of Sweden on a budget
Scandinavia tops the list of many travelers and with international travel restrictions that have now almost completely disappeared, the region is ready for a fantastic year of tourism.
But it is impossible to escape the fact that Scandinavia is an expensive region to visit. This is certainly true in Sweden, where it is easy to get big bills on hotels, travel and food if you are not attentive.
There are many ways to reduce costs without sacrificing your experience. Many of the keys to a satisfying budget travel experience are in the planning. With that in mind, here are some things to keep in mind.
Hiking in Stockholm
Sweden’s capital by the water is full of historical and cultural attractions, but many come with a price tag. Still, it’s easy to soak up the atmosphere of historic Stockholm without spending anything.
The charming old town island Gamla Stan is full of fascinating architecture, public squares, cobbled streets and narrow alleys.
The best thing you can do is start walking and see what pleasures you discover. In just under half a mile across, it is impossible to get lost. The colorful architecture on the central Stortorget is the best place for people to watch with a coffee from one of the sidewalk cafes.
Although the rest of the city is walkable, take at least one subway ride. Stockholm’s modern public transport also functions as an art gallery. Almost 100 stations have some form of art: large mosaics, living paintings, installations or sculptures.
Tour Sweden on the train
In a country with so many regional airports, it is tempting to hop on a plane to save time traveling around the country. But even though local flights often save time, it is a very expensive option if you do not book months in advance.
If time is on your side, the train is a great option. Sweden’s national railway network is one of the most environmentally friendly in the world with high-speed lines that connect the major cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö several times a day.
The railway network also serves many other places of interest to tourists, including the sunny southern and farthest north of the country, beyond the Arctic Circle. Booking tickets at least a week in advance is the best way to secure a good deal, as the prices of the day are much higher.
To see the real Sweden, consider a trip on the 800 km long Inlandsbanan that cuts through the heart of the country between Gällivare in the north to Kristinehamn in the south. There are package deals that include hotel stays and travel.
Enjoy nature
Sweden’s 30 national parks and thousands of nature reserves are free to visit. Many trails for famous hiking trails are within easy reach of cities and are accessible by public transport.
If you plan to spend a lot of time in nature, get acquainted with Sweden’s the rules of public access. Known as right of public access in Swedish, the regulations allow people (including tourists) to enjoy nature. This includes the right to camp on public land and fodder for berries and mushrooms.
If it sounds a bit much to you, it is still possible to enjoy the nature in the cities. Stockholm’s vast archipelago, Drottningholm’s castle gardens and botanical gardens in many Swedish cities are just a few examples.
A short drive or bus ride from Gothenburg, Kosterhavet Marine National Park centers around the mostly car-free Koster Islands.
Change your eating habits
Take advantage of the generous breakfast buffets offered by most hotels to replenish you in the morning. Before leaving the hotel, refill a reusable water bottle to save money on bottled water later in the day. Tap water in Sweden is safe to drink and tastes good.
Also consider changing your main meal to lunch. Prices are much lower and even lower in cities where restaurants are fighting for the business crowd with special offers. Buffet restaurants – mostly Chinese and Thai – are also cheapest earlier in the day.
Go dry
If it’s a habit rather than a necessity to enjoy a glass of wine over dinner, consider avoiding alcohol during your trip. You will not be the only one doing this.
Because taxes on alcohol are so high, many Swedes enjoy a drink at home before or after a night out. If you need to buy alcohol, Systembolaget is the state liquor store. You will find no less than 3.5% ABV available in other stores.