Perfect for families who love the great outdoors, Sweden makes a temperate alternative to the heat of southern Europe in summer.
Start the adventure in one of Sweden’s cities to get into the groove of the Scandi way of life, where time in nature is part of everyday routine before going one step further into remote Swedish Lapland – an outdoor playground made up of lush forests, a pristine coastline and thousands of islands.
GOTHENBURG
Sweden's Second City
West Sweden’s chief gateway Gothenburg is a thriving seaside town, dotted with cosy bistros, Scandi design stores, vintage boutiques and the bustling fish market. Stroll around Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of the world’s largest, or walk about the old town of Haga, where cobblestones and timber houses lend an austere character. For an activity, take a kayaking tour, paddling 17th century canals to the harbour, cycle through scenic woods or along the coast to quaint fishing villages.
"On Sweden's west coast, Gothenburg sits as the gateway to a sprinkling of islands in its archipelago with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun on its doorstep."
STAY: THE RADISSON BLU
With spacious family rooms, a seasonal Nordic Kitchen restaurant and a central location, contemporary hotel Radisson Blu Gothenburg is a great choice for families and is walking distance of the Museum of Art.
STOCKHOLM
The Scenic Capital of Sweden
Built over 14 islands and surrounded by water, Stockholm is possibly one of Europe’s most scenic capitals with a vast range of activities for families to get stuck into. Do as the Swedes do and hop on bikes and get to know the city including the Royal Palace and Swedish Parliament, marvelling at the colourful merchant houses in the 13th century old town. The interactive Viking Museum is well worth a visit for the Viking Harald ride which takes a journey through 10th century Europe. Working up an appetite means you can stop for fika (coffee and cake) before heading out to explore the islands in the archipelago by ferry for hiking and swimming.
"With a historic centre and surrounded by water, Stockholm is perfect for an active, outdoorsy break."
STAY: CLARION HOTEL SIGN
With eye-catching Scandinavian design, Clarion Hotel Sign is a contemporary city hotel with a buzzy atmosphere, sunny terrace and spa, located in central Stockholm. Don’t miss the rooftop pool on warm days.
INTO THE WILD
Experience Sweden’s wilderness by staying in a unique property in the wilds of authentic Swedish Lapland. Mirror the wholesome Swedish lifestyle and immerse yourself in the outdoors – hiking, cycling and swimming – enjoying family-bonding activities in the natural world with plenty of time to soak up the midnight sun.
Stay in log cabins, floating tents and treehouses to connect more deeply with your environment, creating the ultimate family summer in Sweden.
BY THE SEA: BRANDON LODGE
Located on an island overlooking the Luleå archipelago, Brändön Lodge has a collection of two-bedroom log cabins which are ideally placed to enjoy the coastal beauty of Swedish Lapland. Opening out directly onto a pebbly beach, families can easily get out on the water in kayaks to paddle the Bothnian Bay spotting sea eagles, seals and moose grazing shoreside. The surrounding pine forests are shady and scenic, perfect for biking and you can also meet the local husky dogs and take them for a run in the woods. In the evenings, families gather under the midnight sun by the outdoor firepit before dinner in the log cabin restaurant featuring delicious Swedish specialities sourced from nature such as wild game, berries and salmon.
ON THE WATER: FLOATING SAFARI CAMP
For the ultimate water world wilderness experience, stay on a floating tent in a hidden bay of lake Degerselet, just south of the Arctic Circle, with the pristine Swedish wilderness encircling you. This unique, anchored lodging has a surprising level of comfort made up of three different decks, two of which are topped with bell tents; inside are cosy bedrooms. The main deck has a living area, kitchen and plenty of outside space for fishing, sunbathing and jumping into the lake – there’s even a sauna. ‘On board’ are also a variety of ways for families to have fun on the water including kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear. Meals can be self-catered or cooked by a chef or you can always come ashore for a Swedish-style barbecue in the woods.
IN THE TREES: TREE HOTEL
Set just outside the village of Harads in Sweden, 60km south of the Arctic Circle, the TreeHotel is a high-design, back-to-nature retreat, where adults and kids alike can live out the fantasy of sleeping in a treehouse. These are no ordinary treehouses however, the seven unique residences are boldly thematic – such as an artistic bird’s nest, a flying saucer-style treetop retreat and a mirrored cube, whose reflective outer walls provide incredible illusional effects. Use this as your whimsical base to explore the oldgrowth forest, foraging and eating around a campfire or visit a moose park. Use your time here to have a privilege encounter with a Sámi family, hearing their stories of life as reindeer herders.
