Why you should make the trip to Sweden in March

Sweden is an enchanting country, with cultural European capitals in the south and Swedish Lapland in the north. It has a varied topography which allows the country to be diverse, offering something magical for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. In this blog, we focus on the reasons why visiting Sweden during March is truly special, with lots of fascinating things to see and do.

The beautiful capital of Stockholm

Famed as ‘the Venice of the north’, Stockholm is spread over 14 connected islands and is brimming with waterways, open parkland and a varied history. If you were to venture just yonder, this culturally rich city is surrounded by an archipelago of around 30,000 islands and a lush green countryside of open fields, rolling hills, pine forests, vast lakes and manor houses. To really experience everything the city has to offer, I would recommend dedicating at least four days to explore. Take to the water and catch a three-hour ferry ride to the last island before Sandhamn, often free during the winter months. As you sail and make your way through the labyrinth of islands, the city will feel endless and leave you yearning to discover more.

Stockholm is famed for its sauna culture. Spend a day at one of the many spas here or, if you’re looking for an experience with a breathtakingly beautiful view, the Hellasgarden’s lakeside sauna comes highly recommended. Another must when visiting Stockholm and Sweden is to take part in ‘fika’ (afternoon tea) - a daily ritual where friends and co-workers take time out of their day to catch up. One of the best places to do so is in SoFo, the area south of Folkungatan on the Sodermalm island. It is here you will find a large array of trendy coffee shops, where the locals come to pause and take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bustling Gothenburg

Sweden’s second largest city, Gothenburg, lies on the west coastline and is surrounded by an archipelago of over 10,000 islands. The city is easily walkable and offers something for everyone, suiting all ages. From fun and exhilarating nightlife birthed from its renowned university, to bustling shopping districts, fascinating cultural attractions and an exciting culinary scene.

Known for being the number one seaport in all of Scandinavia, you would expect Gothenburg to deliver on its seafood - it does not disappoint. Expect bountiful and fresh local seafood options, with each restaurant adopting their own flare and creativity with every dish. Whether it’s a complete seafood spread at Sjomagasinet, or a seasonal oyster and champagne dinner at Restaurant Atelier, Gothenburg’s seafood is always so fresh and delicious.

Swedish Lapland - one of the earth’s last remaining wilderness’

In the northern most region of the country lies Swedish Lapland, stretching across the Nordics and home to Sami people. Often visitors travel to Swedish Lapland to partake in an array of winter activities and to marvel at the landscape. Although winter typically ceases in March, it is still a great time of year to visit. During this month Swedish Lapland embraces the sun once again and the dark polar night comes to an end. Spend your days taking in the stunning scenery by gliding over the rolling terrain, through forests and across frozen lakes behind a team of huskies; and your nights chasing a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Jokkmokk

Jokkmokk is a small Swedish town with 2,786 inhabitants. It is a popular place to reside among indigenous Sami people, and it is here where you will get a real insight into their culture and tradition. Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation about their way of life, they are proud of their heritage and discussing it instils a true sense of pride.  

Jokkmokk is described as the ‘Gateway to Sarek National Park’; an area in which Sami people have travelled with their reindeer for hundreds of years. During March, as the sun begins to warm, reindeer herding begins, migratory birds return, and it is also the perfect time to ski. Why not stay at the charming and recently renovated Akerlund Hotel, located in the centre of Jokkmokk.

The ICEHOTEL

Located in Jukkasjärvi, in the wilderness of Swedish Lapland, stands the infamous and original ICEHOTEL. A magnificent structure where the chairs you sit on, the bed you sleep on, and the glass you drink out of has been carefully sculpted using ice from the River Torne. 

No stay at Swedish Lapland is complete without a visit to this magnificent property. Tours can be arranged locally, and visitors can end their excursion enjoying delicious cocktails drank from a glass of ice from the hotel’s bar. However, why not get the true ICEHOTEL experience and stay in a deluxe suite for one night? These individually designed rooms are adorned with intricate pieces of frozen artwork and the designs change year after year. They are also the only rooms in the hotel which offer both sub-zero accommodation and an en-suite bathroom (two deluxe suites have their own sauna). You will be provided with a thermal sleeping bag and full instructions on how to spend your night on ice.