Although Sweden has four very distinct seasons, at pretty much any time of the year you can experience all four seasons’ weather in just one day.
Not only this, but the country is more than 1500km long, with conditions varying dramatically from the balmy south to the snowy north.
Therefore, the best way to ensure that you have the right kit for your trip is to heed the old Swedish adage: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”.
Even on the sunniest of summer days, having an umbrella or light waterproof jacket is a good idea. And in case this sounds like a gloomy proposition, remember that you might also need sunglasses in the depths of winter for when the sun makes its brief appearance. The glare from snow can be surprisingly strong!
So, what should you pack for a trip to Sweden? The lists below won’t be applicable to every trip (after all, there’s a big difference between a weekend in Stockholm and a month of backpacking around Sweden), but they should give you some food for thought when packing your bags.
What to pack for Sweden – the all-season list
Layers will be your friends in Sweden, especially in the colder months. Make sure that you take with you enough short- and long-sleeved tops, trousers (lighter weight for the summer and warmer for the winter) and possibly an outfit for the evenings.
- Comfortable shoes or boots for walking in
- Packing cubes can be a useful way to pack efficiently
- A reusable water bottle (tap water is drinkable everywhere and bottled water is pricey)
- Travel adapter: Sweden uses the European two-pronged 220-240V plugs
- A day bag or smaller rucksack for hiking trips, if you’re planning to explore the countryside
- Reusable shopping bags (a canvas bag, for example). Sweden has a high tax on plastic: one bag in a store can set you back 6 SEK ($0.70 or £0.50)
- Passport and travel documents
- A valid up-to-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for citizens of EU countries, plus travel insurance for everyone (see below for more on this).
- Camera or phone to take photos (plus batteries and chargers)
- Credit and/or debit card – cash is rarely used in Sweden, and many places no longer accept it.
- Driving licence, if you’re planning to rent a car. For more info on this, see our guide to renting a car in Sweden.
- Booking confirmations. If you’ve booked any tours in advance (here are some fantastic options to whet your appetite) make sure you bring your voucher or have the booking reference on your phone.
What to pack for a summer trip to Sweden
Temperatures in the spring and summer can vary widely in Sweden. Stockholm and the south are usually milder and warmer with temperatures around 15–25 C, while the north of the country typically has cooler summers, although temperatures can still soar from time to time.
So, it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities. In addition to lightweight tops and comfortable trousers, skirts and/or dresses, you’ll also need:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes or trainers
- Sandals
- Swimwear (a lightweight travel towel is a good idea)
- A jumper or jacket for the evenings (unless you’re very lucky, it will still get cold, even in summer)
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Tick removal kit (ticks can be found all over, including in the archipelagos around Stockholm and Gothenburg and near Lake Vänern)
- Eye mask for sleeping. The sun doesn’t set between late May and mid-July in the far north and summer nights remain light across the whole country.
Cold weather packing list for Sweden
As in the warmer months, autumn and winter conditions vary depending on where in the country you are.
Winters in the south tend to be milder but often very wet, and snow is rare along the coast. Around Stockholm, winter temperatures usually hover around zero and snow is common.
In the north, winters are colder and drier, and you should expect a lot of snow, with temperatures remaining below zero for most of the long winter. So, the most important advice for what to pack for autumn or winter in Sweden is to bring layers.
- Wind- and waterproof winter jacket (down jackets are popular in Sweden)
- Fleece jacket for milder, drier days
- Waterproof trousers
- Chunky knitwear (although not recommended if you are hiking)
- Thermal layers/underwear for colder days (wool or synthetic fabrics are best)
- Hat, scarf, and gloves (padded and waterproof for the winter)
- Heavy-duty moisturiser and lip balm to protect your skin from the elements
- Sunscreen can also be necessary, even in the winter (especially if you’re skiing)
- Torch – especially if you are going to be anywhere without street lights
- A backpack can be more useful than a suitcase in wintry conditions (bags with wheels don’t perform well in snow!)
Hiking in Sweden?
Additional items that you may need while hiking in Sweden include:
- Comfortable, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that you have already broken in
- Thermal layers in wool or synthetic fabrics for breathability
- Woollen socks
- Mosquito repellent in the summer months, especially in the north
- Rubbish bags (there are strict rules about taking all rubbish back with you while hiking)
- Torch/headlamp in the winter months
How much much money do I need per day in Sweden?
There is no getting away from the fact that Sweden is not cheap. However, prices are more reasonable than in neighbouring Nordic countries, and it is possible to enjoy the country on a reasonably tight budget.
By staying at hostels (see here for some good choices) and taking bedding and towels with you, you can keep your costs down.
Buying lunch at a supermarket is a good way to save your kronor, as is eating at gatukök (basic takeaways that sell pizza, hot dogs, etc).
This type of budget trip will cost at least 400 SEK (US$45 or £35) per day. Adding coffee in a café (around 35 SEK) or a beer in a bar (about 50–60 SEK) will up the costs.
For a trip that includes three- or four-star hotels (which often provide breakfast) and meals at mid-range restaurants, your minimum daily budget will be more like 800-1000 SEK a day (around US$90 or £70).
And if you want to push the boat out, staying at high-end hotels and experiencing the best of Sweden’s gourmet scene, then you can expect to spend around 2000–3000 SEK (approximately US$230–350 or £175–250).
And don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance is a vital part of your packing list for any trip to Sweden, whether you’re an EU citizen or not. You only need to get ill, miss a travel connection, or have something stolen and it will cost you a lot more than buying a policy.
There are some reasonably priced policies available – always shop around, make sure you get the right level of cover for your trip and ask for a couple of quotes. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
See also:
Cost of living in Sweden
The best time to visit Sweden
The best hiking trails in Sweden
