Sweden

Sweden family holidays

Sweden is one of those destinations that works brilliantly for families. For those who love the outdoors, it is a giant natural playground. Vast forests, crystal-clear lakes and miles of coastline create endless opportunities for family fun as well as space for ‘fika’, the wonderful Swedish tradition of pausing and re-charging…over pastries!

In the summer, you’ll find long days and warm evenings, perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring the countryside, lakes and endless coastline. With more islands than any other country in the world, children will love getting out onto the water, trying their hand at crab fishing or casting a line for the catch of the day, then heading deep into the woods in search of wildlife.

Kayaking with our guides is a family favourite in the calm waters of the southwest coast

On our winter family holidays to Sweden, you’ll arrive to crisp, freezing temperatures, forests blanketed in snow and the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky while you sip hot chocolate or relax in a hot tub under the stars. And of course a combination of reindeer and huskies is always a winner with our families.

Accommodation ranges from cosy countryside cabins to stylish city hotels, and family facilities are excellent. Restaurants are welcoming to children, the transport system is reliable, and English is widely spoken, making travel remarkably straightforward.

Why take the kids to Sweden?

You really are spoilt for choice when choosing which activities to include on a family holidays to Sweden. Some of our favourites include:

Kayaking around tiny uninhabited coastal islands, stopping for a picnic
Grabbing snowshoes for a crisp evening walk under the Northern Lights
Getting up close and personal with the wildlife at a Moose Ranch
Heading into the wilderness on a husky sledge
Joining the locals on their favourite summer past-time, fishing for crabs
Braving the sub-zero temperatures on a visit to an ice hotel
Tackling the world-class roller coaster in Gothenburg (if you dare…)
Cycling along dedicated bike-paths through the streets of Stockholm

Boy compares his wing span with bird - Sweden family holidays

Kids can spread their wings in Sweden

Activities can be tailored for any age, from younger kids and toddlers through to teens and multi-generational groups. Experienced outdoor enthusiasts can be challenged with longer hikes or kayaking excursions, whereas those just starting to dip their toes into outdoor activities may enjoy something a little more gentle.

Lots of fun feeding moose on a Sweden family holiday

Feeding time for the famous moose in Swedish Lapland

Sweden is ideal for families who want to break away from all-inclusive resorts and start younger kids off with a gentle adventure not too far from home. It’s also perfect for getting tech-obsessed or exam-stressed teens back into nature. You’ll be able to meet locals who will welcome you to small fishing villages and charming coastal towns. You can feed a moose or search for beavers in the countryside. Or simply relax and get away from the hustle and bustle. With its long coastline, island archipelagos and endless forests, lakes and mountains, there is plenty of fresh air and room to breathe in Sweden.

How to get around Sweden

Travelling around Sweden is easy. Summer holidays tend to involve hiring a car and exploring at your own pace, with activities scheduled along the way. But there’s always plenty of time to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery (picnic anyone?), without the crowds found in most of Europe. Trains and internal flights are also reliable and can be useful if you want to cover larger distances.

In winter the country becomes a perfect wintry wonderland, without a Santa in sight! If visiting at this time of year, we’ll reduce the amount of travelling around. This means that you can concentrate your time in one or two hand-picked locations that offer winter activities. We’re talking husky sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice-fishing – glowing faces around the fire guaranteed!

Whenever you are travelling, choose your ideal accommodation, whether that’s remote eco-lodges, luxury winter glamping tipis, floating cabins, cosy family-run B&Bs or traditional holiday cottages.

Two boys jumping into the lake at sunset - Sweden family holidays

What’s better than a sunset dip?

Family holiday itineraries to Sweden

All of our Sweden family holidays are bespoke, which means that they are tailor-made for your own specific family, taking into account the ages of your children, your interests, your budget and so on.

However, to give you an idea of what you could do on a family holiday in Sweden, have a look at our sample summer itinerary, Gothenburg & Coastal Sweden and our winter trip, Swedish Lapland. Both can be adapted – for example, extend time in Stockholm or combine with Norway. For further inspiration and to find out some of the other places that you might like to visit on a family holiday in Sweden, see Places to visit in Sweden.

Also, check out When to go to Sweden to find out what the weather will be like at the time that you want to travel. Or simply ring us and we’ll be delighted to advise you on the best options for your family.