This 21-day private driver-guided tour offers the most comprehensive and comfortable way to experience Sweden’s natural beauty and cultured cities, from royal palaces in Stockholm and red cottages in Dalarna to the snow-covered wilderness of Swedish Lapland and the wild archipelago of the West Coast.
Whether you’re foraging in forested hills, chasing the Northern Lights, or savoring seafood in a coastal village, every day is privately guided and thoughtfully paced for immersive, memorable discovery.
Destinations on Our 21-Day Tour of Sweden
Day 1 – Stockholm
Begin in Sweden’s vibrant capital with a private city tour through Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, and world-class museums like the Vasa or ABBA Museum.
Days 2–6 – Lake Siljan & Dalarna Region
Stay in a lakeside village surrounded by red cottages, where you’ll explore UNESCO-listed Falun Mine, traditional crafts, folklore, moose safaris, and forest hikes.
Days 7–11 – Swedish Lapland (Kiruna, Abisko, or Jukkasjärvi)
Discover the Arctic with dog sledding, reindeer encounters, Northern Lights hunts, the Icehotel, and cultural immersion with Sami guides and storytellers.
Days 12–16 – Gothenburg
Enjoy canal-side charm in Sweden’s second city, with guided tours through historic districts, food walks, art museums, and day trips to island escapes.
Days 17–21 – Bohuslän Coast (e.g., Marstrand, Fjällbacka, or Smögen)
Relax in picturesque fishing villages as you island-hop by boat, hike coastal trails, visit artists’ studios, and savor fresh seafood by the sea.
Day 1 – Stockholm’s Old Town & Cultural Icons
Begin your journey in Sweden’s stylish capital with a privately guided introduction to its history, architecture, and cultural treasures.
Old Town Walking Tour with Royal Palace & Parliament
Meet your guide for a walking tour through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming medieval core. Explore its cobbled lanes, colorful merchant houses, and hidden courtyards while visiting the Royal Palace and Swedish Parliament. Along the way, hear stories of kings, queens, and political reform.
Vasa Museum or ABBA Museum Tour
Next, cross to Djurgården for your choice of cultural stop.
The Vasa Museum features a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, while the ABBA Museum offers interactive fun and a backstage look at Sweden’s pop legends. Whichever option you choose, we will ensure the experience is tailored to your interests.
Canal Cruise
In the afternoon, enjoy a private canal cruise, offering a peaceful perspective on Stockholm’s waterways and architecture.
Day 2 – Uppsala, Sigtuna & Arrival in Dalarna
Journey north to Sweden’s cultural heartland, stopping in two historic cities before reaching your lakeside retreat.
Stop in Sigtuna – Sweden’s First Town
Begin with a guided walk in Sigtuna, a 10th-century town full of Viking runestones, cobbled streets, and lakeside churches. Enjoy coffee or a stroll by the water before continuing.
Visit Uppsala Cathedral & Gardens
Explore Uppsala Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia, and visit the Botanical Gardens once curated by Carl Linnaeus. Your guide shares tales of scholars, kings, and saints as you walk the grounds.
Arrival & Orientation in Dalarna
Arrive in Tällberg, Rättvik, or Mora, where red cottages line the hills above Lake Siljan. Check into your boutique hotel and enjoy a short lakeside walk to get acquainted with the region’s folklore and landscape.
Day 3 – Mines, Artists & Swedish Craft
Discover the artistic and industrial heritage of Dalarna through its cultural icons and charming countryside.
Falun Copper Mine Tour (UNESCO)
Visit the historic Falun Mine, once a pillar of Sweden’s economy. A private tour explores both underground passages and the dramatic open pit, along with the museum’s exhibits on labor, pigment, and innovation.
Visit to Carl Larsson’s House or Art Museum
Continue to Sundborn, where Carl Larsson’s home displays colorful interiors and painted furniture that shaped Sweden’s design identity. Alternatively, visit a regional gallery to see local arts and crafts.
Day 4 – Forest Traditions & Lakeside Living
Immerse yourself in Sweden’s natural traditions with foraging, folklore, and gentle relaxation.
Foraging Walk & Cooking Class
Set out with a local chef to forage for mushrooms, herbs, and berries, then return for a traditional Swedish cooking class featuring these wild ingredients.
Village Folklore Tour
Visit an open-air museum or folk village to explore the customs, textiles, and legends that define Dalarna’s cultural identity.
Lakeside Walk or Spa Session
Unwind with a scenic walk along Lake Siljan or indulge in a spa visit with a view—perfect after a day of rural immersion.
Day 5 – Nordic Wildlife & Deep Forest Traditions
Venture into Dalarna’s wilderness for a day of wildlife encounters, forest legends, and guided nature photography.
Private Moose Safari or Bear-Spotting Tour
Start your day with a guided wildlife safari, tracking the majestic moose through forest glades and open meadows, or—seasonally—join a discreet bear-spotting excursion from a remote hideout.
With your guide’s trained eyes and insight into animal behavior, you’ll learn about Sweden’s forest ecology and may spot eagles, foxes, or even lynx.
Forest Hike with Sami Storytelling
Later, take a gentle guided forest walk, stopping for fireside coffee as your Sami guide shares oral traditions passed through generations. Hear tales of reindeer herding, forest spirits, and the rhythms of nature that shape indigenous life in northern Scandinavia.
Nature Photography Outing
End the day with a photography session in golden evening light. Whether you’re capturing reflections on still lakes, forest shadows, or roaming wildlife, your local photo guide will assist with composition and technical tips to bring your Swedish nature shots to life.
Day 6 – Kayaking, Handicrafts & Hidden Roads
Experience Dalarna from the water and through its artisan traditions, with a final day exploring its lakes, craft villages, and scenic routes.
Private Kayaking on Lake Siljan
Begin the morning with a peaceful guided kayak tour across Lake Siljan. Paddle along calm shores past traditional red boathouses and pine-covered islands.
Your trail will lead you to quiet coves or picnic spots, offering insight into the lake’s glacial origins and regional lore.
Visit to Cultural Village or Artisan Workshops
Next, visit a cultural village or cluster of local workshops, where traditional skills like weaving, wood carving, and textile dyeing are still practiced.
Enjoy private access to studios and meet craftspeople preserving Dalarna’s artistic heritage. You may even try your hand at loom weaving or felting under expert guidance.
Scenic Drive Through Dalarna Backroads
Spend the afternoon journeying through Dalarna’s rural backroads, dotted with farmsteads, chapels, and lakeside viewpoints.
Your driver-guide will tailor stops along the way—from photo-worthy fields of wildflowers to heritage churches or forest cafés—before returning you to your hotel for a final relaxing night in central Sweden.
Day 7 – Arrival in Arctic Lapland & Sami Welcome
Today, you head north into Sweden’s vast Lapland region, where frozen landscapes, indigenous culture, and celestial skies await.
Flight to Kiruna & Private City Tour
Fly from Stockholm or a regional airport to Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city. On arrival, meet your local guide for a private tour of the city, learn about its iron-ore mining heritage, and explore the famous Kiruna Church, a wooden structure inspired by Sami tents.
Icehotel Visit in Jukkasjärvi
Stop at the iconic Icehotel, where each suite is sculpted anew each winter. Explore frozen art installations, sip from glasses made of ice in the Ice Bar, and learn how artists, engineers, and chainsaws come together to build this Arctic marvel.
Sami Culture Intro & Traditional Lavvu Dinner
In the evening, visit a Sami encampment where you’ll be welcomed into a lavvu—a traditional tent—for a hearty dinner of reindeer stew, cloudberries, or smoked fish, depending on the season.
Sit by the fire as your hosts share stories about Sami heritage, reindeer herding, and their deep connection to the Arctic environment.
Day 8 – Arctic Adventure & Northern Lights Discovery
Today’s focus is on thrilling outdoor experiences and a night under the stars chasing the elusive aurora.
Private Dog Sledding or Snowmobiling Tour
In the morning, join a dog sledding tour through powdery forest trails and over frozen lakes. Steer your own team (or ride comfortably as a passenger) with a private guide who’ll teach you about mushing techniques and the dogs’ remarkable endurance. In warmer months, swap sleds for a guided ATV or hiking adventure in the tundra.
Aurora Workshop & Guided Night Tour
After a rest, take part in a Northern Lights photography workshop, where your expert guide will prepare you with tips on night shooting and how to read aurora forecasts.
As night falls, head out on a private guided aurora hunt—whether by snowshoe, snowmobile, or van, depending on season and conditions.
If you prefer a gentler morning or afternoon option, your guide can arrange a visit to a working reindeer farm, where you’ll learn about the seasonal life cycle of herding families and feed the animals up close.
Day 9 – Abisko National Park & Sky Station Views
Today is all about big landscapes and crisp Arctic air as you explore Abisko National Park, one of Sweden’s most dramatic natural environments.
Full-Day Private Tour of Abisko National Park
Meet your expert wilderness guide for a private tour of Abisko National Park, home to deep valleys, alpine peaks, and the clear-blue Abiskojåkka River.
You’ll visit the famed Lapporten mountain gap, hike forested trails, and learn about the region’s geology, flora, and wildlife—all tailored to your pace and interests.
Along the way, stop for a picnic-style lunch or a hot meal at the STF mountain station, with time for photos, nature talks, and perhaps spotting ptarmigan or Arctic foxes in the wild.
Ride the Cable Car to STF Aurora Sky Station
Ascend via cable car to the Aurora Sky Station, perched high on Mount Nuolja.
In winter, it’s a premier spot for Northern Lights viewing. In summer or autumn, enjoy sweeping views over Lake Torneträsk and the surrounding ranges.
Photography & Wildlife Spotting
Whether by trail or telescope, you’ll spend time in the afternoon capturing landscapes and wildlife on camera.
With guidance from your expert, you can perfect your lenswork while tracking signs of moose, reindeer, or mountain hares, depending on the season. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and a warm evening indoors.
Day 10 – Arctic Survival Skills & Space Science
Your last full day in Lapland offers a mix of hands-on wilderness skills and frontier technology.
Private Arctic Survival or Bushcraft Workshop
Head into the forest with a wilderness survival guide for a full-day bushcraft session.
Learn how to build shelters, navigate by natural signs, make fire without matches, and prepare outdoor meals, all using traditional and modern techniques. This is a relaxed but informative day for travelers who enjoy immersive, practical experiences with expert storytelling.
Visit to Esrange Space Center or LKAB Mining Museum
In the afternoon, visit the Esrange Space Center, Europe’s primary rocket launch site for space and climate research, for an out-of-this-world experience and to learn more about Sweden’s role in space innovation.
Alternatively, tour the LKAB Mining Museum in Kiruna for a closer look at the massive underground mine and how it shaped—and relocated—the entire city.
An evening of Arctic Storytelling & Stargazing
Return to your accommodation for a quiet evening by the fire, where a local storyteller can join you for a private session of legends, Sami cosmology, and night sky lore. Weather permitting, step outside to view the starry skies of the far north, unpolluted and expansive.
Day 11 – Final Lapland Moments & Return to Gothenburg
Ease into your travel day with a slow start before flying south.
Enjoy a quiet morning at your hotel, perhaps with a hearty Nordic breakfast, a last lakeside walk, or simply time to pack.
Alternatively, stop at a local Arctic spa to soak in hot outdoor pools with panoramic views before your airport transfer.
Day 12 – Gothenburg’s Neighborhoods, Gardens & Local Flavor
Today you’ll explore Sweden’s second-largest city, known for its creative energy, maritime heritage, and friendly charm.
Private City Tour: Haga, Avenyn & Historic Canals
Set off with your local guide for a walking and driving tour through Gothenburg’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Visit Haga, the historic district renowned for its wooden houses and cafés, and stroll along the grand boulevard of Avenyn. See the Dutch-style canals that once made this a key trading hub.
Your guide will tailor the commentary to your interests—whether urban design, history, or contemporary culture—with stops for photos and browsing artisanal goods.
Optional Canal Boat Tour or Botanical Garden Visit
Choose to explore the city by water with a private canal boat tour, gliding past shipyards, warehouses, and hidden parks while your Captain shares maritime stories.
Alternatively, visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of Europe’s largest, for a quiet stroll among alpine gardens, orchids, and exotic plants.
Private Fika Experience or Brewery Visit
Wrap up the afternoon with a cozy Swedish fika in a local café, where you’ll taste cinnamon buns, cardamom cake, and coffee.
Prefer hops to sweets? Visit a craft brewery for a private tasting and learn about the city’s growing beer scene from a local brewmaster.
Day 13 – Design, Engineering & Flavors of Gothenburg
Today’s focus is on Swedish innovation, from precision car-making to modern art and culinary creativity.
Private Tour of the Volvo Museum
Begin your day with a private visit to the Volvo Museum, a must-see for design and automotive enthusiasts.
Your guide will walk you through the evolution of Sweden’s most iconic vehicle brand, from early prototypes and vintage models to concept cars and safety innovations that changed the global industry. Learn how Volvo helped shape Gothenburg’s economy and identity, and get behind-the-scenes stories that only a private guide can provide.
Art or Design Museum with Specialist Guide
Next, choose between two world-class institutions based on your interests. The Gothenburg Museum of Art features a rich collection of Nordic painters and international masters, with guided insights into Sweden’s cultural eras and the stories behind iconic works.
Prefer applied design? Head to the Röhsska Museum, Sweden’s national museum of fashion, furniture, and modern design. Your expert guide will lead you through exhibitions on Scandinavian style, sustainability, and global influence.
Guided Food Walk or Studio Visits
Spend the afternoon on a private walking food tour through the city’s most flavorful districts—sampling local cheeses, seafood bites, pastries, and modern Nordic street food.
Along the way, you’ll visit gourmet markets and meet vendors who shape the city’s culinary scene. Alternatively, opt for a curated design studio visit, where you can meet local makers in ceramics, textiles, or interiors for a behind-the-scenes look at Sweden’s contemporary creative class.
Day 14 – Island Escape in the Southern Archipelago
Trade the city streets for island breezes and maritime rhythms as you explore Gothenburg’s nearby coastal havens.
Ferry to Styrsö or Southern Archipelago
This morning, take a boat transfer to Styrsö or a neighboring island in the Southern Archipelago.
These car-free isles are known for their red cottages, quiet coves, and picturesque harbors.
Seaside & Forest Hike with Local Guide
Once ashore, set out on a gentle guided hike that weaves through coastal forests, rocky cliffs, and tranquil beaches. Along the way, learn about the archipelago’s flora and fauna, historic bathing traditions, and how these communities balance tourism and preservation.
Visit to Local Craft Studio or Seafood Market
Before heading back to the mainland, stop by a local artisan’s studio, where island ceramics or maritime textiles are still handcrafted.
Or, if you prefer culinary experiences, visit a waterside seafood market to learn about West Sweden’s shellfish traditions and watch the fishermen return with their daily catch.
Day 15 – Science, Nature & Swedish Leisure
Enjoy a day that blends curiosity with comfort—exploring museums, boutique-lined streets, and gourmet experiences.
Universeum or Natural History Museum Visit
Start with a guided visit to Universeum, Gothenburg’s celebrated science center and indoor rainforest.
Explore interactive exhibits on space, marine life, and Nordic ecosystems, perfect for curious minds of any age. Prefer classic natural history? Visit the Gothenburg Natural History Museum, where your guide will lead you through dramatic dioramas, taxidermy wonders, and tales of Swedish scientific exploration.
Shopping & Gallery Hopping in the City Center
Spend midday browsing Göteborg’s shopping arcades, artisan boutiques, or independent galleries.
Our team will consult with you beforehand to suggest the best stops for your shopping experience, whether you’re after Swedish fashion, contemporary crafts, or curated Nordic antiques.
Stop for a fika break at one of Gothenburg’s elegant cafés tucked between pedestrian avenues.
Optional Private Seafood Cooking Class
In the afternoon, opt for a private seafood cooking experience, held in a local studio kitchen or countryside villa.
Under the guidance of a Swedish chef, prepare a multi-course meal using fresh ingredients like mussels, smoked fish, and foraged herbs, paired with aquavit or Swedish cider. Enjoy your creations in a warm, convivial setting, accompanied by stories of Swedish food traditions.
Day 16 – Countryside Manor & Cultural Discovery
Take a step back into 18th-century elegance and finish your time in Gothenburg with artful views and a relaxing pace.
Day Trip to Gunnebo House & Gardens
Travel just outside the city for a private tour of Gunnebo House, an 18th-century neoclassical estate surrounded by symmetrical gardens, woodlands, and historic outbuildings.
Your guide will lead you through the furnished manor rooms, featuring period furnishings and tapestries, and into the gardens, which are designed in both French and English styles. There’s time for tea or lunch in the on-site café, which sources ingredients from the estate’s kitchen gardens.
Outdoor Photography or Street Art Tour
In the afternoon, choose between a relaxed photography walk through parks and coastal areas, capturing moments from Gothenburg’s softer side, or a guided street art tour in trendy neighborhoods like Majorna.
Return to your hotel for a quiet final evening in the city. If you’d like, we’ll make a dinner reservation at a celebrated restaurant or schedule a sunset stroll through the Canal Quarter.
Day 17 – Coastal Drive & Bohus Fortress Arrival
Today, you transition from Gothenburg to your final base: a charming village on the Bohuslän coast known for granite cliffs, fishing culture, and island light.
Scenic Drive via Kungälv & Bohus Fortress
Travel north along the coast with your driver-guide, pausing at Kungälv, one of Sweden’s oldest towns.
Explore the ruins of Bohus Fortress, a dramatic medieval stronghold perched above the Göta River. Your driver will bring to life stories of sieges, prisoners, and kings as you stroll the weathered stone walls and enjoy panoramic views.
Check-in at an Archipelago Village Hotel
Continue along the shoreline to your base in Marstrand, Fjällbacka, or Smögen, depending on your preferences. Check into a boutique harborfront hotel or peaceful waterside inn.
Sunset Cliffside Walk or Boat Ride
In the evening, choose a cliffside walk along the rocky shorelines for soft light and sea breezes—or opt for a sunset boat ride with a private captain, gliding through narrow straits and bird sanctuaries with prosecco and storytelling onboard.
Day 18 – Island-Hopping & Art by the Sea
Today is devoted to sea air, creative inspiration, and the raw beauty of Bohuslän’s granite archipelago.
Private Island-Hopping & Seal Safari
Board a private boat with a local guide and cruise between islets where seals bask on smooth rocks and seabirds drift overhead.
Learn about island life, fishing traditions, and marine conservation as you visit a remote lighthouse or hidden cove for a picnic stop.
Visit to the Nordic Watercolor Museum
Dock in Skärhamn for a guided visit to the Nordic Watercolor Museum, a glassy structure blending sea and sky. Your guide will lead you through exhibitions by Swedish and international artists who use water and pigment to capture the coastal world.
Art or Sculpture Trail Walk
Afterward, stroll one of the nearby sculpture or art trails—curated coastal paths dotted with works that rise from the landscape.
On an expert-guided walking tour, you will learn about the artist’s connections to the sea, local myths, and the Swedish concept of friluftsliv (open-air living).
Day 19 – Clifftop Hikes, Villages & Local Craft
Explore both the dramatic and peaceful sides of the coastline today with a mix of nature and heritage.
Guided Hike in Ramsvikslandet Nature Reserve
Set out on a gentle coastal hike in Ramsvikslandet, often called “The Kingdom of Rocks.” Your guide will take you across pink granite cliffs, through seabird nesting grounds, and past tidal pools filled with tiny creatures. Stop for coffee with a sea view and hear about the geology that shaped this land.
Visits to Smögen & Grebbestad
In the afternoon, visit Smögen and Grebbestad, two of Bohuslän’s prettiest harbor villages. Walk the famed Smögenbryggan boardwalk, lined with seafood stalls and colorful boat houses, and explore Grebbestad’s boutiques and local craft shops.
Optional Oyster Tasting or Glassblowing Studio
Choose an oyster tasting tour with a shellfish expert, complete with history, shucking tips, and local wine—or visit a glassblowing studio, where artisans craft vases and sea-inspired sculptures using molten glass and traditional techniques.
Day 20 – Local Flavors & Coastal Beauty
Your final full day offers a relaxed blend of markets, heritage, and one last unforgettable evening outdoors.
Local Market Visit & Culinary Experience
Start the day with a guided visit to a local market, where you’ll meet fishmongers, bakers, and foragers. Then head to a cozy seaside kitchen for a hands-on culinary session where you’ll help prepare a traditional West Coast lunch with seasonal ingredients.
Visit the Marine Museum or Historic Fort
In the afternoon, explore a marine museum or the ruins of a coastal fortress, where you will hear tales of piracy, naval battles, and fishing life.
These lesser-known stops offer a fascinating glimpse into the resilience of coastal communities.
Sunset Kayak or Cliffside Photo Walk
As the sun begins to lower, paddle gently into calm waters on a sunset kayak tour, accompanied by your guide. Would you prefer to stay on land? Join them on a cliffside photo walk, capturing the changing light, seabirds in silhouette, and the timeless feel of Bohuslän’s rugged coast.
Day 21 – Scenic Farewell & Departure
Your journey concludes with a relaxed and flexible travel day designed to help you bid farewell to Sweden with ease.
Scenic Drive to Gothenburg or Oslo
Depending on your departure plans, your driver-guide will escort you back to Gothenburg or Oslo, stopping for photos or refreshments along the way. Enjoy a coastal viewpoint, a charming café, or one last walk along the beach.
Optional Final Walk or Photo Stop
If time allows, take a short nature walk to stretch your legs or stop at a scenic overlook to capture your final views of the Swedish coastline—its quiet rhythm, rich light, and clean air marking the close of your Nordic escape.
Departure Assistance
Arrive at the airport or station with plenty of time, and enjoy a smooth departure with help from your driver, who will assist with luggage and check-in as needed. We’re always here for future travel planning or a custom follow-up journey.