7 Best Small Towns in Sweden for a Weekend Retreat
In central Sweden, Nora warmly preserves its charming 19th-century wooden townscape, with lovely pastel buildings lining peaceful streets near Lake Norasjön. Falkenberg, at the mouth of the Ätran River, offers a delightful mix of a laid-back coastal atmosphere with scenic riverside paths, sandy beaches, and a lively yet cozy town center. Mariefred, nestled along Lake Mälaren, is beautifully anchored by Gripsholm Castle and a small harbor that evokes a serene, storybook-like ambiance.
Visby, located on the beautiful island of Gotland, is surrounded by a wonderfully preserved medieval wall, charming cobbled streets, and enchanting stone ruins that overlook the Baltic Sea. Ystad, nestled on Sweden’s southern coast, charms visitors with its quaint half-timbered houses and cozy old town, where the harbor and historic streets invite you to explore and enjoy a short, delightful stay.
On the beautiful Bohuslän coast, Fjällbacka is nestled among smooth granite cliffs beside a peaceful archipelago, where boats, charming footpaths, and stunning sea views create a vibrant daily life. Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, gently unfolds along the serene Lake Mälaren, dotted with intriguing rune stones, historic church ruins, and a cozy main street that’s perfect for a relaxed weekend escape. Together, these towns offer a delightful mix of accessible retreats, making them ideal for short visits without the need for long travel or busy schedules.
Visby
Visby is a town of just under 24,000. Small as it is, it's the largest town on the island of Gotland, and it is sure to be worth a visit, especially for history buffs. Visby is proud of its well-preserved rich history, from the medieval walls surrounding it to the 15 Gothic and Romanesque churches. If possible, plan your visit around Medieval Week (held in August). The town turns into a living history museum celebrating its golden age!
If you miss Medieval Week, you can still meander through the town's charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the historic architecture and local cuisine. Make sure to pop into the Gotland Museum, where you'll find artifacts and exhibits that tell the island's story, from its formation through the Viking Age to modern times.
We strongly recommend booking your stay at Hotel Helgeand Wisby, a historic 13th-century building that offers a step back in time. Feeling hungry? Visit the famous Munkällaren, a former monk's cellar converted into a restaurant and nightclub.
Ystad
Art lovers of all kinds will fall in love with the coastal town of Ystad. Wander through the picturesque half-timbered houses and pop into the various art museums and exhibits in town. Ystad Art Museum is home to a wide array of contemporary works from local and national artists, but plenty of smaller mom-and-pop galleries are worth a visit as well.
Cineteket Ystad Film & Experience Center is also a neat attraction. Take a guided tour through this celebration of motion pictures and explore film scripts, costumes, and more at the nearby Ystad Studios. For music lovers, plan your visit in late July to attend the Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival; the event is a vibrant celebration of music, art, and local culture.
After exploring museums and music, head to Söderberg & Sara Stenugnsbageri for a traditional pastry. Enjoy a walk along the beach or hike through Ystads Sandskog, the town's natural reserve. Finish your day with a stay at Ystads Gamla Vattentorn, a former water tower now a hotel, for a distinctive experience.
Nora
Seeking a home away from home? Take a weekend trip to Nora, a charming little town bustling with friendly locals eager to share their home's rich history. The streets of this once-mining town are lined with well-preserved historic wooden houses that now house cute eateries, galleries, inns, and shops.
Book a stay at Lilla Hotellet i Nora, located in the heart of town. From there, you can visit nearby attractions such as Nora Church and the Nora Museum. The church is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture, while the museum showcases the town's local crafts and mining history. Want some fresh air? Visit Café Värmlandsmo for a cinnamon roll and head to Lake Stora Borken, where you can enjoy scenic shores ideal for relaxing with a book and a picnic. During warmer months, you might even go for a swim!
Falkenberg
For a taste of Swedish beach culture, head to Falkenberg on the country's west coast. This gem of a town offers ample opportunities to kitesurf, sunbathe, and enjoy stunning coastal views as you fully unwind on your weekend getaway. Skrea Strand is a hot spot for all of the above.
Aside from its wide, sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this close-knit community has done a great job preserving and showcasing its cultural history. Check out the Ekomuseum Nedre Ätradalen if you have a chance. It's a collection of 80 historical sites that will take you back through time. You'll also want to visit Falkenberg Castle and the connected museum.
Finished exploring? Treat yourself to a tasty meal at Restaurang Gustaf Bratt, where you can enjoy delightful food and beautiful views of the Ätran River. Then, relax and settle into a cozy stay at the charming Hotell Hamngatan 27.
Mariefred
The small town of Mariefred is renowned for its idyllic architecture and serene lake setting. You can admire the well-preserved town on foot, from the historic railway, or by boat.
History buffs will appreciate a trip to Gripsholm Castle, a historic castle-turned-museum. Here, you'll find a number of exhibits showcasing Swedish art and royal history, and the views of the lake are incredible. Museum Eastern Södermanland Railway is another noteworthy attraction. Book a seat on the famous "Cake Tour," which will take you to Taxinge Castle via steam train to try 60+ different kinds of cake!
If you're coming to Mariefred from Stockholm (which many do), consider taking the S/S Mariefred, a historic steamboat that has been running for over 100 years. You can return to Stockholm that evening or enjoy a stay at the charming Svedängs Rum & Frukost.
Fjällbacka
Fjällbacka is a picturesque fishing village in southwestern Sweden, perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Book a room at Villa Evalotta and wander through the idyllic harbor, popping into shops and quaint eateries as you go (make sure to try a shrimp sandwich at Snar Bar).
Craving adventure? Discover the hiking trails near Kungsklyftan, a striking crack in the granite cliffs. Multiple routes suit different skill levels, offering breathtaking views of the area's natural scenery. We also suggest taking a sunset boat tour around the harbor and beyond to the archipelago. In the fall, you can even try lobster fishing!
It's fun to note that this little town of less than 1000 has served as inspiration for several famous authors, including Camilla Läckberg, some of whose crime novels are set in Fjällbacka!
Sigtuna
We would be remiss if we omitted Sigtuna from our list! Situated on Lake Mälaren, this little gem is considered Sweden's oldest town. You can feel the history as you meander through the pedestrian-friendly streets lined with old wooden buildings.
While in town, be sure to visit Sigtuna Museum, where you can explore artifacts from the Viking era and gain insight into the town's importance during Sweden's medieval period. Continue your historical exploration with a visit to the ruins of the 11th-century Sigtuna Church, or perhaps take a walk to see the 15 unique runestones scattered throughout the town and nearby areas, each representing different layers of the town's history. Before settling into a cozy, romantic room at Sigtunastiftelsen, make sure to visit Augusta Janssons Karamellfabrik, a historic sweets factory that is still operational today!
Well, there you have it: our favorite small towns in Sweden that are perfect for a weekend getaway. So, pack your duffle, grab your walking shoes, and book a plane ticket if necessary. It’s time to relax, unwind, and experience some seriously charming nooks and crannies of det avlånga landet (the elongated country).
