Sweden is a pretty amazing travel destination. Truly spectacular. However, it is also known for being quite expensive. You might think you have to sell a kidney to afford a trip here. I am here to tell you that is not true. You can enjoy the glitzy districts of Östermalm, the vibrant streets of Södermalm, and the history in Gamla stan without spending all your money. This Sweden travel blog will share my personal experience to help you plan cheap travel in sweden.
First of all, you must understand that the cost of your trip depends on where you go. Big cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg usually cost more than smaller towns like Värnamo. Additionally, visiting Malmö will be more expensive than visiting Tibro or Eksjö. Big cities have more things to do. Plus, they have more public transport options. On the contrary, if you want to experience nature, the rural areas are much cheaper.
The Best Time for Sweden on a Budget
When you plan a trip, timing is everything. It makes a huge difference in your budget. Sweden is beautiful all year, but some months are much cheaper than others.
The High Season (June to August)
Summer is the most expensive time to visit. The daylight lasts for 24 hours in the north, which is called the midnight sun. At that time, Swedes take their own vacations. Therefore, demand for hotels and flights is very high. You should expect prices to double during these months.
The Off-Season (November to March)
The winter months of January, February, and March are the cheapest times to go. You can score deep discounts on hotels. Sometimes prices drop up to 50% in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Though it is cold, with temperatures from 20°F to 35°F, you can see the Northern Lights on clear nights. A magical experience. For sure.
The Shoulder Season (The Sweet Spot)
I highly recommend May, early June, September, and early October. These months offer a mix of good weather and lower prices. Prices for flights and hotels are usually 15% to 30% lower than in the summer. Similarly, the crowds are much smaller.
Best Sweden Travel Guide for Accommodation
You do not have to stay in fancy hotels to have a good time. There are many unique and affordable options.
- Boat Hotels (Botels): In Stockholm, you can stay on refurbished ships. For example, the Red Boat Mälaren is a former fishing boat painted in Falu red. You can find a bed in a four-bed room for about £23. A unique way to sleep in the city. Truly.
- Vandrahem (Hostels): These are literally “hiker’s homes”. They are often located in nature or rural areas. You can save a lot of money by cooking your own meals in the shared kitchens.
- STF Membership: You should join the Svenska Turistföreningen (STF). It costs about 195 SEK. This membership gives you a 100 SEK discount on service charges for camping near mountain cabins.
The Brilliance of Allemansrätten
This is one of the best Sweden travel tips I can give you. Sweden has something called Allemansrätten. This is the Right of Public Access or the freedom to roam. It is a right granted by the Constitution of Sweden.
You can walk, cycle, ski, and camp on almost any land. You are allowed to put up a tent on uncultivated land for a night or two. However, you must follow the rule: “do not disturb, do not destroy”. You cannot camp in private gardens or near someone’s house. Also, you cannot camp in the middle of a crop field. In national parks, you can only camp in designated spots. This makes nature the cheapest travel destination in the country.
Transportation Tips for the Savvy Traveler
Sweden is a large country. It is about 1,600 km long. You need a smart way to get around.
Trains and Buses
Trains are fast, but they can be expensive. You should book your train tickets early to save money. However, the Swedish rail network can be unreliable sometimes. On the contrary, buses like Flixbus or Vy bus are much cheaper. They often cost half or even a third of the price of a train ticket.
Car Rentals
Renting a car can be pricey. You should shop around before you book. Avis is typically more expensive than Hertz. A great secret is renting a car at a Circle K gas station. They have stations all over Sweden and are often the cheapest option.
Stockholm Subway Art
Do not miss the subway in Stockholm. It is called the world’s longest art exhibition. It is 110 km long and features art from 150 artists in over 90 stations. For only 25 SEK, you can ride the subway and see these amazing sculptures and paintings. Additionally, the traffic agency (SL) offers free guided art tours in English on certain days.
Eating Well on a Budget
Food can eat up your budget quickly. But there are ways to eat well without spending a fortune.
Take Advantage of Lunch Deals
You must look for signs that say Dagens rätt or Dagens lunch. This means “dish of the day”. These deals happen on weekdays, usually between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. For about 130 SEK, you get a main course, a salad buffet, bread, butter, and coffee. This is much cheaper than eating out in the evening.
Supermarket Secrets
If you want to save money, avoid kiosks like Pressbyrån for snacks. They are very expensive. Instead, go to a supermarket. Lidl, Willys, and ICA Maxi are the cheapest options. Lidl is a German company and is known for being very budget-friendly. ICA and Coop are usually more expensive.
You should bring your own shopping bags to the store. Otherwise, you will have to pay for paper or plastic bags. Also, you can recycle your cans and plastic bottles. Look for a recycling station at the supermarket. You get a small refund or “pant” for each one.
Alcohol and Systembolaget
Alcohol is very expensive in bars and restaurants. If you want to drink, go to Systembolaget. This is the state-owned liquor store. It is the only place to buy drinks stronger than 3.5% alcohol. You must be 20 years old to buy alcohol there.
The stores have a great selection. Plus, the prices are often fair because they buy in such large amounts. However, they are not open on Sundays or public holidays. You must plan your purchase in advance. Supermarkets only sell “folköl”, which is beer up to 3.5% strength.
Exploring the Best Cities for Less
Every district has its own personality. You can enjoy them for free just by walking.
- Södermalm (Stockholm): This is a very budget-friendly neighborhood. It has vintage shopping, ethnic restaurants, and organic cafes. The area south of Folkungagatan, called SoFo, has the best vintage shops in town.
- Free Walking Tours: If you want to see Stockholm, try a free tour. Stockholm Free Tour offers two daily tours in English. The guides work on tips only.
- Free Museums: You can visit the Medieval Museum and the Maritime Museum for free. Many other museums have free hours. For instance, the Moderna Museet is free on Fridays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Gothenburg’s Street Food: Check out the food trucks at Magasinsgatan or Kungstorget. You can get restaurant-quality food in a box for a lower price. Also, look for an “After Work” buffet on Friday evenings. You can sometimes get free pizza or a buffet when you buy a drink.
Outdoor Adventures: The Kungsleden Trek
If you really love travel and tours, you might want to try the Kungsleden or King’s Trail. It is more than 450 km long. It passes through four national parks. It is one of the most remote hikes in Europe.
The trail has many mountain cabins where you can resupply. You can also refill your water safely from mountain glaciers and streams. Hiking here allows you to disconnect from modern life. No cellphone reception. Just you and nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to travel in Sweden on a budget?
You should visit during the off-season from January to March when hotels drop prices by 50%. You must book train tickets early or choose the bus, which is often one-third of the price. Additionally, you can camp for free in nature using Allemansrätten. You should shop at Lidl or Willy:s and always look for “Dagens lunch” deals.
Is Sweden budget friendly?
Sweden has a reputation for high costs, but it offers many free experiences. You can visit the Medieval Museum for free or take free guided art tours in the subway. On top of that, the Right of Public Access means you do not have to pay for expensive campsites if you follow the rules.
Is Sweden a cheap place to travel?
No, it is generally expensive, especially in cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg. However, you do not need to be wealthy to visit. You can save a lot of money if you avoid touristy restaurants and buy your alcohol at Systembolaget instead of bars.
What should I know before traveling to Sweden?
You must bring your own shopping bags to avoid paying for them at the store. You can also earn a refund or “pant” by recycling plastic bottles and cans at supermarkets. Similarly, you should know that the state-owned Systembolaget is the only place to buy strong alcohol, and it is closed on Sundays.
Is Sweden 100% cashless?
Not entirely, though digital payments are very popular. Some vendors at farmers markets prefer Swish or Bank ID, but many market stalls still take cash.
Are Swedish trams free?
No, you must have a ticket for the tram. However, parents with children in strollers can ride Stockholm buses for free.
Is 7 days enough for Sweden?
It is a good amount of time for a single city, but the country is huge. A trek on the Kungsleden alone takes about 9 to 11 days to complete. Therefore, you might need more than a week to see multiple regions properly.
What is special to buy in Sweden?
You should look for affordable Scandinavian design at stores like Lagerhaus or Designtorget. You can also find great vintage clothes and vinyl records in the SoFo district of Södermalm. On top of that, traditional items like reindeer cheese or kitschy souvenirs are popular picks.
Concluding words
Sweden is a spectacular destination that you can enjoy on a budget if you plan carefully. First of all, you should travel during the off-season or shoulder season to save up to 50% on hotels. Later, you must use public transport, eat lunch specials, and shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl.
Finally, the freedom to roam allows you to experience the breathtaking wilderness for free. You do not need a fortune to see the Northern Lights or the Stockholm Archipelago. Just follow these tips. Have an amazing trip.
