Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Sweden

  • Day 1: The Vasa Museum
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from Gamla Stan

    The Vasa Museum houses the world's only preserved 17th-century ship, which remarkably sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. Here, you can witness the breathtaking sight of the fully intact vessel and learn about its intriguing history. The museum also has interactive exhibits and a movie theatre.

  • Day 2: Skansen
    30 minutes (8km) from the Vasa Museum

    Skansen is a family-friendly attraction that children would adore. It is an open-air museum that showcases Sweden's cultural heritage with over 150 buildings from different periods, artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, and animals such as brown bears, lynx, and reindeer. They also have exhibitions, restaurants, and a playground for children, making it a great day out for everyone.

  • Day 3: Junibacken
    20 minutes (5.5 km) from Skansen

    Junibacken is a magical attraction that brings the stories of Astrid Lindgren to life in a creative and interactive way. Here, children can meet Pippi Longstocking and other beloved characters, ride on a story train, and play in the funhouse. The attraction also has a bookshop and a restaurant inspired by Lindgren's works.

  • Day 4: Liseberg Amusement Park
    1 hour 50 minutes (480 km) from Junibacken; or 2 hours (140 km) from Gamla Stan

    A visit to Sweden's largest amusement park is a must for families. Liseberg has over 40 rides, including roller coasters, a haunted house, and a water ride, catering to all age groups. They also have games, restaurants, and a musical fountain show, which makes for a perfect day out.

  • Day 5: Gamla Stan
    5 minutes (1.4 km) from the Vasa Museum

    Gamla Stan, meaning "Old Town" in Swedish, is the historic heart of Stockholm and a picturesque, playful attraction for families. The neighborhood has narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, quaint shops, and restaurants. Stortorget, the main square, is famous for its Christmas market, and the Royal Palace is also located here.

  • Day 6: The Abba Museum
    25 minutes (9.5 km) away from Liseberg; or 15 minutes (5.5 km) from Gamla Stan

    The Abba Museum is a fun and interactive attraction that celebrates the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. Here, visitors can see original costumes, instruments, memorabilia and sing along to ABBA hits in a recording studio. It is a fantastic experience for fans of all ages.

  • Day 7: Drottningholm Palace
    30 minutes (15 km) from Gamla Stan

    Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. The palace has a beautiful garden and park, the 18th-century Court Theatre, and the Chinese Pavillion, which was a gift from Queen Lovisa Ulrika of Prussia to her husband King Adolf Fredrik. You can tour the palace and imagine yourself as royalty for a few hours.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Vasa Museum (2 hours, $17.50)
  • Skansen (3-4 hours, $20.50 per adult, $10 per child)
  • Junibacken (3-4hours, $21.50 per adult, $15.50 per child)
  • Liseberg Amusement Park (6-8 hours, $57 per adult, $40 per child)
  • Gamla Stan (4-5 hours, free)
  • The Abba Museum (2-3 hours, $38 per adult, $15 per child)
  • Drottningholm Palace (2-3 hours, $14 per adult, $7 per child)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $236 per adult, $99.50 per child

Transportation

Sweden's public transportation system is efficient and reliable. Stockholm has an extensive subway system and buses, with SL Access cards that can be used interchangeably. Liseberg provides a shuttle bus service from the central station throughout the day. Taxis and car rentals are also available. Estimated transportation costs for a family of four are around $100 for the week, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.

Useful tips

If you have more days, consider visiting the Skansen Aquarium or the Children's Science Museum. If you have fewer days, you could skip the Abba Museum or Liseberg Amusement Park. Also, avoid visiting on Mondays, as most attractions are closed.

Airports

The main international airport in Sweden is the Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), located 40 km from Stockholm's city center. The airport code is ARN. Other airports include the Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT) and Malmo Airport (MMX). Stockholm-Arlanda Airport has several transportation options to the city center, including airport buses and commuter trains, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes and a cost of $20-$25.

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