Discover 27 affordable summer activities in Sweden that promise fun and memorable experiences without breaking the bank. From cultural events and outdoor adventures to culinary delights and unique accommodations, this guide offers a variety of options for everyone.
27 Budget-Friendly Summer Activities in Sweden
27 Budget-Friendly Summer Activities in Sweden
Summer doesn't have to be expensive. You can create wonderful memories with a bit of imagination and creativity. Here is the ultimate summer guide to 27 wallet-friendly alternatives to costly vacations that most people can afford.
CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Flea Market Fever
Looking to make some cash or find great deals? Whether you want to sell, buy, or just browse, a flea market is a delightful community event. It's also a great way to teach children about both economics and sustainability! Take the opportunity to declutter at home, fill your car, and join a car boot sale.
➜ Read more: Svenskaloppisar.se, Loppistajm.se
Watch a Play
Curious about theater? Sometimes theaters need to test their productions on an audience. This is your chance to see something you might not otherwise watch. Check with local theaters or inquire in Facebook groups. Additionally, Parkteatern in Stockholm offers free outdoor performances all summer, including concerts, circus, dance, and theater. Västerås also offers free entertainment outside Västmanlands Theater from August 12 to 17.
➜ Read more: Facebook group Provpublik Stockholm, Ungaklara.se, Kulturhuset-stadsteatern.se
Explore Local Heritage
Across the country, heritage centers host markets, harvest festivals, exhibitions, vintage car meets, and even concerts. Here, you can learn about the history of our country and the place where you are. If you're interested in history, there are also graves, runestones, sacrificial sites, and other historical remnants to explore nationwide. Check what's available near you.
➜ Read more: Hembygd.se, Raa.se
Best Library
Libraries offer a wealth of wonderful stories to enhance your time in the sun—or in an armchair on a rainy day. Why not bring children or grandchildren for laughter and excitement? You can also borrow films and music, and many libraries have play areas with song and craft sessions. Some libraries also offer film screenings, crafts, children's theater, exhibitions, quizzes, and sometimes even IT help.
➜ Read more: On the municipality's website.
Educational Museums
Museums offer the chance to learn something new. Some museums are still free. In Stockholm, for example, the Sports Museum offers free entry, and some museums are free on certain days or times, such as the Jewish Museum and the Modern Museum. Don't forget about open-air museums and similar venues that are entirely or partially free. Check what's available near you.
➜ Read more: Visitstockholm.se, Museifonstret.se
Attend a Free Festival
The Malmö Summer Festival, Eskilstuna Park Festival, Kalmar City Festival, and Gothenburg Culture Festival are just a few of Sweden's many free summer festivals. Bring a tent, picnic, and earplugs, and you're all set!
➜ Read more: Gratisguiden.se, search for festivals.
Outdoor Cinema
Several cities offer outdoor cinema in cozy locations during the summer. Rålambshovsparken in Stockholm, Slottsskogen in Gothenburg, Lögastrand in Västerås, and Boulognerskogen in Gävle are some of them. Gather a group of friends and enjoy the open air!
➜ Read more: Check for events near you
ANIMALS, NATURE, AND OUTDOOR LIFE
Dare to Hike
Hiking doesn't have to be a major project! There are many wonderful hiking trails across the country offering various lengths and stages. Some span multiple landscapes and require overnight stays, so bring your tent! You can also go on a pilgrimage in Sweden. Many do it to de-stress, as part of the hike is done in silence.
➜ Read more: Vandringsguiden.se, Pilgrimisverige.se
Eco-Friendly Cycling Safari
Cycling is an excellent way to explore and get great exercise. Sweden is full of beautiful cycling routes. The Mälardalsleden, which circles Lake Mälaren, is one example. It's the country's oldest cycling route and is mostly easy to cycle. Another example is the Skåne Cycle Route with short distances and many attractions along the way. If you have time and want a real adventure, there's the Sverigeleden, which goes through all the country's landscapes—except Gotland. If you don't have your own bike, perhaps you can borrow one from a friend, neighbor, or via Fritidsbanken, which functions as a library for various equipment. If you like cycling, it's also a smart way to explore a city—and if you don't have your own, you can rent one in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Lund.
➜ Read more: Swedenbybike.com, Cykla.stockholm.se, Malmobybike.se, Fritidsbanken.se, Goteborg.se, Cykelrundan.se
Island Hopping in the Archipelago
An adventure in the archipelago sounds wonderful in summer, doesn't it? In the archipelago outside Stockholm, you can travel as much as you want on Waxholmsbolaget's lines for five days with a card that costs 595 SEK. If you bring a tent and are well-versed in the right of public access, it can be a really cheap vacation. Note that some islands have tent bans, so be thorough with your preparations.
➜ Read more: Waxholmsbolaget.se, Vasttrafik.se, Naturvardsverket.se, Visitstockholm.se
Best Beach Life
What's a summer without a day at the beach? A blanket and a picnic basket are all you need. There are thousands of swimming spots in Sweden—do you prefer a beach, rock slab, or pier? Take the opportunity to discover other swimming spots than the ones you usually visit; you might find a new favorite. If you have small children, a paddling pool might be an option if you have one nearby.
➜ Read more: Badkartan.se
Foraging in the Forest
Mushrooms are often called the forest's gold, but surely all the wonderful berries belong here too? In the middle of summer, wild strawberries, strawberries, raspberries, cloudberries, and blueberries ripen, and later the mushrooms come. In June, there are also herbs, such as nettle and St. John's wort, which are good to dry and make teas from. At the Fruit Exchange, you can find gardens that want to get rid of apples, pears, and plums. Juice, pie, jam, what do you want to make from the goodies? That's the next adventure.
➜ Read more: Skogsskafferiet.se, Aktavara.org/fruktformedlingen
Play in a New Place
A new playground can make the day a little more exciting if you have children or grandchildren with energy to burn. If you're looking for more than swings and sand, there are themed playgrounds here and there. For example, Skrotnisse's playground in Trollhättan, Pelle Svanslös playground in Uppsala, and Mulle Meck in Solna.
➜ Read more: See the municipality's website.
Free Zoo
Visiting a zoo can dig a little too deep into your wallet. But at a 4H farm, it's free to look at animals. Maybe you can even pet them? A 4H farm is intended to resemble a Swedish farm with self-sufficiency. The farms also regularly organize family days and pony rides.
➜ Read more: 4h.se
Try a Pet
Thinking about getting a pet? Remember that many people may need help during the summer to look after their cat, dog, rabbit, or whatever it may be. It can be a good way to test what it would be like to have that pet. If you're hesitant to have the animal at home, you can choose alternatives like walking or checking on the animal.
➜ Read more: Pawshake.se, Rover.com, Care.co
Adventure with Animals
Love animals and want to do something really different and exciting? You can volunteer on an ecologically run farm in Sweden or abroad. It means working for free, but you get free food and accommodation. The international organization WWOOF facilitates the connection.
➜ Read more: Wwoof.org
Fun with Forts
Do you have playful children or grandchildren? How about building a fort? All you need are a few boards or fallen branches. If you're in the forest, it's always good to be aware of the right of public access. Otherwise, only your imagination sets the limits.
➜ Read more: Google "build a fort" for inspiration.
Fishing Fun
Few things are as relaxing as fishing. It can be a bit exciting if you're lucky enough to catch something. Maybe it will even be a delicious dinner? You can fish freely with a rod and certain other hand tools along the coasts and in our five largest lakes: Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren, and Storsjön. For fishing in other waters, a fishing license is required (available online) or another permit. Fishing licenses are free for children under 16. If you don't have a rod or other fishing gear, remember that you can borrow—if not from a friend or neighbor, then from Fritidsbanken.
➜ Read more: Ifiske.se, Sportfiskarna.se, Naturvardsverket.se, Fritidsbanken.se
Treasure Hunt
Doesn't a treasure hunt sound exciting? Geocaching is a kind of treasure hunt that involves finding the thousands of "geocaches" hidden in various places around the country. Create an account on Geocaching.com, and you'll get a map showing where the treasures are. Then, use the app to find your way there. Once you've found the "geocache," sign the logbook at the location and share your experience. Bring a friend, child, or grandchild, or go solo.
➜ Read more: Geocaching.com
Bring a Tent
Camping doesn't get much cheaper—if you own a tent and are knowledgeable about the right of public access. According to this, you can camp for one night in nature, but if you're a larger group, you should ask the landowner for permission. Special rules may apply in nature reserves and national parks, so call the municipality or county administrative board to find out what's applicable in the area you're interested in. Just remember that with this fine right comes responsibilities, showing consideration and cleaning up afterward is a given. On the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website, you can read more about the right of public access. If you want to be closer to other people, there are plenty of lovely campsites to discover. Or you can pitch your tent in your garden or on the townhouse lawn. An adventure in simplicity.
➜ Read more: Naturvardsverket.se, Camping.se
FOOD & DRINK
Preserve and Jam
As fun as it is to pick nature's jewels, it's just as fun to make pie, juice, or jam from them! Search for yourself or go for self-picking of strawberries, for example. Fair villa owners who can't manage their fruit can be found via the Fruit Exchange, see below!
➜ Read more: Skogsskafferiet.se, aktavara.org/fruktformedlingen
Yesterday's Delights
Yesterday's bread and pastries at bakeries and cafes are often sold at a lower price. Make sure to be there when they open, or even better—the night before for the best chance of breakfast bargains. Apps like Karma help you find goodies even a bit further away!
➜ Download the app: Karma
Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket, some board games, and a speaker, and bring people you like or a great book to the park or beach. Simple, delightful, and almost free! For more luxurious picnic food, all the major grocery chains offer great recipes to try!
➜ Read more: Google "picnic tips"
Ice Cream Galore
From the simplest juice sorbet to advanced semifreddo—ice cream is a summer staple, period! There are endless recipes, feel free to borrow books from the library for inspiration or search online. Use slightly overripe fruit for extra sweetness! Works with or without an ice cream maker and saves hundreds of kronor over the summer.
➜ Read more: Alltommat.expressen.se has many great tips and recipes
ACCOMMODATION
Upgrade Your Stay
Tired of just being at home? Swap homes with someone. It's an experience that costs no more than registration on the site and the round trip. An alternative is to sign up to house-sit someone's home, apartment, or cottage while they're away. You stay for free but may have to mow the lawn or take care of a pet. Another option is to stay with someone—while they're home. It's called couch surfing. The idea is to get to know different people in the country you're traveling in. It's free, but be sure to check the person's references.
➜ Read more: Homeexchange.com/sv/, Housecarers.com, Trustedhousesitters.com, Couchsurfing.org
TRANSPORT
Affordable Used Car
Getting out and about is part of summer and vacation, and sometimes it's hard to manage without a car. If you don't have your own, you can rent a used one, thereby lowering the price. Don't worry—these cars are inspected, clean, and well-maintained, even if they're a bit older. You can also sign up to drive a rental car back to its rental station—this is completely free. Register and book online.
➜ Read more: Rent-a-wreck.se, Hertzfreerider.se
EXERCISE
Fun for the Body
Feeling restless after too many lazy days? Sometimes it's nice to move around, and it's good for your health. The exercise track is, of course, free, and there are often outdoor gyms to practice strength and balance. Otherwise, Nordic Military Training, Medley, and Friskis & Svettis offer free trial training. Friskis & Svettis also offers outdoor training in parks around Stockholm this summer.
➜ Read more: Friskissvettis.se, Medley.se, Nordicmilitarytraining.se