Everyone's heard about Stockholm and Göteborg, but Sweden also has some some cool lesser-known cities that don't get enough love. From Kalmar's coastal vibes to Lund's student buzz, there's a lot more to see. Keep reading to learn more about these underrated spots.

A sculpture of two cats made of black metal in a grassy area near the water at Kattrumpan beach in Kalmar. The sculpture is mounted on a light-colored concrete base. Behind the sculpture, a path leads toward the water. — Kattrumpan beach in Kalmar

Kalmar, History and Culture on the Baltic

Kalmar, on the southeast coast of Sweden, along the shores of the Baltic Sea, has played an important role in Swedish history due to its strategic location.

A glass of beer, partially consumed, on a light wooden table. The beer has a golden hue and a slight foam residue around the rim of the glass. Next to the glass is a small vase with a few stalks of wheat, adding a decorative touch to the setting. — Ängöl in Kalmar

Kalmar Slott, one of the most preserved Renaissance castles in Northern Europe, has stood since the 12th century and has witnessed many significant historical events, including the signing of the Kalmar Union in 1397 that united the Nordic countries under a single monarch. The castle offers guided tours, showcasing its impressive architecture, vast halls, and intricate details.

Two black and white cats on a cushioned window seat in a cozy living room. One cat is looking out the large window at the lush greenery outside. The other cat is facing the first cat, sitting next to a gray cushion. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

Kalmar läns museum provides insights into the history of the region from the Stone Age to the present, including an exhibit on the famous 17th-century ship, the Kronan. For those interested in maritime history, there is also the Kalmar Sjöfartsmuseum, with exhibits on boat building, shipping, and naval battles. Kalmar konstmuseum showcases modern and contemporary Swedish art, with special emphasis on artists and photographers from the region.

A small cabin with large glass doors in a lush, green forest setting. The cabin has a modern design with clean lines and is elevated slightly, with a wooden railing around the front porch area. Surrounding the cabin are various trees and bushes. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

Stadsparken is a lovely city park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and walks. There are also several beaches in the city center and all along the coast where you can swim in the Baltic Sea. Gamla Stan, Kalmar's Old Town, is a charming area with well-preserved wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops.

A black and white cat is comfortably resting on a neatly made bed with white linens in a cozy cabin bedroom. The bed has a wooden guardrail on one side, and the cat is looking directly at the camera. There is a large glass door next to the bed. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

Visitors to Kalmar can stay at First Camp Stensö, which offers camping, glamping, and stuga (cabin) rentals. If you like beer, the craft brewery Ängöl offers beer tastings and tours of the brewery if you book in advance.

A bottle of Nääs Gårdsbryggeri Sunshine craft beer and a glass filled with the beer on an outdoor wooden table. The glass features the hashtag "#BEERFLUENCER". Next to the beer are a pair of aviator sunglasses and the corner of a pink MacBook. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

Öland Bridge, one of the longest in Europe, connects Kalmar to the island of Öland and offers a scenic drive. Scroll down to learn more about what to do in Borgholm on Öland.

A charming outdoor seating area at Kackelbryggeriet in Borgholm. In the foreground, a wicker chair is pulled up to a table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth. There are utensils and napkins in a can on table. — Kackelbryggeriet in Borgholm

Borgholm, Sweden’s Island Gem

Borgholm is a town on the second largest Swedish island Öland in the Baltic Sea. Its most iconic landmark is probably Borgholms Slottsruin, ruins from a castle originally constructed in the 12th century, but what remains today are mainly the remnants of a 17th-century reconstruction. There’s a majestic view over the surrounding landscape from here.

A tulip glass filled with amber-colored New Ember IPA craft beer from Fireside Brewery. The glass is placed on a wooden picnic table outside, with the table's surface showing natural weathering and grain. — Fireside Brewery in Borgholm

Öland is famous for its limestone plateau, known as Stora Alvaret. This area has a unique ecosystem with a rich variety of plants and animals and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A cozy outdoor seating area at Kackelbryggeriet in Borgholm. In the foreground, a wicker chair is positioned at a table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth. The background features a spacious yard with more seating options. — Kackelbryggeriet in Borgholm

The island has a rich birdlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. It’s also known for its windmills that stand tall against the horizon and contribute to the island’s distinct character. And since it’s an island, it’s also a great place to visit a beach, of course!

A humorous wooden sign hanging on a red wall at Fireside Brewery in Borgholm. The sign reads, "Fireside Brewery FREE CRAFT BEER TOMORROW" in rustic, stylized letters. The word "TOMORROW" is emphasized. — Fireside Brewery in Borgholm

If you’re interested in craft beer, make sure to visit Fireside Brewery and Kackelbryggeriet while you’re in Borgholm. You can even stay at a stuga at Kackelbryggeriet if you visit during the summer or on certain other holiday weekends.

Two glasses of beer on a wooden table at Barski in Helsingborg. The glass in the foreground is filled with Brewski Barrel Aged Pink Pony Gose, an amber-colored craft beer, and rests on a cork coaster. Next to the glass are a pair of sunglasses. — Barski in Helsingborg

Ancient Charm and Coastal Beauty in Helsingborg

Helsingborg, on the shores of the Øresund strait in southern Sweden, is over 1000 years old and has been a significant port for a long time and remains so today.

A close-up of a hand holding a glass of Stigbergets Bryggeri Special Handpulled Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Imperial Stout craft beer at the Brewskival Craft Beer Festival in Helsingborg. The festival setting is evident in the background. — Brewskival in Helsingborg

The medieval Kärnan tower, the last standing sentinel of what was once a formidable Danish fortress, dominates the city's skyline. A climb to its peak rewards visitors with panoramic views of Helsingborg, the sparkling strait, and even Denmark on a clear day.

A close-up of a hand holding a glass J. Wakefield Brewing Count Mashula craft beer at the Brewskival craft beer festival in Helsingborg. The glass is filled with a rich, dark brew, and the background reveals a bustling festival scene. — Brewskival in Helsingborg

Sofiero Palace and Gardens, especially renowned for its expansive collection of rhododendrons, burst into a riot of color during spring and summer. If you’re interested in learning more about regional history and flora, Fredriksdal Museer och trädgårdar offers an open-air immersion into southern Swedish traditions.

A pizza with a golden, slightly charred crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The pizza is served on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Next to the pizza, a glass of light-colored beer is visible. — Benchwarmers Taproom in Helsingborg

Dunkers kulturhus, Helsingborg’s waterfront cultural center, offers art exhibits, music, and theater, reflecting the city's passion for the arts. Adding to the cultural fabric is the beautifully preserved Helsingborgs stadsteater, an architectural marvel and a hub for performances.

The interior of Benchwarmers Taproom in Helsingborg, bustling with patrons enjoying their meals and drinks. In the foreground, a woman with tattoos on her arms is seated at a table, using her phone. On the table, there are plates with pizza. — Benchwarmers Taproom in Helsingborg

Stroll along the bustling Helsingborg harbor to explore many of the local bars and restaurants, including Benchwarmers Taproom, which offers a large selection of their own beer and delicious pizza. You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride from Helsingborg to Helsingør, Denmark, making it easy to visit another country on a day trip.

A vibrant and colorful mural painted on a large wall at Brewskival in Helsingborg. The mural features a whimsical assortment of characters and objects, including a large pink flamingo, a yellow rubber duck, a toucan, a coconut, and a dinosaur. — Brewskival in Helsingborg

One of the largest and best craft beer festivals in Sweden, Brewskival, takes place in an industrial area of Helsingborg in August, and you can visit Brewski’s bar, Barski, in central Helsingborg any time of the year too.

A glass of pale golden craft beer from Good Guys Brew on a wooden table next to a lit white electric candle in a cozy indoor bar, with wooden chairs and tables visible in the background. A man is working on a laptop at another table. — Good Guys Beer & Pizza in Karlstad

Sunshine in Karlstad

Karlstad, on the northern shores of Lake Vänern in Värmland, is known for its cheerful, sunny atmosphere. Sola i Karlstad, a statue of a smiling woman, is one of the most famous symbols of the city.

A bottle of Wermlands Brygghus Kaffestout craft beer on a round black table. The bottle is flanked by two small glasses filled with the dark stout beer, each with a creamy head. The setting is a hotel room at Scandic Karlstad City. — Scandic Karlstad City

Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest in Europe, provides a scenic backdrop to Karlstad. Klarälven River flows through the city and offers opportunities for riverboat tours and kayaking. Take Östra Bron, a stone arch built in the late 18th century, for a picturesque crossing over the river.

A pizza topped with vegan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes at Good Guys Beer & Pizza in Karlstad. There is a glass of pale golden craft beer next to the pizza. — Good Guys Beer & Pizza in Karlstad

Värmlands Museum offers visitors insights into the culture, history, and art of the region. Sandgrund Lars Lerin is an art gallery dedicated to the watercolor artist Lars Lerin and showcases his works along with temporary exhibitions of other artists.

A glass of hazy, golden craft beer on a light wooden table. The beer has a frothy white head, and the setting is a bar area with other patrons visible in the background, seated and enjoying their drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. — Carlstad Ölhall in Karlstad

Mariebergsskogen is a city park that’s an ideal spot for family outings with its open-air museum, petting zoo, cafés, and playgrounds. In the winter, you can cross-country ski and ice skate there too.

A can of Good Guys Brew Swheat craft beer next to a glass filled with the beer on a round black table. The beer in the glass has a frothy white head, and the can features a modern design with yellow and white geometric patterns. — Scandic Karlstad City

Visit Good Guys Beer & Pizza for some local craft beer and a meal, and there’s also Carlstad Ölhall, just across the street from the train station, for craft beer enthusiasts. Scandic Karlstad City is a great centrally-located place to stay.

A colorful dragon sculpture on a cobblestone path near a waterfront in Sundsvall. The dragon is painted with a vivid design featuring a checkerboard pattern in black and white, with its feet and nose in bright green. — Sundsvall

Sundsvall, From Ashes to Stone

Sundsvall is a vibrant city on the east coast of Sweden along the Gulf of Bothnia, which is the long inlet between Sweden and Finland. In 1888, a massive fire destroyed large parts of Sundsvall. The city was rebuilt with stone to prevent future fires, leading to its nickname “stenstaden” (stone city).

A can of Bryggverket Kaakao Kaakao craft beer on a small, round black table, next to a glass filled with the dark beer. The can features a bold and colorful design with the name "Kaakao Kaakao" prominently displayed. The setting is indoors. — Scandic Sundsvall Nord

Dragons became a symbol of the city after the fire, thought to protect against future fires. Today, you can find lots of dragon statues around in the city center.

A can of Beer Studio 8-Track Hazy DIPA craft beer on a small, round black table, next to a glass filled with the hazy, golden beer topped with a frothy white head. The can features a design that includes an 8-track tape player. — Scandic Sundsvall Nord

Sundsvallsbron, spanning over Sundsvallsfjärden, connects the northern and southern parts of the city. It's a key infrastructure piece and offers a great view of the area.

A can of Bränd IPA craft beer on a wooden table. The can is blue with white text and some colorful abstract shapes. Next to the can, there is a glass filled with amber-colored beer, topped with a foamy head. — Scandic Sundsvall Nord

Södra Berget is a great place for hiking (skiing in the winter) with panoramic views of the city from the top. There’s also a hotel and spa here, Hotell Södra Berget.

Kulturmagasinet, a culture and history hub located in renovated harborside warehouses, includes the city library, Sundsvalls museum, and various temporary exhibitions.

A bottle of Heliga Birgitta craft beer from Vreta Kloster Bryggeri on a wooden table. The bottle is dark with a red and white label. There are two wine glasses filled with a golden-yellow beer, both slightly foamy on top. — Vadstena Klosterhotel

Vintage Castles and Convents in Vadstena

Vadstena, on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern in Östergötland, is known for its rich history, religious significance, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Walking through Vadstena feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, old wooden houses, and medieval structures that have been remarkably preserved.

A picturesque view through a window from a hotel room at Vadstena Klosterhotel. The window has white frames and is divided into several panes. Outside, there is a bright blue sky and a scenic landscape covered in snow, indicating a winter setting. — Vadstena Klosterhotel

Commissioned by King Gustav I in the 16th century, Vadstena slott was built as a fortress to protect against potential invasions from the south. Over the years, it transformed into a grand royal castle, and today, it’s a museum.

A delightful tea room setup at Vadstena Klosterhotel. On a round glass-topped table, there is a white plate with various cakes and pastries and a glass filled with a pink smoothie. A fork rests on the plate. — Vadstena Klosterhotel

Vadstena kloster, founded in the 14th century by Sancta Birgitta, became the motherhouse of the Bridgettine Order and played a central role in the religious and cultural life of medieval Sweden. Sancta Birgitta Klostermuseum next to the abbey provides insights into the daily lives of the nuns and monks who lived there.

A large, ornate framed painting on the wall in the tea room at Vadstena Klosterhotel. The painting is a still life depicting an abundance of fruit arranged on a table, with a dark archway and a rich red curtain in the background. — Vadstena Klosterhotel

Stay at Vadstena Klosterhotel, which also has a spa, a restaurant, a wine cellar, and afternoon tea. Walk around town and you’ll find various shops where you can buy local handicrafts, especially textiles. Take a short drive from the city center to Ladugård 206, where you can eat lunch and shop for home décor, cheese, coffee, secondhand furniture, and more.

A cozy corner in a room at The Bishops Arms Hotel in Lund. The space features a dark brown leather armchair with a tufted design, positioned next to a small wooden table with an angular shape. A modern desk lamp is placed on the table. — The Bishops Arms Hotel Lund

History and Youthful Energy in Lund

Lund, in Skåne, is one of the oldest cities in Sweden but also has a young, contemporary vibe thanks to its large student population. The city center is characterized by cobbled streets, medieval buildings, quaint squares, and a unique mix of old and modern architecture.

High tea at Alice och Kattens Tesalong in Lund. A three-tiered stand in the center of the table holds various pastries and treats. The top tier features small, elegantly garnished desserts and the middle tier contains scones. — Alice och Kattens Tesalong Lund

Kulturen i Lund, a museum that's part open-air and part traditional, showcases over two centuries of Swedish history, including daily life, traditions, and houses of the past. Skissernas Museum showcases the artistic process, from the first sketch to the final piece. It has a unique collection of sketches, models, and sculptures. Botaniska Trädgården, owned by Lund University, is home to over 7000 plant species and a great place to take a relaxing walk.

The interior of Folk Pizza och Bar in Lund. The room has a cozy and minimalist design with light-colored wooden chairs and tables arranged on a dark tiled floor. Along the back wall, there is a long bench seat with cushions. — Folk Pizza och Bar Lund

Kulturnatten takes place every year in September, and includes art exhibitions, concerts, and dance performances all over the city. Lundakarnevalen is a major event that takes place every four years, organized by the students of Lund University. The carnival features music, theatre, parades, and other festivities. The next one is coming in 2026.

A table at The Bishops Arms in Lund with two cans of craft beer and two glasses filled with hazy, golden beer topped with a frothy head. One of the beer cans is labeled "Modern Antique" with a vibrant, colorful design. — The Bishops Arms Lund

Stay at Hotel Bishops Arms and get a craft beer downstairs at The Bishops Arms bar or get a pizza at nearby Folk Pizza och Bar. Brunch or afternoon tea at Alice och Kattens Tesalong is a fun experience.

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Vadstena Klosterhotel Fors Bryggeri Pax Vobiscum Craft Beer.jpg

It's clear that Sweden's smaller cities are awesome and have their own stories, old and new. So, if you're thinking of a trip to Sweden, don't just stick to the big names — these lesser-known places are totally worth a visit.