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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visitors to Kalmar can stay at First Camp Stensö, which offers camping, glamping, and stuga (cabin) rentals.  For a delicious vegan brunch, try OAS Kalmar in the city center.  The craft brewery Ängöl offers beer tastings and tours of the brewery if you book in advance.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.