Travel news: Swedish romantic travel destinations and new trend among young people

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

It was Monday again, and as usual on Mondays, travel news is aplenty here at FREEDOMtravel. We've been combing through this week's crop of press releases and are presenting some new information about travel and experiences this spring.

Spring city trips are increasing – London at the top

According to the travel agency Ticket, spring travel bookings have increased by 14 percent, and it is mainly European cities that attract Swedes. London tops the list among metropolitan travel destinations – while Gdansk stands out as the rocket of spring. Top 10 – most booked cities this spring:

1. London
2. Amsterdam
3. Paris
4. Barcelona
5. Rome
6. Prague
7. Nice
8. Lisbon
9. Gdansk
10. Milan 

Sweden's 10 most romantic places

In connection with the wedding season, Ellos presents a ranking of Sweden's most romantic places. The ranking is based on an analysis of factors that contribute to a romantic experience, such as the number of hotels, spas and restaurants, as well as access to nature and park areas.

The destination's popularity on Instagram and TikTok is also included in the analysis, as well as the length of the evening light. Top 10 – Sweden's most romantic places:

1. Abisko (48 points)
2. Nordingrå in the High Coast (45 points)
3. Smögen (39 points)
4. Stockholm (36 points)
5. Are (33 points)
6. Malmo (13 points)
7. Kiruna (11 points)
8. Visby (10 points)
9. Simrishamn (10 points)
10. Öland (8 points)

The Nordic Museum opens exhibition on the revival movement

On May 20, the Nordic Museum will open the exhibition "Waiting for the Kingdom of Heaven" - a unique photographic portrait of everyday life in eastern Laestadian parishes in Tornedalen and Norrbotten.

Behind the camera is Nina Varumo, who for more than 15 years has depicted the movement and a community that has rarely invited outside gazes.

One in five plans to hike this summer – young people are driving the trend

A total of 19 percent of Swedes plan to hike this summer. This is shown by a new Sifo survey conducted on behalf of Göta Kanal. Interest is greatest among young people: in the 18–34 age group, 28 percent say they plan to hike, compared to 11 percent among people aged 56–79. 

The trend is also noticeable in a broader interest in nature holidays. In total, 43 percent of Swedes plan to go hiking, cycling, camping or on a boat holiday this summer. Here are tips for five popular hiking trails in Sweden:

• King's Trail (Lapland)
• The High Coast Trail (Ångermanland)
• Bohusleden (West Coast)
• Sörmlandsleden (Södermanland)
• Göta Canal Trail (Västergötland & Östergötland)

Asia drives Viking Line's international growth

International travel to the Nordic region is increasing rapidly, and Viking Line is seeing particularly strong growth from China and other long-haul markets. Last year, 4.6 million passengers traveled on Viking Line's ships.

The proportion of international guests from markets outside Sweden, Finland and Estonia is now up to over 16 percent and is expected to continue to grow, especially from Central Europe and Asia. Top 10 international markets at Viking Line (percentage increase 2025 compared to 2024):

1. Germany (+8 %)
2. Ukraine (+17 %)
3. China (+56 %)
4. Poland (+5 %)
5. Latvia (+7 %)
6. Lithuania (+9 %)
7. India (+10 %)
8. USA (+ 17 %)
9. United Kingdom (+15 %)
10. Spain (+16 %)

Strömma offers tips on different activities on the lake

What do you do when you've already tried the city's classic summer spots, sat at every outdoor terrace and feel like you've already done "everything"? Then perhaps the answer is to see the city and the archipelago from the sea - but with a slightly more fun twist.

Strömma offers several tours that combine food, the archipelago and experiences in a slightly unexpected way:

• Pizza cruise in Stockholm – Pizza buffet on board while the boat glides along the city's quays for just over two hours.
• Guided tour to the porcelain city of Gustavsberg – From Strandvägen to Gustavsberg, with a porcelain museum, outlet stores and glass.
• Evening cruise in the archipelago with buffet – Three hours on M/S Gustafsberg VII with shrimp, salmon, herring, salads and dessert.
• Boat excursion to Badholmen outside Vaxholm – A living summer oasis – travel with Strömma's boat trip to Vaxholm from Stockholm.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Film tourism and most booked destinations