By: The editors | Source: press material
Then it was time for the very last travel news round of the year, and with this we look ahead to 2026. This week we pay extra attention to new experiences in Sweden 2026: Anniversaries, new restaurants, new hotels and new nature and adventure experiences.
Many Swedes prefer to celebrate Christmas and New Year abroad
New Sifo research from TUI shows that one in six Swedes (16 percent) wants to exchange Christmas celebrations at home for a holiday abroad. For families with children, the figure is even higher: one in five (19 percent) would prefer to travel away.
Young adults aged 18 to 35 are the most likely to stay at home during Christmas – barely one in ten wants to celebrate abroad.
The result is increasing just in time for the new year, according to the research. More than one in five Swedes (22 percent) prefer to celebrate the New Year abroad, and among families with children this applies to one in four (26 percent). According to booking figures from TUI, most Swedes will travel to Gran Canaria, Thailand and Egypt for Christmas and New Year this year.
Many people want to go on holiday without a mobile phone
Many Swedes feel the need to reduce their digital presence during the holidays. According to a new survey conducted by Sifo on behalf of Ticket, 57 percent of Swedes indicate that they can imagine completely or partially reducing their mobile phone use on holiday.
Of these, 36 percent respond that they can imagine partially giving up their cell phone and unsubscribing from social media, while 11 percent can imagine a completely cell-free vacation. Another 10 percent say they can imagine simply giving up on emails.
Anniversaries and cultural highlights in Sweden 2026
2026 will be a year full of anniversaries and cultural highlights in Sweden. Here are some tips from Visit Sweden on how to fill 2026 with Swedish culture and anniversary celebrations:
- Karlstad: The Karlstad Opera House celebrates its 50th anniversary – The anniversary is celebrated with the new opera SELMA, a tribute to Selma Lagerlöf.
- Stockholm: Stockholm’s concert hall celebrates 100 years – The 100th anniversary will be celebrated on April 7 and the Royal Philharmonic will also celebrate 125 years.
- Vimmerby: Madicken gets a new home at Astrid Lindgren’s World – The new Junibacken will open in the area in June.
- Öland/Sweden: Royal anniversaries 2026 – Solliden Castle on Öland celebrates its 120th anniversary, the royal couple celebrates their golden wedding and it is 50 years since Silvia Sommerlath became Queen of Sweden.
New gastronomic experiences in Sweden in 2026
In 2026, Sweden’s gastronomic scene will see new additions. Here are some tips from Visit Sweden on Swedish dining experiences in the coming year:
- Halland: Knystaforsen is one of the ‘coolest’ in the world – Ranked on Forbes list of the world’s coolest restaurants in 2026.
- Halland: SIA ice cream ranked as the world’s best vanilla ice cream – This is evident from a reward at the International Ice Cream Conference 2025.
- Helsingborg: The Bank Palace opens – This spring, Simon Weinberg will open his new restaurant Bankpalatset in the center of Helsingborg.
- Stockholm: Frantzéns opens Emberlin – New restaurant and grillhouse, with lively dining room and spacious cocktail bar.
- Uppsala: Pontus Frithiof opens La Girafe – The restaurant will open at Stora Torget in Uppsala in February.
Hotel news in Sweden 2026
In 2026 you can combine relaxation and well-being with inspiring experiences in a new accommodation. Visit Sweden advises on various hotel news:
- Falkenberg: Strawberry stopover – The Stopover hotel chain, adapted for car travelers, is opened. The first hotel is located in Falkenberg.
- Halsingland: Hästnäs Logi – This summer a nature experience in the form of glamping will be presented.
- Hogenäs: Margretes Badhotell – Classic Swedish seaside hotel opened.
- Lidingo: Villa Foresta – In our newly opened spa, Acqua de Foresta, inspired by Roman bathing culture and elegant spas.
- Neck: Hotel J – Newly opened hotel with a nautical atmosphere, on Nacka Beach in the Stockholm archipelago.
- Solna: Hotel Hagastrand near Brunnsviken – Opened this spring with spa, 18-meter swimming pool and underwater music.
- Uppsala: The Academy Hotel – Opens a boutique extension in Clasonska gården, a mansion built in 1698.
New nature and adventure experiences in Sweden in 2026
Sweden also has something new to offer when it comes to nature and adventure. Here are tips and news from Visit Sweden:
- High Coast: Self-guided walk – New hiking experience launched by Nature Travels.
- Gold discount: Winter wine run – A 10 kilometer wine race on January 24, with the emphasis on the experience.
- Skelleftea: Scandinavian Winter Swimming Championships – Organized between February 27 and March 1.
- Skelleftea: The Skellefteå 2030 Strategy – Between May 27 and June 9, Skellefteå will be a meeting place for innovation and sustainability.
- Steenjokk: Safari on the arctic fox – From 2026, guided evening tours will be offered through Lia Ranch.
- Umea: Sunday dip – Community for cold swimmers. In addition, there is a guided ritual with fire, ice and traditional Swedish fika.
This week’s reflection
It’s great that Visit Sweden is highlighting so much news in Sweden! There is really a lot to see and experience in your own country. Are you planning to go on holiday or travel through Sweden in 2026?
Did you miss the previous travel news? Read Travel trends, car events and polar adventures
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