Last week Scandinavia travel specialist Sunvil saw a 45% increase in holiday bookings to Sweden compared to the same period last year, as savvy travellers took advantage of the weak Swedish krona, which hit its lowest level since 2011.
This comes ahead of the country’s historic elections on 9 September, where Swedes will decide who will succeed the Social Democrat-Green minority coalition of the prime minister, Stefan Löfven.
Sweden has been a desirable destination for years, but for many it has been unaffordable, until now. More and more Brits are coveting the Swedish laidback way of life, the effortless interior design and fashion, quirky food and the Swedes’ efforts to produce ethical and sustainable goods, along with their approach to life, or lagom, an ethos which helps them live in true balance.
Rachel Jelley, Marketing Manager for Sunvil, said: “We’ve certainly seen the popularity of Sweden grow as a holiday spot over the past few years, but the high price of hotels, dining and entertainment has always been a factor. Now that the krona has fallen, British holidaymakers will have around 8% more to spend, so they are seizing the opportunity to visit Sweden and discover its many wonderful delights.”
The surge in bookings has been driven by couples looking for a mix of culture and adventure, and families seeking safe, wholesome experiences for children in wonderful natural surroundings. There has also been an increase in those wishing to learn lost skills such as foraging, wilderness survival and outdoor cooking, and to teach their children these skills.
As Sweden offers so many attractions throughout the seasons, both winter and summer holidays have proved equally popular. Bucket-list experiences like the thrilling Northern Lights and the ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland have been booked for winter 2018, while those looking to see the culture of Sweden’s cities have booked week-long stays in Stockholm, Malmo and Gothenburg for summer 2019.
Christmas Market Break in Stockholm
Head to Stockholm for a three-night festive break during December in the heart of the Swedish capital, within easy reach of the main shopping district and many attractions, including the Old Town, Gamla Stan, with its distinct architecture and royal palaces, and Kungsträdgården, a popular park with outdoor cafés and an ice-skating rink during winter. There is plenty of opportunity to visit the city’s numerous Christmas markets, such as the one held in Skansen open-air museum, which dates back to 1903.
Explore Malmö and the Swedish Riviera
For an unforgettable Scandinavian summer holiday in 2019, the south western corner of Sweden offers pastel-painted beach huts, miles of white sandy beaches and relaxed coastal towns. Explore the vibrant city of Malmö and its boutiques, restaurants, harbour and historic sights, relax on the beautiful beaches along the Swedish Riviera, and discover Sweden’s culture at the Foteviken Viking Museum and the Viking Fortress of Trelleborg.
Discover Gothenburg and its many islands
Explore the Swedish city of Gothenburg and its nearby southern archipelago, Södra Skärgården. Spend the first few days exploring the culture of Gothenburg, wandering around the old Haga district, lined with cosy cafés and boutique shops, visit Oscar Fredrick, the city’s most decorated church, and take a ride on the Gothenburg Wheel. Then, why not stay on the island of Styrsö, just 20 minutes from the city centre, with its beautiful woodland, sandy bays, fishing villages and sailing harbours making it the perfect base from which to explore the nearby islands of Vargö, Köpstadsö and Vrångö.
