Mats Ulenius

Sweden’s salt-scented second city has a special place in my heart. I went to university here and lived for six wonderful years right in the city center, on the hill in Johanneberg. From my window, I looked out over the lights of Liseberg, and my daily errands took me down the long stairs by the Art Museum and the quirky Poseidon statue. Compared to Stockholm, Gothenburg is less polished but all the more social. It’s a “human-sized” city where neighborhoods are distinct and walkable, and there’s a welcoming vibe that makes it incredibly easy to navigate. It’s the kind of place where a stranger will actually strike up a conversation with you on the tram; an attitude that makes you feel like a local almost immediately. I was sad to leave after graduation, but I still return almost every summer with my family for the salt air, the seafood, and the specific West Coast atmosphere that you just can’t find anywhere else. Oh, and we still do Liseberg, almost every time. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages

As a Swede with relatives in Skåne, the south has always been my favorite escape. I’ve visited since I was a child, and remember watching the Öresund Bridge being built from my aunt’s garden. These days, I return with my family to rediscover Skåne’s unique golden light and summery charm. I hope this guide is helpful even if you’re just day-tripping from Copenhagen to Malmö or Lund with the train across the bridge. But I hope you venture further to the white-sand dunes of Skanör, the mystical Viking ruins in Kåseberga, and the country-chic coast of Österlen with its farm shops, handicrafts, and apple orchards. If you head north, you can visit the historic island of Ven, spot Hamlet’s castle across the straits, and enjoy the chic restaurant scene in Båstad. These are the places that define the high-summer Swedish lifestyle. This is my beloved Skåne, curated for the modern voyager. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages

We Stockholmers love the archipelago and head out whenever we can. Mornings by the quays, catching a steamer or fast boat, there’s a quiet sense of anticipation as the city slips away. Within minutes, Stockholm gives way to open water and more than 30,000 islands stretching toward the Baltic, with smooth granite rocks, pine forests, and small harbours. Most locals have a favourite island. Some are close enough for an easy day trip, with cafés, swimming spots, and a relaxed summer rhythm. Others are better for a few nights, where the pace slows and you feel further away than you really are. You can move around between islands, but in many cases it’s better to choose a base and settle in. Days are simple—swims off the rocks, a sauna, perhaps a boat to a nearby island for lunch, and long evenings by the water as the light lingers. Accommodation is often low-key and rustic, which is part of the appeal. But there are also a handful of boutique hotels, along with historic inns and places to eat well by the water. It’s not about seeing as much as possible, but about finding the right place and pace. Done well, a few days here becomes one of the most memorable parts of a trip to Sweden. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages.

Gotland is Sweden’s summer island, shaped by long days, open landscapes, and a certain barefoot charm. Visby is a walled medieval town of stone houses, rose-covered lanes, and atmospheric cobbled squares. But the island is best experienced beyond the walls as well, with quaint villages, sandy beaches, and limestone cliffs. I’ve been coming here since childhood, and now return with my family. Mornings in Visby, wandering quiet streets before the day begins. Afternoons by the water, whether on a sandy beach or cycling along the more rugged coastline. And long outdoor dinners that stretch late into the summer light, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. It’s not a place of big resorts or polished luxury, but of small hotels, thoughtful design, and a strong sense of season. A few days or a week here offers a different side of Sweden—more relaxed, more elemental, and very much shaped by summer. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages

Northern Sweden is special to me. I was born on the High Coast and grew up among the rivers and forests of the north. I still return almost every summer—and sometimes in winter for skiing, winter activities, cold baths, saunas, and time in nature. The northernmost region is Swedish Lapland, for many visitors associated with northern lights, snow, and iconic places like the original Icehotel. But there are several ways to experience the north, from the more remote Arctic around Kiruna to the forests and rivers along the coast, where some of Sweden’s most interesting design hotels have emerged. What I find most compelling is the contrast—between wilderness and design, simplicity and comfort, activity and stillness. It’s not always the easiest place to reach, but that’s also part of the appeal. And I never sleep as well as on those night trains making their way north through the snow. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages

Built on 14 islands, Stockholm is beautiful, green, and fresh. While home to many palaces and historic buildings, it still feels young at heart—stylish, creative, and very much a modern city. Stockholm is compact and easy to navigate, with a good mix of culture, activities, shopping, and fun that works well for teenagers. The city is very walkable, but ferries, trams, and the subway are part of the experience, especially when heading to Djurgården or Södermalm. As a parent of a teenager and a local Stockholmer, I know the areas and experiences that keep interest and energy up. It’s just as important to leave some room to simply enjoy the city, whether over a Swedish fika or a spontaneous stop with a view over the water. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages

Built on 14 islands between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is beautiful, green, and easy to explore with children. While highly walkable, ferries, trams, and the subway are never far away, and quickly become part of the experience. It’s a very family-friendly city, with plenty of parks, museums, and activities for all ages. As both a parent and a local Stockholmer, I know how well the city works for families. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages