What to do in Southern Sweden? 12 fun activities and unique day trips

Sweden is beautiful, but is there actually anything to do? It's a question we understand well. Compared to popular holiday countries like France, Spain or Italy, Sweden can seem a little quiet. No endless boulevards full of cafés, no amusement park on every street corner, and no sea of tourist activities everywhere either.

But anyone who thinks you'll get bored quickly in Southern Sweden is wrong!

Nature is of course one of the biggest attractions here. You can hike, cycle and canoe endlessly, and with a bit of luck you'll come across a moose. But there's far more to experience than just being out in nature. How about a trip along the coast looking for harbour porpoises, a zipline ride over the treetops, or a RIB boat tour between the islands of Blekinge?

Sometimes you just need to know where to look. That's why we've put together a list of twelve fun activities and unique day trips in Southern Sweden. From adventurous experiences to typically Swedish activities you might not have expected at all.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends, or just looking for something special along your road trip: there's plenty to experience!

1. Looking for harbour porpoises on a whale safari at Kullaberg

Anyone who thinks you have to go to Iceland or Norway for a whale safari is wrong. Along the coast of Southern Sweden too, you can head out on the water to spot marine mammals.

At Kullaberg, in north-western Skåne, you can join a so-called whale safari. Here, the chance is greatest of spotting harbour porpoises rather than large whales. These small toothed whales live in the waters around the Swedish coast and sometimes show themselves when they come up for air.

An encounter with the animals is of course never guaranteed. That's exactly what makes it such a special nature experience: you sail out onto the sea, scan the water's surface, and never quite know what you'll come across.

Why not combine the trip with a hike in the impressive nature area of Kullaberg. With its steep cliffs, rocky coves and special viewpoints, this is in any case one of the most beautiful places in Skåne.

2. By RIB boat between the islands of Blekinge

The Blekinge coast is one of the most beautiful places in Southern Sweden to experience from the water. Off the coast lie countless islands, small rock formations and sheltered bays. And what better way to experience that landscape than with a fast RIB boat?

At Hanö Dyk & Ribcharter you can join an adventurous trip on the water. A RIB boat is a relatively small, fast boat that makes it possible to sail close along the coast and between the islands. So expect not just a quiet lookout session, but also speed and action.

Along the way you get a completely different perspective on the Blekinge archipelago. The combination of open water, rocky islands and the vast coastline makes this a special way to explore the area.

A fun activity for anyone who likes something active and wants to experience Southern Sweden from a different angle.

3. By canoe to an uninhabited island

One of the most beautiful ways to experience Swedish nature might just be heading out onto the water by canoe. Especially around Åsnen and Halen nature reserve, you'll find beautiful lakes, forested shores and small islands.

Paddle calmly through the landscape, find a good spot to land, and enjoy an evening in the middle of nature. With a bit of luck, in the evening you'll only hear the birds and the water around you.

It might sound like the ultimate Swedish camping experience, and it is! But there are some important rules to keep in mind. You can't just pitch a tent anywhere. Some islands and shores are protected or temporarily closed due to nesting birds and vulnerable nature.

Our tip: renting a canoe from a local canoe rental place? Ask in advance where you're allowed to land and stay overnight. They know the area and can tell you which islands are accessible and what to watch out for. This way you can fully enjoy this special experience without disturbing nature.

4. Clay pigeon shooting at Brokamåla Gård

Fancy something completely different from hiking or canoeing? At Brokamåla Gård you can try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

In this activity, you use a rifle to hit the clay pigeons launched into the air. It might sound easier than it is! You need to keep a close eye, time it right, and of course practise a bit to actually hit the targets.

Brokamåla lies right in the middle of Blekinge's nature, so it's also a good place to combine with the trip. A fun activity for anyone wanting to try something new and looking for a varied day out.

Check in advance which sessions are available and whether booking is required.

5. Kayaking along Kullaberg's rugged coast

Kullaberg's coast is impressive seen from land, but it's only from the water that you really discover how special this landscape is.

By kayak you paddle along high rock walls, small coves and hidden spots that aren't always accessible from the hiking trails. The water is beautifully clear in several places, and the coastline has a completely different character to the long sandy beaches you might associate with Southern Sweden.

At Kullakajak you can rent kayaks and explore the area from the water. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or trying it for the first time: check in advance which tour and conditions suit your level.

A great way to discover one of Southern Sweden's most spectacular coastal areas.

6. By zipline through the treetops at Sweden Zipline

For anyone who likes a bit of adventure, Sweden Zipline at Little Rock Lake is a special experience.

Here you fly along a cable through the treetops, high above the forest. You see the Swedish landscape from a perspective you don't normally get on a regular hike. Some lines are quite long and give the feeling of soaring through the forest.

It's an activity you might expect sooner in an amusement park in the Alps than in the middle of the forests of Småland.

There are various options and sessions. So check in advance which line suits you, and look into the conditions, such as minimum age, height and any weight limits.

7. Kitesurfing along the Skåne coast

Southern Sweden might not be the first place you think of for water sports, but the Skåne coast is surprisingly well suited to activities like kitesurfing.

At Mellby Kite IKO Center Sweden you can get acquainted with the sport or develop your skills further. With a kite, you let yourself be pulled across the water by the wind. A combination of technique, balance and, of course, the right weather conditions.

For beginners it's a good idea to take lessons. Kitesurfing requires knowledge of wind, equipment and safety. Once you've got the hang of it, it's a fantastic way to experience the Swedish coast actively.

Do remember that kitesurfing is highly weather-dependent. So check the conditions and the available courses in advance.

8. Downhill mountain biking at Isaberg

Isaberg is best known as a ski resort, but there's plenty to experience outside the winter season too. In summer, the area becomes a popular destination for mountain bikers.

Here you'll find various routes and trails, including downhill runs for anyone looking for a bit of extra challenge. With elevation changes, turns and technical sections, downhill mountain biking is a fun activity for the sporty visitor.

Don't have your own mountain bike? Then ask at Isaberg about the options for renting equipment.

Even if you're not mountain biking, Isaberg is a great place for an active day in nature. In the area you can go hiking, among other things, and enjoy the view over the landscape.

9. Explore an old mine at Kleva Gruva

A trip to Kleva Gruva is a bit different from most activities in Southern Sweden. Here you can actually visit an old mine and see for yourself what it looks like underground.

The mine was previously used for extracting copper and nickel, among other things. Today you can explore part of the tunnel system and experience what it looks like beneath the earth's surface. With narrow passages, dark chambers and special rock formations, it's an adventurous outing.

It's a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. It's somewhat colder underground than outside, and the ground can be uneven and damp.

A fun combination of history, adventure and a bit of excitement.

10. Step into the past at Fotevikens Vikingaby

Sweden has a rich Viking history, and at Fotevikens Vikingaby you can get acquainted with it in a special way.

This open-air museum on the Skåne coast is built as a reconstructed Viking settlement. You walk past historic buildings, workshops and other spots that give an impression of life in the Viking age.

The fun thing is that here you're not just looking at objects behind glass, but actually walking around a rebuilt settlement. Depending on when you visit, there are also demonstrations and activities where you learn more about old crafts and customs.

Fotevikens Vikingaby is especially worth a visit during the summer months. Outside the high season, opening hours may be limited, or the museum may be closed. So always check the current information on the website of Fotevikens Vikingaby.

11. See how glass is blown in Glasriket

Did you know that Småland has a long tradition of glassblowing? In the area known as Glasriket, you'll find several glassworks where you can see how glass is made in the traditional way.

A visit to Kosta Glasbruk is a great way to get acquainted with this craft tradition. Watch how glassblowers work with red-hot glass, and how a lump of molten material slowly becomes a vase, a bowl or another work of art.

It's fascinating to see how much craftsmanship and precision lies behind it. And the best part is that you can often follow along right up close.

Some glassworks also offer workshops where you can try your hand at glass yourself. Options vary from place to place and from day to day, so check in advance whether a workshop is available during your visit and whether you need to book.

12. Relax in a wood-fired sauna

After all these adventurous activities, it can sometimes be lovely to do nothing at all. And what suits that better than a wood-fired sauna?

In Sweden, the sauna is a beloved way to relax. Especially when you find a spot by the water, it becomes a truly special experience. First a good round of heat in the sauna, then – if you dare – a cool-down in a lake or the sea.

Especially in the colder months, it's an experience you won't forget quickly. But even on a crisp summer evening, it's lovely to warm up a bit after a day outdoors.

Around Southern Sweden you'll find various saunas and wellness spots. Some are simple and located right in nature, others are part of an accommodation or wellness centre. Find out what suits your trip, and book in advance where necessary.

Bonus: Disc golf – a surprisingly popular activity in Sweden

Another activity you might not have expected: disc golf. The sport is a bit like golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, you use frisbees. The aim is to hit a special metal basket in as few throws as possible.

In Sweden, disc golf is hugely popular. You'll find courses in parks and forest areas in many places, often right in nature. And the great thing is that many courses are free to use.

You don't need to be an experienced player to try it either. With a couple of frisbees and a bit of practice, you'll get far. Via UDisc's website or app, you can easily find courses nearby.

A fun and low-key activity to try along your road trip!

Southern Sweden has more to offer than you might think

From an adventurous RIB boat trip to kayaking along impressive rock walls, a visit to an old mine, or a relaxed evening in a wood-fired sauna. Southern Sweden has surprisingly much to offer.

And of course we're far from having mentioned everything. There are countless hiking routes, beautiful cycling trips, small museums, cosy villages and special places to discover. That's exactly what makes a holiday in Southern Sweden so lovely: you can make your days as active or relaxed as you like.

Our tip? Don't plan every single day down to the last detail. Leave room for spontaneous stops along the way too. Sometimes that's exactly how you find the most beautiful places.

Looking for even more inspiration for your trip? With our Swedespots map of Southern Sweden you'll discover hundreds of special places – from nature areas and viewpoints to fun day trips and hidden gems. That way you don't have to piece it all together yourself, and you get even more out of your holiday.

Discover Southern Sweden with Swedespots, and get inspired for your next adventure!