If you’re looking to swap the bustle of Deansgate for the serene silence of a Scandinavian pine forest, Sweden offers an escape that feels a world away from the UK. While Manchester is famous for its vibrant energy and frequent drizzle, Sweden in spring and summer is defined by near-endless daylight, crystal-clear air, and a landscape dominated by almost 100,000 lakes.
For Mancunian travellers seeking a holiday that balances adventure with deep relaxation, the Swedish lakelands provide an exclusive, calm alternative to the crowded Mediterranean coasts.
The Swedish summer philosophy: Allemansrätten
In Sweden, nature isn’t behind a paywall. Thanks to Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access), you are free to wander through forests, hike across meadows, and swim in almost any lake, provided you “do not disturb and do not destroy.”
This cultural heart of Sweden means your holiday isn’t confined to a resort. You can forage for wild berries, paddleboard across mirror-like waters, or hike through ancient forests where moose and reindeer roam freely—including the rare, ethereal white reindeer often spotted in the north.
How to experience Sweden this spring and summer
Whether you’re a fan of the great outdoors or prefer a design-led road trip, here are three ways to structure your Swedish itinerary:
Swedish woodland retreat
Designed for those who want to be active without sacrificing luxury. Stay in design-led forest cabins or eco-lodges that blend into the landscape, spend your days kayaking through quiet inlets or hiking to hidden viewpoints, then retreat to a wood-fired sauna as the sun hangs low on the horizon.
West Sweden road trip
Perfect for independent travellers, start near Gothenburg and head north through West Sweden—a region defined by a stunning mix of deep lakes and craggy archipelago coastlines. Make sure to stop at locally owned, farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh crayfish and sourdough bread – there’s no better place for it.
Stockholm to Lapland
Experience the full geographical scale of the country, beginning in Stockholm, a stylish capital built across fourteen islands. After soaking up the city’s world-class museums and fika culture (the mandatory coffee and cake break), travel north into Swedish Lapland. Here, the Midnight Sun creates 24 hours of daylight, allowing for midnight hikes and a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.
Wild swimming in Sweden
While the focus is on the landscape, you shouldn’t miss the chance for a wild swim. Submerging yourself in clean, open water is a profound biological reset, stimulating circulation, boosting endorphins, and reducing stress. Beyond the physical, there is a powerful mental shift that occurs—a grounding sensation that encourages a mindful, meditative state and a deep sense of wellbeing.
How to get to Sweden from Manchester
Getting to Sweden from Manchester is remarkably straightforward, with options for both the capital and the gateway to the West Coast.
To Stockholm (capital & Lapland connection):
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers direct flights from Manchester to Stockholm Arlanda in about two hours 20 minutes, but you’ll likely be paying a premium for the experience. Norwegian and KLM offer flights with a short stopover in Copenhagen or Amsterdam starting from approximately £158.
To Gothenburg (West Sweden road trip):
The cheaper of the Swedish destinations to fly to from Manchester, Gothenburg is the gateway to West Sweden. Direct flights via Ryanair are the most budget-friendly, with prices as low as £33pp (7th March, correct at time of writing).
The best tome to visit Sweden? For the best weather and the longest days, visit between late May and mid-August, but pack layers—even in the height of summer, the evenings by the water can be crisp. You’ll get better deals in the spring, and although wild swimming may not be an option for you in crisper weather, the ‘Land of 100,000 Lakes‘ is still exceedingly beautiful all year round.