What budget to travel Sweden? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Sweden?

The entrance to the national museums, free for all for many years, has unfortunately become paying from January 2023. It is generally free for those under 20 years old, so remember to always carry your ID card, as well as your student card if you have one! This way, you will be able to benefit from lower rates in many museums and attractions.

Sweden is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts, and most of them are free. You can enjoy running around the beautiful lakes and sea, swimming for hours, cycling or hiking. Water sports are everywhere, and the most accessible is undoubtedly kayaking, since excursions can be made from 50 euros.

In winter, ice skating is very easy, but rentals can sometimes be a bit expensive (count around 20-30 euros depending on the place). You can also rent equipment for cross-country skiing or just skiing (although there are not many resorts in the country, there are some!).

Prices in Sweden are higher than in France, so be careful to manage your budget and don't be fooled by the difference in currency!

Entrance to the clubs, most of the time, costs between 100 and 150 SEK. However, some clubs have a policy of free entry before a certain time (usually 10 or 11 pm), to encourage partygoers to come earlier! The price of drinks is usually higher than in bars, so be prepared.

What budget to eat Sweden?

You should expect to pay at least 10 euros for a meal, even on the run. For something a little more elaborate, prices are around 20-30 euros.

Count between 2,50 and 3 euros for a simple coffee, from 5 euros for pints. Happy hours are not common in Sweden, but there are a few bars where they exist. If they do, the hours are usually indicated outside the bar, on a small sign, or highlighted on their website or Facebook page.

What is the budget for accommodation Sweden?

A financial headache? For those on a budget, camping is an economical way to take your family on vacation - especially since in Sweden you have a choice. Vandrarhem or homestays are another option, depending on the season. Are you looking for more comfort, a certain standard or special services? Then choose charming or luxury hotels; in the city, you will be spoilt for choice.

Hotels. Reduced rates are often available from mid-June to mid-August and on weekends throughout the year. Nevertheless, hotels are still relatively expensive: SEK 800 for a night in a budget hotel, SEK 800 to 1,600 in higher-end hotels and more than SEK 1,600 for more luxurious hotels. Sometimes the rooms are cramped and the toilet and shower are located on the landing. However, breakfast is almost always included, served as a buffet with a wide selection.

Guest rooms. It is not uncommon for locals to rent out a room or two. Look for a "Rum" sign or ask the tourist office for their addresses. A room costs between 150 and 650 SEK. If you are driving on the southern highway, you may see Rum & Frukost signs indicating rooms.

Youth hostels. A difficult term to translate... Vandrarhem is not quite the same as a youth hostel, because in Sweden everyone is welcome, from the youngest to the oldest, and most importantly, these places are remarkably family-friendly. Most of these hostels have single rooms, some have 2 or 4 beds, and some even have 6 or 8 beds. Some are open all year round, others only in the summer, for which it is recommended to make reservations (they sometimes close on August 15). It is better to call before your arrival because often the reception hours are very limited (except in Stockholm and Gothenburg), from 8 to 10 am and from 5 to 7 pm. There are more than 500 hostels in Sweden; some of them are old mansions, farms, disused prisons, prehistoric caves and even renovated sailing ships. In general, their comfort is of a good standard and there is almost always the possibility to cook, iron, shower and relax in the common room. However, remember to bring your own sheets and towels so that you don't have to pay for them; sleeping bags are not allowed.

Campsites. There are many classic campsites in Sweden. For a night, you can expect to pay between SEK 150 for a small pitch and SEK 250 for a large pitch that can accommodate the whole family, including car, tent or caravan. For hikers or single cyclists, there are sometimes lower rates.

Travel budget Sweden and cost of living

Low budget: SEK 600 per day per person.

Medium budget: SEK 1,200 per day per person.

Large budget: more than 2,200 SEK per day per person.