Articles > Geography
Know Sweden Largest Cities? Here are the top 25 to get you started.
1. Stockholm (Population: 1,767,108)
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is not only the largest city but also the cultural, political, and economic center of the country.
Nestled on 14 islands, Stockholm is renowned for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and vibrant modern lifestyle.
The city’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, features cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and the iconic Royal Palace.
Stockholm is also known for its innovative technology sector and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Interesting Fact:
Stockholm is sometimes called the “Venice of the North” due to its beautiful waterways and numerous bridges.
2. Gothenburg (Population: 655,429)
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is a bustling port city located on the country’s west coast. Known for its friendly locals and lively cultural scene, Gothenburg offers a perfect blend of history and modernity.
It is home to the Liseberg amusement park, one of the most visited attractions in Sweden, and several renowned music and film festivals.
Gothenburg is also recognized for its sustainable urban planning, lush green spaces, and its status as a hub for Volvo, the iconic Swedish automotive company.
Interesting Fact:
The Gothenburg Film Festival is the largest in Scandinavia, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the world.
3. Malmö (Population: 325,069)
Malmö, located in southern Sweden, is known for its diverse culture, innovative architecture, and scenic coastal views.
The city is a vibrant mix of old and new, with historical landmarks like Malmö Castle standing alongside modern wonders like the Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper that dominates the skyline.
Malmö is also connected to Copenhagen, Denmark, by the famous Øresund Bridge, making it an essential gateway between the two countries.
Its rich cultural diversity is reflected in its international cuisine, art galleries, and festivals.
Interesting Fact:
Malmö’s Turning Torso is the tallest building in Scandinavia, standing at 190 meters.
4. Uppsala (Population: 168,760)
Uppsala, located north of Stockholm, is renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance. The city is home to Uppsala University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scandinavia, founded in 1477.
Uppsala Cathedral, the largest church in Scandinavia, is a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture and a must-visit site. The city is a hub for biotechnology and medical research, making it a center of innovation and learning.
With its vibrant student life, lush parks, and charming streets, Uppsala offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Interesting Fact:
Carl Linnaeus, the “father of taxonomy,” lived and worked in Uppsala, and his legacy is preserved in the city’s botanical gardens.
5. Västerås (Population: 128,660)
Västerås, located on the shores of Lake Mälaren, is one of Sweden’s oldest cities with a history that dates back to Viking times. Known for its industrial heritage, Västerås is a hub for engineering and technology, hosting companies like ABB.
The city is also famous for its beautiful harbor, green spaces, and historical landmarks such as Västerås Cathedral. Its proximity to nature makes it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, boating, and fishing.
Interesting Fact:
Västerås is often called the “cradle of Swedish industrialism” due to its pioneering role in Sweden’s industrial development.
6. Örebro (Population: 126,604)
Örebro, located in central Sweden, is known for its iconic Örebro Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by a moat. The city is a vibrant cultural center with a thriving arts scene, museums, and theaters.
Örebro is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, boasting numerous parks and bike-friendly streets. The city’s picturesque Wadköping open-air museum provides visitors with a glimpse into traditional Swedish life.
Interesting Fact:
Örebro has been named Sweden’s “best cycling city” multiple times due to its extensive bike paths and cycling infrastructure.
7. Linköping (Population: 119,016)
Linköping, a city in southern Sweden, is a major center for aviation and technology. It is home to Saab Aerospace, making it an important player in Sweden’s defense and technology industries.
Linköping is also a city of knowledge, with Linköping University being one of Sweden’s leading institutions for higher education and research.
Visitors can explore the Old Town, Gamla Linköping, which showcases historical buildings and cultural traditions.
Interesting Fact:
Linköping is known as the “City of Air” due to its strong ties to the aviation industry.
8. Helsingborg (Population: 113,828)
Helsingborg, located on Sweden’s southern coast, is known for its scenic waterfront and historical landmarks. The city’s Kärnan tower, a medieval fortress, is a symbol of Helsingborg’s rich history.
Helsingborg is a cultural hub with numerous theaters, art galleries, and music festivals. The city’s location on the Øresund Strait provides stunning views of Denmark, just a short ferry ride away.
Interesting Fact:
Helsingborg is home to Sofiero Palace, famous for its stunning gardens and royal history.
9. Jönköping (Population: 101,440)
Jönköping, situated on the southern shore of Lake Vättern, is a picturesque city with a rich history and modern appeal. Known as the “Pearl of the Lake,” Jönköping boasts stunning waterfront views, outdoor activities, and charming neighborhoods.
The city is an important logistics and trade center due to its central location in Sweden. It is also known for its role in Sweden’s matchstick industry, with the Match Museum being a popular attraction.
Interesting Fact:
Jönköping is home to Sweden’s only Matchstick Museum, celebrating its history as a global leader in match production.
10. Norrköping (Population: 98,088)
Norrköping, often referred to as the “Manchester of Sweden,” has a rich industrial heritage that dates back to the 19th century.
The city’s Industrial Landscape district showcases its historical significance with preserved factories and waterways. Today, Norrköping has transformed into a hub for arts and culture, with museums, theaters, and music festivals.
Its proximity to the Bråviken Bay adds to its natural charm, making it an attractive destination for visitors.
Interesting Fact:
Norrköping’s annual Light Festival illuminates the city with dazzling installations, attracting visitors from across the country.
11. Lund (Population: 94,076)
Lund, a charming city in southern Sweden, is best known for its prestigious university, which dates back to 1666. The city’s youthful energy is fueled by its student population, creating a vibrant cultural and academic atmosphere.
Lund is also home to several historical landmarks, including Lund Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque structure that attracts visitors year-round. The city combines modern innovation with historical charm, being a center for research and development, particularly in science and technology.
Interesting Fact:
Lund Cathedral features an astronomical clock, Horologium Mirabile Lundense, which dates back to the 15th century and still works today.
12. Umeå (Population: 91,580)
Umeå, known as the “City of Birches,” is a vibrant city in northern Sweden. It earned its nickname after a devastating fire in the 19th century led to the planting of birch trees along the streets to prevent future fires from spreading.
The city is a cultural hub and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2014. It boasts a lively arts scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues. Umeå University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences make it a center for education and research.
Interesting Fact:
Umeå is home to the world’s first museum dedicated to guitars, featuring over 500 vintage models.
13. Gävle (Population: 79,839)
Gävle, located on Sweden’s eastern coast, is famous for its vibrant cultural life and rich history. The city is a blend of old and new, with well-preserved wooden houses in the Old Town and modern attractions such as museums and theaters.
Gävle is perhaps best known for the Gävle Goat, a giant straw goat constructed every year during the holiday season. The city is also an important transportation hub, with connections to Stockholm and other major cities.
Interesting Fact:
The Gävle Goat has been burned down more than 30 times since its creation in 1966, despite security measures to protect it.
14. Borås (Population: 73,349)
Borås, located in western Sweden, is a city known for its thriving textile industry and innovative fashion scene. It is home to the Swedish School of Textiles and the Textile Fashion Center, making it a hub for design and innovation.
The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with murals and public art installations adorning its streets. Borås Zoo and its surrounding natural beauty make it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Interesting Fact:
Borås hosts the annual No Limit Street Art Festival, attracting artists from around the world to create stunning urban artworks.
15. Eskilstuna (Population: 73,084)
Eskilstuna, situated in central Sweden, has a rich industrial heritage and a strong focus on sustainability. Known as the “Recycling City,” Eskilstuna leads Sweden in innovative recycling and waste management practices.
The city also has historical significance, with attractions like the Rademacher Forges, which showcase traditional blacksmithing techniques. Eskilstuna is a family-friendly city with a variety of museums, parks, and entertainment options.
Interesting Fact:
Eskilstuna’s recycling mall, ReTuna, is the world’s first shopping center dedicated to repaired and upcycled goods.
16. Södertälje (Population: 72,497)
Södertälje, located southwest of Stockholm, is a city with a rich cultural mix and industrial significance. It is home to global companies like Scania and AstraZeneca, making it a center for manufacturing and pharmaceutical research.
The city also features beautiful waterways and parks, including the scenic Södertälje Canal, which connects Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. Södertälje is known for its diverse population and welcoming atmosphere.
Interesting Fact:
Södertälje has the largest Assyrian diaspora in Sweden, celebrated with cultural events and festivals.
17. Växjö (Population: 71,161)
Växjö, often referred to as the “Greenest City in Europe,” is a leader in environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Located in southern Sweden, it is surrounded by pristine lakes and forests, offering residents and visitors a strong connection to nature.
The city is also known for its thriving cultural scene, with museums like the Småland Museum and the Swedish Glass Museum. Växjö is home to Linnaeus University, named after the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Interesting Fact:
Växjö has reduced its carbon emissions by over 50% since the 1990s, setting a global example for green urban development.
18. Karlstad (Population: 67,676)
Karlstad, situated on the shores of Lake Vänern, is a sunny and welcoming city known for its lively waterfront and charming Old Town. Its location at the mouth of the Klarälven River makes it a paradise for water enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The city is famous for its cultural festivals, vibrant culinary scene, and historical landmarks such as the Värmland Museum. Karlstad’s sunny disposition is reflected in its symbol, the smiling sun.
Interesting Fact:
Karlstad is one of the sunniest cities in Sweden, earning it the nickname “The City of Sunshine.”
19. Sundsvall (Population: 66,948)
Sundsvall, located in northern Sweden, is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical charm. The city was rebuilt in stone after a devastating fire in 1888, earning it the nickname “Stenstan” or “Stone Town.”
Today, Sundsvall is a hub for trade and commerce, blending its industrial past with a vibrant modern economy. The city offers beautiful natural surroundings, including mountains and forests, making it a haven for outdoor activities.
Interesting Fact:
Sundsvall’s Stenstan boasts some of the best-preserved 19th-century architecture in Sweden.
20. Täby (Population: 66,292)
Täby, a suburban municipality near Stockholm, is known for its affluent neighborhoods, excellent schools, and high quality of life. Despite its proximity to the capital, Täby maintains a relaxed and green environment, with numerous parks and recreational areas.
Täby also has a rich historical heritage, with several Viking-era runestones and burial sites scattered throughout the area. The Täby Centrum shopping center is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Interesting Fact:
Täby is home to the Jarlabanke Runestones, remnants of a Viking clan that lived in the area over a thousand years ago.
21. Kristianstad (Population: 57,731)
Kristianstad, located in southern Sweden, is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Founded by King Christian IV of Denmark in 1614, the city is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, including the stunning Church of the Holy Trinity.
Kristianstad is also home to the Vattenriket Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized area teeming with diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems. The city’s mix of culture, history, and nature makes it an appealing destination.
Interesting Fact:
Kristianstad is situated below sea level, protected by an extensive system of dikes and canals.
22. Luleå (Population: 53,459)
Luleå, located in northern Sweden, is a city that blends modern innovation with Arctic charm. It is an important center for technology and industry, hosting one of Facebook’s largest data centers powered by renewable energy.
The city is also a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of Swedish Lapland, with attractions such as the Luleå Archipelago and the UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town. Luleå offers a perfect mix of adventure and culture.
Interesting Fact:
Luleå’s ice road, stretching over frozen seas in winter, is a popular attraction for skating and driving.
23. Östersund (Population: 50,834)
Östersund, located by the shores of Lake Storsjön, is a picturesque city in central Sweden. Known for its winter sports, Östersund has hosted numerous international biathlon and ski events. It is also home to the Mid Sweden University.
The city’s cultural heart is visible in its lively festivals, including Storsjöyran, one of Sweden’s largest music festivals. With a rich blend of culture, sports, and natural beauty, Östersund is a year-round destination.
Interesting Fact:
Lake Storsjön is said to be home to Storsjöodjuret, a mythical lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster.
24. Borlänge (Population: 50,134)
Borlänge, in central Sweden, is a city shaped by its industrial heritage. Known for its steel and paper industries, Borlänge also boasts a thriving cultural and music scene. It is home to the Peace and Love Festival, Sweden’s largest music festival.
Surrounded by forests and rivers, Borlänge is a gateway to outdoor adventures, including skiing and hiking. The city has successfully blended its industrial roots with a focus on education and community.
Interesting Fact:
Borlänge’s Peace and Love Festival attracts over 50,000 visitors annually, celebrating unity and creativity.
25. Tumba (Population: 49,714)
Tumba, a suburb of Stockholm, is a small yet dynamic city known for its peaceful residential areas and proximity to Sweden’s capital. The town is famous for the Tumba Paper Mill, established in the 1750s, which produces Swedish banknotes.
The city offers easy access to Stockholm’s attractions while maintaining its own charm, with parks, nature reserves, and local cultural events creating a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
Interesting Fact:
Tumba hosts the Swedish Royal Coin Cabinet’s paper workshop, preserving the art of handcrafted paper making.
