Whether you're planning a city break in Stockholm, hiking through the vast forests of Dalarna, or chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden is an amazing country to explore. But with the right apps, your trip can become even smoother and more stress-free. Below, we highlight the apps we can't live without here!
Navigation & Public Transport
SL Reseplanerare och biljetter (for the Stockholm region)
The official public transport app for Stockholm. Plan your journeys by metro, bus, tram, or ferry. You can also buy tickets directly in the app.
Västtrafik To Go (for the Gothenburg region & West Sweden)
Everything you need for getting around Gothenburg. Buy tickets, check departure times, and get real-time updates.
SJ (Statens Järnvägar)
The national railway company. This app is perfect for planning long-distance train journeys across the country. Book tickets, reserve seats, check for delays, all in one place.
Google Maps
Not a Swedish-specific app, but absolutely essential. Works excellently in both cities and rural areas. Walking and cycling paths are usually well mapped too.
Language & Communication
Google Translate
Especially handy for reading signs, menus, and quick translations. Use the camera mode to instantly translate Swedish text in real time.
Duolingo
Great for travelers who want to pick up some basic phrases. Local interactions become much more fun if you speak a bit of Swedish, even a simple "hej hej!" goes a long way.
Nature & Outdoors
Naturkartan (The Nature Map)
The go-to app for nature lovers. Find hiking trails, national parks, campsites, shelters, and even swimming spots. Offline maps available.
AllTrails
Well known internationally, and with plenty of Swedish trails too. Ideal if you already use the app in other countries.
SMHI
Sweden’s official weather app. More reliable than many international alternatives and essential if you're heading into nature. Also shows pollen forecasts, radar maps, and weather alerts.
Payments
Swish
The standard in Sweden for instant mobile payments. However, Swish only works with a Swedish bank account, which makes it less tourist-friendly. Also note: regular debit cards aren’t always accepted at ATMs or in certain apps, so bring a credit card! Don’t have one? No worries, the next option is perfect for that.
Revolut or Wise
If you don’t have a credit card, Revolut or Wise let you easily get a virtual one linked to your own bank account. Works smoothly in Sweden and offers favorable exchange rates. Add it to Apple Pay or Google wallet and pay contactless almost everywhere!
Region-Specific: Northern Sweden
Tabussen.nu
Heading to the north (e.g., Umeå, Östersund, Kiruna)? This app is essential for local bus services, especially in sparsely populated areas.
With these apps in your pocket, you're well prepared for a smooth, efficient, and unforgettable trip through Sweden. Want even more local tips? Check out our digital city guides for Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö, available now in our webshop. Ready to go? Book your holiday with us today!
