We recommend UNESCO’s 15 World Heritage Sites in Sweden. A World Heritage Site is a unique cultural or natural historical environment that bears witness to the history of humanity and the Earth. Together, the World Heritage Sites function as a large book where each site represents a chapter, contributing its story. The UN organization UNESCO is responsible for the World Heritage List. Today, there are 1,199 World Heritage Sites in 168 countries – 15 are in our country.
World Heritage Sites are truly trending. According to Visit Sweden’s latest Google Barometer, interest in World Heritage Sites is skyrocketing, so take the opportunity to visit a world-unique place during your staycation this summer.
– Yes, take the chance to discover the World Heritage Sites. They are all unique places that tell our history, while making us part of a global network. The World Heritage Sites once emerged as a peace project, something that today is more important than ever to remember, says Anna-Karin Ferm, who works with the World Heritage Site Hälsingegårdar and is the chairperson of the World Heritage Sites in Sweden association.
The World Heritage Sites are part of Sweden’s – and the world’s – most unique natural and cultural heritage. They are bustling with activities, especially during the summer, and welcome many visitors. Of course, many Swedish tourists visit the World Heritage Sites, but interest in the Swedish UNESCO sites is constantly increasing from international visitors, many have their “bucket list” tied to World Heritage Sites – there is great value in seeing and experiencing World Heritage Sites in as many countries as possible.
At the beginning of July, it is exactly 20 years since UNESCO’s General Conference decided to inscribe Grimeton Radio Station on the World Heritage List, and now a week-long series of activities is offered at the visitor center. Other examples include Drottningskär Citadel, part of the World Heritage Site Naval City of Karlskrona, which this year is filled with fun activities, guided tours, and concerts. In July, the church weekend Persmäss is celebrated in the World Heritage Site Gammelstad Church Town outside Luleå, a perfect opportunity to experience the historical atmosphere of the church town. Visit Sweden’s first World Heritage Site, Drottningholm, which is open daily throughout the summer. Embark on a hike through the World Heritage Site Southern Öland’s agricultural landscape; in July, the children’s very own hiking trail is inaugurated with much to see and discover. If you’re interested in history, the Bronze Age Festival in the World Heritage Site Tanum in August is a must.
We Have Listed the World Heritage Sites in Sweden from North to South:
Laponia is the only World Heritage Site in Sweden designated for both its high natural and cultural values. The area bears traces of the Earth’s early history but also of humanity’s. For millennia, the reindeer has been one of the most important animals for people in Laponia.
Struve’s Geodetic Arc – one of our two transnational World Heritage Sites that runs through ten countries. In the 19th century, scientists collaborated to investigate the Earth’s shape and size. They managed to produce a surprisingly accurate result. Four of the measurement points with World Heritage status are in Sweden.
Gammelstad Church Town is the world’s best-preserved church town. A church town is a larger collection of small cottages used by long-distance guests in connection with church visits.
The High Coast World Heritage Site is transnational and connected with the Kvarken Archipelago in Finland. The High Coast, together with the Kvarken Archipelago, is the best place on Earth to experience and understand land uplift after the Ice Age.
At the World Heritage Site Hälsingegårdar, the painting and beautiful banquet halls are unique. In Hälsingland, there are about 1,000 large and well-preserved Hälsingegårdar – seven of them are classified as World Heritage Sites. Nowhere else in the world have farmers built and decorated such large houses solely for festivities!
The Falun World Heritage Site originates from the 17th century when the Falun Mine was Sweden’s largest and most modern workplace. 70% of Europe’s copper came from the mining industry in Falun. The World Heritage Site includes the mine, the town, and the surrounding mining landscape.
Engelsberg Ironworks in Västmanland developed during the 18th century into one of the most modern ironworks in the world. Engelsberg is the best-preserved example of this type of ironworks in Sweden.
The World Heritage Site Birka and Hovgården tells the story of the Viking Age and the Vikings’ trade network. From Hovgården, the Viking kings ruled over the trading town of Birka and the important waterways.
The Drottningholm Palace Area is Sweden’s first World Heritage Site (1991) and the country’s best example of a royal 18th-century residence. The area includes several famous buildings such as the Chinese Pavilion and Drottningholm Palace Theatre.
The Woodland Cemetery is Northern Europe’s largest cemetery in terms of the number of burials. The cemetery was built to be open to everyone. A central idea in its design is that life is as important as death, that everything continues; life – death – life.
At the World Heritage Site Tanum’s Rock Carvings, there are carvings that provide insight into what life looked like several thousand years ago. The carvings reflect an early European trade network, as metals were needed for the precious bronze.
The Hanseatic Town of Visby is a fantastic example of a North European walled Hanseatic town from the early 13th century. The World Heritage Site includes not only the ring wall and ruins but also the living town within the wall.
Grimeton Radio Station shows what wireless technology looked like in its infancy. Thanks to humanity’s constant need for secure and reliable communication, the radio station has never been silent and is still an active communication center, an asset to society.
Southern Öland’s Agricultural Landscape is the story of how farmers, generation after generation, create a unique agricultural landscape with row villages, fields, lakes, and alvar lands.
The Naval City of Karlskrona is King Karl XI’s grand vision and dream of a city with wide streets and large squares. An outstanding naval city even today.
