Sweden sees record tourist surge in 2026

Sweden is on track to break last year’s record for foreign visitors, with early 2026 figures already surpassing 2025, according to data obtained by SVT from multiple travel industry sources.

Foreign guest nights rose 6.6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2025, Visit Sweden reports. SAS data shows a 20% increase in European flights booked to Sweden this summer, while national rail operator SJ recorded a 23% jump in May for ticket sales to foreign citizens.

Visitors are also spending more. The Swedish Travel Industry Association notes that while foreign guest nights climbed about 7.5% in the first quarter, export revenue from tourism grew nearly 14%.

Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden, attributes the appeal to the country’s alignment with global travel trends, citing nature as the strongest draw. She adds that curiosity about Swedish lifestyle—such as combining city life with outdoor access, the right to roam, and the widespread July shutdown—also drives interest.

Didrik von Seth, secretary general of the Swedish Travel Industry Association, says Sweden still attracts more international tourists overall than Norway and Denmark, but argues the country could draw even larger numbers given its size and offerings. SAS summer figures show sharper increases in flights to Norway and Denmark, with Denmark’s 60% surge partly explained by new direct routes to Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport.