The Rise of Townsizing: Five Swedish Towns to Visit Instead of the Big Cities

Forget crowded capitals and overbooked restaurants. One of the biggest travel trends of 2026 is "townsizing"—choosing smaller destinations over big cities in search of authentic experiences, local flavours and a slower pace of travel. Sweden is perfectly suited to the trend. From medieval streets and seaside saunas to artisan bakeries and contemporary art, its smaller cities offer plenty of character without the crowds. Here are five destinations worth adding to your itinerary.