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Where to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sweden

Lee Roden
Lee Roden - [email protected]
Where to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sweden
The fireworks display in Malmö on New Year's Eve last year. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

New Year's Eve in Sweden means one thing: fireworks. Here are The Local's suggestions for where to watch them across the country, from Stockholm and Gothenburg to Umeå, Uppsala and elswhere.

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Stockholm

Stockholm’s abundance of hills and islands mean there are a few particularly good locations to watch things unfold in the middle of the city. On Södermalm, the cliffs uphill from Slussen are a good spot, while if you head west along Hornsgatan the hills behind Söder Mälarstrand – in particular Skinnarviksberget – offer great views of Kungsholmen including the City Hall.

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Or, why not do the opposite and head across the water to Norr Mälarstrand and watch the fireworks sail off into the sky above Södermalm? The best of both worlds can be found on the bridge between the two islands, Västerbron, but expect that to be busy and try to arrive early to guarantee a good spot.

In the eastern part of the city, Strandvägen in Östermalm is also a decent spot for a view of the fireworks combined with water, and the abundance of bars nearby means there are plenty of places to meet up beforehand and keep warm.

For a less urban experience, Skansen is open late on the 31st so revellers can take in Södermalm, Gamla Stan and Östermalm from its hills, with the only caveat being the 245 kronor entry fee for adults.

Fireworks over Stockholm on New Year's Eve. Photo: Hasse Holmberg/TT

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Gothenburg

Central Götaplatsen square is a favourite among locals for the speeches, countdown then fireworks that follow – not to mention the host of busy bars on Avenyn – but that also means it’s guaranteed to be full.

A more feasible alternative could be newspaper Göteborgs Posten’s spectacular New Year fireworks show over the Göta älv waterfront. The nearby Götaälvbron is a close spot with a perfect high vantage point to watch it, while other high spots further into the city like Masthuggsberget will also work if it’s a clear night.

Malmö

A fun place to take in the excitement is the square outside Malmö Opera, which will have a light show, orchestral performance and of course, the big countdown followed by fireworks.

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Mölevångstorget is also a common place for younger people to watch fireworks, but it can get chaotic so if you have kids it’s probably best to pick a calmer spot. The modern Västra hamnen district fits the more relaxed mould and has a good view of the Öresund Bridge and Copenhagen if you want to experience the novelty of watching New Year unfold in two countries simultaneously.

The scene near Malmö's Turning Torso last year. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Uppsala

The busiest high point in the small city is the hill around Uppsala Slott with its view over the centre and suburbs. Happy to do things indoors (and pay some money for it of course)? The Elite Hotel Academia’s restaurant on the 11th floor is a great vantage point – provided you can get a table.

Lund

Lundagård square in front of the cathedral is the best fireworks show in the University town, and as such, it’ll likely be lively.

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Umeå

Umeå municipality holds a yearly official fireworks show at Skeppsbron. Things kick off at 11.30pm. 

Elsewhere

The custom of buying and lighting fireworks to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sweden means that even if there isn’t an official display in your town, you’ll still likely be able to see something if you find a good vantage point like a hill or central square just before midnight.

It’s also worth checking the local municipality’s official website to see if there’s something more organized going on. Gott nytt år!

New Year's fireworks in Åre. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

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Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

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Kristina Zivkov 2023/12/31 17:32
How is that Sweden is not mindful of animals and negative effects that fireworks have on them? It is surprise as Sweden is pet friendly and advanced and has not restricted fireworks and converted it to strictly laser/drone driven show. It would be interesting to understand if authorities are even thinking about this aspect of New Year as for many of us it's not such a good time due to described issue and anxious and frightened animals, etc. (writing from Stockholm)

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