The best autumn markets to visit in Sweden

While Åre really comes into its own during the winter season as Sweden’s premier ski resort, autumn is well worth a visit too. Its annual autumn market brings together market stalls, art, food stands, live music and helicopter rides, plus raffles, ice cream tastings and outlet sales from popular outdoor brands. Add to that the spectacular surroundings and mountains dressed in their autumn colours. Åre Autumn Market has been running since 2005 and has grown into one of the area’s most popular and well-attended autumn events. More than 150 exhibitors draw over 30,000 visitors.

Dates: September 27-29. More info: are.se/are-hostmarknad

One of Sweden’s biggest autumn events, with practically the entire island getting involved. Over four days, around 900 activities are organised by 400 participants. Öland is Sweden’s second-largest island and a firm summer favourite thanks to its unique landscape dotted with windmills and beautiful beaches. During the harvest festival, you’ll find everything from doll parades to corn mazes, while some of the biggest draws include the market along Eriksöre village street, Mörbylånga’s cheese festival and, of course, its famous Art Night, when galleries and studios stay open late into the evening.

Dates: September 24-27. More info: skordefest.nu

Skåne’s grandest harvest festival and a source of local pride in Österlen serves up autumn atmosphere in spades. Known for its picturesque fishing villages, fertile soil and open landscapes, the region is one of Sweden’s most picture-perfect.

See the enormous apple artwork created each year, fill up on craft apple juice and cider, and sample local food and delicacies. The whole of Österlen comes alive at this time of year, with hundreds of farm shops, cideries and other local producers hosting events that showcase the best the region has to offer. Sea breezes and picturesque views come as standard.

Dates: September 19-27. More info: appelmarknaden.se

Recommended read: 11 must-dos in Österlen

Every year, the artist village and open-air museum Mannaminne hosts a popular autumn market. Pair the buzz of the market with a hike through the spectacular landscapes of the World Heritage-listed High Coast, then make the most of everything else this northern region has to offer as it bursts into autumn colour. It’s all the makings of a pretty perfect autumn mini-break.

Date: September 26. More info: mannaminne.se

Recommended read: The 12 best things to do on Sweden’s High Coast

Travel back to the turn of the twentieth century at this autumn market, where food and craft stalls meet historic surroundings at Stockholm’s popular open-air museum and animal park. Make the most of the season by starting or ending your visit with a walk around Djurgården’s scenic Grand Loop. As well as browsing crafts, sweets and other treats, you can have a go at some traditional games and old-fashioned challenges. Fancy testing your balance in a log-pushing contest or trying your hand at smashing crockery?

Dates: September 26-27. More info: skansen.se

Around 50 exhibitors and a packed programme of theatre performances await at Astrid Lindgren’s World. 

The shows are all in Swedish, but there’s plenty to experience beyond the stage, with immersive settings straight from the world of Astrid Lindgren. Venture through the mysterious passageways of Matt’s Fort, peek inside the robbers’ dungeon or jump in the hay at the play barn outside Emil of Lönneberga. Perfect for Pippi Longstocking fans of all ages.

Day tickets cost SEK 230 per adult and SEK 210 for children over three.

Dates: October 24-November 1. More info: astridlindgrensvarld.se