Stockholm
Stockholm’s abundance of hills and islands mean there are several 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.
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 380 kronor entry fee for adults.
Gothenburg
Newspaper Göteborgs Posten’s spectacular New Year fireworks show over the Göta älv waterfront is a popular event (note that this event is scheduled to take place at 5pm, not midnight, which makes it a great option for families). 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
Malmö used to organise an official fireworks show outside the Opera, but it doesn't any more.
Möllevångstorget is 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. Other options for watching private firework shows across the city include Nyhamnen and Dockan, which both provide views over the water.
You could also head to Västra Hamnen or Ribersborg for 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.
Uppsala
The busiest high point in the university 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)? Miss Voon, 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.
Umeå
Umeå municipality holds a yearly official fireworks show at Ön. You can watch it from the waterfront, for example at Skeppsbron, Rådhusparken or Årstidernas park.
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 organised going on. Gott nytt år!
Looking to avoid the fireworks instead?
If you're instead looking for a way to escape the fireworks, for example if you have pets that dislike the noise, then you could try heading to the nearest airport, as Swedish law forbids fireworks within a 10km radius of all airports. Many airports offer free parking for dog owners or you could try and find a room in an airport hotel for the night – although these book up fast.
Article written by Lee Roden in 2017 and updated in 2025.