A weekend away does not have to start in a big city. Townsizing means choosing smaller towns and a slower pace. For a budget traveller, having your accommodation, walks and a grocery shop close together is often worth more than a packed programme. A smaller town does not automatically mean lower prices, though: compare the whole trip for your dates.
Ten towns to compare
1. Ystad: choose a walking weekend among the older streets. Compare a central place to stay with options that need extra transport.
2. Karlskrona: make the town’s maritime setting the theme of your weekend. Budget museum and boat costs separately.
3. Varberg: combine town and coast. An autumn swim is optional; a walk by the sea does not require a spa ticket.
4. Karlstad: pick a base where you can walk between town life and the water. Check opening hours for the activities you really want to fit in.
5. Gävle: plan a short city stay with plenty of time for walking. Compare weekend prices with weekday prices before you lock in the trip.
6. Sundsvall: let Stenstan be the starting point for a weekend of architecture and café breaks. A central location can reduce the need for local transport.
7. Falun: choose a culture weekend in Dalarna. Treat entrance fees and trips to destinations outside the centre as separate budget items.
8. Mora: use the town as a base for a relaxed weekend around Siljan. Check the last connection if you want to continue to smaller places.
9. Västervik: put walks and the town environment first in the low season. Do not count on the summer range of excursions and opening hours.
10. Luleå: combine your city stay with a separately planned trip to Gammelstad. The distance between sights makes your transport budget especially important.
How to choose the cheapest weekend for you
Start with two or three options you can reach in a reasonable time. Count the return journey, two nights, local transport, food, sheets and cleaning. A cheaper bed far from the station can become the more expensive choice once transport is added. Compare the same room type and cancellation terms.
A simple plan for two nights
Arrive on Friday and arrange dinner near your accommodation. Pick one main activity for Saturday and leave the rest open for walks. Keep Sunday’s programme close to your departure point. With a guest kitchen you can prepare breakfast and a packed lunch without spending the whole weekend in restaurants.
Compare options in Hostel.se’s hostel search. For Falun and Mora you can also plan further with the guide to Sweden without a car. Check every connection for the current date and choose accommodation with confirmed late check-in if you arrive late.
Background and planning
Inspiration: Visit Sweden on smaller cities and townsizing. Guide compiled on 7 September 2026. The list is a selection for comparison, not a price ranking.