Explore the Sweden Solar System on a Cosmic Road Trip 

Imagine setting off on a road trip that doesn’t just take you through charming towns, but through an entire solar system – right in the heart of Sweden. That’s where the Sweden Solar System comes into play! Imagine a road trip like no other, where each stop is a new planet, comet, or celestial body on a scale that will blow your mind.

This cosmic adventure takes you on a journey from the bustling streets of Stockholm to the far reaches of Sweden’s northern wilderness, all while exploring the vastness and emptiness of our solar system. The Avicii Arena, known locally as Globen, is the sun at the centre of this miniature solar system. Additionally, scattered across the country are over 60 scale models of planets, moons, and other heavenly bodies, each representing the incredible distances that stretch between them in the real universe.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply looking for a quirky, fun way to explore Sweden, this road trip will make you look at our planet – and our place in the universe – in a whole new light. So buckle up and get ready to embark on the most unique and exciting road trip of your life. The Sweden Solar System is waiting to take you on an intergalactic journey that you’ll never forget!

Also read: Öland: Travel Guide & Attractions in Sweden’s Summer Haven

The Sun of This Road Trip: The Avicii Arena

First things first, our journey begins at the giant white sphere that is the Avicii Arena. This iconic structure, with a massive 110m diameter, has been a landmark in southern Stockholm since 1989. Known for hosting ice hockey games, concerts, and even the Eurovision Song Contest, The Avicii Arena is more than just a massive sports complex. It’s the heart of the Sweden Solar System, and guess what? The structure itself is our Sun.

Yes, you read that right! This is the centrepiece of the world’s largest scale model of our solar system. From here, you’ll find models of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies spread out all over Stockholm and beyond. Each one is  carefully placed to scale at a 1:20 million ratio! Spoiler alert: It’s going to be a huge journey, and we’re not just talking about the distances!

The Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars

Let’s start easy. First stop: Mercury. Just 2.9km from the Avicii Arena, this little planet sits quietly outside the Stockholm City Museum. It’s only 25cm in diameter, so it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully. Next, head over to the Royal Institute of Technology’s Vetenskapens Hus (House of Science) to find Venus, a 61cm model located 5.5km away.

Earth comes in at 7.6km from the Avicii Arena, at the Swedish Museum of Natural History, and it’s a solid 66 cm in diameter. Not bad for our home planet! Then, hop over to Mörby Centrum in the Danderyd suburb to see Mars, a 36cm model located 11.6km away.

Beyond the Inner Planets: Jupiter and Saturn

Things get a bit wilder as we head out to Jupiter, where the size difference is jaw-dropping. This gas giant is represented by a 7.3m light ring inside the Clarion Hotel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, located 40km from the Avicii Arena.

But Saturn? Oh boy, that one’s been a bit elusive. It was once a giant flower carpet in Uppsala, but now it’s the only planet still missing a permanent model (it was removed due to vandalism). The good news? Plans are in the works to resurrect dear ‘ol Saturn back to life in the future, so the ringed planet will soon return to its rightful place in the mini solar system!

The Outer Planets: Uranus, Neptune, and (Arguably) Pluto

Now, let’s make our way to the outer planets. Uranus sits at 124km from the Avicii Arena, near the town of Lövstabruk. Don’t be fooled by the minimalistic model – Uranus doesn’t need much more than a 2.4m sphere to make its statement.

Next stop: Neptune. Head to Söderhamn, about 229 km from the Avicii Arena, where a cool, three-ton acrylic Neptune stands tall, glowing at night. After that, continue north to Delsbo (300 km) to spot Pluto and its moon Charon. Though Pluto’s officially been downgraded to a dwarf planet, it’s still hanging out in Sweden’s solar system, alongside a collection of other distant celestial bodies.

Pluto’s Siblings: Ixion, Eris, and Sedna

Beyond Pluto, the journey takes us even farther north to catch a glimpse of some “plutinos” like Ixion (360 km), Eris (510 km), and Sedna (912 km). These objects are dotted around the Swedish Lapland, offering a truly out-of-this-world experience for the road-weary traveller.

To the Edge of the Solar System: Kiruna

Feeling adventurous? Keep going for a few more hours of driving to reach Kiruna, the northernmost point of Sweden’s solar system, and where the termination shock plaque is located. It marks the extreme edge of our solar system – and if you’re still up for it, you can witness a cool new sculpture dedicated to this cosmic border!

Comets, Asteroids, and Other Celestial Oddities

Sweden’s solar system isn’t just about planets. You can also spot models of comets and asteroids like Asteroid 36614 “Saltis” near Saltsjöbaden or Halley’s Comet in Skövde. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more mysterious, check out ’Oumuamua, the first interstellar object to pass through our solar system, in Plönninge, which has sparked plenty of interest from space enthusiasts.

The Cosmic Journey of Sweden’s Solar System

What started as a small-scale project in the 1990s has now become an impressive, interactive way to experience the vastness of the universe while road tripping through Sweden. With over 60 celestial objects scattered across 26 locations in Sweden, the Sweden Solar System beckons for a road trip like no other.

As you cruise through the Swedish countryside, each stop reveals a new perspective of the universe, and the sheer scale of the solar system is mind-blowing. You’ll feel both humbled by the immensity of the cosmos and awestruck by the beauty of Sweden’s vast landscapes, from the bustling streets of Stockholm to the serene expanses of Swedish Lapland. It’s not just about visiting models of planets – It’s about connecting with the idea that the world we live in is part of something far greater.

Also read: 5 Things To Do in Stockholm For An Amazing Time in Sweden

Whether you’re a die-hard space nerd, a lover of unusual road trips, or simply someone looking to explore Sweden in a fun and unique way, this cosmic road trip is guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories. So pack your bags, put on your space boots, and get ready to explore the solar system – Swedish style! 

And P.S., check out the map below for the exact locations of every model!

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