If you presume that the craft beer explosion has made America unique for its large number of breweries, think again. Sweden has 436 active breweries, and Gothenburg alone—a city not on the tip of many America travelers’ tongues—has 35 breweries and 45 beer brands.

The number of breweries in Sweden has more than quadrupled since 2013, when there were 106, according to the 2023 Brewery Report from the trade organization Sveriges Bryggerier and Statistics Sweden data. In 2003, there were 24 active breweries.

“The real explosion began 2011–2012, when modern icons (breweries) like Omnipollo, Stigbergets and Dugges started to gain serious momentum,” says Gothenburg-based beer expert Pelle Frost, who hosts beer tastings and organzies an annual beer festival. “Since that turning point, the growth has been breathtaking.”

Eighty percent of the beer sold at the government-owned Systembolaget, the only seller of beer above 3.5% ABV, is brewed at Swedish breweries, Forst says. The country has also had a big increase in the number of tap rooms.

“We have transformed from a country that imported its craft inspiration to a nation that exports world-class beer,” Frost says.

Frost calls Gothenburg Sweden’s “beer capital,” and the following are his recommendations where to find the best craft beers there and elsewhere throughout the country.

Gothenburg

*Stigbergets Bryggeri (Ringon): “A massive, vibrant taproom located by the canal in an old industrial area, serving world-class hazy IPAs in a setting that captures the soul of Gothenburg’s harbor.”

*O/O Bar: “A tiny and incredibly cozy hole-in-the-wall run by one of Sweden’s most respected craft breweries, famous for its precision and high-quality artisanal beers.”

*Poppels City Bryggeri: A large, modern city brewery and restaurant that focuses on accessible, well-crafted styles designed to be enjoyed by the masses alongside great street food.”

*Odd Island Brewery & Taproom: “Founded by world-famous musicians from the band In Flames, this spot south of the city offers a unique blend of rock-and-roll attitude and exceptionally clean, drinkable beers.”

*Haket Bar: “Not a brewery, but, perhaps, the most important community hub for the local scene, offering an unmatched selection of local craft beers and a welcoming atmosphere.”

*Olrepubliken: “A legendary establishment I helped co-found in 2009, it remains a cornerstone of the Swedish beer evolution with its massive walk-in fridge and expert curation.”

Stockholm

*Omnipollos kyrka: Located in a stunning converted church in Sundbyberg, this is a world-class destination where avant-garde flavors meet beautiful architecture.”

*Zum Franziskaner: “A historic tavern in the Old Town that specializes in meticulously curated German-style lagers and traditional Swedish craft, often served directly from gravity kegs.”

*Akkurat: “Frequently voted one of the best beer bars in the world, it is a mecca for real ale enthusiasts and vintage gueuze collectors, managed with extreme technical skill.”

*Oliver Twist: “A pioneer in importing American craft beer to Sweden, this bar has been instrumental in shaping the local palate since the early days of the revolution.”

Southern Sweden

*Malmo Brewing Taproom: “A powerhouse in the Malmo scene, offering a huge variety of styles on tap in a classic industrial brewpub setting. A lot of their own beers are on draft, but, in a collaborative and curious fashion, they also have a lot of guest taps and a wide selection of cans and bottles.”

*Barski (Helsingborg): “A craft beer and ramen bar run by the innovative Brewski brewery, which also hosts one of Europe's most famous beer festivals, Brewskival.”

Northern Sweden

*Husk Bistro: “A taproom for Svartbergets brewery, there’s a creative kitchen with great beers close to the ski lifts in Are.”

*Artut: ”Just a beer bar but definitely worth mentioning, because it’s been great since 2018.”