Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.02%
Drinking Age
18+
New Drivers
Zero BAC
The government-run alcohol store curates excellent wine selections. Swedes are savvy wine buyers.
Omnipollo, Stigbergets, and Dugges lead a thriving craft beer revolution.
Traditional at Midsummer and crayfish parties, accompanied by drinking songs.
Sweden has a unique relationship with alcohol. Systembolaget is the state-run monopoly for drinks over 3.5% ABV — closed Sundays. Despite this, Swedes drink enthusiastically at weekend parties. Midsummer and crayfish parties involve elaborate drinking song rituals.
BAC 0.02-0.10%: fine based on income (typically 1 month salary), license revoked 12 months. BAC 0.10%+: "gross drunk driving," imprisonment up to 2 years, license revoked 24 months. Very strict enforcement.
Systembolaget (government alcohol store) closes at 7pm weekdays, 3pm Saturdays, closed Sundays.
Sweden's BAC limit is 0.02% — effectively zero tolerance. Do not drive after any alcohol.
Pre-gaming ("förfest") is common because bar prices are high.
Stockholm's tunnelbana (metro) runs until 1am weekdays, all night on weekends.
Midsummer (late June) is Sweden's biggest drinking holiday — book everything in advance.
HowDrunk knows Sweden's local drinks and legal limits. Get your personalized drink limit in seconds.