Sweden Archives and Libraries
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In other languages: Svenska- Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm.
- If you plan to visit a repository, contact them and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
- Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the FamilySearch Library and the Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College] may have printed or microfilmed copies of them. The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center sells microfilm copies of the records.
Types of Genealogical Repositories in Sweden
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National Archives
The Sweden government collects records relating to Sweden history, culture, and people. The National Archives of Sweden, which is open to the public, has a large genealogical and biographical collection as well as government accounts, land records, tax lists, maps, and pictures. The FamilySearch Library has microfilm copies of many of the National Archives' records.
Provincial Archives
- There are eight regional archives in Sweden. They house records pertaining to their particular area.
- Most Swedish records of genealogical value are kept at the provincial archives, including church records such as birth, marriage, and death records; census records; land records; emigration records; and court records.
- Each provincial archives has a large collection of printed material about its area, including local histories, biographies, and other genealogical material.
- The provincial archives are open to the public. Each archives has different hours of service, so make sure you know days and times before visiting.
City Archives
The city archives of Stockholm and Malmö are comparable to the provincial archives.
Military Archives
Also see Sweden Military Records.
Emigration Archives in Sweden
Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. "The Swenson Center is a national and international research center for the study of Swedish-American history and relations. We collect, preserve and make available archival and library materials, promote and initiate research, and are a leader in Swedish-American genealogy."
See also Emigration Archives in Sweden.
Libraries
The Kungliga Biblioteket (Royal Library) has a helpful collection of published genealogies, manuscripts, histories, directories, maps, and newspapers.
Museums
- Museum of Copenhagen Explore 83,318 pictures from Copenhagen and Frederiksberg
Church Parish Offices
Post-1895 church records are now mostly moved to the Provincial Archives of the area. Each archives has a section on their website, called Folkbokföring, where you might find a list of the records transferred to the archive. Parishes may also have earlier records on microform. You can write to local parishes for information. See Swedish Church Records.
Historical and Genealogical Societies
In Sweden there are many historical and genealogical societies. Some societies maintain libraries and archives that collect valuable records. For more information, including addresses, see Sweden Societies.
Inventories, Registers, Catalogs
Some archives have websites, catalogs, inventories, guides, or periodicals that describe their records and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records of an archives so that you can use your time more effectively. The FamilySearch Library has some of these guides. They are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under:
However, in this digital age, many archives have excellent guides and inventories online. Such is the case with the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet).