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Sweden’s best campsites 2023 – 16 five-star campsites

Here comes a list of Sweden’s best campsites 2023, from the south to the north. All campsites have five stars. 14 of the 16 campsites are members of SCR, the National Swedish Camping Association. During the summer season, all sites have at least a pool, restaurant and shop. They also offer activities for children and adults.

13 of the 16 campsites are open all year round. Only Pite Havsbad and the campsites on Öland and Gotland close for the winter.

Book a camping hut at these campsites

If you don’t want to stay in a caravan/motorhome/tent on these campsites, but in a camping hut, we recommend the second link in each case. There you can easily book with best price guarantee. These offers come from Booking.com, which has a much simpler, English-language booking dialogue and often more generous cancellation rules than the campsites themselves:

1. Mötesplats Borstahusen, Landskrona, Skåne

Near the sea and a golf course. This campsite is also ideal if you want to visit the little island of Ven. 60 cottages and holiday homes to choose from. This is both a campsite and a holiday resort (with spa, golf, restaurant, shop). Open all-year round and popular in winter for Christmas and New Year.

  • www.motesplatsborstahusen.se
  • Book your camping hut here

2. Böda Sand, Löttorp, on the island of Öland

A complete holiday village with lots of activities and a 20-km white sandy beach with shallow water. A paradise for families with children.

www.bodasand.se

3. Kneippbyn Resort Visby, on the island of Gotland

This is Gotland’s only five-star camping site.

www.kneippbyn.se

4. Apelviken, Varberg, Halland

The campsite is situated between two beaches. Choose to swim from the rocks or the sandy beach. Excellent for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Beautiful beach promenade that leads you into Varberg. – They also have an apartment hotel right next to the camping huts.

  • www.apelviken.se

5. Västervik Resort/Lysingsbadet, Västervik, Småland

Sun-warmed cliffs, a sandy beach or water games in the pool at one of Sweden’s finest holiday resorts. Västervik in Småland is a great place to be during summer. See photo above.

  • www.vastervikresort.se
  • Västervik Resort

6. KronoCamping Lidköping, Lake Vänern, Västergötland

A unique location on the shores of Lake Vänern with only a 15-minute walk to central Lidköping.

  • www.kronocamping.com

7. Ursand Camping, Vänersborg, Västergötland

“The Riviera by Lake Vänern.” Sandy beaches, playgrounds, fishing. 3 km north of Vänersborg.

www.ursand.com

8. Hafsten Resort and Camping, Uddevalla, Bohuslän

With wellness/spa, sauna, zipline and many more attractions. Directly by the sea.

  • www.hafsten.se

9. Daftö Camping Resort, Strömstad, Bohuslän

By the sea and only 5 km south of the charming seaside town of Strömstad. A modern holiday establishment with 5-star camping facilities, cottages, shop, restaurant, outdoor pool and a wide choice of activities. – They also have a new hotel on the campsite.

  • www.dafto.se

10. Årjäng Camping & Stugor Sommarvik, Årjäng, Värmland

Sommarvik, a private centre open all the year round, is situated on the sunny side of Lake Västra Silen (the Dalsland Canal system). Family campsite, six holiday villages. Canoeing centre and fishing centre.

  • www.sommarvik.se

11. Gustavsvik, Örebro

Nominated “One of Europe’s leading campsites” with the very highest standard of accommodation and service. Close to central Örebro.

www.gustavsvik.se

12. Leksand Strand

Leksand Strand Camping och Resort, in Leksand, Dalarna. This is one of my personal favourites. Popular with children.

  • www.leksandstrand.se

13. Orsa Camping, Dalarna

Orsa Camping is popular in both summer and in winter. It is located right next to the Lake Orsa. The Orsa Grönklitt Predator Park is not far from the campsite.

  • www.orsacamping.se

14. Ansia Camping in Lycksele, Lapland

Very popular campsite in northern Sweden, which also has a hotel. Norwegians like to come here. Many activities and attractions. When I visited, they had a huge flea market on their campground. There is also a zoo in Lycksele.

  • www.ansia.se

15. Byske Havsbad, Byske, between Skellefteå and Piteå, Norrbotten

The pearl of the Gold Coast – a five-star holiday park by Bottenviken and Byske River’s mouth. A family oriented establishment with lots of activities for young and old.

www.skelleftea.se/byskehavsbad

16. Pite Havsbad, Piteå, Norrbotten

At Pite Havsbad everyone makes an effort to ensure that you can relax and really enjoy yourself. During the winter they now host the German Iglootel on their premises, which in turn results in a broader range of sporting and recreational winter activities.

  • www.pitehavsbad.se

Årjängs Camping Sommarvik in southern Värmland

Årjängs Camping Sommarvik in southern Värmland

Source: SCR and own research. Featured image: Västervik Resort.

Other articles from around Sweden

Stockholm: archipelago sightseeing cruise with guide – 2½ hours, cafés in stockholm – fika like a stockholmer, stockholm sightseeing by ocean bus, an amphibious bus.

schweden camping trip

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Home » Europe » Sweden » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Sweden Travel Guide 2024

Keen to discover one of the most beautiful countries in Europe? This backpacking Sweden travel guide will show you the way!

The only catch? Backpacking in Sweden can be an EXPENSIVE endeavor if you are not prepared for the high prices. Never fear! It is entirely possible to go backpacking in Sweden on a reasonable budget…

This is the only Sweden travel guide for budget backpackers you will ever need…

Get tips and honest advice on where to go backpacking in Sweden, backpacker accommodation, suggested Sweden itineraries, top things to do in Sweden, how to travel the country, daily travel costs, best hikes, Sweden budget travel hacks, and much more!

A truly fantastic adventure awaits you in the fabled land of the Vikings… Let’s dive right in…

Why Go Backpacking in Sweden?

Backpacking in Sweden is a chance to experience one of Europe’s safest destinations whilst venturing off the normal Europe backpacking trail.

With endless tiny villages and a lifetime worth of outdoor pursuits, Sweden is the perfect travel destination for both newbie backpackers and veterans who want to get off the beaten path.

Sweden is a truly amazing country packed full of stunning natural landscapes, remote wilderness, friendly locals, iconic coastal villages, trendy big cities, and a fascinating history.

Sweden is a very diverse country with plenty on offer for backpackers. While backpacking Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to experience cosmopolitan life in Sweden’s famous urban centers, like Stockholm, Malmö, Uppsala, and Gothenburg.

Each of these important Swedish cities has distinct cultural identities, interesting history, great food, and plenty of free things to do.

And then there is wild Sweden…

Sweden is home to one of the largest untouched wilderness areas in all of western Europe. Fun fact: there are 29 national parks in Sweden ! If you love trekking and being out in natural environments, then you are going to love Sweden!

Swedish Lapland in the far north of the country is a whole other world onto itself. Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, there is an endless array of outdoor activities to try.

backpacking sweden

If that wasn’t enough to boggle your mind, then you have the 2,000-mile coastline to think about.

On the Swedish coast, the pace of life is contrasting and distinct from the rest of the country.

Point being, Sweden is indeed massive and uniquely different depending on where you visit in Sweden. Finding something fun and interesting to do is never difficult. By the end of this Sweden travel guide, you will have come to terms with the top places to visit in Sweden as well as the lesser explored hidden gems of the country.

Best Travel Itineraries For Backpacking Sweden

These backpacking routes can easily be combined or customized according to your own time frame and plans!

#1 Sweden Itinerary 7 Days: Exploring the Cities and Culture

Stockholm -> Uppsala > Örebro ->Gothenburg -> Skåne  to Malmö  -> Stockholm .

backpacking sweden

This itinerary is meant to be done as a road trip in a cheap rental car. It could be done also with a combination of buses and hitchhiking, though you would be cutting it close to get through the whole itinerary in 7 days.

This itinerary has you starting off in Stockholm (where you will almost certainly fly in). You can easily spend two days getting to know Stockholm before heading to Uppsala.

Uppsala is a former Viking religious hub turned university town. After taking in the sights in Uppsala, head to Örebro —and the nearby  Stadsträdgården National Park (which is spectacular). Time and weather permitting, a night in a tent within the park is well worth it.

Moving on from Stadsträdgården and Örebro, your next stop is the ultra-hip city of  Gothenburg . The road between Öbrero and Gothenburg is simply stunning and there are some great hostels in Gothenburg to check out too.

Your final stop will be the southern tip of Sweden through Skåne . This is your chance to get to know a slice of the Swedish coast. Be careful, you might not want to leave.

#2 Backpacking Sweden 10 Day Itinerary: Coast, Hikes, Cities

Stockholm ->  Kalmar / Öland ->  Skane to Malmö ->  Gothenburg  ->  Örebro ->  Uppsala -> Stockholm .

backpacking Sweden 10 day itinerary

Ideally, make this trip clock-wise from Stockholm to leave the option to explore more of the coastal south if you so choose.

Discover thriving urban life in Stockholm . Get to know the fairy-tale landscapes, churches, and castles of Kalmar . Pass through the green forests and towns on the drive from Skane to Malmo .

Get a feel for the real Sweden in  Gothenburg .  Spend a day exploring  Stadsträdgården National Park near  Örebro . Get to grips with  Uppsala , Sweden’s former capital.

Around Skane, you do have the option to pop over to Copenhagen (if you have an abundance of time) for a day or two as well. For a quick Swedish road trip of the southern coast, it doesn’t get any more idyllic than this. More about each of these places later in the guide.

#3 Sweden Itinerary 14 Days: National Parks and the North

Sweden itinerary 14 days

This literary offers up numerous points where you might find yourself doing some trekking or camping, and thus get side-tracked (in the best way possible).

Making this big of a tour of Sweden in just 14 days definitely requires some serious motivation. The distances in between destinations tend to be massive.

It might be the case that you opt to fly north, but honestly, you’d be missing a lot along the way. Of course, flying can be quite expensive within Sweden also.

After departing Stockholm you can head south to the coast stopping in Lund and  Malmö . From the southern coast driving towards the west to  Gothenburg , you will start your journey north through the center of the country.

Some of my favorite Swedish National parks found on this route are Stenshuvud , Djurö , and Hamra .

Once you arrive in Dalarna , you will think you woke up in a fairy tale. In the summer there are stunning fields of wildflowers set amongst the old wooden cottages.

Once you get far north, the adventure possibilities are around every corner (if you think like me). There are plenty of great trekking and camping opportunities. More on trekking in Sweden later in the guide. After hitting up  Östersund , you can experience the indigenous culture vibe in  Jokkmokk , before heading to  Luleå and back south.

#4 Sweden Itinerary 2-3 Months: (Almost) The Whole Damn Thing

Kiruna ->Abisko -> Kebnekaise -> Jukkasjärvi -> Jokkmokk ->Gällivare ->  Piteå -> Luleå -> ?

sweden itinerary

Getting up north into Swedish Lapland and the wilderness areas is less intimidating when time is not a restriction. If you are backpacking Sweden during the summer, you should seriously consider taking on the Kungsleden Trek (the King’s Trail).

For many travelers backpacking Sweden, seeing the Northern Lights is a real highlight of their trip.  Abisko is the place to make that happen.  There isn’t much happening in Abisko per se, though, between the Northern Lights and access to the  Kungsleden Trek  nearby, there is plenty to keep you busy.

Kiruna offers up a small slice of civilization in an otherwise desolate and isolated region of the country.

The small town of  Jokkmokk makes for a great opportunity to learn about the local Sami culture . In  Gällivare , it’s all about the outdoor sports. Snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and dog-sledding (in season) are all on offer.

If you are in the area near Kiruna, make the trip to  Kebnekaise , Sweden’s highest mountain. For a truly off the beaten path coastal town in the far north, definitely hit up  Piteå .

Ever heard of the famous Ice Hotel? One of them is in  Jukkasjärvi . Along with the Ice Hotel, the sleepy village of Jukkasjärvi has enough attractions in or around the village to keep you busy for a couple of days. It’s a cool place to just hang out as well.

Luleå is the vibrant cultural city of the North and merits at least a couple of days. Visiting Luleå snaps you back into reality after days (or weeks) of being in isolated areas.

Places to Visit in Sweden

Backpacking in Sweden might just be the most interesting country in all of Scandinavia . The cities are beautiful, public transportation is relatively inexpensive, the food is tasty, and you can hike and camp across the whole damn country!

Many travelers will be surprised to find that English is widely spoken in Sweden. That is lucky for us English speakers because Swedish is a complicated language to learn.

Sweden can be expensive , and if staying and eating in high-end places are your thing, be prepared to pay a high price for the pleasure. That said, with some effort backpacking Sweden need not be overly expensive.

Certainly bringing along a good tent is a big step for backpacking Sweden on a budget. There are many places to pitch your tent and besides saving money, camping will get you out into the heart of what makes backpacking in Sweden so awesome.

Let’s now take a look at where to go backpacking in Sweden…

Backpacking Stockholm

Stockholm is one of my favorite European cities for a multitude of reasons. If you love art, history, and dreamy cobblestone streets, you are going to love backpacking Stockholm .

Sweden’s seaside capital is the base of operations for all backpackers entering the country. Here you will start to get to grips with what backpacking Sweden has on offer.

As I mentioned before there are heaps of museums to explore in Stockholm. There is the Abba Museum for pop music fans and the Vasa Museum for maritime history lovers.

backpacking Stockholm

Enjoy a long walk through the Gamla Stan (old town) neighborhood. The wonderfully preserved cobblestone streets are an urban explorer’s delight. The Gamla Stan is made even more enjoyable by the fact that there are no cars!

Be sure to check out the 13th century Royal Palace . The architects were not fucking around; the palace is magnificent and its age is even more impressive.

Skansen was one of the world’s first open-air museums. A visit here will give you a taste of what Swedish life like in centuries past. The  Museum of Contemporary Photography is a really cool place for anyone with even the slightest fascination/appreciation for photography.

For a brilliant introduction to backpacking Sweden, I couldn’t think of a better place to land than Stockholm.

map icon

Backpacking Kalmar

Kalmar is gaining popularity with backpackers, but I would still tentatively put it in the Sweden “off the beaten path” category.

backpacking sweden

Blessed with excellent beaches (two nude beaches), a badass castle , and outlying fairy-tale pastoral landscapes, it is no surprise that more and more travelers are discovering the magic of Kalmar.

There are several excellent places to eat and drink including Lilla Puben. They have a mind-blowing 120 whiskeys on offer!

Backpacking Lund

Lund is old. Like really old. It was first established in 990 and has been thriving at various capacities ever since. Lund is probably most famous now for being a vibrant university town.

An obvious starting point when first setting out to explore Lund is the Lund Cathedral . The Cathedral was built in 1100 and there has been a religious service held here everyday for the last 900 years. There are also some fine panels carved into the entrance which are well worth checking out.

backpacking sweden

Feeling hungover from the big night out with the university kids? Take a peaceful walk through the Lund Botanical Gardens and try to shake off the cobwebs.

Lund is full of other great places to go on semi-urban hikes as well. There are over 28 reserves along with a dozen parks in Lund. The  Rinnebäck Ravine  is a popular, yet secluded urban escape good at any time of the year.

It’s easy to get from Lund to Malmö or to see the southern coast of Sweden at Ystad or Trelleborg .

Backpacking Skane and Malmö

Located in the far south-west of Sweden, Skane and  Malmö  are distinctly culturally different from the rest of Sweden. Skane was in fact not a part of Sweden until the 17th century (it was part of Denmark).

Skane is the gateway to many beautiful islands that dot the surrounding coastline. Grab a beer and lunch in Skane’s old town before setting of to explore the rest of the town.

Ales Stenar has been deemed “the Stonehenge of Sweden.” Luckily the busloads of tourists are yet to arrive. A fun afternoon activity involves heading out to a farm around Skane and picking strawberries.

backpacking sweden

There are also plenty of wild blueberries to be found in the forests. That’s right. Your backpacking Sweden adventure has brought you to the fine crossroad of stuffing your face with an endless amount of berries.

Be sure to hit up the  Malmö Castle . For a more modern but equally impressive architectural marvel, check out the Twisting Torso building. Very impressive indeed. That’s the thing about backpacking in Sweden: architectural quirks are everywhere.

Depending on the region you visit, you can experience great differences between the building designs. This is true of both modern and old architectural styles.

Backpacking Gothenburg

If you liked Stockholm, you are going to find just as much pleasure in getting to know  Gothenburg . As Sweden’s 2nd largest city, there is plenty for backpackers to do here, and if you have spent a few days camping on the coast, the comforts of city life will be refreshing.

The Haga district is  Gothenburg’s hipster capital . Browse through the vintage shops en route to a cafe serving up warm cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates. If you pass your time backpacking Sweden without trying a Hagabullen cinnamon roll, I will be very disappointed in you indeed.

backpacking sweden

If seafood is your thing definitely head to the  Feskekörka fish market . Here you have your pick of several spots to eat serving only the freshest fish around (obviously).

Time permitting,  I highly recommend taking a boat to explore the  southern archipelago islands . There are 20 some odd islands and you can explore some of them by bicycle.

Note: In 2008, Gothenburg became the official city name after it was changed from  Göteborg , the Swedish name. This is still a contentious issue around town.

Backpacking Örebro

Whilst  Tiveden National Park is not in Örebro (it’s 84 km southwest) you should absolutely make time to stop here en route. The glacier-carved park is loaded with awesome hikes and camping possibilities. You must spend a night or two camping if you have time.

backpacking Sweden

In Örebro, the magnificent 13th-century  Örebro Castle ( Slott ) makes for an interesting visit.

Before you head to the  Hälls Konditori for some of their legendary Fika  (cake) and coffee, consider taking a picnic to the  Stadsparken . Stadsparken is a picturesque green space adjacent to the Black River . A summer-time picnic in the park is a chance to slow down and digest some of the awesome scenes you have experienced during your backpacking Sweden journey.

An afternoon meandering through the  Länsmuseum is well worth it too. The museum features lots of cool protest art/posters from the 1960’s.

Backpacking Uppsala

As you begin to swing back towards Stockholm you will pass through  Uppsala . Uppsala is a university town and an important cultural institution of Sweden. The  Uppsala Castle  is as impressive as any of the amazing castles you have seen thus far.

Of course, you won’t be able to miss the stunning  Uppsala Cathedral , which dominates the city’s skyline. The cathedral was built in 1270 (!) with many bits and pieces added on over the years. Especially epic are the two massive pipe organs. Oh, and the Uppsala Cathedral is the biggest church in the Scandinavia region FYI.

backpacking Sweden

Svartbäcksgatan Street is a pedestrian oasis of the city dotted with cool cafes, shops, and places to eat. One could easily spend a few hours (and a few coffees later) wandering around the attractive streets.

Get in touch with Viking history at the  Gamla Uppsala burial grounds. This site has been described as one of the most important archaeological sites in the whole country.

Backpacking Kiruna

Kiruna is the biggest city in the northern areas of Sweden. All the services of a small city are situated here. Kiruna is a great place to stock up on supplies for a hiking trip (or a nice spot to rest up afterwards).

Many of the attractions around Kiruna are indeed best experienced in the winter.

backpacking sweden

Dog sledding and snowmobiling are big winter activities in Kiruna. If yo decide to go for a dog sled ride, ask to see the dogs and make sure that they are treated well. In most cases they are treated well, and you can tell once you are out on the sled that the dogs love working and running in the snow.

Ten kilometers outside of town is the famous Ice Hotel . Come and get the coldest and most expensive drink of your life (the hotel is pretty amazing though).

Kiruna grew in population during its boom years as a mining town. In fact, they claim to have the world’s biggest iron ore mine,  LKAB . On certain days of the week you can descend underground and have a guided tour of the mine.

Backpacking Luleå

The northern coast of Sweden is dotted with cool towns, and Luleå is definitely one of the most fun and scenic.

Luleå is home to the nearby Unesco World Heritage–listed Gammelstad , Sweden’s largest church “town”. The  Nederluleå Church was built in 1492 using highly skilled stone craftsman.

backpacking sweden

If you get the chance to explore the  Luleå Archipelago it’s an awesome experience. Many of the islands are uninhabited and offer up excellent camping and hiking opportunities. The larger islands, decorated with classic red-and-white Swedish summer cottages, are accessible by boat from Luleå.

Pop into Roasters Cafe for the best coffee in town. If the weather turns foul, you can easily spend a few hours getting warmed up in Roasters or at the Bishop’s Arms Pub .

Backpacking Jokkmokk

To get to grips with what Sami culture is all about, head to Jokkmokk. It’s known for the centuries-old Jokkmokk Winter Market , an annual event that draws thousands for handicrafts made by the indigenous Sami people.

There are a handful of interesting museums in town, the best of which is  Ájtte Sami Museum .

backpacking sweden

It is possible to pay for an organized “Sami cultural tour” in Jokkmokk. I did not pay for an organized tour and I don’t recommend that you do either. You can glean the essence of Jokkmokk just by walking the streets, and talking with locals in the handicraft shops or at the market.

Like most of northern Sweden, Jokkmokk is surrounded by prime wilderness areas ripe for camping and trekking. If you get bored in town, an outdoor adventure awaits in every direction.  Kvikkjokk is a fun day trip from Jokkmokk.

Backpacking Abisko

If it is  Northern Lights you seek, Abisko is the place to come make that dream a reality. Abisko is a small tiny backwater town in the far north of Rinnebäck ravine . The areas in and around Abisko are remote, wild, and excellent for people who enjoy being in such environments.

backpacking sweden

Here, there is nothing to do and everything to do at the same time. Point being, apart from the excellent trekking, camping, and opportunities to watch the Northern Lights spottings, there is little else in the way of civilization.

Bring along a good camera and capture the magic of the Aurora Borealis .

The legendary Kungsleden (King’s Trail) begins in Abisko National Park.

Backpacking the Kungsleden Trek

The Kungsleden (King’s Trail) trek is a long-distance hiking path in the Swedish Lapland . The trek itself passes through some of the country’s most impressive scenery.

backpacking sweden

At 270 miles (440 km) long, the Kungsleden Trek is one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in the world. This hike is what backpacking in Sweden is all about.

Every year, more and more people are tackling the Kungsleden Trek. The ideal season to begin the hike is between June or July. The Swedish summers are very pleasant and the hiking is equally so. I can’t can’t think of a better way to enjoy the fine summer weather other than taking on the King’s Trail hike.

Accommodation and Camping Along the Kungsleden Trek

Backpackers have several accommodation options along the Kungsleden Trek.

You can choose to carry your own camping gear, and stop to sleep basically anywhere you please. The alternative to self-contained backpacking is opting to stay in the truly beautiful mountain huts (staffed mid-June – late September). In my opinion, it is good to go for a mix of both camping and huts.

Huts offer up a more social hiking experience. Plus you are guaranteed a dry place to cook and hang out in with the huts. At the same time, people come to tackle the Kungsleden trek in order to disconnect from the internet and connect with the wilderness. Point being, having people around every evening can get old after a while.

Getting Off the Beaten Track in Sweden

In a country full of remote stretches of coast and various expansive wilderness areas, you don’t have to put too much effort into getting off the beaten path. It just kind of happens naturally in Sweden.

Exploring Swedish Lapland and the national parks on foot as much as possible is key to discovering the magic of wild Sweden. Camp out (if it’s the summer). Go on plenty of treks. Put up a travel hammock next to a far flung lake and watch for Moose (though don’t get too close). Spend time in small villages. Don’t rush through places. Stop and discover.

Whilst a few towns in the North are popular with tourists (because of the Northern Lights), most of the north of Sweden is sparsely populated and large parts of it are not frequently visited by foreigners.

backpacking sweden

You will have more than enough opportunities to get off the beaten path in Sweden. As far as western Europe goes, backpacking in Sweden has some of the most beautiful and untouched regions on the continent. The exploring is endless. How far you travel just depends on how much motivation you have!

Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Top Things To Do in Sweden

Below I have listed the  10 best things to do in Sweden :

1. See the Northern Lights

There are few places on earth where the clear sky is filled with brilliant hues of green, blue, and purple. Seeing the Northern Lights in the north of Sweden is bound to be a true highlight of your life.

backpacking sweden

2. Go to the Beach

Believe it or not, Sweden has some amazing beaches. Ok, the water is cold, but the beaches and the surrounding landscapes are stunning.

schweden camping trip

3. Pick Blueberries in the Forest

All throughout Sweden, you can find wild blueberries in the forest throughout the summer. Have fun becoming a blueberry-feasting forest dweller!

backpacking sweden

4. Try Swedish Food

Sweden has an excellent culinary tradition that tempts backpackers at every turn. Some stuff is a bit weird I admit, but it’s always fun to try new things (even if they are a little gross).

backpacking sweden

5. Fall in Love with Stockholm

Sweden’s capital is charming as hell. Once you get to know it, Stockholm will quickly become one of your favorite cities in Europe.

backpacking stockholm

6. Explore Tiny Villages

Sweden is dotted with ultra-picturesque tiny villages rich in history and culture. Don’t just hit the cities in Sweden…the tiny villages have lots to offer!

backpacking sweden

7. Stay in a Swedish Mountain Hut

Scattered through Sweden’s national parks are a system of mountain huts for hikers. Most of them are quite basic, but there is always good company to be found from the fellow hikers who stay in them.

backpacking sweden

8. Visit a Sámi Community

The Sámi are an ethnic group indigenous to Swedish Lapland. You can visit a 400-year old Sámi market in the northern town of Jokkmokk.

backpacking sweden

9. Explore the Swedish Archipelago

Sweden is home to hundreds of thousands of islands off of its coast. In some cases, you can rent a boat and explore an archipelago on your own terms. The adventure options are endless…

backpacking sweden

10. Hike the Kungsleden Trail

If you have the time, hiking the 440-kilometer King’s Trail in northern Sweden is one of the best outdoor pursuits in the whole country. The Kungsleden Trail is one of the world’s best long-distance hiking trails. For people who love trekking this is a must when visiting Sweden in the summer.

backpacking Sweden

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in Sweden

The truth is, backpacker accommodation in Sweden can be pricey. That said, a number of the big cities in the south have reasonably priced hostels for around €20-25.

Once you get further north, hostels are few and far between but you can still find hostels across Sweden . I may be repeating myself but honestly, if you really want to save some cash (an enjoy the hell of out Sweden) I recommend that you bring along a good tent . That way you will have real freedom to sleep where you want (within reason) without having to shell out heaps of money.

You can find cheap home stays on farms in the north as well.

One of my favorite ways to meet locals and save some cash is to use  Couchsurfing . Couchsurfing truly is one of the best tools available to help save you money traveling. Plus, you are always bound to meet interesting people! More on CS later in the article.

The Best Places To Stay in Sweden

Wild camping in sweden.

You should have gathered by now that there are a million and one place to camp in Sweden.

Want to wake up to some of the most epic views of your life? If a bit of sun or a dry spell is forecasted, all the better reason to get out there and pitch your tent. You’ll save  heaps  of cash by camping too. Win win.

Always obey “no camping” signs. Respect farmers property, and when in doubt always ask permission BEFORE setting up shop. The last thing you want is some half-sober gun-wielding farmer pissed off because you are squatting on his (or her) land.

Get familiar with   “leave no trace principles”  and put them into practice.

If you are in the market for a solid, lightweight, and reliable tent, I highly recommend the  MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent . This compact tent is up to the challenge of battling Sweden’s intense climates.

To get to know this tent better, check out my in-depth  MSR Hubba Hubba Review .

backpacking sweden

Sweden Backpacking Costs

Staying in hostels every night, drinking like a fish, eating out for every meal, going to bars all night, and booking last minute trains will certainly destroy any budget you might have hoped to keep.

Backpacking in Sweden is no different. Shit adds up quick if you’re not careful! A  comfortable  daily budget for backpacking Sweden is between $70-100 USD . With that kind of a budget, you can eat well, get a hostel bed, a beer or two, and put some money towards a rental car.

It is possible to travel in Sweden on a shoe string budget. A bare-minimum budget for backpacking Sweden is $30-50/day (or less!).

To make a bare-bones budget feasible, you’ll need to be hitchhiking, camping, cooking a lot of your own food, not drinking much, and generally watching every krona you have.

Camping is great because some days you don’t spend any money at all. That said, as soon as you make it to a town to resupply or grab a budget hotel, you can easily drop $100 in under an hour if you’re not careful!

I recommend Couchsurfing as much as you possibly can. The more you Couchsurf and hitchhike, the more money you can spend on beer, good food, and activities. Pure and simple.

As I mentioned before (and will again) having a good tent and sleeping bag are crucial to budget backpacking. Both will save you a ton of money on accommodation. Whilst backpacking in an expensive region like Scandinavia, having the right gear and ability to camp out is very important to keep costs to an absolute minimum.

Here is what you can expect to spend on a daily basis (excluding car or van hire) whilst backpacking Sweden:

A Daily Budget in Sweden

Money in sweden.

The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona .

ATM machines are widely available in all cities.

Carrying cash on you is always a good idea. Cash is a must for buying local crafts, veggies, or bread at local markets. That said, Sweden is moving closer and closer to being the first cashless country. Cards are accepted at more and more places. In a few years time, maybe you will be buying your vegetables from a small farmer in the middle of nowhere with a bank card. Strange.

Tip : Find out whether or not your bank in your home country has fee-free international withdrawal. If so, activate it for your trip or for whenever you travel abroad.

Once I discovered my bank card had that option, I saved a huge amount in ATM fees! When traveling to Sweden on a budget, every dollar (krona) counts right?

Travel Tips – Sweden on a Budget

Sweden is a very expensive country to travel but there are a few things you can do to save costs.

Accommodation  in Sweden is going to take the lion’s share of your budget. Staying in the city centers will naturally result in higher rental prices but prices drop the further away you get.

Public transport  in Swedish cities is reliable and cost-effective.. The  cheapest  way to commute is by bicycle. Cities like Stockholm have excellent cycle lanes in place to keep you safe. You’ll earn those meatballs, too!

Groceries  in Sweden are in keeping with other Nordic European destinations. Expect to pay around $3 for a loaf of bread and $1.30 for a liter of milk. Sweden has plenty of low-cost supermarkets like Netto and Lidl, where you can do your weekly shop on a budget.

Entertainment  across Sweden is steep, so set yourself a monthly budget and stick to it. Fortunately, Swedish cities are extremely walkable, so you can spend many hours chilling in leafy parks and eyeballing glorious architecture! Don’t miss the free museums either.

Why Should You Travel to Sweden with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

grayl geopress filter bottle

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Travel to Sweden

Determining when to go to Sweden largely depends on what you want to do. For trekking, hiking, camping, and exploring the national parks, summer is best, though Summer is the busy season in much of southern Sweden.

Summer is typically the time when many Swedish people are out enjoying their country too! When traveling in the summer, it is crucial to book your accommodation in advance—especially backpacker hostels are there isn’t a ton of them in Sweden to begin with.

Early spring and late fall can be cold in Sweden, and snowfall is common during these periods in the north of the country.

Winter brings a totally different vibe to Sweden. If you are coming to Sweden to experience the spectacle of the Northern Lights, then winter is the best time to see them. Cold, clear nights up north mean excellent Northern Lights displays from December to February.

The weather in Sweden can be a bit tricky at any time of year. Sudden storms can bring cold temperatures, even in the summer.

If you bring the right gear like a solid rain jacket, a warm down jacket, and a badass sleeping bag, the cold and wet won’t really effect you. You’ll just deal with it and have a fine time anyway. Check out my list of the 7 best jackets to take traveling here .

backpacking Sweden

Festivals in Sweden

There are lots of amazing festivals in Sweden happening throughout the year. Whether we are talking about an epic Pagan festival, live music, or food exhibitions, the Swedish people know how to have fun. Let’s have a look at some of the best festivals in Sweden:

Midsummer, Summer Solstice (June 20), all over Sweden : Midsummer festival is a big deal in Sweden. Some Swedish people will tell you it is the most important holiday/celebration of the year. When the summer solstice rolls around, you can sure sure to find a celebration no matter where you are in Sweden.

Gothenburg Culture Festival, August, Gothenburg : The Gothenburg Culture Fest bring a huge array of activity to the streets of Gothenburg. Street food, street theater, and all genres of music pumping out of every bar and club. That is what this festival is about.

Walpurgisnacht, May, all over Sweden : One of the most important Pagan festivals in Scandinavia takes places at the beginning of May.

Stockholm Pride, End of July, Stockholm : Stockholm Pride is one Europe’s largest LGBTQ pride festivals in Europe. Some 600,000 people turned out in one way or another in 2017!

Way out West, August, Gothenburg : Arguably Sweden’s most popular music festival for several years running. Way out West attracts big name acts from all over the world. Past acts have included Kendrick Lamar, Fleet Foxes, and Arcade Fire.

backpacking sweden

Summerburst, June, Stockholm and Gothenburg : Love EDM? Want to eat some mali and dance your heart out? This festival is for you.

Emmaboda, July, Emmaboda : Emmaboda is Sweden’s ultimate hippie festival. Complete with camping, mellow music, and positive vibes, Emmaboda is an authentic alternative to main stream music festivals in Sweden.

What to Pack for Sweden

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Pacsafe belt

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

sea to summit towel

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Gifts for backpackers

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

GEAR-Monoply-Game

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Mesh Laundry Bag Nomatic

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Staying Safe in Sweden

Statistically, Sweden is safe, in fact it’s one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime against backpackers is almost unheard of. You are more likely to be attacked by a male moose in the bush than you are to be physically harmed by a person.

That said, you should always keep your wits about you when backpacking in big cities—anywhere in the world. Pickpockets in Stockholm in particular are notoriously skilled and operate throughout the city. Never keep your wallet or phone hanging out of your back pocket!

backpacking Sweden

Be careful when crossing rivers in the back country. Remember Sweden is home to potentially dangerous animals including moose, wolves, and bears—moose being by far the most dangerous.

Male moose are truly massive, aggressive, and ultra strong. An encounter with one in the wild could end very badly for the person involved.  If you accidentally stumble upon one whilst trekking, play it cool and slowly (or quickly!) get yourself out of there!

Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.

I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst in Sweden (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch !) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sweden

In Sweden, party drugs are definitely around in the urban club scene. However, all drugs in Sweden including weed are quite expensive.

Furthermore, Sweden has some pretty strict drug laws so whatever you do, be smart about how and wear you get your party favors.

Alcohol is the popular drug of choice among the Swedish people. How else do you stay warm when it’s -30 outside?

There is a pretty awesome pub scene in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and university towns like Uppsala and Lund. The parties in Sweden are legendary. The Swedes really do know how to have a big night out. The first time you go out on a Saturday night in a Swedish city, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

backpacking Sweden

Travel Insurance for Sweden

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

schweden camping trip

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How To Get Into Sweden

Sweden is a vast country and covering big distances is just a fact of life if you want to see a wide swath of it. Luckily, Sweden is well connected in many respects.

Trains run on time. Buses are on the cheap end considering how expensive other things in Sweden can be. Hitchhiking is safe. Planes can shoot you up towards the Arctic Circle in just a few hours. Depending on your time frame, budget, and desired experience, there are many different ways to get around Sweden.

backpacking sweden

Entry Requirements for Sweden

If you’re flying into Sweden from abroad, you will probably land at the Stockholm Airport.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport  is Sweden’s main international airport, located about 23 miles outside of the city.

Sweden has numerous land borders: Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Most of the time, you can cross from one country to the next without having to show a passport as the borders are open (as they all over western Europe). On rare occasions, the customs police will stop you and ask for your documents.

EU citizens will only need their passport or ID cards to enter Sweden. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the US, and a handful of other countries do not need to pre-apply for a visa; their valid passport will be stamped on arrival.

Other nationalities will need to apply for a Schengen Visa beforehand to visit all Schengen zoned countries.

As a non-European traveler, you can only stay in Sweden and other Schengen zone countries for three months out of every six months. Once six months have passed from your original arrival date, the visa resets.

backpacking sweden

What the Hell are Schengen Area Countries?

The Schengen visa can be a bit confusing because not all European countries are part of the Schengen zone. Greece, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic, etc. are part of the Schengen zone.

A few other countries – namely Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway – are not technically associated with the EU, but they are part of the Schengen zone; whereas, the UK, Ireland, and most Eastern European and Baltic countries, are not part of the Schengen zone, even though they are part of the EU.

Theoretically, you can visit Sweden for three months, and then hop over to a non-Schengen country – like Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Bulgaria – for three months, and then travel back to Sweden with a fresh three-month visa. A lot of long-term travelers plan their travels around the Schengen visa accordingly.

Be sure to check our comprehensive guide if you plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 days .

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How to Get Around Sweden

I have good news for you guys! Public transportation in Sweden isn’t as expensive as you may have feared.

Buses are the cheapest form of transportation, followed by trains. Taxis are widely available too, though they can be super, super expensive, and should be avoided in my opinion.

Already traveling in Europe? Train travel to Sweden from other countries in Europe is another fine option for arriving into Sweden.

Travelling by Train in Sweden

Whether you are backpacking around Europe or just Sweden you should consider buying a  EuroRail pass . If you plan on taking multiple train rides on an extended backpacking trip, a Eurorail pass is the way to go.

Check out our in-depth guide to  train travel in Europe .

The EuroRail website is configured based on your location and currency. If  you are American looking to check out EuroRail prices  click here . For Europeans/UK citizens  this one  is yours.

Traveling to Sweden is now super easy when you book with Flixbus ! Buy your Flixbus bus tickets ahead at unbeatable prices for fast and last minute travel.

With connections in 28 European countries and over 2000 destinations , you can sit back and relax knowing that Flixbus will get you there in time. Discover the smartest and cheapest way to travel – book on Flixbus now and hit the road! [/su_note]

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Renting a Car in Sweden

Renting a car on your Sweden backpacking adventure will give you the freedom to roam. There is nothing better than moving about at your own pace. Having a set of wheels gives you that. Plus, who doesn’t want to make the ultimate Swedish road trip at least once, right?

You can sort your car rental here  in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport.

backpacking sweden

Campervanning in Sweden

By far the best way to get around Sweden independently is by campervan. It ain’t the cheapest option, but it is bound to be the most fun and comfortable.

Campervans are great because you are traveling with a mobile shelter and kitchen that is capable of parking just about anywhere for the night.

Whilst campervan rentals in Sweden are not budget friendly, you do end up saving money on accommodation and cooking for yourself. The biggest win for going the campervan route is the unprecedented freedom you have.

Really enjoy a place you went for a day hike and want to sleep there? Easy. Interested in parking super close to a popular attraction so that you can be the first one to arrive in the morning? Sorted.

Want to snuggle up with your lover, sip tea, and read whilst it is pouring rain outside? No problem. Curious to know if a castle or small village is really haunted at night so you need to park close to it? Bam. Do it.

The list of benefits to  renting a campervan in Sweden  goes on and on.

Keep in mind that campervan rentals in Sweden and across Scandinavia are seasonal. The rental prices are at their highest in the summer. Even if you can only swing a campervan rental for a couple of days, it will be worth it. If you’re traveling with your mates, you can split the cost to keep individual costs down.

When booking a campervan, the details matter. Does your rental come with sheets, blankets, a stove, and electricity outlets? Be sure to ask. Go for the campervan with the best price point vs all of the gear and gadgets. You can simply pack all the gear you need to have a successful campervanning adventure in Sweden!

backpacking sweden

Hitchhiking in Sweden

Whilst I did not personally hitchhike in Sweden, I have been told my several people who have that it is: 1. very easy and 2. equally as safe.

You might want to avoid hitchhiking in and around any major cities, especially in the south.

If you are traveling in a group of two or more and have two large backpacks with you, you may find hitching a ride to be difficult. People are always less likely to stop when they see two people and lots of baggage.

No country on earn is void of creepers or assholes. Whilst hitchhiking in Sweden you need to be smart and trust your instincts. If someone gives you bad vibes, simply decline the ride. There will always be another one.

More over less though, I have heard nothing but positive reports from people hitchhiking in Sweden.

Onwards Travel from Sweden

After backpacking Sweden, many backpackers head to Norway or Finland. There is regular train service between large cities in Sweden and their counter parts in neighboring countries.

Backpacking in Scandinavia is awesome, so if you have the time and budget, you should definitely see as much of it as you can.

Likewise, if you are heading elsewhere in Europe, you have options. Taking a budget flight is the cheapest way to get to another part of Europe, though the train is more fun (and better for the environment).

If you are flying back to the USA from Sweden, you should the check prices of flights departing other major European capitals like Oslo, Paris or Madrid. Sometimes you can find ridiculously cheap flights from those cities to the states!

Working in Sweden

Sweden is not a cheap country to travel and so making a few bucks here and there to help you on their way is a good idea. Wages are comparatively high compared to pretty much everywhere else and even bar jobs pay around $20 per hour. That said living costs in Sweden are higher, too.

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A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Work Visa’s in Sweden

Citizens of the EU and EEA can live and work in Sweden. Everybody else will need a work and resident visa however. Whilst Sweden is amongst the most welcoming of Northern European countries, the application process can be expensive and you will probably need sponsorship from an employer or at least proof of employment.

Volunteering in Sweden

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Sweden including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Obviously, Sweden is a wealthy country and doesn’t need as much volunteer help as other nations. That being said, there are still opportunities available for backpackers to contribute to local communities and small businesses. From animal care to English teaching and housekeeping, there are plenty of areas where you can make a difference. Citizens from outside the EU will need to apply for a residence permit before arriving in order to volunteer.

Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Sweden? Then signup for Worldpackers , a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

schweden camping trip

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Teaching English in Sweden

If you’re considering a long stint in Sweden, read up on how to get a job teaching English in Sweden . Wages are high here and the work/life balance highly rated. However, you will usually need a degree and TEFL in order to be considered.

If you’re not staying so long, you’re better off teaching online. However, note that the online teaching jobs are usually nowhere near well enough paid to stand the high costs of Swedish life.

What to Eat in Sweden

There are lots of amazing things to try in Sweden. Let’s get to know some of Sweden’s tastiest foods/rituals:

Fika : A social coffee break time that should always include a delicious pastry or cinnamon buns.

Cinnamon Buns : The best treat to have with your coffee (Fika) on a chilly morning.

Våfflor ( waffles ): The Swedish love their waffles…and they are damn good at making them. Must try with whipped creme and cloudberry jam.

Elk Steak : Sweden has some of the tastiest game you will ever try. If you like to eat meat, Elk steak is a sustainable, local food source that goes great with red wine!

Smörgåsbord : The ultimate classic Swedish buffet feast.

Toast Skagen : A type of delicious open face cracker-sandwich topped with dill, shrimp, mustard, and fish roe.

Swedish Meatballs : Usually served with potatoes and a salad. Everyone has their own way to make them!

Knäckebröd : Sweden’s version of crisp bread. Knäckebröd has been a staple in Sweden for centuries. You can pretty much put anything you want on it.

Wild Berries : Cloudberries, blueberries, and raspberries grow all over Sweden. When the season is on— it’s on. Time to get your hands sticky.

backpacking sweden

Swedish Culture

The Swedish people are some of the most laid back, fun-loving, thoughtful, and welcoming people you will meet. They are proud of their country— its traditions, history, and of all of the fine natural landscapes.

Life seems to be pretty good in Sweden. Education and healthcare are free. The ocean around the big cities is clean. The forests are beautiful…what’s not to be happy about?

I like that the Swedish put a lot of emphasis on relaxing and spending time with loved ones. More countries should be like Sweden.

Take the time to enjoy Fika with a local and get to know what Swedish people are all about!

Useful Travel Phrases for Sweden

Swedish is the official language of Sweden, though English is widely spoken.  Here are some Swedish travel phrases with English translations to get you started. Swedish is quite a difficult language to learn, but it is always fun to try, and locals will appreciate the effort, even if you only know a word or two.

Good morning – God morgon

Can I camp here? – Kan jag campa här?

How much is this? – Hur mycket är det här?

Do you have soup? – Har du soppa?

Where is the toilet? – Vart finns toaletten?

What is this? –  Vad är detta

Sorry – Förlåt / Ursäkta

No plastic bag –  Ingen plastpåse

No straw please – Inget sugrör tack

No plastic cutlery please –  Ingen plast bestick tack

I am lost – Jag är vilse

Thank you! – Tack

One more beer please– En öl till, tack

Books to Read About Sweden

Here are some of my favorite books books set in Sweden:

  • The 100-Year-Old-Man who Jumped out of a Window and Disappeared : This quirky book has charmed readers across the world. One of my favorite books at the moment.
  • The Almost Nearly Perfect People : A witty, informative, and popular travelogue about the Scandinavian countries and how they may not be as happy or as perfect as we assume, “ The Almost Nearly Perfect People  offers up the ideal mixture of intriguing and revealing facts.
  • Lonely Planet Sweden : Always a good idea to have a Lonely Planet in your backpack.

A Brief History of Sweden

After the Vikings became the dominant force in Sweden around the year 800, a succession of Kings, wars, and religions engulfed Sweden for centuries.

In 1809, after the Napoleonic wars, Sweden lost Finland to Russia. Later, however, Sweden gained Norway. Norway would stay part of Sweden until 1905 when the union was dissolved and Norway became an independent country.

Most people don’t know that Norway was apart of Sweden until its independence in 1905!

In the late 1800s, around 1 million Swedish people immigrated to the United States due to a poor economy and famine. The Swedish economy picked up during World War I, where Sweden remained neutral. Sweden also managed to remain neutral in World War II; however, there were Nazis in Sweden during that time period.

Sweden was one of the first non-participants of World War II to join the United Nations (in 1946). Apart from this, the country has tried to stay out of alliances and remained officially neutral during the entire Cold War; it never joined NATO.

backpacking sweden

In 1986 the Prime Minister of Sweden, Olof Palme, was assassinated. The crime is surrounded with mystery and remains unsolved. The event rocked Sweden and was the most significant political crisis in Sweden in modern history.

Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, but did not join the Monetary Union and, therefore, still uses the Swedish krona as money rather than the Euro.

Some Unique Experiences in Sweden

packable travel medical kit

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Trekking in Sweden

Sweden is the perfect playground for awesome outdoor adventures. From leisurely day hikes to long multi-day epics, there is a hike for every kind of backpacker in Sweden. Kungsleden is Sweden’s trekking crown jewel, but there are many other awesome hikes on offer in Sweden as well!

Compared to other places in Europe (like the Alps for example), Sweden’s trekking trails are not bursting at the seams with hikers. Sweden is fast becoming one of my favorite countries in Europe for trekking!

backpacking sweden

These are some of my favorite hikes in Sweden:

High Coast Trail : A 130 km trail passing through Skuleskogen National Park and a handful of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The Jämtland Triangle : One of the most famous treks in Sweden is famous for a reason. On the Jämtland Triangle trek (48 km) you can expect amazing food at the various huts, stunning mountain views, and saunas to relax in at the end of a long day of walking!

Tarfala : Turquoise mountain lakes set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks make the Tarfala valley one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever go.

Sörmlandsleden Trail : The Sörmlandsleden Trail may be over 1,000 km long, but don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all! Much of the trail is located in central Sweden and is very accessible from the road at various points. Tackle a chunk of it and you will find your self surrounded by gorgeous lakes and ancient forests.

Pilgrim Path St. Olavsleden : This is Sweden’s version of the Camino de Santiago. This centuries-old (over 1000 years!) trail stretches through Sweden and Norway, starting at the Swedish east coast before following the route to Trondheim in Norway.

backpacking sweden

Kullaberg Nature Reserve : An impressive area on Sweden’s southwest coast. Here the trails are hilly and the landscapes sublime. I love the lighthouses!

The Vasalopp Trail : Another gem of a hike around Dalarna in central Sweden. This trail is also famous for the “Vasalopp” ski event every year.  So if you’re backpacking Sweden in spring, summer and autumn you can trek it, or in wintertime, you can cross-country ski it.

Joining an Organized Tour in Sweden

For most countries, Sweden included, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travelers you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However—not all tour operators are created equal—that is for sure.

G Adventures  is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in Sweden for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

backpacking sweden

Final Advice Before Visiting Sweden

Well there you have it my friends. That’s all I got. You now have everything you need to have an epic time backpacking Sweden.

I hope you have found my Sweden travel guide helpful! It was a pleasure to write.

I hope you are able to get into plenty of awesome adventures (and a little debauchery) during your time backpacking around this magical and wild land. Best of luck on your journey!

schweden camping trip

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Aiden Freeborn

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Good Backpacking info. Thanks

Hello, my name is Matilda and I’m Swedish. I loved this post and to read other peoples thoughts about my country :). I just wanted to help you with the phrases because some are a little bit wrong.

Can I camp here? – Kan jag campa här? Sorry – Förlåt / Ursäkta No straw please – Inget sugrör tack

Thanks for the corrections! I’ve changed these phrases in the guide.

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Camping in Sweden – find your perfect match

Offering a chance to really get close to nature, Sweden is perfect for a camping holiday. And with over 1,100 campsites to choose from, whether you’re into car camping, family-friendly camping trips, motorhome luxury or solo nights under canvas, Sweden has an option for you. Here is a guide to help you find camping sites that best suit your wishes.

Rafting in Granö

Granö Beckasin organizes rafting trips.

Photo : Bea Holmberg

Kallsedets Fjällcenter, Jämtland

Photo : Kallsedets Fjällcenter

Hiking in Glaskogen, Värmland

Photo : Øyvind Lund

Nature camping

With some 70 per cent of the country consisting of forestry, Sweden is ideal for camping, and it means that the majority of campsites in Sweden are in close contact with nature, many offering views to take your breath away. Even so, some are more “close to nature” than others. Here are three tips:

  • Rafting, kayaking and husky trekking are just three of the many options you can choose to enjoy at Granö Beckasin , located on the picturesque Ume River’s edge in Västerbotten.
  • If it’s being at one with nature, lake and mountain views to die for and all manner of outdoor activities you’re after, Kallsedets Fjällcenter in Jämtland is hard to beat.
  • Set deep in the Värmland forest, when you pitch up at Glaskogen , not only are you guaranteed solitude and serenity, but your fee is used to help local conservation too.

Lagunen Camping, Strömstad

The camping Lagunen offers a wide range of accommodations. It is situated by the sea, in a bay south of Strömstad, West Sweden

Photo : Bild från Lagunen

Destination Apelviken, Halland

Photo : Bo Andreasson/Destination Apelviken

Byske Havsbad camping, Skellefteå

Photo : Skellefteå Camping/Byske Havsbad

Camping sites near water

When famed English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote “Water, water, everywhere” he could have been describing Sweden. With its numerous lakes and a coastline of some 3,200 kilometres, the country is studded with campsites to make the most of it. If your top priorities involve somewhere to swim or magnificent sea views, these three tips are hard to better.

  • Lagunen in Bohuslän is a paradise for those who love to be beside the sea. Its wide range of accommodation options is matched by the extensive list of activities including hiking, kayaking, cycling, and of course, fishing.
  • With a campsite, hotel, beautiful sandy beaches, small-town charm and two restaurants on the doorstep, Apelviken in Varberg, a 5-star site in Halland, offers a seaside destination to satisfy every taste.
  • With room for cottages, camper vans and tents, some 30 kilometres north of Skellefteå and next to the river Byskeälven, Byske Havsbad has got you covered if you’re after fishing adventures, BMX trails or simply relaxing on the beach.

Dragsö Camping, Blekinge

Dragsö Camping is a four-star camping site situated just outside of Karlskrona.

Photo : Dragsö Camping

Daftö resort, West Sweden

Photo : Daftö Resort

Vimmerby camping, Småland

Photo : Vimmerby Camping

Family-friendly campsites

Always a popular holiday option, these days, family-friendly camping is better than ever. Many modernised campsites in Sweden have become full-blown resorts, some directly connected to water and adventure parks. Often easily accessible for those with prams, sites offer everything from gyms and restaurants to kids’ activities and watersports. Here are three good choices:

  • Located on its own island in the heart of Blekinge’s archipelago, Dragsö Camping offers a wealth of activities for parents and kids alike, from mini golf and sport fishing to horse riding and even Pit Pat table golf.
  • Daftö Resort in Bohuslän offers a pirate-themed holiday to remember for active types of all ages, with an adventure park, treasure hunts, pool parties and crab fishing to name just a few options.
  • Forever associated with legendary author Astrid Lindgren, Vimmerby holds a special place in the hearts of Swedish children of all ages. Just a 10-minute drive from Astrid Lindgren’s World, onsite at Vimmerby Camping you’ll also find a pizza restaurant, and can hire kayaks, pedal boats, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) and rowing boats.

Bicycle in the woods

Find your pefect campsite with activities such as biking, kitesurfing and hiking.

Photo : Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se

Camping holiday at Mötesplats Borstahusen, Skåne

Photo : Mötesplats Borstahusen/SCR Svensk Camping

Överhörnäs Camping

Photo : Överhörnäs Camping

Activity-specific campsites

Sweden’s size and nature means that those looking for a specific pastime during their camping holiday are well catered for. From niche activities such as diving and kitesurfing to more traditional hobbies like cycling and hiking, it’s not hard to find suitable campsites in Sweden to meet your expectations. Here are three examples:

  • Adventurers of all ages have long been drawn to Borstahusen in Skåne, with its wide array of activities on land or in the water to choose from, including hiking, cycling and paddleboarding.
  • For those who love being out on the water, the boutique Yxningens Camping site in Östergötland sits in a wonderful position on the shores of the lake, offering serenity when you want it and activities such as boat hire, canoeing and fishing.
  • Överhörnäs Camping is an intimate 47-pitch, 9-cabin campsite on the river Moälven, near Örnsköldsvik, which makes it a perfect base for exploring the High Coast or enjoying its rowing, swimming and fishing opportunities.

Fly fishing next to Brålands Gård, Bohuslän

Experience fly fishing while staying at Brålands gård.

Photo : Christine Chilcott/Brålands Gård

Väddö gårdsmejeri

Photo : Acamp

Borgagården, Swedish Lapland

Photo : Thomas Larsson/Borgagården

A different kind of luxury camping

Tents and larger resort-type campsites in Sweden aren’t to everyone’s taste, but fortunately there are many other options available for camping in Sweden. “Vanlife”, where holidaymakers refit their vehicles to give them a little extra freedom, comfort and independence is a growing trend on the camping Sweden map.

If you prefer sites with just a few pitches, Acamp is worth checking out. As well as suggesting hidden gems, they also highlight sites tailored to people’s interests, ranging from craft beers to gourmet food and more.

  • If fly fishing and seeing wild salmon jumping are on your camping holiday wish list, Brålands gård, a farm set on the bank of the river Örekil in Bohuslän, will probably fit your idea of paradise.
  • Children love Väddö Gårdsmejeri At this ecological dairy farm, some 100 kilometres north of Stockholm, kids can pet the animals and see firsthand how the farmers milk the cows to make the delicious locally produced cheese and ice cream.
  • With unparalleled views and nature’s serenity on your doorstep, Borgagården in Swedish Lapland encapsulates the beauty of camping in Sweden. Not to mention activities such as hiking, boating and even diving.

Wild camping

Swedes often tend to associate camping in a tent to be something you do out in the nature rather than at an organised site.

Photo : Tomas Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

Wild camping/tent camping

Many, but not all, campsites in Sweden have pitches for tents. In contrast to other countries, Swedes often tend to associate camping in a tent to be something you do out in the nature rather than at an organised site. So, check in advance if you are travelling with your own tent.

Thanks to Sweden's Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), you’re allowed to pitch your tent for a night or two in the countryside as long as you don’t disturb the landowner or damage the surrounding nature. But make sure you are aware of the rules that do exist before setting off or pitching your tent – nature reserves and national parks for example, usually need special camping permission. You’re not allowed to camp right at the water’s edge, and you must respect your surroundings at all times.

Winter camping

Camping may not be the first thing you’d associate with Sweden in the winter. However, it is becoming more and more popular. While the adventurous types like to brave it out in a tent, there are also plenty of other options, such as caravans, motorhomes and huts. Some 160 campsites in Sweden are open all year round. Many of them are located near ski resorts, including Kläppen Camping in Sälen and Bjursås Stugby Camping near Falun. For a full list of winter campsites, visit the SCR Swedish Camping or First Camp websites.

Campsites by region

If you have decided on a specific region where you would like to camp, you will find there is plenty of information and tips available. Here is a selection of regions, north to south, that have gathered together extensive camping options.

  • Jämtland Härjedalen
  • West Sweden

With a huge number of campsites in Sweden to choose from, and the generous Right of Public Access to enhance your sense of freedom, wherever you are in the country, you will find somewhere to suit your needs.

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Our cabin, in front of the lake.

1. Camp Alta

Hilde S

2. Reindeer Lodge

themaddog74

3. Kajkanten Vrango

stef b

4. Långasjönäs Camping & Stugby

Ravindranath Chowdary

5. Aurora Camp Kurravaara

Marianne G

6. Lisebergsbyn

Morten Haugen

7. Granö Beckasin

Miriam H

8. First Camp Sibbarp – Malmö

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9. Mötesplats Borstahusen

Ralf G

10. Sudersands Semesterby

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11. Dafto Resort

Jamie P

12. First Camp Arcus-Lulea

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13. Karlstad Swecamp Bomstadbaden

Ian D

14. Camp Caroli

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15. First Camp Sjostugan - Almhult

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16. Fide Aventyrsby & Camping

17. resort yxenhaga.

toffy

18. Munkebergs Camping, Stugor & Vandrarhem

sophiaibk

19. Grand Circus Hotel

Federico R

20. Gullbrannagarden

Tracy R

21. Skabram Camping & Stugby AB

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22. Skelleftea Camping

23. vimmerby camping.

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24. Löderups Strandbad

Morten_DN

25. First Camp Molle-Hoganas

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26. First Camp Skutberget-Karlstad

karigutubakken

27. Vansbro Camping

Marek S

28. First Camp City-Stromstad

Brian EB

29. First Camp Kolmarden-Norrkoping

markkumikkola

30. First Camp Solvik-Kungshamn

Mizzyz

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Camping in Sweden - Everything you need to know

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Explore Sweden by camper van

Traffic, rules and regulations on the road, campsites & costs, wild camping & public right of access, climate & daylight, endless natural landscapes and modern cities - camping regions in sweden, the northern part of sweden, the eastern part of sweden, the southern part of sweden, the western part of sweden.

Northern lights, midnight sun, endless landscapes, untouched forests, islands, rivers and winter wonderland: Sweden is a country you would probably love to capture, in its entirety. Impossible? Not with a camper: Get the best travel tips for your trip!

Everything you need to know!

  • The speed limit in inner city areas is 50km/h and on country roads 70-90km/h, which is practically the same as in Germany, but on highways the speed limit is 110-120km/h, and violations are punished much more strictly than in Germany.
  • Distances are often given in Swedish miles, one mile is about 10km.
  • It is compulsory to drive with your lights on, even during the day.
  • The credit card is the main payment method in Sweden, EC cards are often not accepted, so it is important to make sure that your card is activated for Scandinavia before you travel.
  • Petrol stations are open almost 24/7, as you can refuel by self-service and pay by credit card.

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The Best Wild Camping Spots in Sweden

camping in Sweden

Sweden’s natural beauty is hard to beat. With forests, fjords, and arctic tundra, Sweden is the country where you can go wild camping and get away from it all. But if you don’t follow some guidelines, you might find yourself in trouble. The Swedes take their protected nature very seriously—they’ve even made a law that makes it illegal to camp in certain places. Luckily for those who love the outdoors, Sweden is also home to many wild camping spots that are legal and safe to visit. Here, you’ll find plenty of camping spots in Sweden where you can pitch your tent, build a campfire, and get creative with your food.

Why Go Wild Camping in Sweden

You can have numerous reasons to go wild camping in Sweden. The first one is that it is a very safe country. So, it’s not hard to find a safe camping spot. The second reason is that Sweden has a lot of beautiful places where you can go wild camping. You have many options to camp around stunning landscapes and natural attractions. You can even go hiking or fishing while you are here! If you have never experienced going wild camping before, this would be a great place to start learning about it!

There are different animals here in Sweden that pose no threat to humans. You will see them around when you go out looking for them! This is another reason why going wild camping in Sweden is such a great experience for anyone who loves animals or nature more than anything else!

Sweden Wild Camping Rules to Follow

If you’re looking for wild camping spots in Sweden, you must follow some basic rules:

  • Do not camp in nature reserves or national parks unless you check that it is permitted.
  • You can only wild camp for one night at a time, and you can’t pitch your tent for more than one consecutive night in the same spot. However, if you move your tent daily, this doesn’t apply.
  • You must be 500 meters away from any roads or buildings, including campsites, hotels, and other tourist attractions. If no signs are telling you otherwise, ask if it’s okay before pitching up anywhere close by these places. They may not allow it or charge an entrance fee which would make it less economical than wild camping alone.
  • You should have a camp at least 100 meters away from water sources such as lakes or streams. This is, so people don’t accidentally pollute them with litter or waste materials from their tents – something which happens too often with inexperienced campers who don’t know better!

Which Part of Sweden Should you Choose for Wild Camping?

Forests are great camping spots in Sweden

If you are a camper visiting Scandinavia, there are many wild camping spots in Sweden that you’ll love. Sweden is so large and diverse that it can be hard to determine which part of it to visit. Here are tips on how to choose where to go wild camping in Sweden:

Southern Sweden

Southern Sweden is a paradise for those who love nature and the sea. The region offers an immense variety of landscapes, from the rocky coastlines of Skåne to the broad plains of Östergötland. The southernmost part of Sweden also has many islands, from Gotland to Åland and Öland.

Central Sweden

Central Sweden is the most densely populated region in the country and home to some of its most historical cities, such as Uppsala, Västerås, and Örebro. In this region, you can find many sports facilities such as golf courses, ski resorts, and horse riding facilities.

Northern Sweden

Northern Sweden is a popular destination for people who want to go on an adventure. The north holds many beautiful spots for wild camping, as it is home to the most beautiful landscapes and natural attractions.

7 of the Best Camping Spots in Sweden

Wild camping spots are all over Sweden!

Wild camping spots are easy to find in Sweden. They are often located by lakes, forests, and beaches. If you want to avoid crowds, take a look at the following camping spots in Sweden:

Searching for a spot that combines serenity, peace, and the sea? Gotland is one of the best wild camping spots you can find in Sweden. Gotland is a small island blessed with rich history, culture, and natural wonders. There are plenty of things to do in terms of activities, including swimming, fishing, watersports, hiking, and more. Finally, Gotland hosts some of the most beautiful Swedish beaches .

Fulufjället National Park

Fulufjället is the perfect place to camp if you want to escape the hustle of city life. This National Park is located in the southern part of Dalarna, a province of central Sweden. It is allowed to camp in 3 zones of the park. There are many activities for campers, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing.

Skuleskogen National Park

The Skuleskogen National Park is one of Sweden’s most popular camping destinations. It boasts stunning views and has a variety of activities to keep you entertained. The park also has a wide range of accommodation options so you can also stay at the campsite for as long as you like.

Lijusdal is located in Dalarna. It is the perfect wild camping spot for anyone who wants to explore Sweden’s beautiful countryside. It is close to Hamra National Park. Lijusdal is a very safe place with facilities nearby. This makes it ideal for families or friends who want to spend time together while exploring Sweden’s beautiful landscapes.

Glaskogen is a natural reserve with a large grassy field with plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. It is allowed to pitch your tent directly on the grass if you don’t mind being so close to other wild campers. But wooden platforms are also available for rent if you prefer more privacy and comfort. The facilities nearby are good and include a nice cafe where you can have snacks and drinks. This site is convenient for both day trips into town or long walks through the surrounding forest.

The Kungsleden trail is a beautiful hiking trail that runs through the Swedish mountains and forests. The trail was built as a route through the mountains in the early 19th century, and it is still functional for people who enjoy hiking and wild camping in Sweden.

Skrylle, Malmö

If you are looking for an urban wild camping experience, this is the right wild camping spot in Sweden for you! Located near Malmö, this recreation area consists of ten nature reserves and offers everything from luxury to peace. There are many facilities, including swimming pools, playgrounds, sports facilities, and more! It’s also close to the city center that you can easily visit during your stay if you want some culture or shopping opportunities.

Scandinavian countries are popular wild camping destinations. Sweden could not be an exception. Natives and tourists enjoy sleeping under canvas or camped out in rustic cabins. Whether you are starting a campfire or just making a cup of tea on the campsite stove. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to consider wild camping in Sweden.

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Camping In Sweden

Camping in Sweden: Exploring the best campsites in Sweden

Camping in Sweden offers a rare opportunity to rediscover and appreciate nature. Few places are better than Scandinavia for those in search of truly amazing outdoor adventures. Of course, there are some aspects of camping in Sweden you need to understand before pitching your tent.

Sweden has no shortage of adventurous experiences to offer anyone with a passion for exploration. You can check out the phenomenal Swedish cities if you’re looking for culture, community, and exceptional shopping opportunities.

Alternatively, if you want to spend some time way from the hustle and bustle, Sweden has a huge selection of lakes and ski resorts to offer.

For outdoor afficionados, camping could be the ultimate way to enjoy Sweden at its most organic. You can choose to rent a camper van (ideal during the winter months), hang out in a lodge, or simply sleep with nature in a tent.

Today, we’re going to be exploring all the important things you need to know about camping in Sweden.

When to visit campsites in Sweden

If you want a wide range of options for camping in Sweden, it’s best to visit when the weather isn’t too cold. While lodges and cabins will keep you warm, they can be heavily booked during the colder months of the year — if they’re open at all.

Save the winter months for your trip to the slopes , and consider visiting in Spring or Summer instead. Spring usually hits around March to May, while summer lasts from June to August. Thanks to the gulf stream, Sweden isn’t quite as icy cold as some other Scandi regions — but it’s still not particularly warm.

If you don’t like the idea of sleeping under the stars and blinking away rain, then it might be worth travelling in Summer only.

Do be aware of the possibility of the Midnight sun, however. Visiting certain parts of Sweden when the midnight sun is rising could mean you struggle to get any sleep. Whole evenings without a setting sun can be difficult to manage for outsiders.

June and July are the warmest months of the year, but they’re also the most popular for campers (both international and local). Book your space early to avoid disappointment.

Camping In Sweden

Can you sleep in your car in Sweden?

In certain parts of Sweden, you can camp virtually anywhere, so finding a place to relax for the night shouldn’t be too difficult. Sweden is a huge place with tons of attractive destinations to visit.

For camping, we’d recommend staying away from the North and Swedish Lapland. Unless you’re a professional, camping in this icy-cold destination can be very dangerous.

The Swedish archipelago is a good place to visit for campers, but there may be different rules to consider based on where you go — so keep this in mind.

The National Swedish Campsite Association , responsible for looking after campers, has around 400 campsites to manage across the region. There are also various apps and tools available online which can help you to search for sites and book a reservation.

If a standard camping experience isn’t for you, you may want to answer these questions:

Sleeping in your car in Sweden

Ultimately, it’s not illegal to sleep in your car in most parts of Sweden, but it is possible for this act to be prohibited due to municipal regulations. It’s best to check the local rules and restrictions carefully before you simply assume you can stop for the night somewhere.

Is Sweden motorhome friendly?

There are a wide number of places where you can hitch up your campervan for the night around Sweden. However, it is worth noting you won’t be able to drive through natural lands like beaches and fields in your motorhome.

There are also rules and regulations around how you can park your van. In general, you’ll be able to stay in approved destinations for up to 3 days before you’re required to move to a new area.

What are the rules for camping in Sweden?

Most countries have specific rules to follow about how and where you can camp. Following these rules carefully will help you to avoid any common issues.

The first thing you should know if you’re asking, “Can you camp anywhere in Sweden?” is like many Scandinavian countries, Sweden allows for wild camping . This basically means you can set your tent up almost anywhere, if you don’t mind your facilities being limited.

While you’ll definitely find more comfort at a campsite, you can find a more rustic or “authentic” experience with raw camping.

Crucially, the most important rule for camping in Sweden is respect nature. Any plants, animals, and other environments you discover should be kept safe and protected at all times. Don’t walk over crops or other campsites, and always take your litter with you.

Other rules for camping in Sweden include:

Know land crossing rights

You have a limited right to cross another person’s path or land and stay on it for a short period of time. This is allowed even if the owner of the land doesn’t give specific consent. However, you will need to ensure you don’t pitch up near any buildings or disturb the owner’s business interests.

Obey specific rules

Make sure you know the rules around campfires and sites in your area. These rules might apply in areas where rare species of animals and plants are common, or where there’s a higher risk of forest fires.

Don’t stay too long

Camping for a night or two in a forested area isn’t a problem in Sweden , but don’t stay too long, or you’ll begin to look like you’re squatting. This could lead to problems with the local authorities.

Use equipment carefully

You can ski, cycle and hike as much as you like, provided you don’t cause any damage to the surrounding area. While you can bring cars or motorbikes to the point where a road ends, you can’t bring it with you into a camping space in a forest or field.

You can swim in lakes as long as you aren’t too close to any private homes, and you can even take a boat or kayak out if you like. When the lake freezes in winter, you can even ski or ice skate over it if It’s safe.

Sweden also allows you to jump into the jetty belonging to another person if they’re not using it.

Grab a bite to eat

You can go fishing when camping in Sweden, and you can eat what you catch, provided you follow local rules about fires and hunting. You can also go foraging in some cases to collect mushrooms and berries. Just make sure they’re safe to eat.

Use campfires carefully

As mentioned above, it is possible to create a campfire to help you stay warm, but you’ll need to make sure you follow local rules. It’s also important to control the campfire carefully so the flames don’t spread.

Can you camp anywhere in Sweden?

If you decide to go camping in Sweden, the country is pretty open to you. You can even take dogs camping in most parts of Sweden, provided your canine friend isn’t going to cause issues with other animals. Dogs need to be kept on leads in certain spaces to avoid scaring the livestock.

It’s also possible to camp overnight in a campervan or caravan, provided you’re not causing any danger. Just keep an eye out for any signs expressly forbidding you from hanging around overnight. Carry on until you find somewhere else to go instead.

Is it safe to wild camp in Sweden?

If you’re planning on wild camping in Sweden, keep in mind the weather can be extremely cold during the winter. You’d need to be prepared for very low temperatures. If you don’t have any experience with extreme camping, it might be best to stick to the warmer months.

Keep yourself safe by buying outdoor gear appropriately designed to suit your needs. The right tools will help you to stay safe. It’s also important to remember you still need camping insurance. Though camping in Sweden is relatively safe, it’s best to be extra protected, just in case.

The best campsites in Sweden

While wild camping in Sweden can definitely be a lot of fun for some, it’s not the right option for everyone. If you feel uncomfortable about camping on your own in a place with somewhat unpredictable weather , you can always access an organized campsite instead.

Organized campsites are located throughout Sweden, offering a more comfortable alternative to the true “wild camping” option. You can also find some sites designed to be as basic as possible. These are intended to give you the most natural camping experience, without the added threat of being “truly alone”.

Of course, you can also go in the complete opposite direction, and choose a camping option that’s more luxurious. You can find locations with their own saunas and hot tubs these days.

One point to keep in mind before you go checking out the best campsites in Sweden, is around 400 of these sites are affiliated with the Swedish Campsite Union . To stay with these sites, you’ll need to be a member of the Camping Key Europe Club, which usually costs around 160 SEK per year.

You can also find campsites which accept the Camping Card International, which costs a little more, but can offer significant discounts on off-season stays.

9 of the best campsites in Sweden

There’s no shortage of options if you’re looking for great campsites in Sweden. The right option for you will depend on the exact experience you’re looking for.

1. Gotland (Strandby)

There are plenty of beautiful places to stop for a night or two in Gotland, the largest island in Sweden. This island sits in the midst of the Baltic Sea on the Southeastern coast.

It’s well-known among Swedes as the perfect destination in Summer, thanks to its wild selection of birdlife, flowers, long beaches, and beautiful sand dunes.

One particularly popular place to check out is Visby Strandby , located within the medieval stronghold of Visby. The location comes with access to ready-erected tents if you don’t want to pitch your own, as well as simple cabins, glamping tents, and caravans.

2. Mora Camping (Dalarna)

Located close to the stunning lake Siljan in central Sweden, the Mora Camping campsite has a charming selection of grass pitches to explore, surrounded by tall pines, if you feel like a stroll through the forests one morning.

If you don’t feel like staying in a tent , there are various bungalows and wooden cabins to rent instead.

Thanks to the handy lakeside location, Mora Camping is also ideal for water lovers. If you visit during the months when the weather is still decent, you’ll be able to hire a kayak and take it out into the lake for a few moments of serenity.

Camping In Sweden

3. Fulufjallet (Dalarna)

Ideal for those who do want a more comprehensive “wild” camping experience, Fulufjallet is a national park located in the Dalarna region.

This camping destination is positioned right next to the Norwegian border, so it might be a good pick if you’re planning on exploring a few regions in the Scandinavian area at once.

This location is perfect if you’re looking for a fresh, alpine experience, close to the highest waterfall in Sweden, Njuiperskar. There are three zones dedicated specifically for wild camping.

The only rules you need to follow are you need to keep your distance from overnight cabins, and take any trash away with you when you leave.

schweden camping trip

The Best Boat Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

4. First Camp, Malmö

Malmö is a popular location to visit in Sweden no matter whether you’re planning on taking a camping trip or not. As a location packed full of culture and history, it attracts countless visitors every day.

For a camping experience still close to the city, head to the First Camp Malmö beach plots. Here, you can easily access the wonderful nature of Sweden, and the more urban environment too.

As an added bonus, First Camp is located within photo-taking distance of the Oresund bridge. It’s a short ride from the town center in Malmö to the campsite here, and there are plenty of local swimming spots nearby if you want a dip.

Camping In Sweden

5. Skuleskogen National Park

Another great pick if you’re looking for a wild camping experience in Sweden, Skuleskogen National Park is one of almost thirty national parks dotted throughout Sweden, and one of the many places you can go to set up your tent.

This particular destination sits on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Sweden, with Umea around 130km away for transportation purposes.

Home to one of the Swedish coast’s few remaining forests for “old growth” trees, rocky grounds, and high mountains, this is a must-visit destination. There are plenty of amazing spots where you can pitch your tent, but you will be required to leave within 3 days.

You also have access to free cabins around the park if it starts raining.

6. Lijusdal Camping

Positioned in the wonderful Halsingland region of central Sweden, Ljusdals Camping runs through the shores of Lake Vaxnan, with a beautiful selection of lakeside cottages, grassy pitches for tents, and cabins to choose from.

The camping spot sits conveniently next to a long, sandy beach, with its own swimming jetty, so you can leap into the lake from anywhere.

The Ljusdals Camping Center comes with access to a range of added luxuries you wouldn’t get from a wild camping experience. This includes access to free Wi-Fi from the central space. You can also travel with pets if you want.

7. Glaskogens Camping

Located within the heart of the amazing, Glaskogen nature reserve, the Glaskogen campground is a beautiful place to visit if you’re a camping fan with experience spending a few days away from common amenities.

While there aren’t a lot of luxuries to discover here, you will be able to enjoy more than 28000 hectares of forests and lakes, alongside a wide selection of flora and fauna.

Within the park, visitors can rent a kayak for around $25 per day, so it’s easy to find something fun to do. You’ll also be able to rent mountain bikes and purchase fishing permits if you like too.

There are a host of camping pitches, cabins, and cottages to choose from within this location, but you will need to buy a special card so you can access trash cans and fireplaces.

8. Duse Udde Camping

Committed to helping travelers discover the wonders of the outdoors, Duse Udde is a well-managed and clean campsite for people of all ages. Situated close to one of the most attractive beaches on Lake Vanern, Duse Udde is ideal for fans of outdoor activities.

There are around 220 pitches for tents, as well as cottages, motorhomes, and caravans.

If you’re looking for things to do before you settle down for the night, you can access things like charter boats and jetties around the river. There are hot tubs, if you’re willing to pay a little extra for them, as well as opportunities for windsurfing.

Camping In Sweden

9. Kungsleden

Finally, for a wild and wonderful experience of camping in Sweden, you can check out the Kungsleden trail. Combining camping and hiking into one fantastic outdoor experience, Kungsleden is around 450 km long, and located towards northern Sweden.

Passing through the stunning Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, Kungsleden will even give you opportunities to discover some wild animals like reindeer, small mammals, and even bears.

If you’re planning on staying for the night, make sure you follow the instructions provided by the local camping spots to keep you and your family safe.

How much do campsites in Sweden cost?

The price you’ll pay for camping in Sweden, and the kind of experience you’ll get, depends on a number of factors.

If you’re planning on just hanging out in one of the many wild camping locations, and you have a tent or campervan of your own, you shouldn’t have to spend too much to enjoy the wonders of camping in this beautiful Scandinavian country.

Alternatively, you can look at a lot of more luxurious options too, including campsites with their own hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools. It all depends what kind of interaction with nature you’re looking for.

Good luck with your Swedish camping trip, and don’t forget to check out our other guides to camping in various other regions of Scandinavia.

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Wild Camping in Sweden: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Posted on Last updated: July 21, 2021

Categories Sweden , Wild Camping

Wild Camping in Sweden: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights.

You might come for Sweden’s sophisticated design and hip cities, but you’ll stay for the incredible landscape. Once you’ve spent a night beneath the Northern Lights, or a cool-blue summer’s day walking along the Baltic coast, or a week trekking in the mountains, this country will get under your skin and never leave.

With so much natural glory to explore and one of the least dense populations on the continent, it’s no surprise that Sweden offers you a sense of freedom that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else.

So, why not take full advantage of this by wild camping in the country’s remote corners?

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Wild camping – literally, camping out in the wilderness, not associated with an organized campsite – is as close to nature as you can possibly get. The solitude and freedom you can find are unmatched. Sweden, with its long summer dusks and varied countryside, is the ideal place to try it.

We know that going wild camping in a new country might seem a little overwhelming, particularly if you’re trying it for the first time. Some of us might worry about leaving the comfort of the hostel bed and check-in desk. But the rewards are plenty; we can assure you that you won’t regret it once you wake up to the sunlight streaming through the trees.

Here we’ve summarised everything you need to know about wild camping in Sweden to ensure you have the best experience possible. Just make sure you have an excellent tent to take with you!  

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Why Go Wild Camping In Sweden: A History

Allemansrätten (the freedom to roam, or public access rights) are so important in Sweden that they are written into the constitution – one of only four ground laws enshrined there.

This means that people are allowed to use the countryside irrespective of who owns it, provided they don’t cause any damage to land or wildlife. It’s a vital part of Swedish cultural heritage and dates back to the Middle Ages. Amazing, right?

It’s worth noting that this doesn’t include motor vehicles (they possibly weren’t around when the Swedish constitution was written, after all), so you can’t just park a camper van on any old field or in any old wood. Similar rights to roam also allow wild camping in Finland , Iceland , Estonia , and Norway should you be tempted to extend your trip. Rough camping in New Zealand and Austria is also a possibility, but the rules are different.  

So, why choose wild camping in Sweden over the comfort of a hotel or being near electricity and plumbing? Certainly, you’ll see places that you wouldn’t get a chance to if you stuck to organized camping spots. Some parts of the country are so remote that it wouldn’t be possible to access them unless you’re going it alone.

And in a way, you can only truly treasure some beauty if you experience it in solitude or a small group.

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There are hundreds of gorgeous areas to be appreciated in Sweden. The Kings Trail, for example, is a 425km mountain trail in the north where you can hike from Abisko to Hemavan, enjoying the views along the way.

The archipelagos include uninhabited islands and windswept shorelines. In summer, you can witness the midnight sun; in winter, the Northern Lights. There are also 29 glorious National Parks – Skuleskogen in the north is one of the most beautiful.

In short, there is enough in Sweden to keep your cup of nature appreciation running over for years to come. Your only issue will be narrowing down your wild camping venues. While you might not have plumbing, the water in the lakes, streams, and rivers is high quality, so you will always have somewhere to wash. You can drink the water from the mountain streams, as well.

It’s the sense of adventure that makes wild camping so appealing, as well. It’s something totally unique, an experience that always has you learning new things not just about the country, but about yourself as well.

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Sweden Wild Camping Rules To Follow

Naturally, along with the privilege of Allemansrätten come responsibilities to the land that is acting as your home. The central message of these rules and responsibilities is: “Do not disturb, do not destroy.”

This tenant is in place to protect the plants and wildlife of Sweden, to ensure everyone can enjoy the right to roam and outdoor activities, and to stop the depletion of natural resources.

What are the main guidelines for your wild camping trip?

First and foremost, leave no trace. When you’re choosing your camping spot, make sure you’re not marching through crops, or a delicate ecosystem, or where it looks like animals are living. Be careful and respectful at all times. And, of course, clear up after yourself.

No one wants to stumble across the remains of a wild camper’s breakfast or, worse, their toilet while out enjoying the scenery. Take everything with you when you leave, even things like fruit peel (yes, it biodegrades, but much more slowly than you think).

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Some areas have bans on campfires – these are there for a reason. It might be that there’s a fire hazard or animals live nearby. Generally, it’s permitted to light campfires under the Right of Public Access, but you should be careful about where you’re doing it (sandy or gravelly ground is best) and not use live wood from trees.

A good rule of thumb is to stay out of sight of any buildings or main roads. While you are allowed to stay on another person’s land in Sweden, you shouldn’t disturb them in any way (or overstay your welcome). This includes pitching a tent too near homes or business and making a lot of noise.

Speaking of noise, it also logically follows that groups of wild campers should not be too large. Additionally, if you see another group has pitched up somewhere, don’t make your spot too close. It’s a bit weird, could cause congestion and, come one, you can’t appreciate nature if you’re invading someone else’s space!

We know it’s never fun to speak about rules, but Allemansrätten is such a unique and wonderful institution, we would never want to give people reason to reverse it.

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Getting To And Around Sweden

Traveling to Sweden is easy, no matter what method of transport you favor. The main airports are Stockholm and Gothenburg, but Copenhagen in neighboring Denmark is only 20 minutes away from Malmö, so that is also a good starting point to consider. Buying in advance means cheaper tickets, of course!

You can also get there overland by train, which is more adventurous although also more expensive. With a Schengen Visa (if you need it), it’s easy to travel around most of Europe, and rail passes are another option.

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Once you’re there, it will please (although probably not surprise) you to discover that public transport is exceptionally well-organized. This is the best way to get around Sweden, although there are also domestic flights.

The bus networks are extensive and can cheaply take you long and short distances. Länstrafik regional buses are integrated with the trains so you only need to buy one ticket. There are also various rail passes if you think you’ll be using trains a lot – for example, the Sweden Rail Pass and the Arctic Pass.

However, if wild camping is your aim, then your best transport option for freedom and flexibility is renting a car. This way, you can go where you want without worrying about timetables, and you have the freedom to stay places longer or leave earlier should you so wish.

You have to be over 20 (or 25 in some cases) and have a domestic driving license. Driving in Sweden is generally a joy – just look out for elk!

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Tips For Wild Camping In Sweden

Obviously, our main tip would be: have fun! Embrace the uncertain nature of wild camping, the fact that you don’t necessarily know where you’ll be laying your head that evening, the fact that you have the right and the freedom to explore different parts of this beautiful country and not have to leave at the end of the day.

On a practical note, we’d highly recommend investing in a good tent , and proper gear in general. You might think that the budget tent you found in Aldi is suitable, but once it’s face to face with the wilderness (as opposed to a field festival), it might not cope with the elements.

Sweden isn’t a cheap country, so you should stock up on camping gear before you arrive.

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Have a plan in mind. We know we said you should embrace the spontaneity, but it’s a good idea to have at least a vague idea of which areas you want to explore and how you’re going to travel between each place. Otherwise, you might end up going around in circles.

Keep an eye out for right spots to pitch your tent – flat ground, not too near water in case of rain in the night, possibly sheltered.

Enjoy saying goodbye to your cares and worries on your wild camping trip in Sweden. Simply get close to nature, gaze at the view, and keep your energy bars stocked up. And while you are at it – don’t forget you can also go wild camping in nearby Finland , Norway , and even Scotland…

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Top 5 EXCITING Spots for Camping in Sweden

Sweden is a predominantly agricultural country with loads of natural beauty to explore. The northern part has Scandinavian mountains and is also heavily forested, which is very popular among the adventure lovers who are looking to hike and camp while exploring this part of the country.

These forest areas have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Camping in Sweden is very popular, especially in the northern part of the country.

Spending your night under the canvas amidst the crackling campfire, howling wolves during wild camping in Sweden , and waking up to a spectacular view of sunrise coming through the trees.

Can anything get better than this? There are plenty of camping spots in Sweden where one can enjoy other adventure activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking , and swimming.

The country has a long coastline and a temperate climate, which makes it very suitable for camping out and enjoying life outdoors. After running some research, I found out some of these popular and ideal camping spots in Sweden that are sure to bless you with serenity, peace, and utmost nature experience at best.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Gotland

Gotland is a large island, county, and province. It is an agricultural area with some heavy industry, such as the production of concrete. The nearest town is Visby. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Gotland attracts a lot of tourists , and camping here is a pastime for Swedes. The Lummelunda Cave is Gotland’s most popular attraction. The seaside resort town of Ljugarn has pretty sandy beaches where one can relax.

The Stavgard Iron Age Village, Kneippbyn Amusement Park are some other places to see. Ljugarns has two caravan sites along with a service building and electric poles.

The Tofta campsite allows you to pitch tents, and it is close to a beach. The price here is €24.30. The Strandskogens Camping has a fee of €24.40, where hikers can rent rooms. There is a biker’s route, a sauna , pool, and a waterslide.

The campsite at Visby Strandby has a fee of €18.80, and you can enjoy watersports here. Most of the campsites have internet coverage as well.

Norrvikens Garden Skane Sweden

Skåne

Skåne county in Sweden has a popular camping area. There are many cities in this county, the largest being Malmö which attracts a lot of tourists, especially for camping in Sweden. Landon’s campsite in Skane lies in a wooded area by the sea, which makes it an excellent space for wild camping in Sweden .

You can rent caravans and enjoy the water. The fee is €32.90, and there is a supply of fresh bread. Visitors can also camp in Osby for a fee of €24.40. They can rent homes or mobile cabins and relax by the lake.

Norrvikens has a fee of €34.30 and is located in Bastad. You can go windsurfing or swimming while camping here. For a fee of €37.60, you can visit First Camp Malmö by sea and river.

You can rent homes, bungalows or cabins. There are cycle routes and a sauna to enjoy as well. The camping areas in Skåne are safe and offer some of the best natural views to the visitors, making it one of the top camping spots in Sweden.

Waterfall in Njupeskär Fulufjället National Park Sweden

Fulufjället

Fulufjället National Park lies in Central Sweden in the province of Dalarna. The nearest town is Älvdalen, and the nearest airport is Mora. Many rivers flow through this park, and it’s known for its natural beauty. There are waterfalls, points of interest, and dedicated trails for hiking .

There is the main waterfall at Njupeskär, the tallest in Sweden. The main entrance of the park is near this, and there is also a visitor’s center with various exhibits and a point for the departure of guided tours .

There are various hiking trail s for long and short durations. Ice climbing, skiing , and fishing are other activities that are allowed here. Visitors are allowed to camp in certain designated areas in the park.

Tents can be pitched in zones I, II, and III. Park rules require visitors to take their own trash. Visitors may also bring a motorhome or a caravan if they are there for long hikes . However, people cannot sleep in the parking lots in those caravans. There are camping sites at Fulan, Sarna, and Gordalen as well.

Skuleskogen National Park

Skuleskogen National Park

A Swedish national park is located in Västernorrland County is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The nearest city is Örnsköldsvik, which is 27 km away. The park has rocky peaks and is best known for the observation of post-glacial rebound.

This region was under the sea for 10,000 years because the ice sheet that had covered it melted. There are funerary cairns from the Bronze Age along the coastline, and there are trees that are more than 100 years old.

The main attraction is the crevasse at Slåttdalskrevan, but another one is Trollporten or Troll’s Door – a crevasse with a rock resting on top, creating a sort of a natural doorway.

There are many caves and waterfalls you can see as you walk along. The lakes Stocksjön and Tärnättvattnen are the primary lakes here.

The park belongs to the Nordingra massif, and the principal rock is made of granite. The rock formations date back to 1200 -1500 years.

The sandy area that separates the Salsviken bay from the sea is beautiful to check out. There are three entrances, and each one of them has toilets and rest areas. There are free cabins, and people can also camp.

Camping is allowed in designated areas, and you can use the place for three days without permission. There are wind shelters, eco-toilets, and wood supplies as well.

Camping in Sweden: Glaskogen Nature reserved

The nature reserve of Glaskogen lies in Varmland province. The village of Lenungshammar lies in the middle of the forest, which is famous for wild camping in Sweden. The nearest municipality is Arvika, which is 40 minutes away, where visitors can rent bikes and explore the gravel roads or go fishing. There are canoes available for rent to explore the waterways.

The Red Water Mountain is a challenging hike. If you want something more relaxed, try the one near Lake Stora Gla. Visitors can camp here as well. The campgrounds in Lenungshammar are situated near a small pool, and there are specific spots for caravans as well.

Relax and enjoy nature here as you eat wild berries, watch the sunset, and enjoy the campfire with some roasted food on the fire. The wild blueberries here will turn your fingers purple, which is a really interesting finding.

Sweden is a country with a lot of open spaces. As visitors, you must try to take advantage of the natural beauty and explore some of these camping spots in Sweden. Camping in Sweden will help you discover and reconnect with nature in this beautiful country people respect and preserve nature at its best.

Check out these activities in Sweden

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About me

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Nyfors is located 10 km north of the village Kloten. The location of Kloten is between Skinnskatteberg and Kopparberg along road 233 . Find Kloten on maps >>

The camping reception is located at Nordic Discovery's Adventure Center in the village Kloten, 12 km south of the camping. Road description to the reception: Drive south on the dirt road until you reach the tarmac road 233. Turn right and drive 500 meters. Turn right at the orange house with the big sign Nordic Discovery on the wall. Find the reception on maps >>

If you have a GPS in your car or phone you can indicate on Nordic Discovery on the GPS.

GPS coordinates to the reception: Latitude 59.89515 | Longitude 15.28840.

The reception is open daily 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM from 1 May to 30 September. It is not necessary to visit the reception. Advanced payment is possible.

Check-in and check-out, after and before 12:00.

Facilities and service

All food has to be bought before you travel to the Malingsbo - Kloten Nature Reserve. There are no supermarkets in the wilderness. Ice creams, soft drinks, sweets, souvenirs and post cards are available in the reception and there are canoes, kayaks, rowboats, bicycles and mountain bikes hire.

Nature Reserve

Camping with caravans and motor homes is forbidden in the Malingsbo - Kloten Nature Reserve and only permitted on organized camping grounds.

Available pitches for short term camping

The pitches 1, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 (pitch 21 is between pitch 13 and 19) are available for rent. The tent camping area with marked pitches is located on the meadow, at the lake side, in the middle of the camping.

Fishing from the campsite

There are two different types of fishing in direct connection to the camping. Fishing in the lake and catch & release fishing in the river (only fly fishing is allowed in the river). The river borders to the campsite in the north and the lake borders on the campsite in the east.

It is the same fishing licence for the lake and the river as the fishing licence for natural water, covers both blue and yellow waters.

To buy the fishing licence, giving you the permission to fish from the campsite >>

More about fishing in the Nature Reserve Malingsbo - Kloten >>

Hiking from the camping

The hiking trail follows the orange-marked Eurotrail 1 to Björsjö. The hike back from Björsjö is along an unmarked path. You are able to download the hiking trail map in your GPS or phone.

Prices in SEK

Book camping pitches at wilderness camping sweden.

  • 1. Fill in number of nights (for week discount fill in 6 nights).
  • 2. Indicate date of arrival in the calendar.
  • 3. Fill in how many pitches you want to book.
  • 4. Click on the green booking button.

The weather forecast at Wilderness Camping Sweden for the next week

Wilderness camping sweden on facebook.

Photos and movies are posted ongoing on Wilderness Camping  Sweden's Facebook site. For direct and fast information, the recommendation is to follow the Facebook blog below:

Nyfors Wilderness Camping

Camping space for the season at Wilderness Camping Sweden

4500 sek /season for caravans, motor homes and campingvans, camping with electricity pitches in the malingsbo - kloten nature reserve.

At the River Camping, 2 km south of the Wilderness Camping, there are 6 pitches with electricity. Read about River Camping >>

  Nyfors Vildmarkscamping 28 juni 2015. Lediga campingplatser för säsongen 2015 är platserna 12, 13 och 21. Läs om Nyfors Vildmarkscamping: https://nordicdiscovery.se/nyfors-wilderness-camping/ Publicerat av Nyfors Wilderness Camping den 28 juni 2015

Terms and conditions for bookings at Nordic Discovery >>

Send a booking request about camping space >>

Ask questions about Wilderness Camping Sweden >>

Read about canoe rental >>

Read about kayak rental >>

Read about bicycle rental >>

Read about rowboat rental >>

Read about fishing >>

Read about canoeing and kayaking possibilities in the area >>

Read about the Malingsbo - Kloten Nature Reserve >>

Read about accommodation in the Malingsbo - Kloten Nature Reserve >>

Back to the start page >>

Swedish Adventures

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Durch Schweden mit dem Wohnmobil

Lerne das Land bei einer Rundreise mit dem Camper kennen und erlebe Schwedens Städte und die einzigartige Naturlandschaft in deinem eigenen Urlaubstempo. Auf einer Rundreise durch Schweden kannst du die Vielfalt des Landes am besten kennenlernen - worauf wartest du noch?

Schwedens Natur mit Wäldern, Seen und Inseln ist legendär. Möchtest du die abwechslungsreiche Landschaft und die Kulturschätze individuell erkunden? Dann lass dich auf ein Abenteuer ein und entdecke Schweden mit dem Wohnmobil. Zwei Wochen, drei Städte und vier Räder ergeben: unzählige Erinnerungen.

Wohnmobil in Schweden mieten

Wenn du das meiste aus deinem Schweden-Urlaub und der Rundreise herausholen möchtest, kannst du nach Stockholm, Malmö (bzw. Kopenhagen) oder Göteborg fliegen und ein Wohnmobil vor Ort in Schweden mieten. Anbieter für Wohnmobile und Camper zum Mieten sind beispielsweise SkandiTrip , Camper Börse und Campstar . So brauchst du dich weder um Fähren zur Anreise noch um Versicherungen zu kümmern, sondern das Urlaubsgefühl kommt, sobald du dich hinter das Lenkrad setzt. Viele weitere hilfreiche Tipps und Tricks rund um deine Reise mit dem Wohnmobil durch Schweden haben wir in unserem Vanlife-Guide für dich zusammengefasst.

Routenempfehlungen

  • Zwischen Stockholm und Göteborg liegten das sehenswerte Mälartal mit Schlössern und Herrenhöfen; Schwedens größte Seen Vänern und Vättern sowie der Göta Kanal . Die Strecke beträgt etwa 500 km. Wenn du ein paar Tage mehr Zeit hast, lohnt sich der Umweg über Dalarna und durch Mittelschweden, die Heimat der roten Pferde und der traditionellen Mittsommerfeste.
  • Von Göteborg nach Malmö geht es im Wohnmobil oder Camper über 300 km an der Westküste entlang, die für köstliche Meeresfrüchte und charmante Fischerdörfer bekannt ist. Besuche die Inseln Tjörn und Orust, paddle im Kajak durch die Schären und mache eine Austern- oder Hummersafari mit.
  • Der kürzeste Weg zwischen Malmö und Stockholm führt durch Småland und Östergötland , vorbei am Vätternsee.
  • Länger dauert die Strecke über Vimmerby, die Heimat von Astrid Lindgren mit vielen Sehenswürdigkeiten für Pippi-Fans, und Västervik an der Ostseeküste.
  • Auch kannst du die ganze Ostseeküste südlich von Stockholm abfahren, vielleicht mit einem Abstecher von Kalmar auf die Insel Öland oder einem Besuch in Ystad , dem Revier von Kommissar Wallander.
  • Rundreise durch Skåne und Blekinge: Entdecke zahlreiche Highlights der schwedischen Natur bei einer Rundreise durch Südschweden . An der Küste von Skåne und Blekinge erwarten dich Naturschutzgebiete mit Klippen, Sandstränden, verwunschenen Wäldern und weiten Aussichten.
  • Fahre entlang der majestätischen Route Vildmarksvägen , die durch die außergewöhnliche Naturlandschaft Nordschwedens führt. Erlebe die atemberaubende Natur mit ihrer beeindruckenden Berglandschaft, den weitläufigen Ebenen, unberührten Seen, Wasserfällen und großen und kleinen Wildtieren.

Vanlife-Kultur: Tipps für fotogene Roadtrips

Der vanlife-guide für schweden.

Hat dich der Vanlife-Trend neugierig gemacht und du möchtest Urlaub auf vier Rädern ausprobieren? Diese Tipps und Tricks sollen dir dabei helfen, das Beste aus deinem Roadtrip durch Schweden herauszuholen.

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Entdecke die besten campingplätze schwedens, vildmarksvägen – die atemberaubende route durch nordschwedens wildnis, der perfekte campingplatz an der ostsee, einzigartige campingplätze in bohuslän.

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Schweden Roadtrip: Die perfekte Wohnmobil Route zu Nordlichtern und Rentieren

  • Reiserouten
  • Schweden Roadtrip: Die perfekte Wohnmobil…

Dieses Mal möchten wir dich in ein Land mitnehmen, welches wir bislang eher zur Durchreise genutzt haben. Ein großer Fehler, wie sich schon nach wenigen Kilometern herausgestellt hat. Die Rede ist von Schweden, dem größten und wie wir finden abwechslungsreichsten Land Skandinaviens!

Nachfolgend geht es um die Route und Highlights aus unserem Schweden Roadtrip im November. Verrückt wie wir sind, haben wir die Route von Hamburg bis zum Polarkreis in nur 15 Tagen befahren. Warum in so kurzer Zeit eine so weite Strecke? Wir wollten unbedingt noch einmal die Chance haben, Nordlichter zu sehen! Natürlich hätten es, wie eigentlich bei jeder Reise, auch gut und gerne noch ein paar Tage mehr sein dürfen, aber so viel können wir schon jetzt verraten: Es hat sich sowas von gelohnt!

Wir würden dir grundsätzlich für die gesamte Strecke von rund 4000 km aber empfehlen, mindestens drei Wochen Zeit einzuplanen. Vor allem, wenn du es nicht gewohnt bist, mehrere Tage in Folge hauptsächlich im Auto zu sitzen. So kannst du dir nich nur komplette Fahrtage sparen, sondern auch noch den einen oder anderen Nationalpark links und rechts der Route auf dem Weg in Richtung Norden mitnehmen!

schweden camping trip

Die gelben Punkte auf der Karte sollen lediglich als Anhaltspunkte dienen und die Stopps in den bekanntesten Regionen darstellen. Im Artikel werden wir dir aber auch von allen Highlights auf unserem Schweden Roadtrip zwischen den einzelnen Markierungen, der ungefähren Dauer der einzelnen Etappen und unseren Tipps für deine Reise berichten!

Da es sich bei diesem Beitrag um einen ausführlichen Reisebericht handelt, versteckt sich hier ein Inhaltsverzeichnis. Damit kannst du direkt an eine bestimmte Stelle im Text springen, die dich interessiert:

Unser Camper für die nächsten zwei Wochen

Svartedalen nature reserve, stellplatzsuche in vitsand, östersund, wir kommen, die tierischen bewohner des kalten nordens, der polarkreis.

  • Wanderweg durch den alten Teil des Hamra Nationalparks

Smögen – Eines der schönsten Fischerdörfer Skandinaviens

1. los geht’s mit der fähre von hamburg nach südschweden, anreise: hamburg – fähre travemünde/trelleborg (85 km).

Trotz des Umzuges in unsere neue Heimat am Fuß der Zugspitze, starten wir unseren Schweden Roadtrip auch dieses Mal wieder in Hamburg – diesmal bei StadtLandCamp in Tornesch, wo uns Inhaber André bereits erwartet.

Unser Gefährt für die nächsten zwei Wochen ist die sogenannte „WG AUF ZEIT“ , ein Wohnmobil für 2-4 Personen auf Basis eines Fiat Ducato. Der Fokus der Wohnmobile von StadtLandCamp liegt auf autarkem, umweltbewussten Reisen. Ein Konzept, das uns von der ersten Sekunde überzeugt hat!

Schweden Roadtrip Wohnmobil Rundreise StadtLandCamp

So ermöglicht uns unser Camper in den nächsten Wochen nahezu komplett auf öffentliche Stellplätze mit Stromanschluss verzichten zu können, uns keine Sorgen um fehlendes Equipment machen zu müssen und dabei auch noch kein schlechtes Gewissen um die Umwelt zu haben. Jeder gefahrene Kilometer, und der damit einhergehende CO2 Ausstoß, wird kompensiert und Strom wird durch Solar gewonnen. Klingt auch für dich spannend? Schau doch mal direkt bei StadtLandCamp vorbei oder melde dich bei uns, solltest du Fragen haben. Weitere Vorteile wirst du sicher auch noch im Laufe dieses Beitrages finden!

Für weitere Details zum Wohnmobil haben wir ein kleines Video auf unserem Instagram-Kanal für dich gedreht, in dem wir auf alles Details eingehen. Folge einfach diesem Link!

Camper Schweden Rundreise Panorama

Nach einer ausführlichen Einweisung in alle Besonderheiten und wichtigen Informationen rund um den Camper, starten wir unseren Schweden Roadtrip mit der Fahrt zur Fähre nach Travemünde.

Bei der Wahl der Einreise nach Schweden hast du eine Menge Möglichkeiten. Wir haben uns aufgrund des Preises und der Fahrzeiten für die Fährverbindung Travemünde – Trelleborg mit der TT-Line entschieden. So konnten wir ganz entspannt am Abend gegen 20 Uhr einchecken, hatten für die Nacht eine wirklich saubere und geräumige Kabine und sind früh am nächsten Morgen, um 07:00 Uhr, erholt in Schweden angekommen. Alternativ kannst du auch über Rostock oder Kiel nach Trelleborg, Malmö oder Göteborg fahren. Vergleiche unbedingt die verschiedenen Anbieter, Routen und Preise und suche nach dem für dich passenden Angebot!

Tipp für deine Schweden Roadtrip

Wenn du auch eine Reise durch Schweden oder Skandinavien mit Start in Deutschland planst und Selbstversorger bist, solltest du unbedingt vor deiner Einreise auf deutschem Boden einkaufen ! Die Lebensmittelpreise in Skandinavien sind deutlich höher als bei uns, du kannst dir also eine Menge Kosten sparen!

Tag 1: Trelleborg – Krogstadsudda – Svartedalen Nature Reserve (350 km)

Als wir am Morgen in unserer Kabine das Schiffshorn hören und durch den Lautsprecher die ersten Ansagen ertönen, können wir es kaum erwarten. Endlich geht es wieder los! Mit dem Camper die Natur erkunden, Tiere entdecken, Fotografieren und die Freiheit der Straße genießen. Schweden, wir freuen uns auf dich!

Wir haben uns auf dieser Reise vorgenommen, uns ein wenig mehr treiben zu lassen. Natürlich haben wir unser Ziel, die Nordlichter im schwedischen Lappland zu sehen, fest im Blick. Dennoch wollen wir spontan entscheiden, wo wir übernachten und welche Abstecher wir machen möchten. Die grobe Idee: Entlang der Westküste in Richtung norwegischer Grenze und dann quer durch Schweden bis an den Polarkreis. Wir haben November und ohne Flexibilität würde uns das Wetter wahrscheinlich ohnehin einen Strich durch jeden detaillierten Plan machen!

Nachdem wir bereits nach 5 Minuten im Camper die Fähre verlassen können und die netten Grenzbeamten uns durchgewinkt haben, geht es auch schon los auf die Autobahn E6 in Richtung Göteborg. Wir müssen zugeben, die ersten 150 Kilometer im äußersten Süden Schwedens sind jetzt wirklich nicht der Kracher. Es geht vorbei an Industriegebäuden, Lagerhallen und Städten, die Natur scheint in weiter Ferne – und es regnet.

Mellbystrand

Nach etwa zwei Stunden entschließen wir uns, die E6 zu verlassen und einen Abstecher an die verregnete Küste zu machen. Wir haben von einem kleinen Strand gehört, auf den man sogar mit dem Auto fahren darf. Eine willkommene Gelegenheit, zum ersten Mal schwedische Luft einzuatmen und eine kleine Kaffeepause zu machen! Als hätte das Wetter nur auf uns gewartet, stoppt der Regen in der Sekunde, in der wir den kleinen Parkplatz erreichen. Türen auf und ab an den einsamen Sandstrand. Der Himmel ist noch dunkelgrau, aber wir genießen jede Minute am Meer!

Mellbystrand Wohnmobil Rundreise Skandinavien Schweden

Es ist mittlerweile Mittag, als wir uns entschließen, weiter zu fahren. Immer entlang der Küste soll es erst einmal bis nach Krogstadsudda gehen, einem kleinen Fischerort kurz vor Göteborg.

Krogstadsudda Leuchtturm

Je weiter wir in den Norden fahren, desto besser wird das Wetter. Die Regenwolken sind vereinzelt blauen Lücken im Himmel gewichen, die Sonne zeigt sich zwischendurch und die Temperatur liegt bei für den November angenehmen 7 Grad. Wir verlassen die Autobahn in Richtung des kleinen Ortes Bua und schlängeln uns entlang kleiner Buchten zum Krogstadsudda Leuchtturm. Dieser liegt inmitten einer felsigen Kulisse neben einer Bucht direkt am Meer. Ein wunderschöner Ort, um sich die Beine zu vertreten und zum ersten Mal die Kameras heraus zu holen.

Krogstadsudda Leuchtturm Schweden Rundreise Route

Wir verbringen zwei entspannte Stunden bei schönstem Herbstwetter am Leuchtturm, ehe wir uns auf die Suche nach einem Stellplatz machen. Wie auch auf unseren anderen Reisen suchen wir unsere kostenfreien Stellplätze meist über die App von Park4Night. Wir werden in diesem Artikel jedoch, wie viele andere auch, keine genauen Standorte teilen, damit auch ihr bei eurer Reise noch idyllische Orte vorfinden könnt – und ein wenig gehört die Suche ja auch zum Abenteuer dazu! 😉

Uns hat es zum späten Nachmittag in das Svartedalen Nature Reserve verschlagen, einem großen Naturschutzgebiet mit unzähligen kleinen Seen und Wäldern, nur unweit von Göteborg und der Küste entfernt. Hier suchen wir uns einen schönen Platz an einem der Seen und genießen die untergehende Sonne, welche die Umgebung in den schönsten Farben leuchten lässt. Sobald die Sonne hinter der Horizont untergegangen ist, wird es schnell deutlich kühler, sodass wir uns bereits gegen 18 Uhr in den Camper zurückziehen.

schweden camping trip

Tag 2: Svartedalen Nature Reserve – Vitsand (Värmland) (310 km)

Was hatten wir anfänglich noch gesagt? Wir wollen uns auf dieser Reise durch Schweden treiben lassen und Tag für Tag entscheiden, wohin es als nächstes geht und wie weit wir fahren werden? Dass wir unsere grobe Route jedoch schon an Tag zwei über den Haufen werfen müssen, damit haben wir dann doch nicht gerechnet.

Eigentlich sollte es heute zurück an die Schärenküste und in Richtung norwegischer Grenze gehen. Schon beim ersten Blick aus dem Fenster ahnen wir aber bereits, dass wir an der Küste heute keinen Spaß haben werden. Es ist trüb, grau und dicke Tropfen prasseln auf den Camper. Noch ein schneller Blick auf die Wettervorhersage für die nächsten Tage und uns ist klar, dass wir uns die Küste für den Schluss unsere Reise aufheben werden müssen. Stattdessen werden wir den Regenvorhersagen in Südschweden entkommen und schnell Strecke in Richtung des kalten Nordens machen. Dort bahnt sich vollkommen unerwartet für die nächste Woche eine Schönwetterfront mit milden Temperaturen an. Alle Zeiger stehen also jetzt auf Lappland, Nordlichtern, Rentieren und den dichten Wäldern des Nordens!

So machen wir uns also auf und verbringen einen komplett verregneten Tag im Auto. Die Landschaft ist kaum erkennbar, die Scheibenwischer leisten Höchstarbeit und wir fahren mehr als 300 Kilometer nordwärts.

Norwegen Nationalpark Banner

Am späten Nachmittag finden wir uns in der Nähe des kleinen Örtchens Vitsand wieder. Es dämmert bereits und wir umfahren einen großen See auf der Suche nach dem Stellplatz für die Nacht. Wir werden in einer kleinen Sackgasse direkt am Ufer fündig, fernab der letzter Häuser.

Und schon wieder haben wir es geschafft. Wir stehen umgeben von einsamer Natur unter Bäumen an einem Schilfufer direkt am See. Genau so haben wir uns das vorgestellt! Wir spazieren noch eine Runde entlang des Forstweges, ehe wir es uns zum Abendessen wieder im Wohnmobil gemütlich machen.

StadtLandCamp Wohnmobil Rundreise Schweden

Woran erkennt man im schwedischen Spätherbst, dass man in Richtung Norden fährt? Richtig, die Sonne geht mit jedem gefahrenen Kilometer deutlich früher unter. Wir haben „nur“ 300 Kilometer zurückgelegt und schon verschwindet die Sonne fast eine halbe Stunde früher am Horizont.

2. Quer durch Schweden zum Hamra Nationalpark und bis über den Polarkreis nach Lappland

Tag 3: vitsand (värmland) – hamra nationalpark – östersund (450 km).

Unser Morgen beginnt heute so, wie der gestrige Abend geendet hat – nass und kalt. Leider haben wir es noch nicht geschafft, den Regen hinter uns zu lassen. Also gibt es erst einmal ein ausführliches Frühstück und eine große Tasse Kaffee, ehe wir uns auf die Suche nach einer Möglichkeit zur Toilettenentleerung und Frischwasserbefüllung machen. Normalerweise ist die Infrastruktur für Wohnmobile in Skandinavien wirklich hervorragend, je nördlicher man jedoch kommt und je kälter die Jahreszeit wird, desto schwieriger wird die Suche. Campingplätze sind vielerorts schon geschlossen, öffentliche Wasseranschlüsse aufgrund des anstehenden Frosts bereits in den Winterschlaf geschickt. Unser fahrender Begleiter ist jedoch glücklicherweise nicht so anspruchsvoll und es genügt, alle 3-4 Tage frisches Wasser in den 110 Liter großen Tank zu füllen.

Tipp für deinen Schweden Roadtrip

Installiere dir auf jeden Fall die App „Park4Night“ und investiere in die kostenpflichtige Version für die Zeit deiner Reise. Hier findest du nicht nur die schönsten Stellplätze, sowohl freie als auch Campingplätze, sondern auch Standorte für Frischwasser, Toiletten- und Grauwasser-Entleerung. Nehme jedoch beim „Freistehen“ bitte immer Rücksicht auf die Natur und andere Camper und hinterlasse keinerlei Müll. So können wir die Natur alle genießen!

Nach erfolgreichem Boxenstopp folgen wir weiter der E45 in Richtung Norden. Diese Straße führt von Süd nach Nord immer mitten durch Schweden, vom dicht besiedelten Göteborg bis zu den kleinsten Dörfern nördlich des Polarkreises. Wirklich verfahren kann man sich hier nicht. Nach ein wenig Recherche haben wir auch unser nächstes Etappenziel festgelegt, den 250 Kilometer entfernten Hamra Nationalpark.

Es wird nicht nur mit jedem gefahrenen Kilometer früher dunkel, sondern es schwindet auch zunehmend die Zivilisation. Die Landschaft wird mittlerweile von dichten Nadelwäldern, Seen und kleinen Bergen dominiert. Die letzten bunten Laubbäume des Herbstes zieren die Straßen, welche die wenigen kleinen Dörfer durchqueren. Das letzte dieser Dörfer haben wir gefühlt bereits vor 100 Kilometern hinter uns gelassen, als wir an den Abzweiger zum Hamra Nationalpark gelangen. Eine kleine Schotterstraße verlässt die E45 und führt fünf Kilometer in das Naturschutzgebiet hinein. Wir treffen auf dem Weg keine Menschenseele, der sonst vermutlich gut besuchte Parkplatz ist komplett verlassen.

Straße Schweden Roadtrip November

Wir haben Glück und der Dauerregen stoppt für eine kurze Zeit, sodass wir uns in unsere Regenklamotten schmeißen, um zu Fuß den Park zu erkunden.

Hamra Nationalpark

Im Hamra Nationalpark wanderst du in eine vergangene Zeit. Auf schön angelegten Holzstegen und ausgetretene Waldpfaden geht es vorbei an Mooren, kleinen Wasserläufen und durch uralte Wälder. Hier gibt es nicht nur bis zu 400 Jahre alte unberührte Bäume und Moose, sondern auch eine der größten Braunbärpopulationen in Schweden. Nimm dir auf jeden Fall die Zeit für eine Wanderung in diesem Naturparadies!

schweden camping trip

Wir werden leider wieder vom Regen überrascht und müssen uns nach einer Stunde in den trockenen Camper flüchten. Aber schon jetzt wissen wir: Auf dem Rückweg vom Polarkreis werden wir unser Glück hier noch einmal versuchen!

Eigentlich wollten wir den Nachmittag ja in der Natur genießen und die Nacht auf dem Parkplatz im Nationalpark verbringen. Aber das Wetter ist während der ersten Tage unserer Schweden Rundreise nicht auf unserer Seite. Da der Wetterbericht jedoch für die nächste große Stadt in Richtung Norden, Östersund, bereits gutes Wetter vorhersagt, machen wir uns wieder auf den Weg zurück zur E45 und raus aus dem Nationalpark. Eine gute Entscheidung, denn nur 50 Kilometer weiter nördlich brechen die grauen Wolken auf und die Sonne lacht uns entgegen. Alles was vorher noch eher trist an uns vorbei gerauscht ist, wirkt nun farbenfroh und wunderschön.

schweden camping trip

So merken wir gar nicht, wie die Zeit und die Kilometer vergehen. Erst als die Dämmerung einsetzt und wir Östersund fast erreicht haben, machen wir uns auf die Suche nach einem Schlafplatz. Wie soll es auch anders sein – wieder werden wir an einem großen See fündig. Wieder sind wir komplett alleine und bereuen, dass wir beim letzten Boxenstopp am Supermarkt kein Brennholz gekauft haben. Egal, es ist auch so wunderschön und wir fühlen uns so langsam richtig angekommen in der skandinavischen Natur!

Östersund Stellplatz Schweden Roadtrip Camper Reise

Tag 4: Östersund – Fahrt durch Lappland – Jokkmokk (Polarkreis) (600 km)

Endlich kein nächtliches Tropfen mehr auf dem Camperdach, auch die Scheibenwischer können tagsüber aus bleiben. Wir haben das schlechte Wetter endgültig hinter uns gelassen und wollen heute noch einmal einen großen Sprung auf der Karte machen. Das Tagesziel ist der Polarkreis und dort die kleine Stadt Jokkmokk, Tor in die Weite Lapplands und perfekter Ausgangspunkt für Nordlichtsichtungen und Ausflüge in die wilde Landschaft Skandinaviens.

Wir starten heute schon um 07:00 Uhr morgens, haben wir immerhin noch einmal knapp 600 Kilometer vor uns. Ob uns die ganze Fahrerei der ersten Tage nicht nervt? Tatsächlich weniger als wir erwartet hätten! Uns war von Beginn an klar, dass wir für unser Ziel im hohen Norden mehr als 2.000 Kilometer hinter uns bringen müssen und wir somit in den ersten Tagen viel im Auto sitzen werden. Auf der anderen Seite hat uns das schlechte Wetter im Süden einen großen Gefallen getan, denn seitdem haben wir unseren Fokus fest auf die Jagd nach Nordlichtern verlagert. Spätestens als wir heute offiziell die Grenze nach Lappland passieren und die Sonne sich immer öfter zeigt, können wir die Fahrt richtig genießen!

Und während wir so vor uns hinfahren, die Aussicht und den gefühlt dauerhaften Sonnenuntergang genießen, ist es endlich soweit. Einer unserer ganz großen Wünsche für diesen Schweden Roadtrip wird wahr! Wir entdecken am Straßenrand auf einer kleinen Wiese die ersten Rentiere unseres Lebens! Eine kleine Gruppe von 6-7 Tieren beobachtet uns mindestens genau so interessiert wie wir sie, zwar schüchtern und schreckhaft, aber nicht ängstlich.

Rentiere Schweden Straße

Wir fahren rechts in eine kleine Haltebucht, um die Tiere in Ruhe zu beobachten und zu fotografieren. Schöner kann dieser Tag für uns kaum werden, wir sind tatsächlich in Lappland angekommen!

Die nächsten Stunden vergehen für uns wie im Flug. Wir lassen die dichten Wälder hinter uns und die Landschaft wird zunehmend kahler und noch einsamer, die Temperatur schafft es kaum mehr über die 0 Grad. Tatsächlich haben wir total Glück, eine verhältnismäßig milde Woche erwischt zu haben. Normalerweise herrschen hier im November Temperaturen deutlich unter dem Gefrierpunkt und Schneefall dominiert den Tag. Zeugen der letzten Kälteperiode nur wenige Tage zuvor sind all die zugefrorenen Seen und Moore am Wegesrand.

Solltest du auch eine Reise nach Skandinavien im Winter planen, achte unbedingt darauf, richtige Winterreifen und Schneeketten dabei zu haben. Zudem sollten dein Fahrzeug und alle Tanks gut gedämmt sein. Schon ab November sinken die Temperaturen rund um den Polarkreis oft dauerhaft unter den Gefrierpunkt. Magst du am Anfang des Winters noch Glück haben, so sind Temperaturen von -25 Grad im Dezember keine Seltenheit!

Nach einem langen Tag im Wohnmobil erreichen wir unseren Campingplatz in Jokkmokk. Heute gönnen wir uns ausnahmsweise den Luxus einer unbegrenzt langen und heißen Dusche. Außerdem ist die Motivation jetzt noch auf Stellplatzsuche zu gehen eher gering. Anders als unsere freien Stellplätze möchten wir euch diesen natürlich nicht vorenthalten:

Skabram Camping & Stugby liegt wunderschön an einem der großen Seen von Jokkmokk und bietet alles, was du dir von einem Campingplatz in Lappland wünschst – Lagerfeuerstellen, Seezugang, saubere Sanitäranlagen und sogar einen kleinen Streichelzoo. Der Platz ist nicht besonders groß, aber mit viel Liebe geführt. Besonders empfehlen können wir einen der zwei Stellplätze auf der gegenüberliegenden Straßenseite, direkt am Seeufer!

Skabram Capming Lappland Schweden Luftbild

Tag 5 – 8: Am Polarkreis in schwedisch Lappland (ca. 100 km)

Nachdem wir in den letzten Tagen einmal gesamt Schweden durchfahren haben, entschließen wir, es die nächsten Tage etwas ruhiger angehen zu lassen. Haben wir insgeheim noch mit dem Gedanken gespielt, weiter bis nach Kiruna und in den Abisko Nationalpark zu fahren, entscheiden wir uns nun doch endgültig dagegen. Jokkmokk wird die nördlichste Station unserer Route durch Schweden werden und wir möchten uns die Zeit nehmen, in Ruhe die Umgebung zu erkunden. Noch weiter im Norden soll es bereits wieder extrem schneien und wir möchten uns mit unserem gemieteten Auto natürlich nicht in eine schwer kontrollierbare Situation bringen. Es folgen nun also die Highlights der kommenden vier Tage in Jokkmokk und rund um den Polarkreis!

Wildnis, Freiheit und Natur soweit das Auge reicht!

In den nächsten Tagen machen wir uns immer wieder auf und erkunden die Region. Leider sind die Zufahrten zu den großen Nationalparks, „der letzten Wildnis Europas“, Sarek , Stora Sjöfallet und Muddus kaum mehr zugänglich. Es reicht jedoch bereits eine fünfminütige Fahrt aus dem Ortszentrum von Jokkmokk, um umgeben von Wildnis, Natur und dem Gefühl von grenzenloser Freiheit zu sein. Wilde Flüsse, gefrorene Seen und von Sonnenlicht orange und gelb gefärbte Wälder lassen uns kaum Zeit, aus dem Staunen heraus zu kommen!

schweden camping trip

Vom oben bereits erwähnten Skabram Campingplatz machen wir uns außerdem auf den Weg zu einer kleinen Wanderung durch die Moore und Wälder. Am Highlight der Wanderung, einem kleinen Hügel mit 360 Grad Aussicht, genießen wir die unbebaute Weite Nordschwedens. Genau hierher möchten wir eines Tages mit einem Zelt wiederkommen und die Nacht verbringen. Entweder bei Mitternachtssonne oder tanzenden Nordlichtern!

schweden camping trip

Wunderschöne Lichtstimmung im winterlichen Schweden

Wenn du dich für einen Winterurlaub im Norden Schwedens bzw. Skandinaviens entscheidest, sollte dir bewusst sein, dass die Tage sehr kurz sind. Im tiefen Winter, rund um den 21. Dezember, geht die Sonne für eine gewisse Zeit gar nicht erst auf. In unserem Fall heißt das: Sonnenaufgang gegen 07:30 Uhr und Untergang gegen 14:30 Uhr. Dabei ist es in dieser Zeit allerdings keineswegs wirklich hell, ganz im Gegenteil: Es herrscht den ganzen Tag eine Art Dämmerlicht. Uns hat diese wunderschöne Lichtstimmung total begeistert. Nicht nur hat sie uns die schönsten Sonnenuntergänge beschert, sondern ist auch ein tolles Licht für die Fotografie!

Lichtstimmung Lappland

Die schönsten Stellplätze unserer Schweden Reise

Wir lieben es, mit dem Camper inmitten der Natur zu übernachten und vermeiden es wenn möglich, Campingplätze anzusteuern. Für uns ist Schweden einfach das perfekte Land um diese Art des Reisens zu leben. Hier spielen uns einige Faktoren in die Karten: Das schwedische Jedermannsrecht – das im Gesetz verankerte Recht eines Jeden auf Zeit und Umgang mit der Natur -, die Nebensaison, in der wir nahezu allein auf den Straßen unterwegs sind, ein guter Riecher für schöne Stellplätze und oft eine Menge Geduld!

Stellplatz-Lappland-Schweden-Polarkreis-Nordschweden

Dank all dieser Faktoren haben wir es auf unserer gesamten Reise geschafft, bis auf drei Nächte komplett frei zu stehen. An den Tagen auf Campingplätzen haben wir uns ganz bewusst dazu entschieden, um eine heiße Dusche zu nehmen oder unsere Tanks füllen und leeren. Theoretisch hätten wir auch ausschließlich frei stehen können – ein Traum für jeden Naturliebhaber!

Stellplatz Lappland Schweden Polarkreis Nordschweden Skandinavien 4

In der Nebensaison in Schweden oder Norwegen solltest du eines unbedingt immer dabei haben: Feuerholz! Viele der frei zugänglichen Stellplätze in der Natur haben mit Steinen ausgelegte Feuerstellen. Perfekt für einen gemütlichen Abend mit Stockbrot, Seeblick und sternenklaren Nächte!

Jeden Tag eine neue Chance auf Nordlichter!

Der Grund, warum wir überhaupt in den hohen Norden von Schweden gefahren sind und all die Kilometer hinter uns gebracht haben: Die Chance auf Nordlichter!

Die Polarlicht-Saison im Norden Skandinaviens startet zwar bereits im September, die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Sichtung steigt jedoch mit den zunehmend dunkleren Tagen und klaren Nächten. Und was sollen wir sagen: Wir hatten auch hier das Glück mehr als auf unserer Seite! Von unseren vier Nächten am Polarkreis konnten wir in dreien das grüne Lichtspektakel beobachten. Wie kleine Kinder, die zum ersten Mal Schnee sehen, starrten wir stundenlang in den erhellten Nachthimmel. Dabei war jeder gefahrene Kilometer sofort vergessen und es wäre uns auch in Zukunft kein Weg zu weit!

Nordlichter Lappland Skandinavien Schweden Polarkreis Jokkmokk Camper Wohnmobil

Ihr seid noch auf der Suche nach Tipps für euer perfektes Nordlicht-Foto? So fangt ihr das Spektakel mit einer Spiegelreflexkamera ein:

Für das perfekte Foto solltet ihr vor allem eines nicht vergessen: Ein Stativ! Solltet ihr keins dabei haben, sucht euch unbedingt einen stabilen, festen Untergrund, auf dem ihr eure Kamera abstellen könnt. Denn anders als bei Tageslichtaufnahmen ist die Nordlicht-Fotografie aus der Hand quasi unmöglich. Zu schnell bewegen sich die Lichtblitze am Himmel hin und her. Das Ergebnis wäre ein verwaschenes Lichtermeer. Verwendet stattdessen einen Selbstauslöser oder besser noch einen Fernauslöser, um beim Betätigen des Auslösers nicht an der Kamera zu wackeln. Wichtig außerdem: Autofokus aus! Der sucht am dunklen Nachthimmel nämlich vergeblich nach einem hellen Fokuspunkt und löst unter Umständen gar nicht oder nur sehr verzögert aus. Stellt eure Fokussierung stattdessen auf unendlich (∞), diese kleine Symbol findet ihr oben auf eurem Objektiv. Stellt zudem eure Blende auf die kleinstmögliche Öffnung (für größtmögliche Tiefenschärfe), wählt je nach Helligkeit der Lichter eine Verschlusszeit von etwa 20 Sekunden und los geht’s!

Nordlichter Lappland Skandinavien Schweden Polarkreis Jokkmokk

Schon immer hat der Polarkreis ein fast schon magisches Gefühl in uns ausgelöst. Nicht nur markiert er jenen Breitengrad, über dem die Sonne teilweise nicht mehr auf- bzw. untergeht, sondern ist gleichzeitig auch das Tor in eine für uns andere Welt. Nördlich des Polarkreises ist die Landschaft einsamer und spektakulärer, die Temperaturen sind kälter, die Tiere seltener und angepasster. Wir haben diese magische Linie bereits öfter passieren dürfen und sind jedes Mal wieder gespannt auf die Abenteuer, die uns erwarten! Ein Besuch des Polarkreises durfte auf unserem Schweden Roadtrip also nicht fehlen!

schweden camping trip

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3. Aus dem eisigen Jokkmokk an die wunderschöne Westküste

Tag 9: jokkmokk – strömsund (490 km).

Mit einem lachenden und einem weinenden Augen verlassen wir nach vier Tagen Jokkmokk wieder in Richtung Süden. Genau rechtzeitig, wie sich später herausstellen soll, denn bereits am nächsten Tag kehren Schnee und extreme Kälte zurück in die Region. Für uns geht es nun eine weite Strecke auf dem identischen Weg von vor einigen Tagen zurück in wärmere Gefilde. Erst südlich des Hamra Nationalparks, wo wir einen erneuten Wanderversuch starten wollen, geht es wieder in Richtung Westküste.

Rentiere in schwedisch Lappland

Aber erstmal wartet wieder ein Fahrtag durch eine der schönsten Landschaften Europas auf uns. Und wie schon am Tag vor unserer Ankunft im Norden begegnen uns auch dieses Mal wieder die süßesten Rentiere auf dem Weg. Als würden sie uns verabschieden wollen, bleiben sie mitten auf der Straße stehen und beobachten uns aufmerksam. Ein wirklich schöner Abschiedsgruß aus Lappland!

Der Weg führt uns heute bis nach Strömsund. Leider wird es bereits dunkel und wir können nur noch schnell unseren Einkauf erledigen, bevor es zu unserem Stellplatz für die Nacht geht. Wir haben wieder einmal extrem Glück und finden nur wenige Kilometer von der E45 entfernt einen traumhaften Platz direkt an einem Stausee. Sonnenuntergang inklusive!

Tag 10: Strömsund – Hamra Nationalpark (320 km)

Mittlerweile hat uns das schlechtere Wette des Südens leider wieder eingeholt, der Himmel am Morgen ist tiefgrau und es nieselt leicht. Aber auch das gehört für uns zu einem Roadtrip dazu. Es geht nicht immer um strahlenden Sonnenschein, sondern darum, die Natur und die Umgebung so zu nehmen, wie sie ist. Die Zeit so zu genießen, wie sie kommt.

Wir möchten noch heute den Hamra Nationalpark erreichen, von dem uns aktuell noch ca. 300km trennen. Nach einem schnellen Frühstück machen wir uns daher auf den weiten Weg in Richtung Süden. Der Tag verläuft relativ unspektakulär, bis wir kurz vor dem Hamra Nationalpark eher durch Zufall auf eine kleinere Schotterstraße abbiegen. Unser Navi hat scheinbar einen anderen Weg für uns im Sinn als auf dem Hinweg. Die Straße ist kaum breiter als unser Wohnmobil, am Rand von Pfützen und Schlaglöchern gepflastert und führt mitten in die Natur aus Seen und Wald. Versuchen wir es und schauen, wie weit wir kommen!

schweden camping trip

Durch Zufall haben wir eine der schönsten Ecken unseres Schweden Roadtrip gefunden! Für etwa eine halbe Stunde schlängeln wir uns vorbei an spiegelglatten Seen mit kleinen Inseln und Schilflandschaften. Und das Beste: wir sind wieder einmal komplett alleine! Wie schon so oft auf dieser Reise schauen wir uns an und beschließen, dass wir eines Tages noch einmal herkommen wollen. Mit mehr Zeit und unserem eigenen Camper!

Nach diesem überraschenden Ausflug folgen wir wieder der E45 und erreichen wenig später den Eingang zum Hamra Nationalpark. Dieses Mal teilen wir uns den Parkplatz mit einem weiteren Wohnmobil. Das Wetter für den nächsten Tag sieht gut aus und wir schmieden Pläne für unsere morgige Tageswanderung.

Tag 11: Hamra Nationalpark – Mora (105 km)

Mehr als zehn Wanderwege durchqueren den Nationalpark mit unterschiedlichen Längen und Beschaffenheiten. Wir entscheiden uns sowohl für einen Rundweg durch den alten Teil des Parks, in dem die uralten Wälder zu finden sind, als auch für eine Runde entlang der großen Seen und Moore. Beide Wege lassen sich super kombinieren und starten direkt am zentralen Parkplatz.

Das Wetter könnte heute nicht schöner sein. Es ist kalt, aber die Sonne strahlt bei blauem Himmel auf uns herab. Wir starten bereits um 08:00 Uhr morgens, Blätter und Zweige sind noch vollkommen von Frost bedeckt und spiegeln die Sonnenstrahlen zurück in die eisige Luft. Wahnsinn, wie sehr sich das Bild seit unserem letzten Besuch vor knapp 10 Tagen verändert hat. Aber wie heißt es so schön: Bilder sagen oft mehr als 1000 Worte. Also schau am besten selbst und tauche mit uns ein in diese traumhafte Landschaft:

Entlang der Seen und Moore kurz nach Sonnenaufgang

Buntspecht im Hamra Nationalpark

Wanderweg durch den alten Teil des Hamra Nationalpark s

schweden camping trip

Wahnsinnig schön oder? Solltest du einmal einen Schweden Roadtrip planen, der dich in den Norden zieht, solltest du hier unbedingt einen Halt mit deinem Camper oder Mietwagen einplanen!

Tipp für deine Wohnmobil Roadtrip durch Schweden

Die Reisezeit: Wir können dir absolut empfehlen, den späten Herbst oder Winter für einen Schweden Roadtrip zu wählen. Die Besucherströme haben sich verabschiedet, sodass du auch stärker besuchte Naturhighlights fast alleine bewundern kannst. Ab September kannst du im Norden die ersten Polarlichter entdecken, jedoch ist es noch nicht zu winterlich, sodass Wanderungen in der Natur nichts im Wege steht. Natürlich gehören kalte Nächte und kürzere Tage dazu. Solltest du aber generell gerne in kälteren Ländern reisen, wird es dir gefallen! Wir persönlich lieben den Winter und Schnee, sodass unsere Reise im November in den äußersten Norden des Landes definitiv eine unserer schönsten überhaupt war. Neben Nordlicht-Nächten durften wir Rentiere und Elche beobachten und hatten die schönsten freien Stellplätze quasi für uns alleine!

Tag 12: Mora – Tanum (390 km)

Nach unserer gestrigen Wanderung sind wir noch einige Kilometer in Richtung Mora gefahren. Hier haben wir auf einem Campingplatz übernachtet, um uns um unser Abwasser und Frischwasser zu kümmern. Der Platz war jedoch nicht wirklich schön oder besonders, sodass wir hier nicht näher drauf eingehen wollen. Auch das kommt mal vor!

Dreimal dürft ihr raten, was heute auf dem Programm steht… Richtig! Ein neuer Fahrtag. Wir sind schon wieder ziemlich weit im Süden Schwedens angekommen und wollen heute die letzte Etappe zur Westküste machen. Wir haben bereits bei der Recherche festgestellt, dass die Stellplatzsituation an der Küste nicht gerade einfach ist. Daher steuern wir am Abend einen kleinen Parkplatz in der Region um Tanum an. Von hier sind es am nächsten Morgen nur noch wenige Kilometer bis zum Küstenstädtchen Fjällbacka, unserem ersten Ziel des Tages.

Tag 13: Tanum – Fjällbacka – Smögen (55 km)

Unglaublich, wie schnell zwei Wochen vergangen sind! Morgen müssen wir uns bereits wieder auf den Weg zur Fähre nach Trelleborg machen. Den letzten richtigen Urlaubstag möchten wir also noch einmal voll auskosten und die kleinen Städte Fjällbacka und Smögen besuchen.

Fjällbacka – Auf den Spuren von Ronja Räubertochter

Wir können nur erahnen, wie idyllisch es hier erst bei Sonnenschein sein muss! Aber auch bei trüber Sicht wie heute zieht uns das kleine Fischerdorf total in den Bann. So übrigens auch den Regisseur der Verfilmung von Astrid Lindgrens „Ronja Räubertochter“, der durch die selbe Schlucht gelaufen ist, um an diesen wunderschönen Aussichtspunkt zu gelangen. Einfach traumhaft, oder?

Aussichtspunkt Fjällbacka Schweden Westküste Schärenküste Roadtrip Skandinavien Schlucht

Wir schlendern noch ein wenig durch die kleinen verlassenen Gassen und den Hafen von Fjällbacka. Ist der Ort im Sommer noch Anlaufpunkt für viele gutbetuchte Norweger und Schweden mit ihren Motorbooten, so liegen sowohl der Hafen als auch alle Cafés und Straßen jetzt menschenleer da. Wir genießen die Stille, die lediglich vom Krächzen der Möwen unterbrochen wird, bevor es weiter zum nächsten und finalen Stopp unserer Reise geht.

schweden camping trip

Das Fischerdorf Smögen ist vor allem bekannt für seine bunten Holzschuppen in der Hafenanlage, die auch uns angezogen haben. Wir parken unseren Camper an einem Parkplatz direkt oberhalb des Hafenausläufers und können bereits aus dem Fenster gar nicht genug von diesem Ausblick bekommen!

Smögen Westküste Schweden bunte Häuser Roadtrip Ausblick Wohnmobil

Anders als in der Hauptsaison, haben wir das absolute Glück, völlig alleine über die schmalen Holzstege zu spazieren, Fotos zu machen und den frischen Wind im Gesicht zu spüren. Der leichte Regen stört uns dabei überhaupt nicht – als Ex-Hamburger sind wir steife Brisen gewohnt! So schlendern wir, in unsere Kameras vertieft, für einige Zeit durch den kleinen Ort. Unsere leise Hoffnung, doch noch ein geöffnetes Café zu finden, erfüllt sich leider nicht mehr. Dennoch war unser Besuch hier ein voller Erfolg!

Smögen Westküste Schweden bunte Häuser Roadtrip Fischerdorf Boot

Wir haben zudem das Glück, dass wir den kleinen Parkplatz mit Hafenblick auch als Stellplatz für die Nacht nutzen können. So verbringen wir noch ein paar gemütliche Stunden im Camper, blicken zurück auf zwei wunderschöne Wochen und verabschieden uns gedanklich langsam aber sicher von Schweden.

Tag 14-15: Smögen – Fähre Trelleborg/Rostock – Hamburg (580 km)

Der letzte Tag auf unserem Schweden Roadtrip ist angebrochen. Wir sind am Vormittag gut damit beschäftigt, unser Wohnmobil zu putzen und alles zu packen, bevor es auf die letzte mehrstündige Fahrt zum Hafen von Trelleborg geht. Von dort werden wir Schweden mit der TT-Line in Richtung Rostock verlassen und unsere Rundreise schließlich in Hamburg wieder beenden.

Wir hatten eine wirklich traumhafte Zeit und durften so viel Wundervolles erleben und neu entdecken. Wir bereuen wirklich keinen einzigen Kilometer. Schweden hat uns, genau wie Norwegen, landschaftlich total mit seiner Vielseitigkeit begeistert und überrascht. Auf unserer Route ist definitiv für jeden Naturliebhaber, Fotografen, Outdoor-Enthusiasten und Wohnmobil / Camper-Reisenden etwas dabei.

Wir hoffen, dass wir dich mit unserem Reisebericht ein wenig inspirieren konnten und du dich gleich an die Planung deiner nächsten Reise machst! Solltest du Fragen zu unserer Route oder Reise allgemein haben, stelle sie gern in den Kommentaren oder schreibt uns einfach weiter unten!

Solltest du auf der Suche nach weitere Inspiration oder Unterstützung bei der Planung deiner Skandinavien Reise sein, schau doch auch mal hier vorbei:

schweden camping trip

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Our epic 2 week sweden road trip itinerary.

Bradley Williams

In late 2019, we were fortunate enough to have more than 3 weeks to road trip through Sweden.

We started all the way in the north, entering Lapland through the border with Northern Norway.

We drove more than 3,000km through this gorgeous country (sometimes crossing into Finland and Norway ) before eventually leaving over the spectacular Øresund Bridge and on into Denmark.

Because our route was a little all over the place, I will instead put together what I believe to be the best 2 week Sweden road trip itinerary based on what we saw..

Of course, feel free to follow this route or edit it how ever much you like and even add in many new places we were unable to discover!

At more than 1,500 km long, and being the biggest country in Scandinavia, you could probably spend all year discovering all of the beautiful places in Sweden .

So, without further ado … let’s get started!

Interactive Sweden road trip map

Travellerspoint

Lapland: 4 nights

If you only had time to road trip one part of Sweden, then it should be Lapland.

Especially if you are planning on driving in Sweden in winter, when Lapland is a snowy winter wonderland.

As we entered Lapland from Northern Norway , we arrived at a border crossing near Riksgransen in the far northwest.

We arrived at about 5pm which, in October/November time, meant it was already dark; so we spent the night in a car park just off the main road.

Riksgransen to Kiruna

aurora sky station

The next day, we headed off early to a small village called Abisko.

This is actually one of the best places to visit in Swedish Lapland as there’s a surprisingly large amount to do for tourists, such as exploring the gorgeous Abisko National Park.

If you don’t have too long to spare, then you should do a small part of the Kungsleden Trail. 

The full route is 440km long and runs between Abisko and Hemavan; a truly epic walk and one I am keen to complete one day, a nice follow up to my 800km Camino walk in 2018 .

It’s also possible to visit a local Sami tribe from Abisko .

They give you an in-depth look at the Sami way of life and culture; an experience we didn’t do ourselves but would love to in the future.

One of the things in Abisko we were most excited to do was to venture up to the Aurora Sky Station , however, it had just closed for the winter by the time we arrived!

Here, you get a chairlift up the mountain to a cafe/museum/restaurant which I can only imagine has the most breathtaking views!

I believe it’s also a popular spot to ski or snowboard down as well.

From here we ventured another hour or so east towards a town called Kiruna.

This is the northernmost town in Swedish Lapland and a great place to pick up anything you need to keep you going; like food, booze, clothes and fuel.

It’s a cute little town filled with shops, cafes and restaurants and we actually spent a few hours enjoying the small town, especially from Cafe Safari which I would recommend visiting.

national parks in sweden

Kiruna to Lovikka

ice hotel sweden

Not far outside of Kiruna, you have two really great places to visit!

The first one is ICEHOTEL 365 , which is an ice hotel/art exhibit open all throughout the year.

It’s possible to stay here overnight, or instead just visit for a couple hours to explore the intricate ice artwork in every room.

If you visit from December onwards, they have an even bigger ice hotel that they open for a few months to host more guests.

ice hotel sweden

From here, you can carry on for another 20 minutes or so down the road until you come to … of all things … a space centre!

The Esrange Space Centre carries out all kinds of work out here in the barren wilderness of Swedish Lapland.

You can’t visit the whole centre, as I imagine it’s all pretty top secret!

However what you can do is visit the small visitor centre that’s packed full of old satellites and rockets, as well as other equipment they use.

It’s really interactive and interesting and they even have free tea, coffee and hot chocolate; what more could you want!?

From here, you can venture westwards even more until you reach the town of Lovikka.

After visiting an Ice Hotel and a space centre all in one day, you probably don’t think your day could get any more exciting.

Well, you're wrong!

Prepare to be shocked and amazed as Lovikka is home to none other than …

The world's largest mitten!

That’s right, at the side of the road in the middle of town you have a giant glass container and inside is a 12 foot tall mitten that was knitted by the locals back in the year 2000 .

Our images are pretty poor as we arrived when it was dark, but it is actually kinda cool.

Oh and if you’re looking for somewhere to eat nearby, then I can recommend Junosuando Pizzeria ; it’s cheap and the food is surprisingly good for such a wide menu cooked by just one guy.

schweden camping trip

Lovikka to Lulea

moose farm sweden

Much of this day is spent driving south to Lulea, the largest city in Swedish Lapland, not far from the border out of Lapland.

The drive is really easy on essentially one straight road, but the scenery is really nice as you’re surrounded by countryside almost all of the way.

We stopped off in a few towns along the way, but the biggest reason to take this road is that it passes by the Arctic Moose Farm .

This place is exactly what it says on the tin, a local farm where the owner has a small herd of moose that he cares for and uses as a site for visitors looking to get up close and personal with these giant creatures.

You can feed them and learn all about them, and the guy running here is really friendly, just be sure to contact him a few days ahead of time and book yourself in .

Up until this point we had only seen moose in the wild once, despite driving for days through both Finnish and Swedish Lapland, seeing signs at the side of the road warning you about them.

So it was really nice to finally be able to get up close and personal with them.

Once you reach Lulea, you’re out of what I consider the truly beautiful and barren part of Sweish Lapland.

It’s a great city to once again stock up on any essentials you need, and also to get back in touch with civilization!

On our first visit to Lulea, the whole of Lapland seemed to have a freak drop in temperature and the entire lake/ocean around the city froze over and kids were out playing ice hockey!

It was almost unbearably cold walking around the city; but then when we returned a week later (even deeper into winter) the water was unfrozen.

So basically, expect there to be drastic changes in temperature at that time of year as Lapland really is a crazy place to visit!

Other great things to do in Swedish Lapland:

Here’s a few other things in Swedish Lapland that we were unable to do because they didn’t fall on our route; however they could be well worth checking out ...

  • Visit the Sarek National Park
  • Head to the Stuor Muorkke National Park
  • Discover the abandoned town of Laver - I found this place on Atlas Obscura .
  • Stay in an arctic igloo - we stayed in a few of these in Finnish Lapland and it was amazing!
  • Go on a husky ride - again we did this in Finland, it’s so much fun !

Where to stay in Lapland:

As we had our own campervan, we wild camped every night we were in Lapland. In itself, this is an incredible experience as this allows you to stay in some really remote and beautiful spots.

I would actually say that wild camping was one of my favorite things to do in Lapland, especially when you find a spot with a little campfire! On that note, we have since discovered the Wolf & Grizzly Campfire Trio . A fantastic piece of kit for anyone who enjoys having fires but wants to keep them safer and reduce clean up.

And don’t worry, wild camping is perfectly legal everywhere in Sweden because of the Everyman’s Right which is written into the constitution of all Scandinavian countries.

Below is a quick list of all the places we stayed in Lapland.

We had more than 4 nights here as we visited the region twice, but I would say that 4 nights is plenty of time to follow the route given and even to add in more spots.

  • Tornehamn parkplatz 16 - Near the border, large open car park by a lake (frozen when we were there), I imagine it’s lovely in Summer.
  • Marknadsvägen 230 - Quiet spot by the lake near to the ICEHOTEL, even has fire pits and a small “dining room”, as well as toilets.
  • Lappeasuando Rest Area - Big rest area for lorries and other vehicles - with flushing toilets and a small restaurant (again, closed when we were there).
  • 67°09'42.1"N 22°38'04.6"E - Was completely covered in snow when we were there, not sure if you can stay here in the summer months as it’s a big car park area for visiting the island. There’s a hut here that looks like it sells food and then a little ticket booth; guessing this place is very popular in the summer.
  • Rastplats BD3 - Truck stop by the motorway, has running toilets.

Lulea to Härnösand: 2 nights

schweden camping trip

When researching the best road trips in Sweden, a lot of other bloggers talk about the west coast of Sweden.

Well, it’s true the coastal road south all the way from Lulea to Stockholm is really quite lovely!

Compared to driving in Lapland, it’s also a lot easier as you have actual motorways.

Also, most of the journey south you have the Gulf of Bothnia on your left hand side and gorgeous mountains and national parks on your right.

So, if you’ve only got a few days or a week to road trip Sweden, then a good itinerary could be to hire a car in Lulea , see a bit of Lapland, drive all the way south to Stockholm and then leave the car there before flying home.

The first stretch of this drive is from Lulea to Härnösand which can be done in about 2 days if you want to stop off at a number of sites along the way.

One of the most noteworthy places to stop at is Bjuröklubb , roughly 2.5 - 3 hours south of Lulea.

This is a nature preserve located on a small peninsula.

Here, you can park your car and go for a number of walks in the forest, but one of the best places to visit here is Bjuröklubb Lighthouse.

It has a high position offering some incredible views out over the Gulf of Bothnia.

For us, these views lasted for about 5 minutes, before a mist descended so we were unable to capture the sorts of photos we’d have liked; but trust me, it’s a fantastic spot to visit!

Outside of winter, I believe there’s a small cafe there and you can possibly go into the lighthouse as well.

On the walk up to it, they also have spots for fishing and even a wood-fired sauna, which you can get going yourself.

From here, you’ve got about another 4 hours of driving to reach Härnösand, but towards the end of the drive as you near Härnösand, you have some really cool things to see.

The first of which is Skuleskogen National Park, one of the most popular and famous national parks in Sweden.

From higher points in this park you get breaktaking views out across the forests, as well as the Gulf of Bothnia.

Not far past this you come to one of the best things to see in Sweden , which is the Hoga Kusten Bridge.

It spans for more than a kilometre and on a clear day really is incredibly picturesque!

It got dark as we arrived, so I recommend visiting in the daytime when you can pull in and capture some cool photos of it.

Other great things to see near Härnösand include Hemso Fortress , Rotsidan nature preserve and, of course, the city of Härnösand itself.

sweden lapland

Where to stay along the way

Again, here are the places we stayed on our way south between Lulea and Härnösand:

  • First Camp Lulea
  • Rastplats BD2

Härnösand to Stockholm: 2 nights

wild camping in sweden

At this point of our Sweden road trip itinerary, we actually headed directly westwards, where we entered and explored the southern end of Norway.

So we didn’t actually drive directly south from Härnösand to Stockholm so can’t comment directly on things to do or places to see; but 2 nights should be more than enough.

If you do approach Stockholm from the north, then one really cool looking Swedish attraction we weren't able to visit is the Sala Silver Mine .

All I will say is that on our drive west into Norway, we crossed through some truly breathtaking landscapes, and were able to spend the night wild camping here , at one of my favourite spots from our entire 3 month trip!

Stockholm: 1 night (at least)

stockholm city

If you’re tight on time, like we were, then you simply must still find time to spend at least one day in Stockholm.

I fully intend to return for at least a weekend trip as, despite spending just one day there, it quickly became my second favourite city I’ve been to in Europe.

My favourite part of the day was taking a canal tour which does a large loop around the small islands that make up the historic part of Sweden’s capital city.

Along the way, your audio guide teaches you about the history of the city and gives you information about many of Stockholm’s most famous buildings and places to visit.

For more information, check out Cazzy’s guide on the best things to do in Stockholm in one day .

Stockholm to Gothenburg: 3 nights

Gripsholm Castle sweden

On your way out of Stockholm there are two places I recommend checking out.

One is the world’s largest IKEA , which is a true national icon of Sweden!

Also, they serve really cheap, great tasting food which makes a visit here more than worth it!

Your next stop should be Gripsholm Castle , one of the nicest castles anywhere in Sweden .

Situated on the banks of the large Lake Mälaren, you don’t need that long here, but it’s a nice place to take a quiet walk around the grounds and the lake, especially if the weather is clear and calm.

Another place I really enjoyed on the drive between Stockholm and Gothenburg was Lacko Castle .

Probably my favorite castle in Sweden, it’s located on the shores of the night Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden.

Once again, it’s so peaceful here and the views on a clear day out across the lake are great; it’s so vast that it feels as if you’re staring off across an ocean!

lacko castle sweden

Before entering into Gothenburg, there’s yet another castle that is well worth visiting; it’s called Bohus Fortress .

It dates back all the way to 1308 when it was once on the old border between Norway and Sweden.

From above, it bears a striking resemblance to the Norwegain city of Fredrikstad, the oldest city in Norway .

Throughout its history, Bohus Fortress was attacked 14 times but was never taken; and you can learn more about this immense fortress when walking around it’s grounds.

Bohus Fortress sweden

From here, it’s then only a short 20 minute drive into the centre of Gothenburg.

This is the second largest city in Sweden, and as you’d imagine there’s plenty to do.

We spent the morning exploring the historic part of the city, in the popular district of Haga.

We also took a walk up to Skansen Kronan AB which is a small fortress offering commanding views out across Gothenburg.

The one thing I’m gutted we didn’t get to do when in Gothenburg was visit Liseberg Amusement Park ; it wasn’t yet open when we visited, but looks like a lot of fun!

schweden camping trip

Gothenburg to Denmark: 2 nights

malmo sweden

The final part of this 2 week Sweden road trip itinerary takes you out through the southwestern end of Sweden and across into Denmark.

But before you leave, there’s still a nice drive to be had along the coast and one final stop in the city of Malmo.

As Sweden’s third largest city, it's a popular stopping point just before leaving or after entering into Sweden.

Though it’s the country's third largest city, you don’t need a tremendous amount of time to explore many of the best sites.

For us, we had a few hours here so each hired out a Lime scooter and spent about half an hour exploring the cobbled streets of the old parts of the city.

We had lunch in the historic Lilla Torg square and visited Malmo Castle before leaving.

Though this is your last stop in Sweden, it’s not the final thing to see.

Instead, you still have one last impressive experience to be had, which is taking the 5 mile long drive across the astounding Øresund Bridge.

It really is an epic piece of engineering and the drive across it gives you the chance to take in some wonderful views out across the Baltic Sea.

Just be aware that it is relatively expensive to cross, and you’re best off paying online before you cross it .

A little bit on wild camping in Sweden

I just wanted to cover the topic of wild camping in Sweden a little more, as this is what we did almost every night we were in the country.

Wild camping is perfectly legal in all Scandinavian countries, as the Everyman's Right or Right to Roam is written into the constitution.

I can honestly say that wild camping is so much fun in all of the countries we visited during this road trip, especially Estonia , Latvia , Finland and Norway where they actually encourage it and have lots of designated spots, often with toilets and freshwater.

Finding wild camping spots is sometimes very easy and sometimes a little tricky.

To find them, my number one travel tip would be to download this app .

It contains thousands of camping spots all around the world, many free and many paid.

I would say that around 50% of the time this app allowed us to find somewhere to stay.

Other times, we searched on Google and usually simply zoomed in on Google Maps to the area we knew we would roughly end up at that night.

You can often find large car parks in the entrances to national parks, many of which have toilets to use as well.

Of course, you need to be sensible and respectful about where you stay.

So never stay on someone else’s property and never leave any rubbish behind.

As we were in Sweden in November/December there was basically no one else road tripping Sweden at the time so not once did we share a wild campaign spot with any other travellers; just the odd truck driver.

I can imagine that in the busy Summer months, many of the best camping spots fill up quickly and it may take longer to find them.

I’ve included as many of our wild camping spots as I could remember above so hopefully they can help you.

On the odd occasion we couldn’t find a spot, or simply needed to shower or wash our clothes, we would stay in a campsite and there are tonnes of these across Sweden.

That being said, during these winter months, most will be closed (especially in Lapland!).

We stayed at a few First Camp campsites and recommended them as they are very cheap and have great facilities.

Other ways to find accommodation in Sweden

sweden castles

If you plan on road tripping Sweden in a car, then I’m guessing you won’t want to spend the nights sleeping on the back seats!

In that case, I would recommend using Booking.com and Airbnb to find the best places to stay.

These are the 2 sites that we use for 99% of our hotel and hostel bookings all around the world.

Booking.com usually has the biggest range of places to stay as well as the best prices.

Airbnb is great for finding unique places to stay and also getting to meet locals.

If you're up in Lapland then you can find some really cool tree houses and arctic igloos through Airbnb .

How expensive is it to road trip Sweden?

By and far your biggest expense will be fuel, as it is certainly not cheap.

It’s actually about 20-30% more expensive than in Norway!

When we were there (November/December 2019) the price of diesel was always around 160SEK per litre.

There was very little fluctuation in the price and we paid this the whole way through the country.

If you have your own car or campervan then great, but if you need to hire a vehicle (or motorhome) then this will also set you back.

Read Also:   How to convert a van into a campervan

We always recommend searching through Rentalcars.com to find the best deals on car hire.

We have booked through them ourselves numerous times when hiring cars around the world, and they compare all of the biggest car hire firms and usually come in much cheaper than booking directly.

If you need to hire a campervan, then there are a few companies in Sweden that offer this; I can’t recommend any specifically but simply Googling “campervan hire Sweden” turns up a bunch of results.

The great thing about hiring a campervan is that, though it’s more expensive than a car to hire and fuel up, it means you don’t have to spend money on accommodation each night.

You also get to spend the nights in some really beautiful locations so I would highly recommend it for this reason alone.

Toll roads in Sweden

There aren’t any toll roads in Sweden (at least that we could find on our time here); however you will need to pay a congestion charge for Gothenburg and Stockholm.

We didn’t see a single sign for these charges when we were there.

Instead, we only found out about it when they issued a fine to the person who had been using our van before us.

Luckily, this allowed us to see our charge (just 86 cents) and then pay it in time.

If you miss the deadline then they issue a ridiculous fee of roughly 50 Euros.

For more information, here’s a good article to read .

Final thoughts on planning your own Sweden road trip itinerary

I really did enjoy our time road tripping Sweden, and fully intend on returning one day.

In fact, I would be lying if I said that I didn’t love every single part of our 3 month road trip around Northern Europe.

But by far my favourite countries were Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Each one of them is true untapped wilderness, especially the further north you drive.

So that being said, if you have 2 weeks or more to spare, then I would recommend combining your road trip in Sweden with some adventures in these neighboring countries as well.

For help planning your trip , here are two other guides I put together:

  • Our 3 Week Finland Road Trip Itinerary
  • 5 Incredible Road Trips In Norway

If you have any other questions, then just let me know below and I will be happy to help!

Similarly if there are any other stops you would add to your own Sweden itinerary, then comment below so I can bookmark them for our own future travels!

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The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

With its many rivers, lakes, archipelagos and long coastline, Sweden is a kayaker’s paradise. Paddling about in a kayak or canoe is a great way to see the local landscape, spot wildlife and explore uninhabited islands and otherwise-inaccessible areas.

Sweden is a great place for kayaking

And you don’t have to be superfit either – or set a gruelling pace. Many kayakers chose to just drift along slowly, watching the world go by and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Kayaking in Sweden is the ideal activity for families too, as kids love the independence of having their own boat and being able to go at their own speed.

So where is best for kayaking in Sweden?

Sweden has loads of different options for kayaking from hardcore canoe and camping in the Arctic Circle, to canoeing along wild rivers in Lapland or gentle paddling around the watery cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg.

In the south, the province of Skåne is relatively flat with plenty of rivers and lakes, and a long gentle coastline. The rivers here wend through wooded landscapes and marshlands, ideal landscapes for birdwatching.

Sea kayaking is very popular along Sweden’s west coast, home to the Gothenburg Archipelago and the Bohuslän coast. With some 8000 islands and inlets to explore (many uninhabited), plus pretty fishing villages and sandy beaches and jettys to swim from, this region is excellent for kayaking.

In Swedish Lapland, right up in the Arctic Circle, you can head out into the wilderness by canoe on huge lakes and wild rivers surrounded miles of pristine forests.

With 8000 islands, the Bohuslän coast is Sweden is ideal for canoeing

And even in the capital Stockholm, you can take to the water. It’s a great way to see the city’s sights on a gentle paddle round the urban waterways, or head out into the archipelago and explore some of the 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago.

Which is the best type of canoe tour in Sweden?

There are loads of different types of canoe and kayak tour in Sweden – it’s a popular sport! Options range from an afternoon pootling about on a city river, to a full-scale week-long expedition camping overnight on deserted islands in a remote archipelago. So, you can pretty much choose whichever type you fancy.

Explore Sweden on a guided kayak tour

If you want to explore a more remote area, you can opt for a fully organized expedition, which involves several days of travelling by kayak and camping under the stars at night. These tend to be in small groups, with an experienced guide who shows you the best route and helps set up camp and cook at each overnight stop.

Alternatively, if you’re a confident kayaker in a less remote area, you may want to go for a self-guided kayak tour, where all the equipment is provided and you set off on your own with a map and your gear.  

When is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden?

Well, summer is the obvious time to go, when the weather is better, the water warmer and the days are long. In the north of the country, you can still be paddling in daylight at midnight in June and July. The downside is that the waterways tend to be busier and the midges and mosquitos can be worse in summer.

Summer is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden

If you’re heading to the south of Sweden, autumn and spring can be lovely times to go kayaking – provided you’ve got the right equipment. You may well have the waterways to yourself and the colours of the leaves in autumn are stunning.

Kayaking in winter is possible, particularly along the more sheltered west coast, but this is usually for experienced paddlers only, and will involve staying in a B&B, rather than camping. You’ll also need to have the full kit, including cold weather drysuits.

Five of the best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

Stockholm city by kayak.

Get a unique perspective of Stockholm’s main sights, including the city hall and old town, by seeing it from the water. Suitable for everyone from complete beginners upwards, this two-hour guided tour takes you round the city’s canals and central islands.

You can either go it alone in your own kayak, or paddle with a friend in a two-man canoe – all equipment is provided.

Explore the Stockholm archipelago by kayak

And if you’ve got a weekend to spare, you’d be mad not to head out out the city and explore the archipelago by kayak. This overnight camping kayak trip starts from the village of Dalarö, just 45 minutes from the centre of Stockholm – but feels like it’s a million miles from the urban bustle.

You’ll paddle through the waters of the Baltic Sea, cooking lunch and dinner on a campfire then bed down for the night on a remote island.

The Stockholm archipelago is easily explored by kayak

The best of Bohuslän by kayak

This four-day (three-night) self-guided kayak tour heads out along the Bohuslän coast to explore the Fjällbacka archipelago, with its pretty islands, sandy beaches and quaint fishing communities.

You’ll be picked up from Gothenburg, then kitted out with everything you need to explore this beautiful corner of the west coast, including maps, tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food and, of course, a kayak. You can choose where you set up camp each night, so simply head out on the water and get paddling.

Wilderness kayaking in Swedish Lapland

This amazing guided five-day kayak tour starts in Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, and explores the pristine wilderness of the Pearl River Nature Reserve. You’ll camp on the shores of Lake Karats each night (and may well catch your dinner in its waters), surrounded by vast uninhabited forests with no road access.

Take a self-guided or organised kayak tour in Sweden

Do-it-yourself kayak tours in Skåne

Lake Ivösjön, Skåne’s largest lake, is home to Wetlandi , which rents out canoes and all the kit you need to head out onto the water and camp on a deserted island like Robinson Crusoe. Canoes, life jackets and maps are provided, and they also rent out camping and cooking equipment and barbecue packages – or you can bring your own gear and food.

This lush, peaceful landscape is perfect for paddling around with more than 40 islands (many uninhabited) and plenty of secluded beaches and inlets, where you can escape the crowds and set up camp.

See also: The best Swedish islands: our top 12 The best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast The best lakes in Sweden

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Gideon Glaser

My Name is Gideon Glaser, I am from Austria. This summer (around August), I have a Kayak tour over the Götakanal planned. From Söderköping till Göteborg (about a month long). For that I would need a Kayak. I have looked at all the Options and haven’t found anything that could make that happen. So here is my Question. I need a kayak for that and i don’t want to buy one in austria and bring it with me if possible. So i would need to organize one there. In Söderköping, where i would like to start, are no options for that. …  Read more »

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"There are so many wow moments when travelling in Scandinavia and a camera rarely does them justice. That's why you have to see them with your own eyes"

Lasse, Travel Director

Walk in the fairy tale Gamla Stan in Stockholm

One of the oldest and best preserved medieval centres in all of Europe, Gamla Stan is a maze of alleyways and baroque style architecture in the heart of Stockholm’s old town. Allow yourself time to explore the cafes, galleries and museums of this 12th century playground.

See the medieval Storkyrkan

Built during the 13th century, “The Great Church” of Storkyrkan is a magnificent cathedral inspired by Gothic design. As impressive as the exterior is, it’s the interior’s large collection of statues and furnishings, including the famous wooden statue of St George slaying the dragon, that will truly leave you in awe.

Visit Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's Old Town

The former residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden is an architectural feat with over 600 rooms, found in the centre of Stockholm. Open to the public daily, you can gaze upon Queen Kristina’s silver throne and marvel at the centuries old interiors.

See Lake Vanern, The Largest Lake In The European Union

Spend a day at the EU’s biggest lake and partake in a variety of water activities such as sailing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. On land you can soak up the sunshine whilst dining on Scandinavian treats by the waterfront, making the most of the picturesque sandy beaches.

Enjoy a drink at the world's first Ice Bar

Icebar Stockholm was the first permanent ice bar ever created. Built from 40 tonnes of ice, the bar is adorned by a variety of every changing ice statues. Sip a cool cocktail in -5 degrees Celsius after a big day of exploring.

Our top 5 things to do in Sweden

Whether you journey for history, culture, nature, or a combination of it all, Trafalgar’s deep dive into Sweden will capture your heart. These are just some of the things to do in Sweden you cannot miss.

ABBA Museum

Celebrate the career of pop icons, ABBA at this interactive museum. Record a song with the virtual ABBA and marvel at the band’s costume collection. Entry also grants access to the Swedish Music Hall Of Fame where you can follow the progress of the modern Swedish music scene.

Vasa Museum

A centrepiece of Scandinavia’s museums is a 17th-century ship raised from the seabed off the coast of Stockholm. Explore the story behind the remarkably preserved Vasa whilst being educated on the country’s impressive naval history.

Skansen Museum

Five centuries of history are on display at the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen. Here you can observe local traditions and craftsmanship across 150 farms and lodgings, including a zoo featuring domestic and wild Nordic animals. A complete taste of Swedish culture in one dedicated place.

Best museums in Sweden

Over 50 museums can be found scattered throughout Stockholm, giving you the chance to quench your thirst for knowledge over and over again. With Trafalgar as your guide, you’ll be perfectly steered through the cultural gold mine that is Stockholm museums.

Jansson's Temptation

The Swedish take on casserole is a surprisingly tasty dish made from potatoes, onions, cured sprat, breadcrumbs and cream. Though it is a Christmas speciality, you can find the acquired fish taste of Jansson’s all year round.

Nodding to Sweden’s fondness for baked dough, knäckebröd is a traditional crisp Swedish bread made mostly from rye flour. Try it topped with butter, cheese and ham for a delicious on-the-go snack.

Crayfish August

Throughout the month of August, Swedes celebrate the end of summer and welcome the start of autumn by throwing crayfish parties. Expect traditional songs, party hats, drinking and the consumption of many, many crayfish.

Best food in Sweden

Food is a big part of Swedish culture, best proved by the afternoon ritual of fika – a break enjoyed with a sweet pastry and coffee. From meatballs to crisp breads and crayfish, our trips to Sweden uncover the tastes and heritage of traditional Sweden food. 

What to pack for Sweden

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An All-Weather Jacket

No matter the time of year, a jacket is a must in your Sweden travel bag. Go for something lightweight yet warm, waterproof and windproof, and you will be ready for all Swedish weather conditions.

A legitimate camera

While most people are content with using their phone for holiday snaps, if you truly want to capture the beauty of this city you should bring a specialist camera.

Comfortable shoes

One minute you’re walking through Stockholm’s old town, the next your hiking through alpine landscapes in the far north. A comfortable pair of walking shoes will get you through all environments on your trip to Sweden.

A refillable water bottle

You’ll spend most of your time on the move in Sweden. Bring a reusable, lightweight and durable water bottle to keep rehydrated while doing your bit for the environment.

Even in winter, the sun’s glare can be your enemy. A slick pair of sunglasses will not only protect your eyes but will also help you fit in with the fashionable Swedish locals.

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Motorhome Family

Alcove motorhome, with 1 doublebed and 1 bunk bed. It is easy to drive as the length is relatively short.

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Family is perfect and comfortable for the smaller family, 4 (+2 children). It has a double bed in the front, bunk beds in the back and a fold-out bed in the middle.

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Motorhome Family Plus

Spacious alcove motorhome, with 1 doublebed, 1 bunk bed and 1 fold-out bed sofa.

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Family Plus has lots of space inside and can easily give room for up to 6 persons sitting around the main tables. All 6 can sleep (of which 2 are children).

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Motorhome Family Luxury

Alcove motorhome with spacious garage, 1 doublebed, 1 bunk bed and 1 fold-out bed sofa.

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Family Luxury is nice for 2 couples or a family 4+2 where you will enjoy a double bed in the front and another in the back.

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Motorhome Campervan Plus

Campervan ideal for the couple or 2 friends with a double bed

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Campervan Plus is very nice to drive and manage at camping sites. It offers plenty of space inside for 1 or 2 persons and a comfortable double bed.

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Motorhome Compact Plus

Semi integrated motorhome, flexible for 2-3 persons and good aerodynamic makes it nice to drive.

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Family Compact Plus offers a big comfortable double bed and plenty of space inside. A fold-out sofa bed enables sleeping for 2 (+1 child).

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Motorhome Family Compact Plus

Semi integrated motorhome, flexible for 2-4 persons and good aerodynamic makes it nice to drive.

The SkandiTrip Motorhome Family Compact Plus offers a big comfortable double bed and plenty of space inside. Drop down bed enables sleeping for 2+2 persons.

Explore the arctic region

Take a flight or train and rent a motorhome from SkandiTrip's rental station in Luleå, near Kallax airport. Visit the arctic region, get to know Sami culture and see wild reindeers and mooses. Explore Nordkap and Lofoten in Norway.

Stockholm Arlanda airport is relatively small and it is easy to find and walk from an international flight to a Kallax Luleå transfer. Below you find the official Kallax airport information with airlines arrivals and departures.

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Rent a premium motorhome in sweden with skanditrip.

Renting a premium motorhome with SkandiTrip is easy. You are assured a premium experience. The SkandiTrip motorhomes are new with maximum 2 years on the road which you directly sense when entering your vacation vehicle at pickup.

The booking process is straight forward via SkandiTrip. Firstly, you choose a premium motorhome that suits your needs. SkandiTrip offers Compact Plus, Family, Family Plus and Luxury. In the calendar you find the available motorhomes and choose pick up and drop off dates.

A premium motorhome vacation means that the service and motorhome equipment has considered everything that you as a family or group would need during your travels through Scandinavia. Not only does SkandiTrip offer the basics like leveling blocks and electric cables to connect the motorhome to 220V at camping sites but also top notch fresh pillows, bed linen and cleaned motorhomes as well as unlimited Internet access. You choose the optional service and packages in the smooth booking process of SkandiTrip.

To ease your decisions of motorhome model and packages you can reach out to SkandiTrip’s dedicated staff that are senior with many years of experience. This means a lot for you as some of your questions and decisions about child seats or route planning will be addressed in a very personal way. Emails are answered within a few hours and you may call us on the phone during evenings and weekends.

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Experience Sweden with a SkandiTrip premium motorhome. Travelling as camper in Sweden puts you in a feel-good mood as you watch huge pine forests broken up by untouched lakes and rivers running down the ice-age polished mountains. You will always be close to a lake, a river or the sea coast whereever you are in Sweden.

Let SkandiTrip inspire you and get to know about places to visit and routes to drive.

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Welcome to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The city is built on 14 islands which invite you to take part of the stockholmer’s way of life by discovering our history and experiencing our surroundings.

Plan a camping night near to the campervan rental station to get a full day of touristing in Stockholm. We recommend to stay around Stockholm the first or the last day of your camping tour.

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Sweden Road Trip: Incredible 11 Day Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Are you dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes of Sweden on an unforgettable road trip? Look no further! Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture or history, Sweden has something for everyone.

From the rugged beauty of Swedish Lapland to the uber-cool capital of Stockholm, this Scandinavian gem offers a wealth of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and culinary delights.

In this Sweden road trip planner, we’ll share the best Swedish road trip itinerary, insider tips, must-see destinations, side trips and practical advice to help you plan your own epic adventure. So buckle up and get ready for the drive of a lifetime!

Sweden road trip

Getting to Sweden

Whether you’re traveling to Sweden in a car, motorcycle, or campervan from Europe, or picking up a hire car, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this fantastic Scandinavian country.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into one of Stockholm’s four international airports, Arlanda, Bromma, Skavsta and Vasteras . With direct flights from America, Europe, the Middle East and the UK, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Sweden? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Sweden. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites along the route.

Best Time for Visiting Sweden

Whilst it can be quite cool in spring, Sweden is slowly beginning to come back to life after the long dark winter. Attractions, cafés, and restaurants start to open, but you’ll still need to bring cold-weather clothing and boots.

The temperatures are lovely in Sweden in the summer. Not getting too hot, they generally hover around 25ºc / 77ºf, and the days are long, with the sun setting around 11 pm.

Summer is the liveliest time of year, especially at the weekends when locals go sailing, hiking, and visit local nature reserves with their families. You can make the most of the long days and enjoy al fresco dining.

Midsommar , Sweden’s biggest holiday, falls around the summer solstice and generally sees the cities empty as families head to their summer cottages for the month of July .

The color of the trees in autumn brings a different feel to the country. Whilst the days are still long they are getting cooler and day-to-day life starts to move inside, with log fires and candles in restaurants and bars so you can enjoy a cozy evening.

The winters in Sweden are seriously cold, getting as low as -20ºc / -4ºf in the south of the country, and even colder in the north. There’s lots of snow on the ground, and the days are very short. However, if being in a winter wonderland appeals it’s still definitely worth a visit, just make sure you have your winter woollies packed and your vehicle well prepared.

Red barn style house surrounded by trees covered in snow

Road Trip Sweden Map & Route

This eleven day road trip from Stockholm hits all the highlights, with charming towns and cities, Viking history, modern art, UNESCO sites, and natural wonders on the itinerary.

This Swedish itinerary will easily stretch to two weeks if you prefer to slow travel and take in more sights as you go. Why not explore our side trip options, spend longer in your favorite places, and check the interactive map for attractions and landmarks nearby? 

  • Get the Travel Guides
  • Lonely Planet Sweden
  • The Rough Guide to Sweden 
  • DK Eyewitness Sweden
  • Sweden 11 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Stockholm – Uppsala – Gävle – Sundsvall – Åre – Mora – Sunne – Karlstad – Gothenburg – Halmstad – Malmö – Ystad – Karlskrona – Kalmar – Jönköping – Linköping – Stockholm

  • Distance 1899m/3056km
  • Duration 11-14 days
  • Drive Time 35 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Sweden Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: stockholm.

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of fourteen islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The largest city in Scandinavia, Stockholm is the epitome of Scandi-cool, from having one of the best-preserved historic districts in the world to being home to the first-ever open-air museum.

Start your visit to the old town of Gamla stan . Here you can explore Stockholm’s narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings dating back to the 1200s, and visit the Swedish Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum, and the Royal Armoury.

Make sure to look for Järnpojke or Iron Boy sculpture, which is known as ‘the little boy who looks at the moon’ in English. Sweden’s smalled public monument is just 6 inches / 15cm high, and the boy is often dressed in clothes by locals based on the weather!

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a Stockholm Archipelago sightseeing cruise . Climb aboard a 1906 classic archipelago cruise ship and experience the best of the archipelago on a round-trip city cruise. With a guide on board, you’ll learn about the history of the different sights you pass.

Just south of the center is Södermalm, a hip and trendy neighborhood with many independent shops and bars. It’s a great place to explore the Stockholm City Museum and the Fotografiska Museum . The latter is a former customs house that is now a museum dedicated to contemporary photography and hosts exhibitions by both local and international photographers. 

Enjoy lunch at the museum’s Fotografiska Restaurant for great food and harbor views.

Take a drive, a tram or even hire a bike for the short trip from the historical center to explore Djurgården. The island is home to more of Stockholm’s best museums, including the  ABBA Museum , Skansen open-air museum, Vasa Museum , and Nordic Museum.

Visit the local indoor market, Östermalmshallen, to see all the splendid Norwegian produce , from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. It’s a great place to sample Swedish delicacies and purchase souvenirs.

Stockholm has many top-class eateries , including several Michelin-star restaurants that you can visit for dinner. 

RELATED POST: Stockholm One Day Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

  • Where to Stay in Stockholm

Upmarket: Hotel Frantz – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Story Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Comfort Hotel Express – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Sweden . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Day 2: Stockholm to Gävle

Uppsala is a charming university city located less than an hour north of Stockholm. It is a great city to explore on a bike, with several rental shops around town. 

Visit the impressive 13th century Uppsala Cathedral . This Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Scandinavia, dominating the city’s skyline.

For more history, explore Uppsala Castle , an impressive structure built in the 1700s that now houses several museums, including the Uppsala Art Museum and the Museum of Gustavianum.

Afterward, head to the beautiful Linnaeus Garden. It’s a great place to stroll and admire the many plants and flowers. Another must-see garden about 20 minutes walk away is Uppsala University’s Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Sweden. It is home to over 11,000 plant species from around the world.

Walk along the Fyris River and stop at Güntherska for lunch and a coffee.

On your way to Gävle , stop at Gamla Uppsala . This ancient site was once the heart of Sweden’s pagan Norse religion and is home to several burial mounds dating back to the Viking Age. There’s also a museum where you can learn about the site’s history and Sweden’s folklore and culture.

Once you arrive in Gävle, visit the stunning 16th century Gävle Castle. Afterward, visit the County Museum of Gävleborg , which boasts an impressive art collection. 

If you are traveling through Gävle in December, don’t miss the famous Gävle Goat, a traditional giant straw Swedish Yule goat with magnificent horns that is erected yearly for Christmas. It has become the city’s symbol and is a popular attraction.

Walk along the Gävle River that runs through the city center. It is a lovely place to take a walk or bike ride, and there are several parks along the river where you can relax. One is Boulognerskogen, a large park just outside the city center. 

Go for dinner at Aktern & Foren for superb Italian cuisine or Sarahs for more local dishes.

  • Where to Stay in Gävle

Upmarket: Engeltofta Sea Lodge – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Clarion Hotel Winn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotell Alderholmen – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Day 3: Gävle to Åre

Sundsvall is located on the western shores of the Gulf of Bothnia and is known for its local produce including cheese, craft beer, and gin. It’s also known for its  surströmming or fermented herring, a traditional Swedish dish originating on these shores. It’s a must-try delicacy, but be warned, its powerful stuff and definitely an aquired taste!

Explore Sundsvall’s old town, a well-preserved area with several historical buildings and landmarks. While in the center, visit the Sundsvall Museum to learn more about the region’s cultural history. 

Make the most of Sundsvall’s several hiking and skiing trails. Norra Storfjället National Park is a popular destination with several paths for both novice and experienced hikers.

Visit the Kulturmagasinet , a cultural center in an old warehouse in the center of Sundsvall. It contains several museums, including an art museum and a history museum.

Follow this up with lunch at En Liten Krog (open Wednesday to Saturday).

Åre is about three and a half hours from Sundsvall. To make the drive less strenuous, stop at Östersund for a rest. Have a coffee with great sea views at Badhusparkens Café with great views of the nearby Storsjön Lake or Norra Station Cafe & Rosteri .

You won’t have a lot of time to explore Åre today, so we suggest heading to Karolinen Taljstenskrogen Are or Supper Are (slightly more expensive, but worth it), for dinner before heading to bed!

  • Where to Stay in Åre

Upmarket: Copperhill Mountain Lodge for saunas, hot tubs, and massage treatments – Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotell Granen – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Holiday Club Åre – Booking.com | Agoda

The beautiful mountain resort, Åre , is one of Sweden’s top ski resorts and is best visited between October and May when you might catch sight of the Northern Lights. It boasts Sweden’s largest downhill ski area with the longest runs at 3.7 miles / 6km!

In summer, the mountain range surrounding Åre provides exceptional hiking trails. Popular hikes include the climb to Åreskutan, the area’s highest peak, and the Tännforsen Waterfall trail, to see of of Sweden’s greatest waterfalls with a total fall of 125 feet / 38 meters and width of 197 feet / 60 meters.

Make sure to visit the medieval Gamla Åre Kyrka built at the end of the 12th century. The only preserved medieval stone church in the Skanderna mountain chain, the building takes inspiration from churches in Norway because Jämtland, Åre’s home province, was Norwegian until the year 1645.

The many rivers and lakes surround Åre are full of fish, including salmon and trout. If you are keen on angling, you can get a fishing permit in town, take a guided fishing trip, or go at it solo.

RELATED POST: Beautiful Places in Sweden: Discover the Best Spots to Visit

schweden camping trip

Swedish Lapland Side Trip

As Åre is the further point north on this road trip itinerary, its the perfect location from which to head North, for true wilderness in Laponia, as Swedish Lapland is know known, and very possibly one of the best driving roads in Sweden.

The Wilderness Road Sweden , known as  Vildmarksvägen  or  Stekenjokksleden in Swedish ,  heads along route Route 342 from Strömsund in Jämtland to Vilhelmina in Lapland, passing through Gäddede, Stekenjokk, Klimpfjäll and Saxnäs befoe arriving in Vilhelmina, from where the E45 takes you swiftly south again.

Sweden’s highest paved road is roughly 360 km long and will add about six hours of driving to your itinerary, but only if you don’t stop for photos – and you’ll find it impossible not to! This is remote Sweden at its very best, with dramatic waterfalls, hidden caves, mountain hikes, sámi dwellings, and lots of bears (more per square kilometer than anywhere else in Sweden) along the route.

The most iconic part of the drive crosses Stekenjokk Plateau, a protected Sámi heritage landscape where you’ll see rare birds and reindeer. This particular section of the road is only open from early June to mid-October each year due to snowfall so this is a side trip for the summer only.

schweden camping trip

Day 5: Åre to Mora 

Take the E14 and Route 321 to Mora . This route will take you 235 miles south to your destination, passing through Vemdalen and Sveg, where you can take breaks.

Visit the small town of Vemdalen and the charming Vemdalens Kyrka and have a coffee at Vemdalens Bovre & Café .

Make another stop in Sveg to view the giant wooden bear sculpture , the Brown Bear of Sveg. It’s an interesting take on a bear and is actually made of planks of wood nailed together. At 43 feet / 13 meters tall and weighing in at 80 tonnes, it’s definitely imposing, although to me, not terribly bear like!

After admiring the bear, stroll through the small town and have an early lunch at Cafe Cineast . Their sweet pastries are a must-try!

Once you arrive in Mora, visit the Zorn Museum and the Vasaloppet Museum . The former is a museum dedicated to the famous Swedish painter and sculptor Anders Zorn. The Vasaloppet Museum tells the story of the world’s biggest cross-country ski race that starts in Sälen and finishes in Mora. 

Finally, explore the 13th century Mora Church, one of the town’s most prominent landmarks.

For dinner, go to Kak & Plock or Heim .

  • Where to Stay in Mora

Upmarket: Mora Hotell & Spa – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: First Camp Moraparken Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Prinsgården B&B Rum Stugor – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Sweden.

Day 6: Mora to Karlstad

Sunne is a beautiful town 118 miles south of Mora. It will do you well to stop and stretch your legs at either Backa or Torsby . Both small towns offer a few stores and a café where you can get refreshments.  

Once in Sunne, visit Mårbacka , the childhood home of Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. She was the first female Nobel Prize winner for literature in 1909. Mårbacka has since been turned into a fascinating museum showcasing her life and work. 

Explore the beautiful sculpture park, Rottneros Park . Then visit Sunne Art Gallery , which showcases contemporary art from Swedish and international artists. If you are traveling through Sunne in the summer, see if you can catch a show at the open-air Västanå Teater. 

Enjoy an American-style diner lunch at Diner 45 Sunne .

Karlstad is a delightful city located less than an hour from Sunne on the shores of Lake Vänern.

Start your exploration with a visit to the Varmland Museum , one of the largest regional museums in Sweden. The museum reveals the history, culture, and art of the Varmland region, which stretches across central-west Sweden, spanning rolling hills and deep forest, and boasting some 10,000 lakes.

Another notable place to see is the Sandgrund Lars Lerin . This riverfront art gallery celebrates the works of the Swedish artist Lars Lerin. Walk along the Klaralven River or around the Mariebergsskogen public park for more scenic views of the surroundings.

Treat yourself to dinner at Blackstone Steakhouse or Baron .

  • Where to Stay in Karlstad

Upmarket: Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Scandic Winn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Solsta Hotell – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Kosterhavet National Park Side Trip

As you head south to Gothenburg, make a short detour to Strömstad and pick up a Västtrafik ferry to South Koster for the Kosterhavet National Park , Sweden’s first marine national park.

One of the most popular of Sweden’s 30 national parks, the Atlantic Ocean conservation reserve borders the Ytre Hvaler National Park in Norway and the Väderö Islands. A haven for an incredibly diverse array of over 6,000 types of sea life including cold-water coral, the park is a serene and natural environment.

The best way to see the sea life is by kayaking in the fall when seals are often spotted swimming or basking in the sun on one of the remote islands in the park. In summer, the sea is warm enough for snorkeling and scuba diving, which opens up the underwater world. If getting into the water is not for you, there are boat trips to the wider park and ocean.

schweden camping trip

Day 7: Karlstad to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city, located about 155 miles from Karlstad. Stop in Trollhättan to visit the SAAB Car Museum or the Trollhättan Waterfalls .

If traveling as a family, or you’re just a big kid, visit the Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg. It is one of the largest entertainment parks in Scandinavia. It has a variety of roller coasters, rides, and attractions, as well as live shows and concerts.

Stroll around the Haga district and have lunch at En Deli Haga or Café Husaren and make sure to try the giant cinnamon buns.

Next, explore the Gothenburg Archipelago. You can catch a ferry from the city center to this island group that offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Whilst on the water, discover the Göta Canal, a 240 miles / 390km inland waterway that links a number of lakes and rivers to provide a route from Gothenburg on the west coast to Söderköping on the Baltic Sea. The canal is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations where you can experience 200 years of history, 58 locks, boats, stunning landscapes, and Swedish culture.

If you prefer to remain in the city, visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art . It has an extensive collection of Nordic and international art on exhibit, including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet.

A museum that will delight car enthusiasts is the Volvo Museum . Here you can see vintage cars and prototypes and learn about the brand’s development.

Afterward, stroll through the magnificent botanical garden to experience over 5,000 plant species.

Enjoy dinner at the modern Bord 27 or Beerista for a great beer selection and good ribs.

  • Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Upmarket: Upper House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Lisebergsbyns B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Day 8: Gothenburg to Malmö

Once in Halmstad , visit the medieval Halmstad Castle , which dates back to the 1600s. You can explore the castle’s history, beautiful gardens, and parks.

Follow it up with a visit to the Hallands Kulturhistoriska Museum , which showcases the history of the Halland region, which today boasts a rich foodie culture, outdoor activities and adventures galore, sandy beaches and lush forests.

The museum covers the area’s Viking history and its modern-day culture. Another notable museum is The Halmstad Art Museum which includes works by Picasso and Dali. 

Relax at Tylösand Beach or walk along the Nissan River that runs through Halmstad. You can also rent a kayak and explore the river from the water. Then go to lunch at Restaurang Yoss or Hygge . 

Malmö is approximately 84 miles from Halmstad.

Visit the tallest building in Sweden, the Turning Torso . You can take a guided tour of this modern skyscraper and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the top.

Then explore the 16th century Malmöhus Castle , in total contrast to your previous stop. Afterward, head to St. Peter’s Church to admire its beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows.

Walk around Kungsparken and end your day in Lilla Torg, a vibrant square in the heart of Malmö. Dine at Restaurang Que for delicious Vietnamese food or Vastergatan for a Michelin-star experience.

  • Where to Stay in Malmö

Upmarket: MJ’s – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: UNITY Malmö – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel N Hostel Malmö City – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

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Day 9: malmö to karlskrona.

Ystad is a small and charming town less than an hour east of Malmö. It has several beautiful parks and walking trails, including the North Promenade and Charlotte Berlin’s Garden.

Visit the Ystad Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery and now a ruin. It’s in the town center and famous for history and architecture lovers.

Take a guided tour or walk around the town center, exploring its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and colorful flowers. Visit the Ystad Art Museum . It has an extensive Nordic and international art collection, including works by Picasso and Matisse.

Go to lunch at Maltes Mackor or Grandens mat . 

Karlskrona is a city and UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 113 miles from Ystad, with several beautiful buildings and landmarks.

Start your visit with the Naval Museum , one of the main attractions in Karlskrona. It showcases the history of the Swedish Navy and its role in shaping the city.

Explore the Karlskrona Archipelago, a collection of over 1,600 islands and islets off Karlskrona’s coast. You can take a boat tour, go island hopping, or explore the islands independently using the many ferries and public transports between them.

If you want to remain in town, visit the impressive Karlskrona Cathedral. It’s known for its Baroque-style architecture and stunning interior. One final place to see before dinner is the Blekinge Museum , a city center cultural history museum. 

Dine at Vinberga Vinkiosk or Restaurant Pizzeria Montmartre.  

  • Where to Stay in Karlskrona

Upmarket: Clarion Collection Hotel Carlscrona – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Scandic Karlskrona – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Arkipelag Hotel & Brewery – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Day 10: Karlskrona to Jönköping

Kalmar is a charming city located about an hour away from Karlskrona.

The most famous attraction in the city is Kalmar Castle . It’s a well-preserved Renaissance castle and is home to several exhibitions showcasing the castle’s history and the city’s culture.

Stroll through Stadsparken. It has walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful gardens. Follow it up with a visit to Kalmar County Museum . This museum has several exhibitions showcasing the history and culture of the region.

Another notable museum is the Kalmar Art Museum . It has an impressive Nordic and international art collection, including works by Matisse and Picasso. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Slipkajen or Kallskanken .

En route to Jönköping , stop in Vetlanda to rest or swim at the beautiful and tranquil Östanå Badplats.

Visit the Husqvarna Museum in Jönköping. The museum showcases the history of Husqvarna, a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power products and motorbikes. Founded as a firearms manufacturer in 1689, it is one of the oldest continuously running companies in the world.

A short walk from the museum is Rosenlundsbadet . This water park is excellent for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the water slides and other attractions.

Explore the Vättern Lake, Sweden’s second-largest lake. It offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities, like swimming, fishing, and boating.

Dine at Harrys Jonkoping or Aqua Dinner & Drinks . Check the Kulturhuset Spira website before you visit the city to see if there is a show of interest. 

  • Where to Stay in Jönköping

Upmarket: Clarion Collection Hotel Victoria – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Quality Hotel Match – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: HOOM Home & Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

schweden camping trip

Day 11: Jonköping to Linköping

Drive the 80 miles from Jonköping to Linköping .

Start your exploration of Linköping by visiting the Gamla Linköping Open Air Museum. This unique museum showcases the history and culture of the city. You can also explore the Flygvapenmuseum , an impressive air museum dedicated to aviation and the history of the Swedish Air Force. 

Next, see the beautiful Linköping Cathedral . It was built in the 1100s and is one of the tallest churches in Sweden.

Walk along the Kinda Canal to enjoy scenic views and visit Tinnerö Eklandskap, the largest preserved oak forest in Northern Europe. Full of biking and hiking trails, the forest is peaceful and full of historic nature.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at Ammos Creperi & Drinks or Stangs Magasin .

Stockholm is about 123 miles northeast of Linköping, giving you time today to get back to the capital city and it’s airports.

schweden camping trip

Sweden Road Trip Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Sweden.

  • Search for affordable flights to Sweden with Skyscanner
  • Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Sweden with Booking.com
  • Find and book the best campsites in Sweden with Eurocampings
  • Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Sweden with Rentalcars.com
  • Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
  • Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
  • Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Traveling & Driving in Sweden

Road trips in Sweden are usually pleasurable, thanks to the extensive and well-maintained road network, generally good local roads and courteous drivers.

Whether you’re traveling in your own car, touring Sweden in a motorhome, or flying in and renting a car for a driving tour, you need to follow these rules when you’re driving in Sweden.

  • You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Sweden.
  • You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
  • Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .

Rules of the Road

  • Sweden drives on the right and overtakes and passes on the left.
  • You must carry a warning triangle by law. We also recommend that you carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
  • It is compulsory for all motor vehicles to use dipped headlights during the daytime, all year round, and on all roads.
  • Vehicles driving on roads designated and signposted as primary roads always have priority.
  • On all other roads, vehicles must give way to the right.
  • Priority is given to vehicles that are already on the roundabout i.e. vehicles coming from the left.

Winter Driving

  • From 1 December to 31 March all vehicles must use winter tires marked M+S when there are winter road conditions i.e. when the road is covered with ice or snow, or the road is wet and the temperature is around or below 0ºC.
  • It is permitted to fit and use snow chains in Sweden if the weather or road conditions so require it.
  • It is compulsory for drivers to have some antifreeze in the vehicle windscreen fluid and a shovel to clear the snow. We also recommend carrying a tow rope and jump leads in the winter.

Tolls in Sweden

All vehicles driving in Sweden need to pay road toll charges. Your road tolls will be registered automatically then an invoice will be sent to the registered address of your vehicle. To make this process easier, you can automatically pay your road toll charges by registering for an Epass24 account .

When renting a vehicle in Sweden, the toll tax is usually included or paid together with the final rental bill. Please ask your car rental company to check the policy before leaving the rental depot.

Low Emission Zones in Sweden

There eight LEZ in Sweden, in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Helsingborg, Lund, Malmö, Mölndal, Stockholm, Umea and Uppsala. You can find out more about charges and what you need to do to ensure compliance here .

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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schweden camping trip

I went on an 8-month solo road trip after a breakup. I'm engaged now, but I still travel alone.

  • A few years ago, I lost myself in a relationship. After we broke up, I went on a solo road trip.
  • As I traveled across the country, I learned a lot about myself. 
  • Now, it's three years later, and I still love traveling alone even though I'm engaged.

Insider Today

In my late 20s, I left my beloved Philadelphia apartment near friends and favorite restaurants and moved to the suburbs closer to my boyfriend and work. Then my boyfriend moved to Texas for a job. After five months of long distance, the pandemic hit, and I started working remotely from his home in Houston.

These choices seemed inevitable. Following cues from media and society for most of my life, I thought being in love meant adapting to my partner's needs. Though our relationship had been unsteady , I hoped bending to the demands of his life would help repair our bond. The opposite happened: I felt like I was losing myself.

Three months into lockdown, we broke up . I returned to the apartment I had left behind in the Pennsylvania suburbs and immediately felt lost. I passed my ex's old house on morning commutes to work, and our date-night restaurant was the only Thai place in the neighborhood.

I needed time away to heal, and the time I used to spend browsing for engagement rings online was now spent scanning travel blogs on top US destinations . Over the next few weeks, I loaded necessities into my orange Toyota Corolla hatchback.

With a plan that included a few national parks and states I'd never visited, I started driving west.

A solo road trip helped me focus on my own wants and needs

During my eight-month trip, I never quite knew where I would end up and spent most nights at campgrounds or self-check-in rentals reserved only a few days in advance. A month into the trip, I also booked the only remaining spot on a guided, three-night backpacking trip to summit Grand Teton three weeks in advance.

Though incoming storms made a summit attempt unviable, we made it to base camp. I spent three days admiring the peaks above and the valley below covered in stunning white snow.

I realized that traveling without an itinerary and only a few vague ideas of where I wanted to go allowed me to focus every moment on myself.

I found myself in the small decisions as much as the large

While I still felt heartbroken and lonely at times, I discovered small ways to return to myself. During a stay at Lake Huron, I made white lemon ginger tea with water from my camping stove after an early morning bout of insomnia — a small, nurturing act of self-care. Later that day, I bought five more flavors and continued a daily tea ritual throughout the trip.

Because I was only responsible for myself on the road, I was more attuned to what I needed, and I felt myself beginning to heal. I realized it wasn't selfish to pay attention to my own needs, it was self-care. Committing to my needs and wants was critical to building confidence and independence .

I'm now engaged, but solo trips are still integral to my life

It's been nearly three years since my solo trip , and when I got home, I felt ready to date authentically. Rather than mold myself to be more desirable, I listened to my wants and needs and looked for compatibility. Within a few months, I met someone special, and a year into our relationship, I felt he was the one.

Still, I craved the feeling the road inspired. So, one weekend, I kissed my partner goodbye and went car camping alone. On the way to Upstate New York, I stopped at a pizza parlor for a personal pie with mushrooms, a topping my fiancé dislikes. Later, I spent hours climbing a rocky trail toward panoramic views of fall colors painting the Catskills.

For me, traveling alone isn't only justified when our lives feel unmanageable. Such trips are how I remember who I am. On a weekend trip to DC last month, I took myself out to a fancy Sichuan restaurant after thrifting at a trendy shop. I watched the bartender make me a custom cocktail from a secret menu, ultimately finishing my dinner and novel at the end of the bar with a sense of contentment.

While I often prefer traveling with my fiancé, we both understand these experiences allow me to show up better for myself and our relationship, and I can't wait to see where these solo journeys take us both.

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Watch: Here’s how people in happy relationships can wind up cheating

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  • ADVENTURES EVERYWHERE

Want to try bike-camping? Here’s the easy way to do it.

These five rail trails offer a stress-free and sustainable way to go on a multiday cycling trip.

A person rides a bike across a bridge on the Great Allegheny Passage.

Bike packing, where you load camping gear onto two wheels, can be a great way to explore wild corners not reachable by car. But it can be intimidating for those new to the world of panniers, tents, and Jetboil camp stoves.

Inn-to-inn bike touring, where you cycle along maintained trails during the day and stay overnight in comfortable lodgings, can ease you into a multiday wheeled adventure. Outfitters, such as Wilderness Voyageurs , can arrange three- to six-day tours on popular rail trails across the country. The Adventure Cycling Association also organizes more than a dozen inn-to-inn bike tours each year.

“Rail trails are great because towns pop up every so many miles, so you don’t have to carry a lot with you,” says Melissa Moser, a cartographer for the Adventure Cycling Association, a nonprofit that promotes bike travel. “I encourage everyone to just get out and try it, even for a night or two. You’ll learn a lot and that can turn into bigger trips.”

Part of the beauty of inn-to-inn bike packing is that they’re a cinch to plan on your own. All you need is a sturdy set of wheels (e-bikes make it even easier), a map (paper is best), and some safety gear. Moser suggests a first aid kit, a bike repair kit, a power bank, and satellite communicator, in case cell service becomes nonexistent.

From Maryland to Minnesota, here’s where to bike pack in the United States with all the comforts of home.

Great Allegheny Passage (150 miles), Pennsylvania / Maryland

The Great Allegheny Passage extends from Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, affording riders views of pastoral farmland, tumbling waterfalls, flowing rivers, and historic railroad trestles. Each year, some 200,000 thru-riders tackle this crushed limestone rail trail in one go, according to the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy. It’s common for riders to park in Cumberland, take the Amtrak train to Pittsburgh, then bike back to their cars over four days.

Trail towns crop up every 10 to 20 miles, welcoming cyclists with restaurants, ice cream shops, bed-and-breakfasts, and bike shops. “While you’re in rural spaces, you have these little oases along the way,” says Bryan M. Perry, executive director of the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy. Ohiopyle, which sits near the middle of the trail, on the banks of the Youghiogheny River, is worth a stop. It’s home to Ohiopyle State Park , whose crown jewel, 30-foot-tall Cucumber Falls, is less than a mile off the trail.

“This trip is meant to be savored, not rushed through,” adds Perry. “The trail offers the chance to meditate or pray, think, write, or do art or journal along the way.” The Conservancy sells a mile-by-mile trail guide for $10 that includes trip planning tools, mileage between towns and all the need-to-knows about parking, packing, and where to eat and stay along the way.

Favorite stays include Bright Morning Bed & Breakfast in West Newton, which is known for its hearty breakfasts, including a fluffy egg strata, and Yoder’s Guest House in Meyersdale, which has a relaxing front porch and a bike storage shed. Reserve at least two months in advance, especially if you’re planning fair-weather weekends in peak season, which runs from late April to late October.

( This grand trail will one day connect Washington, D.C., to Washington State .)

New River Trail (57 miles), Virginia

In Southwest Virginia, the forested New River Trail crosses 32 wooden trestle bridges and runs through two historic railroad tunnels. This crushed limestone rail trail is the centerpiece of New River Trail State Park and begins in Pulaski, meandering alongside the gentle New River before splitting off to two endpoints, in Galax and Fries.

Just six miles from Pulaski, the Draper Mercantile in Draper is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and bicycle rentals, if you want to cycle only a few miles. Near the middle of the trail, the state park’s new Inn at Foster Falls welcomes cyclists with warm beds and rockers. In Galax, the New River Trail Cabins offer back porch views of easygoing Chestnut Creek and the rail trail.

“Since COVID, we’ve seen a change in the numbers of people packing the trail into extended days,” says Sam W. Sweeney, park manager for New River Trail State Park. He adds that you “don’t necessarily have to do huge stretches” since there are restrooms and stops for to-go food not far off the trail.

Several outfitters offer shuttle services to get you and your bike back to your starting point, including New River Outdoor Adventures in Fries, which also rents kayaks and tubes for a paddle or a float on the New River. In Galax, stroll the nearly 120-year-old historic district for small cafés and quaint shops, such as Willow Bee Apothecary and Barrs Fiddle Shop, which makes handmade bluegrass instruments, like banjos, mandolins, and guitars.

( Here are the best paddling trips around the world .)

George S. Mickelson Trail (109 miles), South Dakota

The George S. Mickelson Trail runs south to north across South Dakota from Edgemont to Deadwood, curving across rolling hills, dense forest, wide-open grasslands, and rugged rock formations within the Black Hills National Forest . The well-groomed crushed stone and dirt path crosses close to a hundred railroad bridges and goes through four rock tunnels.

Near the middle of the Mickelson Trail is Hill City, a former mining town that today bustles with art galleries, wineries, museums, and boutiques. It’s also home to the 1880 Train , a steam engine that chugs through the Black Hills from Hill City to Keystone. Custer is also a top spot for historic architecture and artistic buffalo statues around town.

The gentle grade of the Mickelson Trail makes this mixed-use path accessible to most. An end-to-end ride typically takes three days, with overnight stops in Custer and Hill City. For this ride, a $4/day pass is required. A trail guide is available for $12 with insights on each mile. Dave’s World Tours offers a bike shuttle service up and down the Mickelson Trail.

( See the world’s most epic landscapes on these 9 train trips .)

Paul Bunyan State Trail (115 miles), Minnesota

Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest paved rail trail in the state. Pedaling south to north, from Crow Wing State Park in Brainerd to Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji, this ride lets you soak up some of the state’s stunning scenery. You’ll cycle through boreal forests and wildflower-filled meadows and skirt countless freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams.

Trail towns turn up every eight to 10 miles, affording easy access to restaurants, ice cream shops, bike repair stations, and food markets. Nisswa is a popular stop, thanks to its proximity to a coffee shop, a pizzeria, and an ale house from the trail. You can also rent bikes in Nisswa, at Up North Bike Rentals .

A thru-ride on this rail-trail is often tackled in three or four days, with overnights in Hackensack and Bemidji, home to more than 25 art works and murals as part of the Bemidji Sculpture Walk . There are several shuttle services, including Soulshine Cyclery in Hackensack. Jefferson Lines also runs coach buses between Bemidji and Brainerd.

( These are the top things to do in Minneapolis .)

Little Miami Scenic Trail (78 miles), Ohio

Ohio’s Little Miami Scenic Trail runs south to north from the northeastern suburbs of Cincinnati to Springfield, meandering for miles at a time along the banks of the Little Miami River, passing public parks and historic towns, like Milford and Lebanon. The rail trail also winds through Xenia, dubbed the “Bicycle Capital of the Midwest,” thanks to its location at the intersection of four local trail systems, including the 30-mile Prairie Grass Trail.

One pathway highlights the 2,500-foot-long pedestrian bridge that takes cyclists across the Little Miami River toward Loveland. Ample parking, plentiful restaurants, and aromatic coffee roasteries make Loveland a popular starting point with bikers out for the day. Further north is Fort Ancient Earthworks , a newly named UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 3.5 miles of Native American burial and ceremonial mounds.

( Go inside the secret world of the Hopewell Mounds .)

One way to tackle this rail trail is as a three-day out-and-back ride that begins and ends at a parking area near Cincinnati. This includes two nights in Xenia—on the way out and on the way back—so you can leave most of your gear in your hotel room for the second day’s ride. The Joan Allen House Bed & Breakfast in Xenia is a few blocks from the rail trail.

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  • ROAD BIKING
  • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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IMAGES

  1. Camping in Sweden: The Ultimate Guide

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  2. Schweden Camping / Camping In Schweden Tipps Fur Ihren Campingurlaub

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  3. Wildcampen in Schweden

    schweden camping trip

  4. Camping in Schweden: Tipps für die besten Campingplätze & Ziele

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  5. Wild camping in Sweden: this is what you should know

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  6. 🏕️ Camping in Schweden

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  2. SÜDSCHWEDEN, mit dem Wohnmobil zum Getno Gard

  3. POV: Du campst auf einer einsamen Insel in Schweden #SHORTS

  4. Trailer

  5. CAMPING

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COMMENTS

  1. Camping and campsites in Sweden

    First Camp Scandinavia's leading camping chain with over 60 destinations. Camping.se Find out more about camping in Sweden: Booking, inspiration and information. HPY Camper Booking site that gathers more than 1,300 campsites all over Sweden. Campcation Booking site that gathers more than 400 campsites in Sweden. Acamp Find and book a place to camp, focused on small to medium sized hosts and ...

  2. Camping in Sweden: The Ultimate Guide

    Wild camping in Sweden. Sweden is one of the best places in the world to go wild camping. Unspoilt areas of forest abound and Allemansrätten (the freedom to roam) is enshrined in Swedish law. In simple terms this exists to give everyone access to nature, including areas of privately owned land, but there are still certain rules about what you ...

  3. Sweden's best campsites 2023

    2. Böda Sand, Löttorp, on the island of Öland. A complete holiday village with lots of activities and a 20-km white sandy beach with shallow water. A paradise for families with children. www.bodasand.se. 3. Kneippbyn Resort Visby, on the island of Gotland. This is Gotland's only five-star camping site. www.kneippbyn.se.

  4. Sweden's best campsites 2023

    Pite Havsbad is situated on the east coast of Swedish Lapland in northern Sweden. The facility consists of a hotel, cabins and a campsite for caravans, motorhomes and tents. All types of accommodation are located next to the long sandy beach. Choose between some 40 activities, an indoor water park and outdoor pool, spa, playground, occasional ...

  5. Backpacking Sweden Travel Guide 2024

    Backpacking the King's Trail is a once in a lifetime experience…. At 270 miles (440 km) long, the Kungsleden Trek is one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in the world. This hike is what backpacking in Sweden is all about. Every year, more and more people are tackling the Kungsleden Trek.

  6. Camping in Sweden

    With a huge number of campsites in Sweden to choose from, and the generous Right of Public Access to enhance your sense of freedom, wherever you are in the country, you will find somewhere to suit your needs. With over 1,100 campsites in Sweden, you're sure to find your perfect match. Choose from nature camping close to water to family-friendly ...

  7. THE 10 BEST Sweden Campgrounds 2024 (with Prices)

    " We arrived at the camping after travelling around Western Europe for 3 weeks. " 30. First Camp Solvik-Kungshamn. Show prices. Enter dates to see prices. View on map. Cabin/Campground. 24 reviews # 30 Best Value of 374 Camping in Sweden. By Mizzyz

  8. Camping in Sweden

    If you're travelling by camper on Swedish roads, you should know about some traffic regulations: The speed limit in inner city areas is 50km/h and on country roads 70-90km/h, which is practically the same as in Germany, but on highways the speed limit is 110-120km/h, and violations are punished much more strictly than in Germany. Distances are ...

  9. The Best Wild Camping Spots in Sweden

    Fulufjället is the perfect place to camp if you want to escape the hustle of city life. This National Park is located in the southern part of Dalarna, a province of central Sweden. It is allowed to camp in 3 zones of the park. There are many activities for campers, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing.

  10. Camping In Sweden: Exploring The Best Campsites In Sweden

    4. First Camp, Malmö. Malmö is a popular location to visit in Sweden no matter whether you're planning on taking a camping trip or not. As a location packed full of culture and history, it attracts countless visitors every day. For a camping experience still close to the city, head to the First Camp Malmö beach plots.

  11. Wild Camping in Sweden: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

    Wild camping - literally, camping out in the wilderness, not associated with an organized campsite - is as close to nature as you can possibly get. The solitude and freedom you can find are unmatched. Sweden, with its long summer dusks and varied countryside, is the ideal place to try it. We know that going wild camping in a new country ...

  12. Top 5 EXCITING Spots for Camping in Sweden

    The Tofta campsite allows you to pitch tents, and it is close to a beach. The price here is €24.30. The Strandskogens Camping has a fee of €24.40, where hikers can rent rooms. There is a biker's route, a sauna, pool, and a waterslide. The campsite at Visby Strandby has a fee of €18.80, and you can enjoy watersports here.

  13. Wilderness Camping Sweden in Malingsbo

    Wilderness Camping Sweden is located in the province Dalarna, at the lake Söndagssjön, 2 km north of the small village, Nyfors. Nyfors is located 10 km north of the village Kloten. The location of Kloten is between Skinnskatteberg and Kopparberg along road 233. Find Kloten on maps >>. The camping reception is located at Nordic Discovery's ...

  14. Camping in Schweden

    Campen in Schweden. 450 Campingplätze und 75.000 Stellplätze - das Camping-Angebot in Schweden ist vielfältig. Ganz gleich, ob du dein Zelt in der Natur aufschlagen möchtest, mit deinem Van einen Roadtrip planst oder auf der Suche nach einem Stellplatz für deinen Wohnwagen bist - hier in Schweden wirst du sicherlich fündig.

  15. Durch Schweden mit dem Wohnmobil

    Wohnmobil in Schweden mieten. Wenn du das meiste aus deinem Schweden-Urlaub und der Rundreise herausholen möchtest, kannst du nach Stockholm, Malmö (bzw. Kopenhagen) oder Göteborg fliegen und ein Wohnmobil vor Ort in Schweden mieten. Anbieter für Wohnmobile und Camper zum Mieten sind beispielsweise SkandiTrip, Camper Börse und Campstar.

  16. Schweden Roadtrip: Die perfekte Wohnmobil Route zu den Nordlichtern

    Tipp für deine Wohnmobil Roadtrip durch Schweden. Die Reisezeit: Wir können dir absolut empfehlen, den späten Herbst oder Winter für einen Schweden Roadtrip zu wählen. Die Besucherströme haben sich verabschiedet, sodass du auch stärker besuchte Naturhighlights fast alleine bewundern kannst.

  17. Our Epic 2 Week Sweden Road Trip Itinerary!

    Contents: Interactive Sweden road trip map. Lapland: 4 nights. Lulea to Härnösand: 2 nights. Härnösand to Stockholm: 2 nights. Stockholm: 1 night (at least) Stockholm to Gothenburg: 3 nights. Gothenburg to Denmark: 2 nights. A little bit on wild camping in Sweden.

  18. The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

    This overnight camping kayak trip starts from the village of Dalarö, just 45 minutes from the centre of Stockholm - but feels like it's a million miles from the urban bustle. You'll paddle through the waters of the Baltic Sea, cooking lunch and dinner on a campfire then bed down for the night on a remote island.

  19. Camping Map

    On Watchlist: comprehensive camping map with campsites, cabins and camping-pitches in Sweden with contact details, opening months, pictures, reviews, prices, ...

  20. TOP 10

    Schweden ist wirklich ein absolutes Traumziel für Reisen mit dem Wohnmobil. Wir waren mit unserem Campervan 8 Wochen lang kreuz und quer im Land unterwegs un...

  21. Sweden Tour Packages & Sweden Destination Guide

    Your travels will reveal the storybook beauty and colorful history of Scandinavia. On this Scandinavian trip, you'll discover the truth behind the beloved fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, hop aboard one of Europe's most exciting train journeys and learn about farm life near Bergen. FROM. $4,378. WAS $5,150.

  22. Rent a motorhome in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Sweden

    The SkandiTrip motorhomes are new with maximum 2 years on the road which you directly sense when entering your vacation vehicle at pickup. The booking process is straight forward via SkandiTrip. Firstly, you choose a premium motorhome that suits your needs. SkandiTrip offers Compact Plus, Family, Family Plus and Luxury.

  23. Sweden Road Trip: Incredible 11 Day Itinerary

    Sweden Road Trip Itinerary Day 1: Stockholm Stockholm. The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of fourteen islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The largest city in Scandinavia, Stockholm is the epitome of Scandi-cool, from having one of the best-preserved historic districts in the world to being home to the first-ever open-air museum.

  24. A Solo Road Trip Healed Me After a Breakup. I Still Travel Alone

    A month into the trip, I also booked the only remaining spot on a guided, three-night backpacking trip to summit Grand Teton three weeks in advance. Though incoming storms made a summit attempt ...

  25. Want to try bike-camping? Here's the easy way to do it

    The Conservancy sells a mile-by-mile trail guide for $10 that includes trip planning tools, mileage between towns and all the need-to-knows about parking, packing, and where to eat and stay along ...