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Top Sweden Road Trips: Ideas for Scenic Swedish Drives

Rolling green countryside, sandy beaches and red cottages await you on a Sweden road trip. Enjoy the freedom of driving at your own pace and stopping at charming villages or pretty lakes en route to your next destination.

So which are the top itineraries for self-drive tours of Sweden ? We asked our Scandinavia travel experts, and they’ve picked out the following routes as the very best scenic drives in Sweden.

You'll also find some useful tips on driving in Sweden at the end of this article to help you prepare for your road trip.

• Explore these Sweden self-drive tour packages  and start planning your self-drive adventure

Top driving itineraries in Sweden:

1. the express sweden route – 7-day driving tour, 2. the classic sweden route – 10-day driving tour, 3. the complete sweden route – 14-day driving tour, 4. the scandinavian route – 10-day driving tour, tips for driving in sweden.

One of the best ways you can spend a week in Sweden is on this express road trip. In 7 days you’ll get the perfect mix of culture and nature, with time to take in Swedish castles, museums and lakes.

What’s the drive like?

Picture pretty scenic views that showcase the Swedish countryside, where green fields are dotted with traditional red houses. The total distance of this route is 937 kilometres (581 miles), with each driving stretch ranging between 1 to 4 hours, without stops.

Day 1 – Stockholm

You start and end this self-drive tour in the Swedish capital, Stockholm . Soak up the attractive architecture of Gamla Stan (the Old Town) where you’ll find the Royal Palace, Parliament building and medieval houses.

Day 2 – Stockholm to Örebro

From the capital hop in your rental car and drive west towards Örebro. Visit historical sites on the way, such as the castles of Gripsholm and Örebro. There are also the interesting open-air museums of Rademachersmedjorna and Wadköping.

Day 3 – Örebro to Sunne

Take the scenic route to Sunne, enjoying views of forests, lakes and rivers. Make a stop in Karlstad, endearingly known as the “city of sunshine”, which rests on the banks of a river delta. You could also take a break in Kristinehamn for a walk in the woods or along the lakefront.

• Related: What is Sweden known for?

Day 4 – Sunne to Dalarna

Discover the sculptures and gardens at Rottneros Park or visit Mårbacka, the former home of Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf . Next continue north to the region of Dalarna, which is brimming with picturesque views of forests and lakes, including Siljan. It’s no wonder why many Swedes have second homes here.

Day 5 – Dalarna

Enjoy a full day exploring Lake Siljan and the surrounding area in Dalarna. You might want to see how the traditional Dala horse is made at the Grannas Workshop in Nusnäs. Or go fishing, horse riding and swimming in Rättvik. Alternatively, look for trolls in the nature reserve around Styggforsen waterfall.

Day 6 – Lake Siljan to Stockholm

Return to Stockholm today and stop at interesting sights along the way. Head to the area around Falun to visit the Dössberget Heritage Museum and Dalarna Museum. Then how about a photo with the biggest Dala horse in Sweden? Head to Avesta where you’ll see this huge 13-metre (43-foot) tall carving.

Day 7 – Departure

Enjoy more of Stockholm today before your journey home.

• Choose an express Swedish road trip from these Sweden self-drive tour packages
• Related: 15 things to see and do in Stockholm

Experience the idyllic landscapes and exciting  cities of southern Sweden on this 10-day road trip. Not only will you get to explore the lush countryside, but also beautiful coastline, islands and lakes.

This is one of the most popular scenic drives in Sweden thanks to the charming views you’ll get from your car window. You’ll cover a total distance of 1,719 kilometres (1,067 miles), with each leg of the journey ranging between 1 to 4 hours, without stops.

You start and end this self-drive tour in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Soak up the attractive architecture of Gamla Stan (the Old Town) where you’ll find the Royal Palace, Parliament building and medieval houses.

Day 2 – Stockholm to Vadstena

Hit the road and drive southwest towards Lake Vättern. En route you can make stops at Tullgarn Palace park, Trosa and Linköping. Explore the “Old Linköping” open-air museum for an insight into life in Sweden 100 years ago. Continue to Vadstena on the shores of the lake and visit the Renaissance castle here.

Day 3 – Vadstena to Kalmar

Continue driving beside Lake Vättern on your journey to the south coast. On the way there are plenty of opportunities to stop at charming towns and villages. In Gränna, where the striped candy cane was invented, you could pick one up from one of the bakeries.

Once you reach the region of Småland, you’ll find yourself in the Kingdom of Crystal (“Glasriket”), an area renowned for traditional glassmaking. Finish the day in Kalmar where you can visit the 800-year-old castle.

Day 4 – Kalmar and Öland

From the town of Kalmar, cross the bridge to explore Öland. Spend the day enjoying the best of this pretty island, the second largest in Sweden. Discover sandy beaches, the UNESCO-listed landscape of Stora Alvaret, Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace.

Day 5 – Kalmar to Ystad

Drive to the southernmost part of Sweden today, taking the coastal route along Blekinge. You’ll arrive in the beautiful region of Skåne which is beloved for its rich culture. Visit the megalithic site of Ales Stenar, admire medieval architecture, and visit a quaint café or farm shop in Österlen.

• Related: Why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travel

Day 6 – Ystad to Halmstad

Enjoy the charms of Ystad, a place of colourful half-timbered houses, before heading on to Halmstad. En route explore Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden, and the Falsterbro peninsula with its white sands. In Halmstad admire Picasso’s Head of a Woman sculpture or discover beaches and nature reserves.

Day 7 – Halmstad to Gothenburg

Continue your drive up Sweden’s west coast to Gothenburg, acclaimed for being the most sustainable city in the world. Borrow a bicycle to explore Gothenburg on two wheels or travel down the canals by vintage boat. Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art , Feskekôrka fish market and Liseberg amusement park.

Day 8 – Gothenburg to Örebro

Head eastwards as you make your way to Örebro, home to a 14th-century castle, the open-air Wadköping Museum, and densely forested Slottsparken Palace Park. Before you arrive in Örebro, you might like to stop by Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Or check out the Göta Canal, a feat of engineering.

Day 9 – Örebro to Stockholm

Return to Stockholm but first enjoy some last stops on your journey back. Discover the open-air museum of Rademachersmedjorna as well as castles and manor houses in the region surrounding Eskilstuna town. Don’t miss Gripsholm Castle, with its pretty grounds and 400-year history.

Day 10 – Departure

See more of Stockholm today before your journey home.

• Discover these Sweden holiday packages

This complete Sweden road trip has it all: pristine coastline, historical sites, trendy cities and picturesque countryside. If you want to experience quintessential Sweden, this 14-day driving route won’t let you down.

Expect a varied drive with views of the sea, farmland, lakes and forests. You’ll cover a total distance of 2,270 kilometres (1,394 miles), with each leg of the journey ranging between 1 to 4 hours, without stops.

Drive to the southernmost part of Sweden today, taking the coastal route along Blekinge. You’ll arrive in the beautiful region of Skåne which is beloved for its rich culture. Visit pretty Simrishamn and the fortress of Glimmingehus before arriving in Ystad, a place of colourful half-timbered houses.

Day 6 – Ystad

Spend a full day getting to know Skåne. Try some local produce at the fishing village of Kåseberga, or relax on the beach at Sandhammaren. Don’t miss the megalithic site of Ales Stenar with the Baltic Sea as a backdrop. When you’re hungry, pop into a quaint café or farm shop in Österlen.

Day 7 – Ystad to Halmstad

En route to Halmstad explore Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden, and the Falsterbro peninsula with its white sands. Make a detour to Söderåsens National Park to hike amid the forests, cliffs and rivers. In Halmstad admire Picasso’s Head of a Woman sculpture or discover beaches and nature reserves.

• Related: Summer in Sweden – what to do and where to go

Day 8 – Halmstad to Gothenburg

Continue your drive up Sweden’s west coast to Gothenburg, acclaimed for being the most sustainable city in the world. On the way make a pitstop in Vargerg to see the fortress and have a bite to eat in the city square.

Day 9 – Gothenburg

Enjoy a full day in Sweden’s second city. Borrow a bicycle to explore Gothenburg on two wheels or travel down the canals by vintage boat. Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Feskekôrka fish market and Liseberg amusement park.

Day 10 – Gothenburg to Sunne

Leave the west coast behind as you make for Sunne. Take a break at Lake Vänern, the largest in Sweden. Or check out the Göta Canal, a feat of engineering. Drive through lovely green forests before arriving in Sunne.

Day 11 – Sunne to Dalarna

Day 12 – Dalarna

Enjoy a full day exploring the Lake Siljan area in Dalarna. You might want to see how the traditional Dala horse is made at the Grannas Workshop in Nusnäs. Or go fishing, horse riding and swimming in Rättvik. Alternatively, look for trolls in the nature reserve around Styggforsen waterfall.

Day 13 – Dalarna to Stockholm

Day 14 – Departure

• Opt for a complete Swedish road trip – choose from these Sweden self-drive tour packages

If you can’t choose between visiting Sweden, Norway or Denmark, then don't worry because you don’t have to.

You could explore all three countries on a Scandinavian self-drive tour . You'll see the capital cities of Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen, as well as the Swedish and Norwegian countryside.

This 10-day drive showcases a little bit of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in one go. Plus, you’ll get breaks from driving, including an overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo. The total distance is 1,352 kilometres (839 miles), with each leg of the journey ranging between 2 to 5 hours, without stops.

Day 2 – Stockholm to Kalmar

Hit the road and drive southwest towards Kalmar. Once you reach the region of Småland, you’ll find yourself in the Kingdom of Crystal (“Glasriket”), an area renowned for traditional glassmaking. In Kalmar itself you can visit the 800-year-old castle, or cross the bridge to explore Öland island.

• Related: Ultimate Scandinavia guide – the best times and places to visit

Day 3 – Kalmar to Ystad

Drive to the southernmost part of Sweden today, arriving in the beautiful region of Skåne which is beloved for its rich culture. Visit pretty Simrishamn, the megalithic site of Ales Stenar, and the fortress of Glimmingehus before arriving in Ystad, a place of colourful half-timbered houses.

Day 4 – Ystad to Copenhagen

En route to Denmark explore Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden, and the Falsterbro peninsula with its white sands. Then drive over the Öresund Bridge to reach Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Walk around the colourful harbour of Nyhavn and enjoy the fun and games at Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

Day 5 – Copenhagen to Oslo

Soak up the many delights of Copenhagen today, such as Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid statue. A great way to see the Danish capital is by taking a boat tour from the harbour. Later in the day, board an overnight ferry to Oslo.

Day 6 – Oslo

Enjoy the view of Oslo from the cruise boat as you arrive in the capital of Norway. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the city’s gems. Discover the Royal Palace , Akershus Fortress , Oslo Opera House, and the Aker Brygge area by the harbour.

Day 7 – Oslo

Explore outside the city to see some of Oslo's interesting sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Holmenkollen ski jump. There are also fantastic museums in the capital, like the Munch Museum and Fram Polar Ship Museum .

Day 8 – Oslo to Örebro

Leave Norway and make your way back to Sweden, driving across the border towards Örebro. Make a stop in Karlstad, endearingly known as the “city of sunshine”, which rests on the banks of a river delta. You could also take a break in Kristinehamn for a walk in the woods or along the lakefront.

Visit Örebro Castle then make some more stops on your return to Stockholm. Discover the open-air museum of Rademachersmedjorna as well as castles and manor houses in the region surrounding Eskilstuna town. Don’t miss Gripsholm Castle, with its pretty grounds and 400-year history.

• See more road trip options for Sweden, Norway and Denmark with these Scandinavia self-drive packages
• Related: 10 Cool facts about Denmark

Make sure to read these driving tips before you visit Sweden on a road trip.

If you need to rent a car in Sweden, remember to sign up with insurance so you know you’re covered. When you book a Nordic Visitor self-drive tour, Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Basic Theft Protection (TP), unlimited mileage and authorisation for 1 driver are already included in the package price.

Additionally, we only work with reputable car rental agencies that can guarantee high-quality vehicles.

Speed limits in Sweden

The maximum speed limit in Sweden is 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour. On some highways this increases to 120 kilometres (74 miles) per hour.

When you’re driving through residential areas, the speed limit is usually a minimum of 20 or 30 kilometres (12 or 18 miles) per hour. Other types of roads and built-up areas require different speed limits – between 40 and 100 kilometres (24 and 62 miles) per hour – so look out for the signs.

Note that speeding is monitored with cameras in Sweden, so there’s all the more reason to stick to the speed limit at all times.

Alcohol limit

As the maximum blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.02%, it is advised that you don’t drink anything at all. Anyone caught exceeding the alcohol limit will be  heavily fined and can face imprisonment.

Driving license

You don’t need a Swedish driver’s license to enjoy a road trip in Sweden. That said, you must have a full driving license, passport and proof of insurance with you when driving.

Driving requirements

It’s important to know that you must drive with your headlights turned on at all times, even in the summer and during the day. You also need to carry a warning triangle in case of a breakdown, but the rental car agency will provide this.

Swedish roads

The roads in Sweden are generally in really good condition, making your self-drive experience that much smoother. That said, we don’t recommend driving during Sweden’s winter, as the presence of ice and snow can make it challenging.

It’s also good to know that you should look out for wild animals, particularly if driving at night in rural areas.

Which of these Sweden road trips would you like to experience? Our Stockholm-based travel experts will use their expertise to organise your tour for you. They can also customise your itinerary if you’d like to spend extra nights in a particular destination or make any other adjustments.

Plus, when you book a Sweden self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, accommodation, rental car and insurance are included in the price of your package. You also get breakfast each morning, a hand-noted map and access to our 24/7 support helpline.

Get in touch with our Sweden travel consultants to start planning your road trip.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Sweden road trip, related posts, 5 top norway road trips: a local expert’s view.

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

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9 of the best road trips in Sweden: take a chance on these

Dec 1, 2021 • 7 min read

Hands up if you're excited to go on a road trip in Sweden! © Maskot / Getty Images

With rich history, vibrant traditions and glorious nature everywhere you look, Sweden is made for road trips.

The country’s comprehensive network of highways and secondary roads is well maintained, and even dirt roads tend for the most part to be relatively smooth gravel and dust than suspension-jolting rutted tracks. Though many attractions are accessible by public transportation, one of the joys of a Swedish road trip is all the unexpected discoveries along the way, from secluded lakes to endless views, charming cities and towns to archaeological sites dating back a thousand years. Here, from north to south, are nine driving routes that showcase the best of Sweden.

Best Arctic road

Kiruna to the norwegian border.

Kiruna-Riksgränsen and back; 163 miles (262km); allow at least a day

Mountains, lakes and forest are the main attractions on this gorgeous 82-mile (131km) stretch of route E10, one of the most northerly roads in Sweden. The road hugs the south shore of Torneträsk, Sweden’s largest alpine lake, passing through Abisko, one of the jewels of the national park system, and providing excellent views of Lapporten, the region’s iconic U-shaped mountain.

Unless you’re also planning on visiting Norway, you’ll have to turn around at Riksgränsen and drive back the way you came — no hardship, since even the most panoramic view looks different in the opposite direction. You can easily make the round-trip drive in a day, but if you’ve got time, spend at least a night or two in the Abisko area to experience the national park.

Best road trip for wild alpine scenery

The wilderness road.

Strömsund-Strömsund; 310 miles (500km); 2-7 days

This route makes a circuit through one of Sweden’s most spectacular alpine wilderness areas. Starting in Strömsund , drive clockwise past a string of sparkling lakes and rushing rivers before climbing onto the Stekenjokk plateau, 2884 feet (879m) above sea level. This is Sweden’s highest-altitude paved road and is closed from mid-October to early June due to heavy snow. Once you descend, continue along more lakes and rivers to Vilhelmina, then circle back south to Strömsund to complete the loop. 

Without stops you could drive this route in a day and see plenty of stunning scenery, but taking your time reveals many interesting sights and detours, including hiking trails, waterfalls, Sweden’s longest cave system, Sámi camps and church towns, local heritage centers and a variety of guided outdoor activities.

Best road trip for intriguing natural wonders

Indalsälven and the high coast.

Östersund-Örnsköldsvik; 240 miles (385km); 5-7 days

This route connects one of Sweden’s major rivers to one of its most geologically interesting stretches of coastline. As you follow Indalsälven through the beautiful Ragunda Valley worthwhile stops include Döda Fallet (the Dead Falls), a striking display of nature’s power and human folly, and Thailändska Paviljongen , an authentic Thai pavilion commemorating King Chulalongkorn’s 1887 visit to the region.

Continue to the coast to explore Höga Kusten , a stretch of shoreline that has been rising steadily since the end of the last Ice Age. The region’s many attractions include hiking trails in rugged Skuleskogen National Park, spectacular views from Skuleberget, the once-secret Cold War fortress at Hemsö and boat excursions to Ulvön. Don’t miss the viewpoint at the north end of Sweden’s longest suspension bridge, Höga Kustenbron.

Best road trip for Swedish arts and culture

Dalarna circuit.

Falun-Borlänge, 160 miles (257km): 3-7 days

A road trip through Dalarna is an opportunity to explore some of Sweden’s most beloved traditions and cultural icons, as well as striking scenery around Lake Siljan. The lakeside towns of Leksand, Rättvik and Mora are centers for local music, folk dance and handicraft traditions. North of Leksand, be sure to take the side road via the picture-perfect village of Tällberg. Near Mora, stop in Nusnäs to see hand-painted wooden Dala horses being made. Along the west side of Siljan, take the road across Sollerön, an island with many Viking graves, and hike — or take the chairlift — to the top of 1686-foot (514m) Gesundaberget for panoramic lake views. 

Other highlights include Falun, known for its historic copper mine, and the homes of the famous Swedish artists Carl Larsson, in Sundborn, and Anders Zorn, in Mora.

Best coastal road trip

Bohuslän coast.

Göteborg-Strömstad; 250 miles (400km); 3-10 days

Just north of Göteborg, Bohuslän is a stunningly beautiful region with a jagged coastline dotted with picturesque villages and historic sites. By highway, it’s just two hours from Göteborg to the Norwegian border, but taking your time on the smaller roads along the coast quickly reveals why this is one of Sweden’s most popular summer vacation areas. 

Attractions along the way include nature reserves, imposing fortresses, the outdoor art exhibit Skulptur i Pilane, thousands of ancient petroglyphs at Tanum and Sweden’s first marine national park, Kosterhavet, off the coast near Strömstad. Among the most beautiful communities are Smögen with its brightly painted fishing huts; Fjällbacka, made famous to crime fiction fans by local author Camilla Läckberg; and Grebbestad, with a vibrant guest harbor and renowned oyster fisheries.

Best road trip for castles and history

Around lake mälaren.

Stockholm-Stockholm; 250 miles (400km); 2-7 days

The heartland of the Swedish kingdom for centuries, the Lake Mälaren region brims with fascinating history and lovely scenery. Surrounding the lake are enchanting towns such as Sigtuna, founded around 970, and dozens of impressive castles including Skokloster, Strömsholm and Gripsholm. 

If you’re intrigued by ancient mysteries, don’t miss Anundshög, the largest burial mound in Sweden; the Bronze Age rock carvings at Boglösa and Häljesta; or Sigurdsristningen, Sweden’s longest runic inscription. If you love historic churches, the medieval cathedrals in Västerås and Strängnäs are must-see attractions. For a look at daily life in bygone days, stop at Vallby Open Air Museum or Rademachersmedjorna . Near Södertälje, Taxinge-Näsby Slott is a stately mansion famous for its bountiful selection of pastries — a sweet finale to your Mälaren adventure.

Best road trip for varied attractions

Around lake vättern.

Jönköping-Jönköping; about 200 miles (321km); allow 4-8 days

Long and narrow, Sweden’s second-largest lake is the centerpiece of a diverse route blending history, nature and culture. Follow the eastern shore to Gränna, famous for striped candy canes, and the gorgeous nature reserve Ekopark Omberg . Nearby are the 12th-century monastic ruins at Alvastra and Sweden’s longest runic inscription, Rökstenen. Continue on to Vadstena with its renowned medieval abbey and impressive Renaissance castle, and Motala, the “capital” of the Göta Canal, with Sweden’s longest lake beach, Varamobadet.

Tiveden National Park and Karlsborg Fortress are among the highlights on Vättern’s west side. If you have time, interesting detours around the lake include Visingsö island (by ferry from Gränna); the Göta Canal with multi-lock staircases at Borenshult and Berg; the medieval sites at Skara and Varnhem; and Lake Hornborga, beloved by birdwatchers. 

Best road trip combining nature and history

Kristianstad-Ängelholm; 250 miles (400km); 7-10 days

Sweden’s southernmost province, Skåne, has a reputation for being flat, but as this route proves, that’s only true some of the time. This road trip encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including rocky coastline, golden fields, apple orchards, wildflower-covered hills, and some of Sweden’s finest beaches. Other highlights include medieval towns and cities such as Åhus, Ystad and Lund; the mysterious ancient ship setting Ales Stenar; and Sweden’s vibrant third-largest city, Malmö. 

Skåne also has three national parks — Stenshuvud, Dalby Söderskog and Söderåsen — which protect special landscapes unique to the region. In the northwest, don’t miss the magnificent gardens at Sofiero Palace and Kullaberg, a cave-dotted peninsula with dramatic coastal views, picturesque towns and Sweden’s most powerful lighthouse.

Best long-distance road trip

Cities and coasts.

Stockholm-Göteborg or vice versa; 620 miles (1000km); 10-14 days minimum

Connecting Sweden’s three largest cities, this route takes in many of the highlights of southern Sweden, following the coast most of the way. At Södertälje, southwest of Stockholm, pick up the excursion route Utflyktsvägen , a scenic byway that terminates near Norrköping. Next, follow the E22 south to Skåne, making detours inland or along the coast as you please. Worthwhile stops include pretty Söderköping on the Göta Canal, historic Kalmar with its iconic Renaissance castle and Karlskrona, a naval city overlooking Sweden’s southernmost archipelago.

From Kristianstad, follow the Skåne route above to Ängelholm, from which the E6 highway runs straight up the beautiful west coast. If you have enough time, there are many alternative routes past fine beaches and attractive cities such as Halmstad, Falkenberg and Varberg, en route to lively Göteborg.

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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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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Denmark Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Tips & Map

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Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Deutsche Märchenstraße: Germany’s Fairy Tale Road

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

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

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.

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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5 of the best Scandinavian road trips

One of the best ways to enjoy the dramatic landscapes and sensational scenery of Scandinavia is on a road trip.

Here are some of our favourite long-distance journeys, plus a couple of shorter drives that allow you to see the best of the Scandinavia’s scenery as a quick and easy day trip.

So, whether you’re heading out on a full-length road trip or just doing a dramatic short jaunt, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Oslo to Helsinki

Total distance: 1000km

Three capital cities, two time zones and one ferry – the car journey from Oslo to Helsinki lets you squeeze in a lot of sights in a relatively short space of time.

This trip follows the fast E18 highway as it sweeps east of Oslo, across Sweden to the port of Kapellskär, on Sweden’s east coast, then continues to Turku in Finland, then finally onto Helsinki.

The first leg of the road trip, from Oslo to Stockholm, is a 600km journey that takes around seven hours. After around 220km you’ll reach the elegant lakeside town of Karlstad , which makes a good place for a lunchtime break.

Alternatively, you can carry on to another pretty lakeside town, Örebro, which is home to a 13th-century castle. The road continues east, running just north of Stockholm , but you’d be mad to miss out on visiting Sweden’s beautiful capital, which makes a great first-night stop.

The next day, it’s a 90km drive to Kapellskär, where you can catch a ferry (8–9 hours) in Finland. The ferry goes via the attractive Åland archipelago, a cluster of Swedish-speaking islands that belong to Finland and lie roughly half-way between the two countries.

Once docked at Naantali, it’s a short (15km) drive to Turku, Finland’s oldest city and former capital, and a great place to spend your second night.

The following day, it’s a 165km drive to the lively but laid-back seafront capital Helsinki , where you can enjoy boat trips galore and some great free attractions .

Renting a car in Scandinavia

Scandinavia is relatively easy to explore using public transport, but if you want to tackle any of these road trips you’re going to need some wheels.

Renting a car is easy and you can almost always take vehicles from one country to another without any hassle or extra charges – but be sure to double check this at the time of booking.

We recommend Rentalcars.com, which lets you compare rental prices from all of the main providers. Search below to find a car for your trip!

Copenhagen to Oslo

Total distance: 600km

Short on time and want a quick intro to Scandinavia? This road trip takes you through three countries and two capital cities – plus you’ll get to drive across that iconic bridge.

This trip starts in Copenhagen and ends in Oslo , but much of the journey is spent following the Swedish coastline. From Copenhagen, it’s just a 45-minute drive across the Øresund bridge ( a rather hefty toll is payable ), to the likeable city of Malmö in Sweden. Here, you can pick up the E20 to Gothenburg , then the E6 to Oslo.

You can do the whole trip in around seven hours, but it’s better to take your time to stop en route and enjoy the scenery. If you have more time, the sleepier towns of Helsingborg and Varberg make for good places to break the journey.

If you’re not sure about driving, this guide shows you how to get from Copenhagen to Oslo with public transport.

Bergen to Trondheim through Norway’s fjordland

Total distance: 920km

There are several different routes from Norway’s second city (Bergen) to its third (Trondheim).

The fastest and most direct tours sticks to the main roads, but where’s the fun in that? A more spectacular route heads north via Geirangerfjord , zig-zagging up mountains passes and over ferries, taking in gushing waterfalls and some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery.

You could do the whole journey with two long days of driving, but this is not a route you’ll want to rush – you’re best off taking a few days to make the most of landscape, and give yourself plenty of time to stop off for some walks.

Good stopping points along the way are the pretty fjordside villages of Balestrand and Geiranger, the attractive Art Nouveau town of Ålesund and the coastal town of Kristiansund.

Höga Kusten, Sweden

Total distance: around 100km

Running along the ‘world’s highest coastline’, this stunning scenic drive may be short, but what it lacks in distance it makes up for in drama.

In the province of Ångermanland, in north eastern Sweden, the E4 highway heads north from the town of Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik, though a landscape formed during the Ice Age and now protected by Unesco heritage status.

The Höga Kusten (or ‘High Coast’) drive passes through pine forests and deep valleys, plus high red granite cliffs and rock formations, with dramatic views over the islands and coastline of Gulf of Bothnia.

If you fancy stopping off en route, it’s a just short detour off the E4 to the Skuleskogen National Park, where there are some awesome hikes and trails to enjoy.

The Atlantic Road, Norway

Total distance: 65km

Frequently dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful drive’, and not without reason, the Atlantic Road runs from Bud to Kristiansund along Norway’s west coast.

The route connects the island of Averøy to the mainland, via a series of eight bridges and islets that run for more than 8km – a serious feat of engineering.

The road zigs-zags and switchbacks along the coast, crossing the mouth of a fjord, with waves often crashing alongside the cars.

Make sure you take time to stop at some of the scenic viewpoints along the way! The Askevågen viewpoint juts out over the sea about 10km north of Bud, while the Eldhusøya viewpoint, another 20km or so further along, includes a 700-metre path that runs along the top of the visitor centre out around a rocky headland for fantastic sea views. 

See also: Norway in a Nutshell: the DIY option Renting a car in Scandinavia Driving in Sweden

Taking the ferry from the UK to Norway

You may also like.

Driving in Sweden: what you need to know

Getting from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre

Overland travel to Sweden

Skip the subway with our Stockholm walking map

Stockholm to Oslo by train

What to do on a layover at Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport

Getting from Helsinki to Tallinn

Scandinavian ferry routes: which countries are linked by ferries?

Stockholm to Oslo: the cheapest and fastest options

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Sweden Scotland View Details

• Scandinavian Road Trip

(10 days / 9 nights)

• Travel Style

Explore Scandinavia by car

This 10-day tour combines the best of the capital cities of Scandinavia with a scenic road trip in the countryside of Sweden and Norway. Starting and ending in Sweden, you will get to explore the culture and history of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo including castles, palaces and museums. On the road, you will get to see picturesque towns like Kalmar, Ystad and Örebro, while soaking in the landscape along the way.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2407 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless road trip experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Trusted local travel experts
• Great customer reviews
• Carbon offsetting

— Cancellation Protection

• Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
• Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

• Explore the colourful capitals of Norway, Sweden & Denmark
• Experience the ultimate Scandinavian road trip , taking the scenic route from country to country
• Discover Scandinavian royalty by visiting castles and palaces
• Walk through the small and charming capital, Copenhagen
• Enjoy the charms of Swedish Fika in Gamla Stan (Old Town)
• Drive through the scenic countryside of Sweden , including Kalmar and Ystad
• Sail from Copenhagen to Oslo on an overnight cruise
• Visit the coast of Skåne and the mystical iron age monument Ale’s stones with an impressive view of the Baltic Sea.
• Relax by the water at Nyhavn in Copenhagen and visit the Little Mermaid

Travel style

Best seller i , castles and royalty i , classic i , countryside and natural scenery i , culture and history i , family i, driving distance, 1352/839 km/mi, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Gamla Stan (Old town of Stockholm)

Stockholm city hall, kalmar castle, ales stenar, little mermaid, aker brygge, örebro castle.

A day-by-day plan to guide your Swedish road trip.

Day 1: WELCOME TO SWEDEN

After landing at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, pick up your rental car. Then drive to  Stockholm ’s scenic city centre. After settling in at your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful city. Stroll the well-known street  Drottninggatan  where you can shop, take photos and feel the relaxed vibe of the capital city. In charming  Old Town (Gamla Stan) , you will find numerous attractions, including the  Royal Palace , the parliament, old churches, beautiful cobblestone streets and medieval houses.

Spend the night in Stockholm.

Driving distance: 40 km / 25 miles Estimated driving duration: 40 minutes (without stops)

Day 2: A SLICE OF THE SWEDISH COUNTRYSIDE

Today you will kick off your road trip to the south of Sweden. First you will stop by the picturesque town of Söderköping before reaching the city of  Kalmar , a medieval city with a rich history, making it a perfect stop for history buffs. The town features well-preserved 17 th  and 18 th  century buildings and you can visit the  Kalmar Castle , which dates back over 800 years.

Spend the night in Kalmar.

Driving distance: 410 km / 255 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours and 45 minutes (without stops)

Day 3: SWEDEN’S SPECTACULAR SOUTH COAST

From Kalmar, drive south along the coast to Skåne where we recommend a visit to Kiviks Musteri and the apple orchards. It is also recommended to stop for coffee in the picturesque town of Simrishamn . Continue to the popular attraction Ales Stenar stone ship monument, which consists of 59 massive boulders arranged in a 67 metre-long outline with a picturesque view of the Baltic Sea. You will continue your drive to the charming town of Ystad where you will spend the night.

Spend the night in Ystad.

Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 4: DRIVE TO CAPTIVATING COPENHAGEN

From Ystad , drive to Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden. Here you will find cosy cafés, eclectic craft shops and fish smokeries. Continue along the south coast to the old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo , located on the Falsterbo peninsula, where you will encounter long stretches of white sand beaches. Next, cross the famous Öresund Bridge and arrive in the charming capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen. You can explore the beautiful harbour area of Nyhavn and have fun at the amusement park Tivoli Gardens .

Spend the night in Copenhagen.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 20 min (without stops)

Day 5: SET SAIL FOR NORWAY

Spend the morning touring Copenhagen. We recommend seeing the city by foot, visiting landmarks including Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the famous Little Mermaid statue. An optional boat tour from the harbour is also highly recommended as you can appreciate the architecture and beauty of the city by water. Next, stroll Strøget street for some shopping and grab something to eat.

In the early afternoon, it’s time to drive to the port and board your cruise to Oslo. You can enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants, check out the entertainment on board or just relax and watch the sunset from the deck.

Spend the night in one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.

Day 6: WELCOME TO ENCHANTING OSLO

Sailing up the scenic Oslo Fjord, you will reach the Norwegian capital in the morning. After you disembark from the ship, get ready for a day of adventure in Oslo . We recommend exploring Oslo by foot, spending the afternoon at sights including the historical  Royal Palace and the mighty Akershus Fortress , along with the modern Oslo Opera House , and the  Aker Brygge  area along the harbour.

Spend the night in Oslo.

Day 7: EXPLORE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OSLO

This morning get an early start to explore the Norwegian capital at your own pace. Highlights include driving to the beautiful  Vigeland Sculpture Park , and the Holmenkollen ski jump which played a large role in the 1952 winter Olympics in the city.

Other options include visits to the Munch Museum and Fram Polar Ship Museum , as well as strolling the popular Karl Johans street . You will then have the rest of the day to explore at your own leisure.

Day 8: THE SCENIC ROUTE TO ÖREBRO

From Oslo, you will drive east in your rental car to Örebro. Along the way, make a stop at Karlstad , which is known as the city of sunshine. Karlstad is a beautiful place as it lies on the river delta where the Klara River and the mighty Lake Vänern meet. On your way to Örebro we also recommend a stop in Kristinehamn where you find a 15-metre tall Picasso sculpture which was donated to the city by the artist in 1964. Other sights here include the Kristinenhamn church and the Järsberg Runestone .

Spend the night in Örebro.

Driving distance: 325 km / 202 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 9: CASTLES ON THE WAY TO STOCKHOLM

This morning, visit the 14th-century  Örebro Castle  and walk through the  Wadköping  open-air museum, with buildings that date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. After a proper dose of history in Örebro, continue to the town of Eskilstuna, where you can visit the charming open-air museum  Rademachersmedjorna . This area is famous for its many castles and manor houses, including the 16th-century  Gripsholm Castle . After a day of sightseeing, continue east to return to Stockholm, where you will enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Driving distance: 197 km / 122 miles Estimated driving duration: 2 hours 16 minutes (without stops)

Day 10: STOCKHOLM AND DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy one last Scandinavian breakfast before it is time to check out of your hotel. If you have time, you may be able to squeeze in some last-minute shopping or visit a museum or two that you may have missed earlier in the trip. Head to the airport to return your rental car in time for your departure flight.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Stockholm Private Walking Tour - Old Town

Stockholm food walk, stockholm archipelago boat tour, stockholm by bus & boat - audio guide, dinner buffet – dfds cruise, oslo private walking tour, oslo sightseeing tour, oslo sightseeing tour – fram museum & norwegian museum of cultural history, oslo sightseeing tour – museums & fjord cruise.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 8 nights
• DFDS cruise: Copenhagen - Oslo (1 night)
• Daily Breakfast
• Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 10 days (for two authorized drivers)
• Pick up/drop off rental car at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
• Carbon offsetting the package
• Nordic Visitor's Scandinavia Travel Guide
• Maps & Detailed Personal Itinerary Scandinavia
• 24/7 helpline
• Taxes & service fees

Not included

• Flights to/from Sweden
• Gasoline/Petrol
• Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
• Entrance fees to attractions (unless otherwise stated)
• Fees for GPS, ferries, tunnels, toll roads, parking and any other driving expenses
• Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

• Cancellation Protection

These should tide you over until you can see Sweden for yourself.

Driving in Sweden

Stockholm Old Town

Ystad in Sweden

Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen

Oslo Town Hall

Orebro Castle in Sweden

+4 more from this tour

Vigelund Park in Oslo

Stortorget in Stockholm

Kalmar in Castle in Sweden

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Wonderful experience

The tour gives a good overview of each country visited. The accommodation were good to perfect especially on the ferry to Oslo. I would advise to rent a small car since parking spaces are tiny in the city garages. Your recommended sightseeing places were interesting and worthwhile visiting. Overall a wonderful experience which hope to repeat.

George, United States

Scandinavian road trip, september 2023, very pleased with nordic visitor.

We were very pleased with Nordic Visitor. Juliana, our travel consultant, served us well, responded very quickly and thoroughly to our emails with questions, and handled the one problem we encountered very quickly.

Ellen, United States

Scandinavian road trip, july 2023, love the flexibility.

This was my third trip with Nordic Visitor and recommend your services often. I like the sense of knowledge and security that NV provides. I also love the flexibility of taking an offered experience and the ability to add some custom days/activities.

Angela, United States

Scandinavian road trip, august 2023, everything was handled perfectly.

I didn't add any extra features to my trip but everything was handled perfectly. Jemima made me a very clear and easy to follow itinerary with all the key information needed for my trip. I went with the standard accommodation package and was blown away by the quality of just about every hotel, especially the included breakfasts. Each day was planned well and the highlights suggested were easily some of the best parts of the trip. The rental car was exactly what I needed for my 10 days and was very fuel efficient. The communication and overall organisation was exactly what I had hoped for during my first time trip to Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. There are honestly not even many things I can think to criticize about the entire experience and have already recommended it to others. Next time I'd love to stay even longer in the bigger cities (Stockholm and Copenhagen especially). The cost was well worth it and I am hoping to be able to do another trip again in the future!

Kyle, United States

Scandinavian road trip, september 2022, excellent tour.

This is our second Nordic visitor tour and we were mostly pleased with the overall results and tour. I would strongly recommend that for driving tours that the tour documentation include information about parking. None of our hotels included parking (which is fine) but locating parking was VERY challenging, and even though many of the hotels have the option to reserve a spot, this was not indicated by Nordic Visitor. The challenge of dealing with finding parking added a negative stress to the end of each day that could have easily been alleviated with a few extra sentences in the guide book. Otherwise our tour was excellent.

Gregory, Canada

Accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

Enjoy the journey, in the rental car of your choice.

VW Polo (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Economy
• Passengers: 5
• Suitcases: 2
• Operation: Automatic

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Compact

Toyota Corolla Station Wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate Wagon
• Suitcases: 4

Toyota Avensis Station Wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Station Wagon
• Transmission: Automatic

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate SUV

Price per person from

Tour Information

We recommend that all our travellers read through the following information about driving in Scandinavia, what the tour includes, accommodation and other useful information for your travels.

ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS This is a self-drive tour, which means you will follow a detailed and personalised itinerary during your road trip in Scandinavia. No dedicated driver or tour guide is included. All accommodation, rental vehicle, and other planned activities or added services will be pre-booked by Nordic Visitor (as specified in the itinerary). As this is a self-drive tour, you are welcome to stop when and where you choose on your drive. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to explore and discover Scandinavia, we recommend one of our guided small group tours , where you travel with a local, experienced tour leader.

ACCOMMODATION Our team of local travel experts carefully select hotels around the country based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Please note, that in Scandinavia our room types are based on European standard sizes. For instance, a double bed often consists of two single beds pushed together. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, a rollaway or a sofa bed, and a single room is often smaller than the standard double.

DFDS CRUISE The overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo includes cabin accommodation (comfort or quality cabin with windows) with private facilities, car space and breakfast is included. There are two ships operating on the route, Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways, and each ship can accommodate approximately 1.800 passengers. On board you find restaurants, bars and activities.

• Departure from Copenhagen: 14:15
• Arrival in Oslo: 09:15

DRIVING IN SCANDINAVIA

For information on driving in Scandinavia we recommend that you take a look at our travel guide for driving in Norway. It is very similar for the rest of our Nordic countries. There you will find handy information on tolls, ferry routes, tunnels and more! In general, the roads in Scandinavia are of high standard and are well-maintained. Rural roads are generally two lanes and can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas. Scandinavians drive on the right side of the road.

PARKING IN THE CAPITALS OF SCANDINAVIA Parking and overnight parking at hotels (most hotels in small towns and the countryside have free parking) , fees for parking meters or parking garages, fines for parking violations or towing charges are not included in the package price. Parking fees in Scandinavia are typically between EUR 10 and EUR 50 per night, depending on the type of parking. We always recommend that you inquire about the best parking option when you check in at your hotels.

CURRENCY RATE All bookings are charged in Euros (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two working days by one of our travel consultants, who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

CARBON OFFSETTING YOUR TOUR Nordic Visitor is working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours. Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund.

Scandinavian Road Trip / Attractions

Scandinavian Road Trip / Included

Scandinavian road trip / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

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The Ultimate Southern Sweden Road Trip

In September, we started our moms trip up in Scandinavia with a tour through southern Sweden. We met my mom and her lovely friends, Karen and PO, who showed us all around their home. It was an awesome start to our trip to be hosted by such kind and welcoming hosts who spent so much time touring us around and introducing us to Sweden.

If you’re planning a trip to southern Sweden, check out this itinerary on how to make the most of a road trip through the south of Sweden (and Denmark!).

Table of Contents

Day 1: Copenhagen

Surprise! This southern Sweden road trip itinerary actually starts in Denmark. The south tip of Sweden is connected to Denmark by bridge and it would be a shame not to pop over and visit this neighbouring country. Plus, most international flights will be a lot cheaper and easier flying into Copenhagen.

You can spend your first day in Copenhagen playing at Tivoli Gardens, admiring the views of Nyhavn, checking out the royal palace, climbing the Round Tower, hitting some museums and seeing Copenhagen from the water on a canal tour. For more on our rainy day in Copenhagen , check out that post!

Day 2: Castles & Rocks

A royal morning.

On your second day, you’ll leave Denmark and explore some of southern Sweden. Head out on the castle route where you’ll catch glimpses of some of the cool little castles dotted around Sweden.

These aren’t giant castles like Versailles or Buckingham Palace. But they are still castles! And the coolest part is that because they aren’t big name castles, you’ll likely have them all to yourself.

The best castle we visited was Marsvinsholm Castle , located in Ystad, Sweden. The land was owned in the 14th Century by the Danish royal family and the castle itself was built in the 1640s. Since then, the castle has switched owners quite a few times, bouncing between Swedish and Danish ownership. Today, the castle is privately owned but the public is welcome to walk around the outside and adjacent garden.

We had all of Marsvinsholm to ourselves when we visited. I loved seeing the castle up close, and the moat all around it that was full of ducks. I’d be happy to move in if they’re looking for new tenants!

A cozy lunch

After a morning of castles and countryside, it’s time for a cozy and cute lunch stop. We had lunch at the delicious and adorable Olof Viktors . I definitely recommend a stop at this place! It’s an old house that has been turned into a bakery and cafe, but still has all the charm, separate rooms and tiny doorways of a house. And the food is amazing! I had a great crayfish sandwich and I’m still dreaming about the amazing carrot cake I had.

Following lunch, you can pop into the store next door and pick up some more Olof Viktors to take home. They make fresh bread, pastries, cookies and a bunch of cool spreads and spices. If you’re looking for the perfect southern Sweden souvenir, you’ll find it here!

Afternoon amongst the rocks

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the Swedish bakery, it’s onwards to Ales Stenar . I like to think that Ales Stenar is southern Sweden’s version of Stonehenge. It’s an ancient viking site, likely where chiefs would meet as it has a perfect vantage point over the land and sea. It’s not a burial ground, as no body remains were found. But others have theorized that it was used to build ships or as a life-sized sun dial.

Whatever it was used for, it’s super cool! A short walk finds you at the top of a hill where a giant circle of humongous rocks await. And unlike Stonehenge, you can actually go up and touch these rocks and walk amongst them. When you’re done admiring the rocks, you can walk over to the cliff’s edge and see the Baltic Sea. Just be warned that it’s very windy by the edge!

The coolest part was when we visited in early September, we had this place all to ourselves! It was only as we were leaving that a few more groups started to show up. But even then, there was never more than a dozen or so of us up there.

Stroll through Ystad

Your last stop of the day is a stroll through the super cute town of Ystad , located quite close to Ales Stenar. I loved seeing the little houses, most with rose bushes out front, and beautiful old buildings. We walked around a church and its garden, a lake with tiny little fairy houses on its shores, and through a cobble-stone shopping street. I couldn’t get enough of the adorable doorways!

Traditional crayfish dinner

If you really want to take your southern Sweden trip to the next level, end your night with a traditional crayfish dinner . Our amazing hosts went above and beyond to prepare this for us, buying crayfish in advance and even setting up with crayfish-themed plates, hats and streamers (yes, these exist in Sweden). And it was delicious!

Day 3: Lund & Malmo

Lund in the morning.

On Day 3 of your southern Sweden road trip, it’s time to explore the most well-known towns in the neighbourhood. Start your morning in Lund, the adorable university town that won my heart pretty quickly. I can see why my friends enjoyed studying abroad here!

I really loved walking around this cute town, especially the Lund University buildings . They’re beautiful and definitely a nice place to stroll if the weather is good. For more of the outdoors, you can head to the Botanical Garden or Stadspark, as recommended by our host, Karen. Or if you prefer to head indoors (especially in bad weather), check out the Lunds Konshall art gallery in Martenstorget or Skissernas Museum, a museum of sketches, which I’d love to check out on our next visit.

And you definitely need to make it to the Lund Cathedral . Check their website to see what time their astronomical clock show is happening (times change depending on when during the year you’re visiting). To be honest, the show isn’t anything to get excited about. But the clock is worth seeing! And while you’re there, you should also check out the crypts in the basements. There’s even a legend about the giant who built the church. Go find him!

For lunch, we went to Gattostretto , an authentic Italian restaurant with a very simple menu. There are only a few options, but the food is great. And the restaurant is built overtop of the ruins of the original Lund Cathedral, so be sure to pay a visit to the bathrooms in the basement!

On the way out of Lund, we stopped at a couple of chocolate shops (I never say no to chocolate). I would definitely recommend visiting Chocolaterie Hovby No 9 . This place is a true hidden gem – you have to walk through two courtyards and then a set of stairs down into a tiny basement chocolate shop. And they only use dark chocolate. But the flavours are pretty incredible! In true Ang style, my mother cut up each chocolate into tiny pieces so we could all sit around the table and do a taste test.

Malmo in the afternoon

After lunch, it’s time to visit another well-known town in southern Sweden, Malmo. To be honest, I didn’t find Malmo as charming or cute as Lund. But it’s definitely still worth a visit. And hey, maybe you’ll like Malmo better! It’s like a New York vs LA thing.

We started our time in Malmo with a canal tour , and I think it’s a great way to learn more about the city and get oriented. It was fun to be out on the water, learning about the history of Malmo and seeing some of the sights from our boat. Highly recommend!

Following our boat tour, we wandered through town, checked out City Hall and some of the cute squares with restaurants and shops, like Lilla Torg . We also walked over the water and saw the shoes of famous Swedish people and cat statues on the steps. If you’re into museums, Karen suggests the Moderna Museet Malmö for modern art (there was a Warhol exhibit on while we visited which would have been fun to catch) or the Malmö Museum, located inside the Malmo Castle.

And, of course, you have to make time for fika while you’re in Sweden. We stopped at a great little cafe in Malmo (that I can’t remember the name of) and got our fill of cakes and coffees. It’s one of my favourite Swedish traditions!

Need more time in Lund or Malmo? Feel free to visit just one city per day and extend your trip by a day! 

Day 4: Hamlet’s Castle

Ferry to denmark.

From your base in southern Sweden, you’ll drive out to the Swedish town of Helsingborg . You’ll then take a ferry across the Øresund Strait to the Danish town of Helsingør . The ferry crossing is very short, at just 20 minutes, but the ferry itself seems pretty fun with a restaurant, cafe and bar. Our host PO was telling us that some people just ride the ferry back and forth!

Once you reach Denmark, you’ll have a short walk until you reach Hamlet’s Castle, aka Kronborg . This is the castle that Shakespeare based Hamlet in, despite never having visited the castle himself. But friends of Bill’s visited and described the place in such detail that he decided to set Hamlet there. And thus, it’s become known as the Hamlet Castle! They even put on a performance of Hamlet on the castle grounds, which would be very cool to see.

The castle itself is beautiful. We arrived towards the end of the day and, honestly, I would recommend going late. We had lots of the castle all to ourselves as most of the other visitors had left. We started by touring the royal apartments and the tapestries. The great hall was very impressive, just by its sheer size. There was also a Hamlet room showing off all of the famous actors who have played the titular role.

But the best part was the casements. The basements of the castle were where the soldiers used to live. The casements were huge! There were tons of hidden little spots and apparently bats live down there as well. I couldn’t believe how big the casement area was. We also saw a statue of Holger the Dane down there, a hero from Danish legend who will defend the country in times of need, and who entices Danes to visit the castle. Our tour guide (I highly recommend going on a tour of the casements) explained that English-speakers come to the castle for Hamlet but Danes come for Holger.

Traditional midsummer dinner

For our last dinner in Sweden, our awesome hosts treated us to a traditional midsummer dinner , even though midsummer had already passed. It was the perfect end to our southern Sweden road trip! On the menu? A classic Swedish dish: herring! And while some people can’t stomach it, I actually enjoyed it. I mean, I won’t be ordering it for dinner or anything but it wasn’t bad!

We also had home made salmon, Swedish meatballs, potatoes, pickled cucumbers, ligonberry jam and gravy. The perfect (and delicious) Swedish meal!

Where should you base yourself for a southern Sweden road trip?

We stayed at Karen and PO’s beautiful home just outside of Lund. Their home was so nice and it was such a treat to be able to stay at someone’s house, play with their dog and have homecooked meals. But just in case you can’t find such great hosts for your southern Swedish trip, I still recommend staying in or near Lund. From their home, we were never more than an hour’s drive from any of the stops on the itinerary. Plus, Lund is such a cute town and would be a great base for this trip!

Tips & tricks for your southern Sweden road trip

• This might not be news to you but Sweden is COLD! We visited in early September and it was really chilly. My weather app told me it would be around 19 degrees but 19 in Sweden is different than 19 in Prague. We were in pants with sweaters, coats and scarves most days. I would certainly recommend layers (and maybe visiting in summer).
• The easiest way to visit southern Sweden is to fly in and out of Copenhagen. We found flights from Prague to Copenhagen for just $25 each!
• Another tip you probably have heard but bears repeating: Sweden is expensive! Scandinavia is pricy and Sweden is no exception. While you can stick to a budget, this isn’t a cheap destination, so come prepared.
• The best way to do this road trip is definitely with a car. While you can certainly get to some of these places by train or public transport, not all of them will be accessible. I would recommend renting a car for your trip!
• It’s really not a trip to Sweden if you’re not stopping for fika. Fika is a Swedish tradition of taking time out of the day to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good pastry. We enjoyed daily fika and it’s definitely a routine I’d like to adopt in my everyday life.
• As I mentioned in my Stockholm tips post , English is widely spoken in Sweden and Denmark and you won’t have any problem only speaking English. In fact, I would bet most people in Scandinavia speak better English than we do!
• Even though both Denmark and Sweden are Schengen countries, and therefore theoretically borderless, Sweden has begun checking passports at their border. Due to recent immigration and migrant influxes, this policy has come into effect (read whatever racial undertones you will into that). Regardless, you should have your passport or ID with you anytime you’re planning to enter Sweden.
• As awesome as this southern Sweden road trip is, it’s even better if you have two kind, knowledgeable, generous and incredible hosts like we did. Karen and PO, thanks again for showing us such a wonderful time in your home!

We had the best time on our southern Sweden road trip! I was lucky enough to visit Sweden twice in a span of a few weeks (you can check out my 3 days in Stockholm ) and I have to say, I’m a fan! I would definitely love to go back to Sweden and see more of the country.

Help a fellow traveller plan their southern Sweden road trip – Pin it! 

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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11 comments.

This trip looks amazing! Especially the castle! 😊

I’d love to visit some day!

Love Lozza xo

Thanks, Lozza. We had a blast! Hope you make it to Sweden soon!

Looks very beautiful, I would love to explore Sweden…

Thanks! Definitely a beautiful place and I hope you get to visit soon.

Daily fika sounds like the practice for me. It would do wonders for people to just set aside that little bit of time. Your days were certainly packed with wonders; the cheesecake looked amazing, and I love the circle of rocks. Right out of an old fairytale. .

Thanks so much, Jaya! Yes, can never say no to fika!

Out of these places I’ve only been to Copenhagen and Malmö and liked Malmö so much better. But I’ve heard really good things about Lund.

Thanks for reading and commenting! Glad to hear you enjoyed Malmo. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Copenhagen. Hope you get to visit Lund soon!

Love to spend time near Sea !

Thanks, me too!

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9 Day Scandinavian Road Trip Itinerary

I bought a Volvo through the overseas delivery program. This means that even though I live in the United States, I had a car, my car, to drive around Scandinavia for up to two weeks. I had the privilege of taking this trip with my father and one of my sons. We picked the car up in Gothenburg, Sweden. The possibilities of what to use our time for seemed endless, but we decided the thing we most wanted to experience were Norwegian fjords, so we headed toward Norway to make our Scandinavian road trip dreams come true.

We had a little over a week to explore Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, so we made our plan for a 9-Day Scandinavian road trip. We concentrated on Norway since that was the county that most intrigued us. Enjoy planning your road trip around Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Start in Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenberg was a bit off of our radar, but we came to pick up my Volvo at the factory. We were delighted that we had a chance to experience the waterfront of this western Sweden city. We had nine days to explore Europe with the car. It is the perfect starting point for a loop trip around western Sweden , central and southern Norway , and Denmark .

We stayed the night at the Clarion Post Hotel , lovely and ideally located for exploring Gothenburg on foot.

You can read more about the first three days of my trip in Exploring the Coast of Western Sweden .

Day 2: Drive through Western Sweden to Oslo, Norway

Our drive up Sweden’s coastline provided stops at an exciting stone burial ship and castle. We especially enjoyed exploring the gorgeous medieval town of Fredrikstad, Norway.

We then drove on to Oslo, where we stayed at the Oslo Thon Hotel , which had an excellent breakfast buffet and is located right near the Opera House. (3 1/2 hour drive time)

Day 3: Explore Oslo, Norway Followed By an Evening Drive to Flam

From our hotel, it was an easy walk through downtown to the palace. Most of the museums are farther away from the town center but are worth a visit. (4 1/2 hour drive time)

Day 4: Explore Flam, Norway

Our time exploring around Flam was my favorite day on the trip. We stayed at the  Flåmsbrygga Hotel right on Norway’s longest fjord.

Day 5: Drive to Bergen, Norway

We took the long way to Bergen because we wanted to chase waterfalls. We saw some incredible ones and a pretty unbelievable public restroom. Read about exploring the nearby Waterfalls Valley . Nowhere did I more understand how Norway became associated with trolls then by hiking through the moss-covered rocks among the brightly colored saxifrage flowers in these mountains. (3-hour drive including a fabulous ten hairpin road under a waterfall)

Day 6: Explore Bergen, Norway and Drive to Stavanger, Norway

These two seaside towns on the western coast of Norway were fun to explore. Our favorite part was taking the funicular to the top of Bergen. The view was outstanding, and there are the sweetest goats at the top! We stayed at the Bergen Thon , which was fine and close to town, but if I visited again, I would splurge and stay in at the  Radisson Blu Royal Hotel , which is right on the harbor. (4 Hour drive to Stavanger).

Day 7: Explore Stavanger, Norway, and Take an Overnight Ferry to Denmark

We wanted to break up the drive to Stavanger, so stayed overnight at the Grand Hotell in Stord . Stavanger surprised us. It was just the easiest place for us to catch a ferry, but it has a lot to offer about how Norwegians immigrated to the United States and the petroleum and canning industry. The ferry ride was very convenient, like a cruise ship with hundreds of cars below. After a good night’s sleep, we woke up in Hirtshals, Denmark. (10-hour ferry ride)

Day 8: Drive through Denmark to Copenhagen

It is a 4-hour drive to Copenhagen, and you get a chance to see the farms and forests of Denmark. Read more about our time in Copenhagen, viewing the spring colors at Tivoli Gardens , one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Day 9: Visit Hamlet’s Castle, then Take a Ferry to Sweden.

Kronberg Castle is just one hour north of Copenhagen. We stayed at the Stand & Badehotel Marienlyst  in Helsingør. Although it was hard to find, the decor in the rooms is among the prettiest I have ever seen, and the buffet breakfast right on the water was unbelievable! The ferry back to Sweden only takes about 30 minutes, and the drive back to Gothenburg is less than 2 hours.

Riding Ferries in Scandinavia

We are water-loving, boat people who found all the different ferries one of the most exciting parts of the trip. They are deceptive from the outside- they hold so many cars and big trucks. The cafes on-board provide a perfectly timed pit stop, and they often saved us hours of driving. Talk about lunch with a view! They all accepted credit cards, and only the overnight ferry required a reservation.

How is it Driving in Scandinavia?

Other than there being a lot of construction in Norway, Scandinavia is a delight to drive in. The roads are very well-maintained, wide, single, or double-landed highways— really one of the easiest areas in the world in which to drive.

And you will drive through some neat and long tunnels in Norway. The Lærdalstunnelen right outside of Bergen is over 15 miles long, perhaps the biggest traffic tunnel in the world!

What are the Costs of a Scandinavian Road Trip?

Although Norway produces a majority of the gasoline in the world, Norway’s fuel is the most expensive in the world due to the high taxes! It must be how they pay for the excellent roads. Sweden is the fourth highest, so it will still eat up a lot of your budget.

Sweden and Norway also have toll roads. The tolls are all taken with cameras, so you need to set up a toll pass online, preferably before you start driving. Volvo paid our tolls in Sweden. You can deal with yours here —register as a foreign driver in Norway here, which will also pay for your Norway ferry charges.

Look for your rental car here:  Compare Car Rental Rates in Norway .

Possible add-ons to your road trip

I am pleased with the choices that we made for spending our time in Scandinavia. If I had more time, I would do the following:

• Explore Stockholm. I have never been to this capital of Sweden and hope to one day, but it is a 7-hour drive from Gothenberg, and I had my sights set in the other direction on Norway! When in Stockholm, I would love to explore the Stockholm City Hall and learn more about the government there.
• Spend more time in Norway and travel north. We waited until the last moment in Bergen to decide not to do this. The main reason we chose to go south was the freak April snowstorm that hit while we were in Flam. By April, I am so done with snow.
• Climb to Troll’s Tongue or Trolltunga. This 5-hour hike to an outcrop dangling high over a fjord is not too far from Stavanger in southern Norway. Neither my 70-year old father nor 10-year old son was up for this hike, but I would love to return to do it.

In only over a week, we saw stone circles, cute fishing villages on the Norwegian, Baltic, and North Seas, snow-covered mountains, fjords, and one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. It was one of the best road trips I have taken. I hope this Scandinavia road trip itinerary helps you make your Scandinavia road trip dreams come true!

Where have you taken your favorite road trip? Please let me know in the comments.

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

32 thoughts on “9 Day Scandinavian Road Trip Itinerary”

I love this road trip, and will definitely be using this itinerary for planning! Than you so much for sharing this epic adventure

Have a great time on your adventure, Bruce!

I’m so glad I found your site & itinerary. My family will be taking advantage of the Volvo overseas delivery program this summer. Did you pass any glaciers during your travels? We’re wanting to walk up to or get really close to a glacier but will be traveling with an infant which disqualifies Glacier hiking. The Nigardsbreen glacier seems like too much of a detour but I’m not sure if the Fjaerland glacier is one that you see in the distance or if you’re able to get close. Thanks for documenting your adventure!

How fun, Crystal? What car are you getting? We did not see any glaciers that I knew of on this trip, although I did in Iceland. Have a great time!

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I first read this to learn more about Gothenburg, but then saw that you helped answer other questions of mine. My husband and I are flying into Copenhagen towards the end of June and spending a quick 8 days driving through 4 countries. We plan to stay one night in Gothenburg, and hope to do a night somewhere along the southern Norwegian coast so that the next morning we can catch a ferry to Hirtshals and proceed south to Hamburg and finally back to Copenhagen. So my question for you is….. did you ever have a desire to ride a European train? We are trying to decide if we will rent a car the entire time or only part of the time. You mention has expensive gasoline is…. so I am guessing that train fare may actually save us money as would NOT having to drive a car onto a ferry. What do you think? Thanks so much, Maggie

Maggie- We went on this trip for the main purpose of using our car, so didn’t explore trains. At one point I looked into going to Stockholm and would have left the car in Gothenburg to do that, because the train there was faster and inexpensive. I have taken trains through Italy, France, Austria and Germany and it has been a great way to travel. It is definitely worth comparing. Have a fabulous trip.

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I have never heard of this overseas delivery program, and honestly it sounds like the most amazing perk to buying a car EVER. But even without that, I have been really wanting to explore Scandinavia, but unable to choose just one area to base myself. Maybe this is seriously what I need to do! This is an awesome itinerary.

Good luck. I hope you get there soon!

This Volvo overseas delivery program is new to me, and I have to say it is pretty interesting concept ! What a smart way to incentivise customers to buy Volvo ! Will certainly check out the price offers in my country ! =p From your photos, I guess Norway is my favourite ! Love the nature trail at Stalheimfossen ! Also, those colourful houses at Nyhaven is so cute ! Love to plan a Scandinavian road trip some day ! =)

This Scandinavian road trip looks amazing! I’ve only ever been to Stockholm and I fell in love with the minimalistic vibes and Nordic environment! I dream of visiting Bergen, Norway and this road trip looks like it shows the best of the best.

It’s nice to hear about some of the smaller or lesser-known places, especially Flam, which I’d never heard of before. I would have loved some more information about the places though, particularly about the history or the stone burial ship

What an informative itinerary you have put together. I have been to all these places but only by plan though I would really like to do a road trip through Scandinavian like this one. So I can take everything in more and go at my own pace. Thanks for the tips about the trolls too because I would have never known and would get caught with a fee.

How did you get around last time?

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Was wondering what time of year you did this- I didn’t sure it in there but might have missed. We are taking a sort of last minute planned trip early November and wanted to see if there was a possibility to plan a similar itinerary?

We did our road trip in April.

We too are buying our Volvo through Overseas Delivery, this June. Thanks for all the ideas. We may spend 14 days in Sweden and perhaps a bit in Norway. Scenic drives, beautiful hotels, and exploring cities by foot are what we have in mind.

Have an amazing trip! BTW we still love our Volvo as much as we did five years ago!

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10 Spectacular Stops on a Sweden West Coast Road Trip

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date April 8, 2024
• 3 Comments on 10 Spectacular Stops on a Sweden West Coast Road Trip

When you hear of Sweden, usually the first – and often only – thing you hear about is the capital city of Stockholm. While there are a lot of things to do in Stockholm that make it a huge tourist draw, there is much more to Sweden than Stockholm. In fact, the rugged Sweden west coast is one of the country’s most fascinating areas.

From islands once believed to be uninhabitable to quaint fishing villages and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat, the west coast of Sweden is beautiful, scenic, and most of all relaxing. And a west coast Sweden road trip is the best way to experience this part of the country.

What area is considered West Sweden?

Technically, the region known as West Sweden extends north as well as slightly south from Gothenburg and includes the provinces of Bohuslän, Dalsland, Västergötland, and parts of Halland. It does not include the province of Skane or the city of Malmo. However, if you are taking a West Sweden road trip, you could easily extend it downward to the cities of Helsingborg, Lund and Malmo.

This region is famous for its rocky coastline and thousands of small islands. As you move inland from the West Sweden coast, the landscape transitions to forests and lakes, offering a different type of outdoor activity than you will find along the coast. 

What to know about traveling the West Coast of Sweden

Although most of Europe is extremely well connected by train, if you want to visit the charming villages and experience the Sweden west coast, you must either rent a car or take a bus.

Although we considered traveling in Western Sweden by bus, doing so was going to take much longer. Instead, we opted to rent a car and do a self-guided road trip along the west coast of Sweden.

We were traveling from Copenhagen, Denmark to Oslo, Norway as part of a 12-day Scandinavia trip and wanted to spend a few days exploring Sweden on the way.

We took a train to Gothenburg and rented a car from there. However, if you decide to drive from Copenhagen, you’ll have the opportunity to check out all the great things to do in Malmo, Sweden , as well.

It’s one of the most popular towns in Sweden and one of the easiest to visit because of its proximity to Copenhagen. Our train stopped in Malmo, but we didn’t have time to explore before we had to catch our next train to Gothenburg.

Renting a car in Sweden was moderately priced. Although the daily rate was affordable, where you can end up blowing your budget is if you rent a car in one country and drop it off in another. Although Gothenburg and Oslo are only 3 1/2 hours away from each other, it will cost you a few hundred extra dollars to take the car across the border. If you are on a tight budget or simply want to save some money, plan to start and end your road trip in the same city.

FIND THE BEST RATES ON CAR RENTALS IN SWEDEN

West Sweden road trip itinerary and map

Although we road tripped from Gothenburg to Oslo, we created this itinerary to start and end in Gothenburg because it will save a significant amount of money. But here is a look at our West Sweden road trip itinerary. Plan to give yourself at least 6 or 7 days in order to take it slow and give yourself plenty of leisure time.

• Days 1-2 – Gothenburg
• Day 3  – Bohus Fortress and Marstrand
• Day 4 – Tjorn, Fiskebäckskil, Smögen
• Day 5 – Fjallbacka, Weather Islands, Grebbestad
• Day 6- Blomsholm / Strömstad and drive back to Gothenburg

Things to do on a West Coast Sweden road trip

The west coast of Sweden was perhaps the most memorable and relaxing part of our entire trip to Scandinavia.

The small towns are charming and quiet. And because we were road tripping along the Sweden west coast, we could travel at our own pace and enjoy the scenery.

If you are planning a similar road trip here are the best things to do on the Sweden west coast.

Table of Contents

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden and by far the largest city you’ll visit on a Sweden west coast road trip. It is one of the best Scandinavian cities to visit .

When in Gothenburg, head to the city’s oldest neighborhood, Haga, and spend some time wandering through the cobblestone streets. Souvenir shops, antique stores, and plenty of cafes and restaurants line the streets.

You can even join a guided walking tour to learn about the fascinating history of the well-preserved 17th century timber houses in Haga. However, one of the most popular things to do in this old and beautiful part of Gothenburg is to stop for a fika. We came to love the Swedish tradition of fika. 

In Sweden, each afternoon people stop what they’re doing, have a coffee or a tea, pair it with something sweet, like a cinnamon roll, and enjoy a short break. But the fika isn’t just a coffee break, it’s a time to slow down and savor the moment. How awesome is that?! It is no wonder Sweden is one of the happiest countries in the world !

While in Gothenburg, also visit Feskekôrka, commonly known as the fish church. The former chapel along the river now houses a fresh seafood and fish market. Additionally, the city has a beautiful botanical garden with a fantastic playground and well-maintained walking trails that are perfect for an evening stroll. If you are traveling with kids, this is a great place to break up a day or sightseeing and let your little ones explore, play and burn off energy.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous for kids, spend a day at Liseberg – the largest theme park in Scandinavia – and one of the best – behind Tivoli Gardens , of course.

Where to stay in Gothenburg: Clarion Hotel Post

Bohus Fortress, Sweden

Just north of Gothenburg, and before you get to the exit for Marstrand, you’ll find Bohus Fortress perched on a hill looming over the highway.

The medieval castle, known as Bohus Fästning in Swedish, was also once a prison and now sits in ruins. But visitors passing through can visit the picturesque fortress, which is now a museum and tourist attraction.

We love visiting places like this and imagining the stories that the walls would tell if they could talk. You can get an audio guide to learn more about the history of the fortress. There are also various activities and simulations that will make the castle an especially fun stop for children.

It is important to note that Bohus Fortress is closed during winter months.

If you love old castles and ruins, the town of Marstrand is also worth a stop, time permitting. Marstrand is home to Fortress Carlsten , an impressive castle built to protect the city from invaders 350 years ago.

Marstrand has long been a trading port for Sweden, since the water in the harbor rarely freezes. As a major trading hub, King Carl X of Sweden commissioned the construction of the fortress to protect the city, and ultimately Swedish assets from attacks.

The picturesque island town is also known for its quaint streets and waterfront promenade where you can often spot yachts and fancy boats off in the distance.

WHERE TO STAY IN MARSTRAND: Grand Hotel Marstrand

Tjörn, Sweden

Pilane Sculpture Park on the island of Tjörn is a unique and somewhat random place to visit on any West Sweden road trip.

The massive contemporary sculptures in the park are sprinkled across pastures of grazing sheep and wide-open space and even ancient burial mounds. You’ll find towering sculptures created by artists from all over the world. Each summer, new exhibits are revealed.

The area known as Pilane was once a large, active settlement 2,000 years ago. In fact, graves dating back to 1000 AD have been discovered by archeologists in Pilane. The creators of the sculpture park have made it part of their mission to honor Pilane’s history by making it a cultural and social meeting place, as it once was.

The park is open from mid-May through late-September only.

Pilane Sculpture Park is located on Tjörn, the sixth largest island in Sweden. It is home to more than 15,000 residents, but in summer months, the population triples, as it is a popular destination for yachting and swimming.

Fiskebäckskil

A charming coastal village you don’t hear much about, Fiskebäckskil has a beautiful seaside harbor where wooden boats bob in the water in front of traditional Swedish cottages. Located on the island of Skaftö, you can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, or simply relax and take in the coastal views. 

The village is also an easy ferry ride across the water to the town of Lysekil, where you can kayak or go rock climbing, if you’re extra adventurous. 

While there aren’t a ton of attractions in Fiskebäckskil, the village’s peaceful ambiance is what makes it an ideal destination to include on a Sweden West Coast road trip.

Smögen, Sweden

Smögen, Sweden is a tiny village that looks like it was practically designed for Instagram.

With tiny, colorful fishing houses lining a wooden boardwalk along the water’s edge, Smogen is one of the most popular summer towns along the Swedish west coast.

We visited Smogen in the off-season and had the town practically to ourselves, but if you are visiting during the peak summer season, plan to spend one night in Smogen so you can experience the village after the daytrippers leave. 

Although many of the establishments were closed when we visited – possibly for season – we found an ideal seaside restaurant where we ate our weight in lobster, crab, shrimp, mussels, and a bunch of other seafood fresh off the fishermen’s boat.

If visiting in summer, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and even nightlife to keep you entertained.

Where to stay in Smogen: Smogens Havsbad

Weather Islands

The Weather Islands are an archipelago that spreads across the west Sweden coast. Most of the 365 islands that make up the Weather Islands are rocky, rugged, and uninhabited, except for colonies of seals.

Accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the town of Fjallbacka, the Weather Islands are truly a place to escape from everyday stresses and unwind. You can take a short day trip to the Weather Islands, take a guided tour through the archipelago, or even spend the night.

If you want to stay on one of the islands, options are limited. In fact, there is only one small hotel and one restaurant.

During the off-season, you’ll find a very limited number of ferries to the Weather Islands, as well. But if you happen to catch one, you will love every isolated minute on these serene islands.

Where to stay in the Weather Islands: Vaderoarnas Vardshus & Konferens

Fjallbacka, Sweden

Catching the ferry to the Weather Islands isn’t the only reason to visit Fjallbacka. The town itself is worth spending an afternoon.

Fjallbacka, Sweden is famous for its lobster, which you’ll be able to order at many of the restaurants there. It is also a popular destination for fans of novelist Camilla Läckberg’s murder mysteries, as it is the setting for her novels.

While in Fjallbacka, take the short hike to Kungsklyftan, or King’s Crevice. You’ll find the entrance to this beautiful hike between two granite cliffs. Overhead and wedged between the cliffs you’ll see several giant boulders. Continue past the boulders and up a staircase for a fantastic view of the tiny town, the sea surrounding it, and the Weather Islands in the distance.

You can also choose to spend the night in Fjallbacka or continue on to Grebbestad and stay there instead.

Where to stay in Fjallbacka: Stora Hotellet i Fjallbacka

Grebbestad, Sweden

Our primary goal during our road trip through West Sweden was to relax and disconnect.

We love getting away from technology on vacation , connecting with nature, and focusing on our family. The West Coast of Sweden is the perfect place for that. We took the short and scenic drive from Fjallbacka to Grebbestad where we spent a night.

Grebbestad is yet another eye-catching small town in western Sweden. It was also the perfect place to stop, feel pampered, and relax. It is home to the beautiful TanumStrand Resort . Children and adults alike will love the indoor pool and water slide. It is the kind of place where you won’t notice if the Wi-Fi is weak because it makes you forget to check your phone.

Where to stay in Grebbestad: Tanumstrand Resort

Blomsholm is one of western Sweden’s greatest cultural heritage sites.

Located outside of Stromstad, Sweden, Blomsholm contains remains from the Stone Age until medieval times. With impressive grave fields and burial mounds, and one of Sweden’s biggest stone circles, the heritage site is fascinating for those who love ancient history.

Unlike other stone circles that have been discovered which contain an odd number of stones, the stone circle in Blomsholm contains 10 large boulders. Researchers believe the circle was a grave, though for whom, it is still unknown. You’ll also find the country’s third largest stone ship in Blomsholm. 

From Blomsholm, you can spend the night in Stromstad or begin your journey back to Gothenburg.

Where to stay in Stomstad: Scandic Laholmen

How much time do you need for a Sweden West Coast road trip?

Visiting the west coast of Sweden should be a relaxing vacation. After all, the coast of Sweden is practically designed to make you want to slow down and stay awhile. So don’t rush through this portion of a Scandinavian tour.

If you are traveling from Copenhagen to Oslo, I’d recommend spending a few days exploring Sweden’s west coast… maybe even a week if you have the time. For this itinerary, 6 days is ideal. Give yourself the opportunity to take a detour, experience the countryside, and stop and explore when you see something interesting.

Trust me, it’s time well spent. You won’t regret it!

Do you have a question or comment about our west coast Sweden itinerary? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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3 comments on “10 Spectacular Stops on a Sweden West Coast Road Trip”

Sounds like a totally relaxing, peaceful place. I didn’t know anything about the Weather Islands. Enjoyed learning about this area.

Awesome, definitely saved some of these for my trip around West Sweden tomorrow!

Have fun! Glad we could help!

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Sweden Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

From lush boreal forests to cobblestone streets, this 5 to 7 days in Sweden itinerary will take you off the beaten path and give you a look into what makes this country what it is as well as such a happy place to visit.

Being the largest Nordic and Scandinavian country as well as one of the largest countries in Europe, it can become a daunting task to plan a trip across Sweden. Tourists typically tend to flock directly to the capital city of Stockholm , but in reality, the country has so much more to offer.

With this itinerary, you’ll have a remarkable trip full of delicious food, nature, sleek and classic Swedish cities, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sweden?

While 2 days are probably enough if you’re just hoping to visit a major city such as Stockholm or Gothenburg, you’re just dipping your toes into the country.

For those searching to get a good feel of Sweden and experience nature as well as city life, 5 days in Sweden should suffice at a minimum.

If you’re hoping to take a bit of a slower pace and be in less of a rush, I suggest spending 7 days exploring Sweden.

Any time beyond that will only enrich your experience, as it’s such a vast country and to see most of the regions, it’ll take more time if you want to spend multiple days in various areas.

For example, Swedish Lapland is more popular in the winter months when visitors can view the Northern Lights and due to the distance from Stockholm or other major cities, you’ll want to plan for at least 4 days in Lapland beyond 1-2 days in Stockholm.

In the warmer months, southern Sweden is quite popular and worth visiting and most things are quite close, so it’s more feasible to do a shorter trip. 

Getting To & Around Sweden

This itinerary starts in Stockholm, so the easiest airport to fly into is Stockholm’s Arlanda International Airport, located in Arlanda, a town about an hour away from the Stockholm archipelago.

Another option when looking to plan a Sweden itinerary is to fly into Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport which is conveniently located just a short train ride from the city of Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city. 

As for getting around while spending time in Sweden, the best ways are either by hire car or by Swedish train transportation. Both modes of transport are great and efficient, but the one you’ll ultimately decide to go with depends on your needs during your trip.

As this trip goes to quite a few destinations within Sweden, the cost will likely come out around the same whether you decide to hire a car or strictly travel by train.

If you decide on a Sweden road trip with a hire car, you’ll have more independence and freedom to decide when you’ll travel and exactly where you’ll go but in comparison to train transport, if you’re not super keen on driving throughout a trip, train transport will give you more relaxed journeys.

The time of year will also make a big difference regarding your method of transport. Swedish winters can be quite brutal, snowy, and icy, so if you’re visiting in the winter and are hoping to make it to Lapland, train transport is the best option if you’re not an incredibly experienced driver with the appropriate hire car. 

Whether you decide to travel by car or train, it’s good to keep in mind that the longer you wait to book a car or a train ticket, the higher prices will be — especially if you’re hoping to travel to Sweden during the summer high season. 

For those who think a road trip in Sweden is their best bet, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across several companies. Alternatively, you can book train tickets in advance here.

5 to 7-Day Sweden Itinerary

As a country with such varying landscapes and history, Sweden is truly a joy to visit. One moment you’re surrounded by dense nature; whether it be solemn seas or deep forests, and another moment you’ll find yourself in the high-tech, stylish Scandinavian big brother that it is. 

Day 1 – Stockholm

Day 1 begins in the vibrant capital city of Stockholm. Spending one or two days in the capital city is a great way to acquaint yourself with Sweden in general and you won’t be at a loss for ways to spend your time while in Stockholm.

Stockholm is quite a large city and you could easily spend a number of days wandering around the center and the deeper corners of the city. However, if you’re short on time, one or two days is enough to experience most of the important parts and to explore the capital of Sweden

Make sure to wander around the medieval, cobblestoned, and colourful Gamla Stan (Old Town) neighborhood, check out one of the city’s many fantastic museums (the Vasa Museum is the most loved and appreciated museum in all of Scandinavia), and wander around the Royal Palace of Sweden while also witnessing the changing of the guard.

To maximise what you see during your time in Stockholm, consider taking a walking tour , bike tour or short archipelago cruise. You should also consider a Stockholm Go City Pass if you plan to visit many paid attractions.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Scandic No 53 – This 3-star hotel located close to the top attractions in Stockholm makes for a great base in the Swedish capital. Perfect for mid-range travelers, they have a number of comfortable rooms available and there’s even an on-site bar.

Downtown Camper by Scandic – Luxury visitors to Stockholm will love this plush, 4-star hotel in the centre of the Swedish capital. Perfectly located to see all the city has to offer, they have a number of elegant rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Gamla Stan Apartments – For those who like to have their own flat while traveling, these apartments are an excellent choice. Centrally located for exploring all that Stockholm has to offer, they have a range of flats on offer and they’re all fully furnished with everything you may need.

Castanea Old Town Hostel – This hostel is an excellent choice for those visiting Stockholm solo or on a budget. They have a range of dorms and some private rooms available, great common areas and a location perfect for exploring the Swedish capital.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stockholm hotels!

Day 2 – Sigtuna

One of the great things about Sweden is the proximity of special small towns to major cities. On day 2 of this itinerary, you’ll head about an hour away from Stockholm to Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna.

Sigtuna dates back to 970 CE and as Sweden’s first city, it just shows how far back and rich the history of the country is. Sigtuna is quite a small and quaint city and that makes it the perfect day trip and is one of the best places to visit in the country.

Begin your day on the idyllic Stora Gatan (Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street) meandering through shops, enjoying a Fika with coffee and a Swedish treat and taking in the traditional architecture and homes.

It’s also worth checking out the Runestones of Sigtuna, the oldest known texts in Swedish dating back to the 4th century CE. There’s a large amount of them in the city, so head to the city hall (worth a visit in itself) to obtain a map to direct you to their locations.

Afterwards, head back to Stockholm for your last night in the city.

If you prefer to do this day trip on an organised tour, this full-day tour goes to Sigtuna and Uppsala , focusing on Viking history. Alternatively, this half-day tour focuses primarily on Sigtuna.

Alternatively, if Sigtuna doesn’t suit, consider heading out to visit the grand Drottningholm Palace.

Day 3 – Orebro 

After spending two nights in Stockholm, day 3 will bring you about 2 hours away from Stockholm to the 13th-century town of Orebro located in the central part of Sweden.

While much of this trip to Sweden route, visiting Orebro is a great opportunity to experience a town in central Sweden.

Like most other cities and towns in Sweden, Orebro has a stunning city center, and many will even say that it’s one of the nicest in the country.

During your visit make sure to visit the Orebro Castle, located on a picturesque islet in the city, wander around the city center, and head to the Svamp Water Tower to get incredible Panoramic views of the city.

I suggest staying in Orebro on the third night of this itinerary as it’s a really lovely city to have a break from large-city Swedish life and enjoy a slower pace. 

Where to Stay in Orebro

Livin Station Hotel – This small, 3-star hotel in Orebro is a great accommodation choice for those visiting Sweden on a mid-range budget . They have a range of modern and comfortable rooms on offer and a great location in order to explore all this lovely town has to offer.

Clarion Collection Hotel Borgen – If you’re looking for luxury in Orebro, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of plush rooms available, a fantastic location for exploring the city and a great restaurant on site (along with many other amenities).

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Orebro hotels!

Day 4 – Gothenburg

On the southwest coast of Sweden, you’ll find Gothenburg , Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm.

After enjoying a day in the city of Orebro, you’ll head about three hours away to Gothenburg on day 4. If you’re driving, consider making a detour to visit the charming town of Kalmar on the Baltic Sea and explore the historic center.

While Stockholm is easily the tourist center of Sweden, Gothenburg offers the best of Sweden without tourist crowds as well as tourist prices.

The city itself is full of Dutch-style canals (Gothenburg was mainly built by the Dutch), pure Scandinavian style, classic green boulevards, and a tremendously impressive food scene.

When in Gothenburg, I recommend checking out the 17th-century Domkyrkan (Gothenburg’s Cathedral), the hip and characteristic Haga neighborhood for lunch, and Slottsskogen, the city’s main park.

Gothenburg is full of a mix of sustainable and classically elegant architecture, and even just wandering around the city is a marvel in itself. If you’re looking to try a wide array of foods, head to the Saluhallen Food Hall to enjoy a tasty bite while marvelling at the architecture of the 1800s building. 

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Hotel Royal – This hotel in the centre of Gothenburg is a great option for mid-range travelers. They have a number of great rooms on offer, a fantastic, central location and they also offer a wonderful breakfast each morning.

Hotel Pigalle – If you’re looking for a luxury escape in Gothenburg then you are sure to love this elegant hotel. There are a range of wonderful rooms to choose from, an excellent location for exploring the city and amenities like room service and more available for guests.

Slottskogens Hostel – Those visiting Gothenburg on a budget (or simply looking for a lively social atmosphere) will love this centrally-located hostel. They offer both dorms and private rooms and also have good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gothenburg hotels!

Day 5 – Southern Gothenburg Archipelago

The city of Gothenburg is in a unique location with 20 islands spanning Sweden’s western coast making up the Gothenburg Archipelago. The Gothenburg Archipelago consists of two parts; the northern archipelago, and the southern archipelago.

While both parts are worth the visit, the southern archipelago is better connected to the city and easier to access on a day trip.

Gothenburg’s Archipelago islands are one of the prime spots for Swedish local’s summer getaways and visiting one or two of the archipelago islands is the perfect way to experience what local life is like for Swedes spent by the sea, on the beach and under the sun.

The southern archipelago can easily be reached by Gothenburg’s public transport system in around 30 minutes and due to all of the archipelago islands being car-free, cars aren’t allowed on ferries so keep this in mind if you’re hiring a car during your trip.

Styrso Island is the main hub of the southern islands and is a great spot to head to during your day trip, you’ll find numerous places to swim as well as airy and pleasant cafes/restaurants throughout the island.

If you’re spending 5 days, today will conclude your Sweden travel itinerary. The best options are to continue onward by train if you’d like to see other destinations or make your way to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport or Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport for your return flight.

From Gothenburg, there are numerous direct train services to each city, and directly to Copenhagen Airport.

Day 6 – Malmo

For those continuing to enjoy Sweden in 7 days, days 6 and 7 of this itinerary will bring you to the city of Malmo. The city of Malmo dates back to the 13th century and is the third largest city in Sweden located about a 3-hour drive or train ride away from Gothenburg.

Malmo is located in a unique location, on the southern tip of Sweden and just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark across the Oresund Strait. The city of Malmo is a unique mix of urban industrial architecture, classic medieval architecture, and sustainable futuristic architecture all creating the center of the city.

Make a point to spend time at the 15th-century Malmo castle (the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in Sweden), stroll down the Sodergatan and maybe even visit the most unique museum you’ll come across, the Disgusting Food Museum . 

Where to Stay in Malmo

Mayfair Hotel Tunneln – This small hotel is located within a stone’s throw from Malmo’s train station and is the perfect base for exploring the city. They have many comfortable rooms to choose from and other amenities including an on-site bar and restaurant for guests to enjoy.

The More Hotel Mazetti – If you’d like to have your own flat in Malmo, then this aparthotel is an excellent option. Centrally located, this combines the convenience of having your own apartment with all of the amenities of a hotel. There are a number of fully-furnished and stylish flats to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Malmo hotels!

Day 7 – Lund

While Malmo is an engaging city to visit in its own right, the city itself is quite small, so this leaves you with the perfect day trip opportunity to the university city of Lund.

Lund is a charming, cobblestoned medieval town known for having one of the best universities in the world and is just a short 15-minute train ride from Malmo Central Station. The city center is quite small but large enough to make a day/half-day trip out of by stepping back in time through the city’s quaint and studious old town.

Lund has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and this itself makes one of Sweden’s oldest cities a great getaway from city life in Malmo. The spectacular Romanesque Cathedral of Lund is one of the most sought-after attractions in all the Nordics , and religious or not, the cathedral is a truly peaceful splendor to walk through.

If you’re looking for a unique experience on your Lund day trip and last day in Sweden, I highly suggest heading to Kulturen, an outdoor open-air museum/experience with replicas from medieval times through the 20th century. 

If you’re trying to sort out the most convenient option for a return flight from Sweden, Malmo is located on train lines with direct connections to Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport in just under half an hour. If it’s not feasible to return from Copenhagen, you’ll also find convenient routes to Stockholm Airport as well as Gothenburg Airport. 

Have More Time?

Perhaps you find yourself with more time beyond the 7 days of this Sweden travel itinerary. In that case, you’re in luck. Sweden is such a large country with plenty more interesting places and things to do, with varying unique options depending on the time of year.

If you’re a winter adventurer and are visiting Sweden in the winter, one of the best ways to enjoy Swedish winter is to head to the northern region of Swedish Lapland.

Witness the dancing, colorful aurora borealis in the arctic after a day of snowy activities and enjoy local Sami culture amongst locals and friendly animals. You can fly into the northern town of Kiruna and also opt to visit the incredible Abisko National Park.

If you’re visiting Sweden in the summer and would like to extend your trip with a unique location, the island of Gotland is a UNESCO Heritage Site located off the east coast of the Swedish mainland and the home of Pippi Longstocking.

Spend time in the city of Visby while wandering through its enchanting streets and corners of this fairytale Swedish island, a magical place without a hoard of tourists. 

You could also opt to spend a few more days in Stockholm and experience the sites and places close to the city.

There are plenty of reasons that Sweden is such a joyful destination that visitors long for and experience when they visit. The country itself is massive, offering a variety of adventures and experiences, the people are generous and kind, it’s one of the most forward-sustainable countries today and the towns bring you back to your childhood fairytale dreams.

After spending one week in Sweden, you’ll likely find yourself looking to come back soon to explore even deeper corners of this especially peaceful haven of a country.

Are you planning a trip to Sweden? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect Malmo Day Trip from Copenhagen

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

The Perfect Uppsala Day Trip from Stockholm

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Love your passion for travel and detailed itineraries.

Thanks so much for this itinerary. We love all of it and will avoid Gothenburg as we will see it as part of our biking trip on the west coast a week later. Is the island of Oland worth visiting as well as Gotland.

Appreciate your input. Have you also done an itinerary for Denmark?

I’m happy that you found this helpful! You can find our Denmark itinerary here 🙂

Greatly helpful article for us who are planning a week long self-driving trip to Sweden in Sep. we will pretty much follow your itineraries, and try to see as many places as possible. We’ve been in Stockholm for a couple times but have not seen anywhere else in Sweden, so we’re excited about the trip!

Yes am planning a trip to Sweden sometime in December and will likely spend my Christmas over there. That will be my first time in Sweden so I would really want to have a swell time while am there.

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Self-Drive Tours in Scandinavia

Get ready for a road trip around the stunning fjords, countryside and cities of Scandinavia. Visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark in the same trip or choose one country to explore. Car rental, accommodation, ferry tickets and insurance are included in your Scandinavia self-drive tour.

Multi-country Self-drive in Scandinavia

Travel around Scandinavia at a pace that suits you. Experience Norway, Sweden and Denmark on a self-drive tour arranged by local experts.

Scandinavian Road Trip

Scandinavian road trip at leisure, complete road trip of norway, sweden & denmark, grand road trip of norway, sweden & denmark, scandinavian road trip & gothenburg.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Scandinavian Road Trip & Finland Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable Norwegian road trip and get ready to soak up jaw-dropping views at every turn. Deep, glittering fjords and towering mountains await.

Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic

Scenic norway - classic, road trip & hurtigruten cruise, norway road trip - complete, scenic norway - grand.

Visit Sweden’s cosmopolitan cities and explore the charming countryside by car. En route, you’ll discover royal palaces, tranquil islands and pretty towns.

Sweden Road Trip

Classic sweden, complete sweden.

Set out from the trendy capital of Reykjavík and you’ll soon be driving through otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Explore waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches.

Iceland Full Circle Classic

South & west iceland classic, iceland complete classic, south iceland at leisure, need any help so far talk with our local experts.

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About Your Driving Tour of Scandinavia

Take in the beautiful scenery of Norway, Sweden and Denmark as you make your way around Scandinavia on a road trip. You could discover all three countries in the same trip, or choose one destination for your driving tour. Wherever you decide to visit, you’ll get to travel at a pace that suits you.

When you book a self-drive Scandinavia package with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your tour • A detailed online personal itinerary with all bookings • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your driving tour. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Nordic Visitor specialises in tours of Northern Europe, so you can leave your road trip itinerary to the experts. Our Scandinavia travel consultants are based in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, and have extensive knowledge of the region. They’ll make sure your itinerary is perfectly suited to you.

Car insurance included

You’re covered when you book a self-drive tour with us. All our Scandinavia driving packages already include Collision Damage Waiver and Basic Theft Protection (TP). As well as this, you can enjoy unlimited mileage and a reliable vehicle from a tried-and-tested rental company.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Stress-free experience

You relax while we take care of all the trip planning. We map out your route and make the arrangements, from accommodation to car rental, so you can sit back and look forward to your Scandinavia holiday. Plus, you’ll have our support throughout your self-drive tour and access to our 24/7 emergency helpline.

Customisable tour options

Our local travel experts have designed these Scandinavia itineraries with the best routes and attractions in mind. However, our self-drive tours are flexible so you can always request changes. Your personal consultant will be happy to add extra nights or make some other adjustments for you.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

SCANDINAVIA TOUR REVIEWS

Find out what our lovely clients liked about their self-drive holidays in Scandinavia.

The fact that the travel documents clearly laid out the necessary transfers for trains, boats, planes, etc. was... read more

The fact that the travel documents clearly laid out the necessary transfers for trains, boats, planes, etc. was greatly appreciated. When the transfers involved a tricky change, the documents made sure to describe the signs as well as possible to assist. It was also nice to have all of the documents given to us in a single email so access was simple and easy.

Matt United States

We had a great experience from the very beginning. Cicci was always quick to respond to emails and answered all our... read more

We had a great experience from the very beginning. Cicci was always quick to respond to emails and answered all our questions prior to us making our final booking. Once we booked all the details (hotels, etc) started coming in and it was really helpful to have the "highlights" booklet to help us plan what we wanted to see and where we should stop each day on our drive. Really everything went incredibly smoothly through out the entire trip! We have no complaints!!

Your Driving Tour Highlights

Scandinavia is yours to discover on a self-drive tour. Pick up your rental car, press play on your road trip playlist, and then you could...

• Drive to sandy beaches, wildflower fields and the medieval town of Ystad in Skåne, Sweden
• Delve into Swedish history by visiting majestic castles like Vadstena , Kalmar and Örebro
• Wander down Gamla Stan’s cobbled lanes to explore the Old Town in Stockholm
• Discover the pretty streets and canals of Copenhagen , Denmark, on foot or by boat
• Enjoy an al fresco meal by the water at Nyhavn , the Danish capital’s attractive harbourfront
• Stroll to the Aker Brygge historial area in Oslo , Norway, and look inside the Akershus Fortress
• Head to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord for dramatic views of “the world’s most beautiful fjord”
• Marvel at the 900-year-old Bryggen wharf in Bergen and enjoy a scenic drive around the fjords
• Take a Baltic cruise to witness the impressive architecture and design of Helsinki , Finland

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCANDINAVIA SELF-DRIVE TOURS

You probably want to know more about what to expect from a driving tour of Scandinavia. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below with our expert advice. Read on to learn all the key details about self-drive holidays in Scandinavia to help you plan and prepare for your trip.

If you’d like to find out how to make a booking , have a look at our FAQs , or learn about our Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. WHERE IS SCANDINAVIA?

Scandinavia is a subregion in Northern Europe, comprising the kingdoms of Norway , Sweden and Denmark . These three nations are located between the Baltic, Norwegian and North Seas, with Norway and Sweden situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Denmark is separated by the Straits of Kattegat and Skagerrak.

2. WHAT COUNTRIES MAKE UP SCANDINAVIA?

Norway, Sweden and Denmark make up Scandinavia. They are close geographically and share many cultural similarities. Although Iceland and Finland are not technically “Scandinavian”, they are two of the Nordic nations. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland are also Nordic.

3. WHAT SIDE OF THE ROAD DO SCANDINAVIANS DRIVE ON?

In Scandinavia you drive on the right-hand side of the road. It is the same rule in all three countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. You also drive on the right-hand side in the Faroe Islands and Greenland, both autonomous territories of Denmark.

4. CAN YOU DRIVE AROUND SCANDINAVIA?

Yes, you can drive around Scandinavia as there are excellent road links and ferry crossings between Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Driving is a convenient and enjoyable way to take in the region’s countryside, coastline and national parks.

The famous Øresund Bridge connects the Swedish city of Malmö with Copenhagen, the Danish capital. You can reach Norway from Copenhagen by taking an overnight ferry to Oslo. Then, as Sweden and Norway share a land border, you can cross into each country easily by various roads.

The great thing about self-drive holidays in Scandinavia is that you don’t have to travel long distances to experience the region’s many delights. With a road trip itinerary of 10 days , you could visit the three capital cities – Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo – and enjoy stops in the countryside too.

Spend longer on your road trip and you could see more of Scandinavia or explore at a leisurely pace. Discover the Norwegian fjords, hip towns like Gothenburg, or neighbouring Finland. You can travel between Helsinki and Stockholm by cruise, a great way to visit another Nordic country on the same trip.

If you’d prefer to stick to one or two Scandinavian countries, you can of course do that. Ask your dedicated travel consultant to customise your itinerary to include the places you want to visit. Alternatively, take a look at these Norway self-drive tours , Sweden driving packages or Iceland self-drive itineraries .

5. WHAT TO DO IN SCANDINAVIA?

As Scandinavia spans the three countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, there is so much you can see and do. These are the top recommended things to do on a Scandinavian road trip:

• Stroll along cobblestone streets and beside canals in Scandi cities
• Stop for a coffee and cinnamon bun to try the Swedish tradition of fika
• Reach elevated viewpoints to admire the stunning Norwegian fjords
• Go swimming in lakes and seas during the summertime
• Visit world-class museums for an insight into Scandinavian history
• Enjoy some light-hearted fun at classic amusement parks
• Taste exquisite Nordic cuisine at fine-dining restaurants
• Soak up the charming atmosphere of traditional rural villages
• Forage for berries in the woods and visit artisan farm shops
• Explore palaces and castles that date back centuries

Is this your first time travelling to Sweden, Norway and Denmark? Check out these Scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors for more trip inspiration.

6. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO SCANDINAVIA?

The best time to visit Scandinavia depends on what you’d like to see and do on your tour and how you want to travel around. If you like the idea of driving, the best time to go is between May and September. The scenic roads are easier to drive thanks to better conditions compared to winter.

Tour Scandinavia in summer for the longest days and some of the best weather of the year. July and August is a good time to get off the beaten path and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. In spring and autumn, you’d find less people at top attractions and be able to admire beautiful seasonal colours.

Explore the region between October and March, on the other hand, and you’ll experience the winter magic of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. You might witness Scandinavia's cities and landscapes drizzled in snow and frost. Given the colder climate, we’d recommend an independent Scandinavia tour instead of a road trip.

Another enchanting thing about visiting Scandinavia in winter is that you could spot the northern lights (aurora borealis). Between October and March, the long, dark nights provide the perfect backdrop to see this natural phenomenon. In summer the skies can be too light to distinguish the colourful aurora.

To chase the northern lights in Scandinavia, travel to Northern Norway or Swedish Lapland. Along with Iceland, Svalbard and Finnish Lapland, these are the best places to see the aurora borealis in Europe . The reason is that they are located in or near to the Arctic Circle, where intense aurora activity occurs.

Read more advice on the best times and places to visit in Scandinavia or how to see the northern lights on our blog.

7. HOW TO PLAN A SCANDINAVIAN TRIP?

To plan a Scandinavian trip, you need to figure out all the logistics. Where do you want to go? For how long? How will you travel around? What hotels will you stay in? What will you see and do?

When you book a tour with Nordic Visitor, you get a personal travel consultant who takes care of all the trip planning on your behalf. All consultants are experts in the region they specialise in, with impeccable knowledge of all the best routes, destinations and attractions.

Your dedicated consultant will use their expertise to arrange your trip for you. Tell them the sort of things you want to experience and they will craft a tour to make it happen. You’ll receive a personalised itinerary with all your bookings, plus a hand-noted map if you choose a driving tour of Scandinavia.

Get in touch with our travel team and let us do all the work while you relax and look forward to your holiday.

8. WHAT IS COVERED WITH CAR RENTAL FOR MY SELF-DRIVE TOUR?

Nordic Visitor self-drive packages already include the price of car rental, as well as accommodation and breakfast. You’re also covered with our exclusive Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Basic Theft Protection (TP), unlimited mileage and the authorisation for one driver. This all comes at no extra cost to you.

It’s good to know that we only work with trusted, reputable agencies to ensure that your vehicle is high quality. You can pick from a range of cars to find the one that works for you.

9. CAN I CUSTOMISE MY TOUR?

Your personal travel consultant will happily tailor your itinerary to suit you. Our Scandinavia self-drive tours are flexible, so you can add extra nights or make other customisations according to your needs.

If you’d like to spend longer in one place, or perhaps add another destination, such as Iceland , speak to your consultant. They will do everything to make your holiday an unforgettable experience.

10. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATES?

Yes, you can pick your arrival date online when reserving your driving package. Scandinavia self-drive tours are available to book between May and September, when road conditions are suitable.

If you want to travel outside these months, we recommend you use other modes of transport. That’s because driving conditions at this time of year can be tricky. Take a look at these winter tours of Scandinavia , which include tickets for train, cruise or plane journeys.

11. WHEN SHOULD I ORGANISE MY FLIGHTS?

It’s a good idea to check flight availability in advance, but make sure that your Nordic Visitor tour package is secured before you purchase your flights.

Once your dedicated travel consultant confirms everything, you can go ahead and book your flights. This is to ensure that all your tour arrangements are in place for the dates you require.

12. WHAT TO WEAR IN SCANDINAVIA?

What to wear in Scandinavia depends on the region you visit and the time of year. For example, the climate tends to be colder the further north you go. In summer you’ll need light layers and sun protection with you. On the other hand, in winter you should bring plenty of thermal clothing to keep you warm.

Here is an essential packing list for any trip to Scandinavia:

• Short and long-sleeve shirts
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots

For summer:

• Light scarf or thin jumper

For winter:

• Thermal layers
• Woollen socks
• Warm scarf, hat and gloves
• Insulated jacket
• Insulated boots

If you are also planning to visit Iceland , you might want to pack a swimsuit. This is so that you can enjoy the hot springs and pools such as the Blue Lagoon, which is open all year round.

Whether you’re ready to start planning your trip or you want to learn more about Scandinavia tours, get in touch with our experts. They’ll gladly advise you and put together the perfect itinerary for you.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

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Blog Articles

2 week road trips through scandinavia: your guide, top sweden road trips: ideas for scenic swedish drives, 5 top norway road trips: a local expert’s view, the ultimate scandinavia guide: the best times & places to visit.

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Swede dreams are made of this: wild swimming and forest walks in West Sweden

Dissolving into nature is possible in West Sweden, where a new holiday concept offers low-impact stays that don’t compromise on Scandi style

A s I slip off the jetty into the chilly water of Lagmanshagasjön, the world loses all distinction. Low mist blurs everything; I can’t see where the lake ends and the sky begins. It is like breaststroking into a silvery infinity. I haven’t bothered with swimwear. Between the tannin-dark water and early morning brume, I can barely see myself, let alone be seen. And dissolving into nature feels delicious: wearing nothing and seeing nothing, I am feeling everything.

I eventually climb out (flashing an unsuspecting heron), dress quickly and walk back to my “room” – a dazzling cabin made of glass hidden among mossy mounds, blueberry bushes and pine trees. Before long, Katarina arrives with a basket of home-baked sourdough and local cheese. She leaves, and I eat in a silence so loud it seems to vibrate.

That’s partly because I’m well off the tourist trail in Västergötland (West Gotland). Though that may change with places to stay as lovely as this. I’m at Erikson Cottage , a fourth-generation family farm two hours east of Gothenburg . It is a perfect marriage of Swedish taste and sustainability, with three greenhouse-like cabins scattered around the grounds. It’s run by sisters Elisabeth and Katarina, and everything is just so: from the lovely linen to the hygge-ness of Elisabeth’s bakery-cafe – all fresh flowers, candlelight and coffee in handmade mugs.

But there’s substance to the style. The glasshouses are off-grid, and if lifted away would leave no trace. The site has solar panels and its own well. Food is mostly from local suppliers, the bread made with heritage grains. There’s an EV charging point and two nearby train stations from which guests can be picked up.

Activities on offer at the farm are low-impact, too. Guests can swim (naked or otherwise), kayak and paddleboard out on the lake, walk in the forest and learn to make pizza.

“But 90% of guests do nothing,” says Elisabeth. “They read, lie in bed, read some more. They enjoy slowing down.”

Which is, increasingly, what West Sweden is all about.

In 2021 West Sweden launched Stepping Up Sustainability, a tourism programme looking to minimise the industry’s environmental footprint. But it’s more than a nice green manifesto: West Sweden has put its morals where its money was. The tourist board has ceased marketing to North America and Asia, instead focusing on domestic and European travellers who don’t have to fly from far away. Or even fly at all (I travelled by train).

Then, last year, the region launched “climate smart holidays”, a tourism industry initiative working with a handful of low-carbon accommodation providers to create experience-rich itinerary ideas for exploring western Sweden. The places to stay are between 0.2kg and 1.5kg CO2-equivalent per person per night; the average Swedish hotel creates 6.8kg. (Erikson Cottage scores 0.3kg.) Which is all great, but could be boringly worthy if they weren’t also exceptional places.

I drive to Erikson Cottage in an electric car as part of a tour of several of West Sweden’s climate-smart spots. After a few days of green-chic forest living, I head north, into the land between two huge lakes, Vättern and Vänern, for something different.

Lugnåsberget Ekohotell is a guesthouse converted from a 19th-century farm on one of West Gothland’s hills. Indeed, I barely realise it is on a hill at all until Pia Åkesson, co-owner of the Ekohotell, takes me into its bowels.

The bedrock below the hotel – 1.5bn-year-old gneiss – is especially suitable for making millstones, which people have been doing here since the 12th century. I walk the Stonecutter’s Trail and find the scars of old quarries (about 600 were dug here) and millstones scattered like loose change.

Then Pia leads me into Minnesfjället, one of the area’s mines, now a small museum. She sweeps her torch across the floor: smooth round holes, like cookies cut from pastry, show where men had hacked out the stones using simple picks. Next, she raises her light to the ceiling: “Here you have the first life on Earth – animals that lived 540m years ago.”

We are essentially looking up at an ancient sea floor, left rippled by waves and flecked with fossils of brachiopods and trilobites. “The miners called them planets, moons and stars,” says Pia. They didn’t know, or care, how rare and extraordinary they were. They were too busy trying to extract a livelihood.

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This is what Pia and her partner Jesper Persson are doing. “There’s no tradition of B&Bs here,” Jesper says, back at the Ekohotell, over homemade cinnamon buns. “But we long dreamed of having a hostel, and we wanted to show people there are different ways of living.”

For this couple, sustainability isn’t a fad – it’s fundamental. Their solar panels generate more energy than the Ekohotell uses, and produce for the kitchen comes from the couple’s own smallholding or local farms. I plug my car into the on-site charger, but there’s a train station a few miles away, on the scenic Kinnekulle Line. Best of all, guests who stay here, exploring the surrounding biosphere reserve , are pumping money into this little-visited region.

My next stop is in Dalsland, a province between the west bank of Vänern lake and the Norwegian border. It is awash with lakes but has few people. Swedish Country Living , a stylish group of “hermitages” and holiday cottages, looks fresh from a photoshoot, which, as owners Marie and David Naraine previously worked in fashion, is perhaps no surprise. My cabin, the Slate House Hermitage, looks plucked from a fairytale: a little gingerbread home with smoke twirling from the chimney.

But it isn’t just good-looking. It was handmade using wood felled on site, recycled slate tiles and salvaged antique doors and windows, and insulated with wool from the Naraines’ sheep. The shower block runs on a circular system that takes water from the lake, purifies it after use, then pumps it back into the lake. Waste from the toilet becomes compost for the permaculture garden or feed for the apple trees.

David also used to be a chef, and his food – the lamb he rears, goodies from the veg patch – is delicious. There are pilgrim trails and nature reserves on the doorstep. And guests are free to use the lake as they choose.

One day I borrow a canoe. These waterways are sleepy now, the domain of ducks and reeds. So it’s hard to fathom that this was once a trade highway, part of the Dalsland Canal system, linking Lake Vänern with the North Sea. There are no other vessels in sight as I paddle over to uninhabited Björkon island, hauling ashore at the remains of an 18th-century shipyard.

I have the place to myself and spend a while exploring the ruins amid the toadflax and wild strawberries. I clamber through the overgrown dry dock where, a sign reveals, the 28-metre schooner Clara was constructed in 1867. And I sit on a stone slab – part of the old forge, maybe? – trying to imagine the hubbub when Clara set sail for the Black Sea.

Eventually I paddle back. I can see smoke coming from Swedish Country Living’s outdoor spa, the hot tub – hidden discreetly behind the reeds – being fired up for my return. But I am in no rush. I’ve slowed down to West Sweden speed.

The trip was provided by the West Sweden tourist board and Sustainable Journeys . Eri kson Cottage ’s 48-hour package is £ 563 (7,500 krona) for two , including breakfasts and dinner s. Doubles at Lugnåsberget Ekohotell from £1 19 for two nights. A two-night package at Swedish Country Living is £79 6 for two, full board . Sustainable Journeys offers a 14- day Low Carbon Grand Tour of West Sweden , staying at five climate-smart places and including EV hire , from around £1,92 0 pp. The author travelled from London to Gothenburg by train via Brussels, Cologne, Hamburg and Copenhagen; the journey time (with an overnight stay) is from 32 hour s

• Sweden holidays
• Health and fitness holidays
• Green travel
• Europe holidays
• Walking holidays
• Canoeing and kayaking holidays

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Tour Sweden's World of Volvo before It Opens

The old Volvo museum closed its doors in December 2023, but the new World of Volvo location is a Swedish experience like never before.

• The World of Volvo is situated near Volvo Group headquarters and only 14 miles from the Gothenburg airport.
• We got a behind-the-scenes look ahead of its grand opening on April 14.

BMW Welt, a stone toss away from the company's HQ in Munich Germany, has Double Cones. The Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen has a 911 kebab—or, as they call it, "Porscheplatz"—out front. And now, in the heart of downtown Gothenburg, Sweden, there are three giant tree trunks—the arms and legs of Volvo's new museum, exhibit, delivery program, meeting place, and eatery—World of Volvo.

Volvo invited us to explore the new facility ahead of its grand opening on April 14, which by no accident is the very day 97 years ago that the Swedish automaker's first vehicle, the four-door ÖV4, left its assembly line. The nearly 240,000-square-foot chunk of Gothenburg was designed by the Danish architecture group Henning Larson . It stands 14 miles from the Gothenburg-Landvetter airport and just 11 miles east of Torslanda, the home of Volvo Group headquarters and its oldest plant.

The space is Swedish beautiful. Its lack of extravagant shiny metals or spaceship style makes it feel real, welcoming, and warm. We overheard more than just a few fellow media guests compliment the spruce and pine fragrance that acts as a natural canopy over the structure's smooth concrete floors. The top floor, home to several rentable conference halls and classrooms, conceals the nearby highway thanks to the tilted roof below it. It took four years to design and construct, using some 2800 tons of lumber, and a few leftover lamp bulbs from the SAAB gearbox building that once occupied a portion of its space.

World of Volvo is five stories tall, and while its entrance honors Sweden's " Allemansrätten ," or "everyman's right to roam," with free admission, its grandiose event space, colorful and interactive exhibits, and restaurant run by Michelin-star chef Stefan Karlsson each require a handful of Swedish krona.

Its debut exhibit is a balance of Volvo's history, its pledge to safety, and future products. There are distracted-driving simulations, VR goggles, and an area that lets you scoop rubber balls out of a pit with a mini Volvo excavator. One clever installation shows the role speed plays in a car accident, using a stack of wooden chairs. It's an interesting way to see crashing without a seatbelt at 15 km/h (9 mph) versus crashing at 30 km/h (19 mph). The lesson? Not wearing a seatbelt is about as smart as falling headfirst from a stack of eight chairs.

Of course, there is no shortage of Volvo cars, concepts, trucks, and technology featured here. The Volvo Experimental Safety Car (VESC) is impossible to overlook. This concept, which originally debuted at the Geneva auto show in 1972, was a test bed for all types of innovative safety equipment: front and rear airbags, concealed headrests that would deploy during a crash, a steering wheel that would pull away from the driver during a collision, and a 6.5-mm F/1.8 rear-facing camera that would feed video to a CRT screen in the dash.

In another room, one of the White Buses sat parked. Painted white, with red crosses on the roof to avoid being bombed by allies during their attempt to ferry more than 15,000 prisoners to Sweden, these buses served a heroic purpose toward the end of World War II. The display is surrounded by literature about the nurses, drivers, and soldiers who carried such a dangerous undertaking.

The Volvo YCC was on display. We asked if we could take it home, but were told no. The YCC (Your Concept Car) originally debuted at the 2004 Geneva auto show and was created by an all-female crew for women. It had a special compartment to store a purse, a headrest designed to comfortably accommodate a ponytail, and washable seats. The team also gave the YCC gullwing doors and the special project would go on to win many awards for its design and effort.

There are other vehicles on display, such as tractors, boats, logging trucks, and semi-trucks. The white F88 from the 1970s wears its significance across the top of its cab. Globetrotter was the top trim level of Volvo trucks, and the moniker is still used today on its trucks specifically designed for long travel. That takes you back to a time when refrigerators, kitchens, and spacious cabs were inspired by companies building trucks in America.

The FH, Volvo's biggest-selling truck ever, is on display behind the F88. It was the first to be built, in 1993. This FH12 was just the start to the Volvo trucks sold today, which are now offered with a range of electric, gasoline, and diesel powertrains. Exhibits big and small enter the space via a massive freight elevator just outside the building that can carry up to 48,500 pounds of Volvo history. Which is more ice wine than we're able to drink in a single visit.

The World of Volvo building will become home to its Overseas Delivery service, making its location relative to the airport and assembly plant so crucial. The site, which is the result of a collaborative effort between Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, is intended to be the home of future product reveals, TED talks, and—we hope— Car and Driver editors, because we so desperately want to play with those excavators again.

Tickets are available at the World of Volvo website or can be purchased at check-in. Choose an annual pass to get a small discount for future events while enjoying unlimited visits throughout the year.

Yes, he's still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs.

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