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Road trips give an unbeatable sense of freedom. Especially when the car is fully loaded with your favourite songs and yummy road trip snacks and you know that you can follow any spontaneous whim along the way.
A Sweden road trip is a fantastic idea, especially in the summer when the daylight hours seem never-ending. From south to north, there are inviting big cities, endless nature, coastal regions, and historical sights. And some of the country’s most interesting and beautiful roads!
Best time for a Sweden road trip
Generally speaking, summer is the most suitable time for a longer road trip through Sweden. The period from June to August has the most hours of daylight and offers the best visibility on the roads as well as the warmest temperatures.
But of course, the best time for your Sweden road trip is determined by what you want to experience. If the main reason for the trip is skiing or to see the northern lights in Lapland, you should go in February or March instead (don’t forget that December and January have hardly any daylight in the far north).
Spring and autumn are more off-season periods but have some clear advantages: with half as many visitors, there are no crowds on the roads and around tourist attractions and these seasons often lower hotel prices on average.
Using databases from Weatherbase and Numbeo for travel, I have obtained the data on weather, prices, and other local conditions to help you plan your ideal trip.
Suitable cars for your road trip in Sweden
If you are going to drive a significant distance almost every day, it is important to give yourself some extra space in the car. Feel free to get a hire car type that is spacious enough so you have a free seat, depending on how many people are travelling. Being cramped in the car gets annoying pretty quickly. It is usually quite easy to get a good spacious hire car in Sweden.
Calculate your road trip budget
By setting up a budget for your road trip holiday, you will avoid any bad surprises at the end of the trip.
Car hire
14-day car rental for your road trip (average SEK 666/day or £49): SEK 9,324 (appr. £684). You can find cheaper prices from time to time.
Accommodation
14 hotel nights
- Good middle-class hotel double room: SEK 1,784 (£131) per night x 14 gives a total of SEK 24,976 (£1,832).
- Of course, if you travel alone, cheaper alternatives like hostels exist. Example: SEK 950 per night (£70) x 14 gives a total of SEK 13,300 (£975).
Fuel
For the entire trip, 1,690 miles would require about 288 litres of fuel for a medium-sized car.
Which would cost approximately SEK 5670 (approx. £416), based on SEK 74.67 (approx. £1.43) per litre.
Total cost
The total cost per person for the hire car, the fuel and the accommodation (without food) is based on two people travelling and sharing the cost. These costss don’t include your flights to Sweden.
- SEK 19,900 (approx. £1,460) per person with mid-range accommodation.
- SEK 20,700 (£1,518) per person with hostel accommodation.
How to get to Sweden
To get your road trip started right, look for a direct flight to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Return flights from London to Stockholm cost £128 on average.
I recommend you book a domestic flight from Stockholm to Malmö to start your road trip through Sweden. You can get your hire car directly at the airport when you land.
You can find some tips for driving in Europe and your road trip here.
Sweden road trip itinerary: 14 days from south to north
Day 1: Malmö (1 night)
The journey begins in the best way possible in Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmö. Malmö has something for everyone and has the most restaurants per capita in the country, as well as a lot of culture. Visit the three art museums Malmö Konsthall, Modern Museum, and Malmö Art Museum.
Don’t miss seeing the “twisted” skyscraper Turning Torso in Västra hamnen from up close. The short distances to the metropolis Copenhagen and the medieval history of Lund might entice you to extend your stay in Malmö for several eventful days.
Where to stay in Malmö: Ohboy Hotell is a cool marine-themed hotel located at Limhamn marina. The hotel has free parking — perfect for road trippers.
Day 2: Kivik (1 night)
Driving distance from Malmö: 75 miles, approx. 2 hours drive
From Malmö, you can drive down to Ystad and then take the fantastic Eastern Coastal Road. The road passes many sandy beaches and the famous ancient monument Ales Stenar before reaching Österlen, which many say is Skåne’s most beautiful area.
‘Sweden’s fruit orchard’ is known for its fertile landscapes and many apple orchards. You also see typical Scanian half-timbered farms everywhere, scattered among the fields.
Driving between the hills at Brösarp’s slopes, stopping at Haväng’s idyllic coastal landscape, and finally swimming at one of Sweden’s best beaches, Stenshuvud Nationalpark, is Österlen in a nutshell. You will stay overnight in lovely Kivik.
Where to stay in Kivik: Kiviksrand Badhotell is a small guest house close to the beach with yummy breakfast.
Day 3: Varberg (1 night)
Driving distance from Kivik: 145 miles, approx. 3-hour drive
This day begins by driving through Skåne in a north-westerly direction. Take a few hours to enjoy the panoramic views from Kullahalvon and picturesque Mölle.
If you travel this route in one day, unfortunately, there won’t be time for wonderful places like Arild, Torekov, and Båstad because Varberg awaits. The town’s medieval fortress is unique and next to it is a stylish wooden cold bath house, built in the 19th century.
I love Apelviken a couple of miles to the south, where many beach bars give it an almost Caribbean atmosphere in the summer. Apelviken’s shallow beaches are also popular with surfers and families with children.
Where to stay in Varberg: Varbergs Stadshotell is set in a renovated historic building and has a new rooftop pool with nice views.
Day 4 & 5: Gothenburg (2 nights)
Driving distance from Varberg: 46 miles, approx. 1-hour drive
In Gothenburg you will have the cosy feel of being in the middle of an intimate big city. Despite the city’s size, you are within walking distance to many attractions in the city center. Taking the tram and walking through the Garden Association’s park is a good start to getting to know Gothenburg. Also strolling past all the cafes and shops in low wooden houses in Haga, a neighbourhood in the middle of the city, is a must.
400-year-old Gothenburg also delivers big for families with children. Liseberg and Universeum are a guaranteed success with the younger members of the family. At the same time, a modern Gothenburg is emerging with new neighbourhoods in Hisingen. This is symbolised by the soon-to-be-completed Karlatornet, the tallest building in the Nordic region.
Where to stay in Gothenburg: Hotel Eggers offers a journey through time as it is one of Sweden’s oldest hotels in continuous operation.
Day 6: Lysekil & Bohuslän (1 night)
Driving distance from Gothenburg: 85 miles, approx. 2-hour drive
Taking the E6 north from Gothenburg gives you many opportunities for a detour to all of Bohuslän’s classic resorts by the sea. You can also discover the west coast, said to be one of the country’s most magnificent coastal areas. There are many places like Marstrand, Smögen, Fjällbacka, Strömstad, and Lysekil that all offer a certain something.
The stark and gigantic rock landscapes are amazing as well. Also, don’t miss the World Heritage-listed Rock Carvings in Tanum.
Personally, I would try kayaking in Grundsund outside Lysekil or do a half-day hike in Ramvikslandet.
Where to stay in Lysekil: Strandflickornas guest house is modern vintage and has lots of old-fashioned charm.
Day 7: Kinnekulle & Skövde (1 night)
Driving distance from Lysekil via Läckö: 159 miles, approx. 3.5-hour drive
From the west coast, you head inland and towards beautiful Västergötland. Don’t miss Läckö Castle on a headland in Värnen, an impressive Renaissance castle in an equally impressive location.
In the afternoon it is time to explore the Kinnekulle nature reserve, sometimes called ‘the blooming mountain’ for its peculiar flora like ten species of orchids. You will remember the views from Kinnekulle’s observation tower for a long time. Just below you find Forshem with a unique 12th-century church (where Arn, the Knight Templar, is depicted) and a famous guest farm — Sweden’s oldest — dating back to 1564.
From Forshem you can reach Timmersdala and from there take the Vallevägen towards Varnhem. The road passes 365 small lakes and countless hills and is one of Sweden’s finest roads, yet few people actually know about it.
Where to stay in Skövde: Knistad Herrgard outside Skövde is a real golf hotel and the course is visible from every room.
Day 8: Vadstena (1 night)
Driving distance from Skövde: 111 miles via Gränna, approx. 2.5-hour drive
Today’s drive leads past Jönköping and along the E4. Just to the north is one of Sweden’s most majestic routes high above the eastern shore of Lake Vättern. The ruin of Brahehu’s castle makes for a convenient stop above the little town of Gränna, worth a visit in itself.
With time to spare, you can take the boat from here to the cigar-shaped island of Visingsö, home to a lot of interesting sights. Finally, you turn off the E4 towards the historic gem Vadstena where the relics of many bygone eras exist side by side. Vadstena resembles a town in a children’s book. Here you also find Gustav Wasa’s 16th-century castle, St. Birgitta’s 14th-century monastery, and King Valdemar’s royal palace, all very well preserved.
Don’t miss Mårten Skinnares’ fascinating house in Vadstena, a unique residential building from the early 16th century.
Where to stay in Vadstena: Vadstena Klosterhotell is a luxurious hotel, to say the least with a restaurant, wine cellar, and spa.
Day 9 & 10: Stockholm (2 nights)
Driving distance from Vadstena: 153 miles, approx. 3-hour drive
The Swedish capital is a year-round destination and has so much to offer. The highlights include the old town, the royal castle, the city hall, and the Wasa Museum, but of course, there are many others.
The city is best in the summer when the whole of Stockholm seems to get some extra energy. Dive into the atmosphere at the floating restaurants around Djurgårdsbron or try the new rooftop bar Frejya at Slussen. From the top, you can see the whole of Stockholm spread out in front of you.
Skansen and Gröna Lund are great when you do a family road trip, and if it rains there are many good museums. A boat trip from Stockholm is another highlight whether you go out into the archipelago or to Lake Mälaren.
Do as I do during the summer: visit Smedsudden on Kungsholmen and combine swimming at Smedsuddsbadet with dancing and drinks at the nice outdoor club Eden.
Where to stay in Stockholm: Haymarket Hotel has a perfect location at Hötorget opposite Stockholm’s concert hall.
Day 11: Mora
Driving distance from Stockholm: 191 miles, approx. 4-hour drive
Traditional Mora is located in the middle of the fascinating cultural district that surrounds Siljan. The city is home to the Zorn Museum and Zorns Gammelgard that you shouldn’t miss, but there is so much more to see.
During your Sweden road trip, you have to take a tour around Siljan and include villages such as Tällberg and Plintsberg. The farms and houses here are a fascinating part of Sweden’s cultural heritage and the views over Siljan will leave you speechless. Both Siljan towns, Mora and Leksand, compete to have the biggest and most traditional midsummer celebration in the country.
When you leave from Stockholm, start the day by turning off to Sigtuna from the E4. It is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and many believe that it is also the most beautiful.
Where to stay in Mora: Mora Hotel & Spa is the town’s main hotel and offers views towards Siljan and a lovely spa.
Day 12: Östersund
Driving distance from Mora: 193 miles, approx. 4.5-hour drive
Östersund might surprise you as the city offers a variety of experiences. Ride a steamboat on Storsjön or try a SUP board in Surfbukten. Rent an electric bike and cycle on the island Frösön, home to many sights with the magnificent Oviksfjällen as a backdrop. Jamtli Open Air Museum has many actors in period clothing and is suitable for all ages, as is the meeting with the tame moose at Moose Garden in Orrviken a couple of miles outside the city.
You get the best views on Frösön from the cafe Stocke Titt, which is located in the middle of the island near the road.
Where to stay in Östersund: Hotel Gamla Teatern is a charming hotel and its retro style suits the building from the 19th century.
Day 13: Höga Kusten
Driving distance from Östersund: 173 miles, approx. 4-hour drive
Between Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik is the world heritage Höga Kusten, the so-called High Coast. Nowhere else around the Baltic Sea do mountains and sea meet in such scenic and dramatic fashion.
For motorists, the E4 is a direct gateway to the Höga Kusten. You absolutely can’t miss the exit road that is sometimes called the ‘Tourist Road’ between Skuleberget and the Höga Kusten bridge. The road has been voted Sweden’s most beautiful road several times. Here you should get out of the car to hike a bit to soak up the magnificent surroundings or take the boat from Docksta to Ulvön. Renting canoes at the Friluftsbyn facility is another great activity here.
Where to stay on the Höga Kusten: First Hotel Statt Örnsköldsvik is a classic city hotel in Örnsköldsvik.
Day 14: Gällivare
Driving distance from Höga Kusten: 359 miles, approx. 7.5-hour drive
Never mind that only the most passionate Sweden road trip lovers drive the final stretch of nearly 360 miles from Höga Kusten to Gällivare. The reward, on the other hand, is great. In the summer, the midnight sun shines around the clock and at the top of the Dundret mountain (yes, you can take the car up there!) waffles with fresh red currant jam are sold from a hut. Chances are, you will never forget the view of the Swedish mountains all the way to Kebnekajse drenched in honey-yellow light.
Many mountain hikes start from Gällivare. If you want to take the path less traveled, choose the underrated Padjelanta, Sweden’s largest national park. The entire trail takes ten days to walk, but if four days of hiking is enough, you can take a helicopter ride back.
Where to stay in Gällivare: Laponia Sky Hut offers a sauna and unrivalled nature views. The location is especially awesome in the summer under the midnight sun.
Conclusion
Sweden is a wonderful country for a road trip. You will drive on well-maintained and easy-to-drive roads and each day’s leg brings new highlights. In two weeks you have time to see much of Sweden from Skåne to Lapland. This Sweden road trip passes exciting big cities, grand natural areas, and historical sights.
The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author’s personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
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