Motorhome routes in Sweden: west coast, lakes & Lapland

Motorhome routes in Sweden: west coast, lakes & Lapland

A motorhome trip through Sweden takes you through endless forests, thousands of lakes and a coastline dotted with iconic red wooden houses. Sweden is the ideal motorhome country: excellent roads, space everywhere and — thanks to Allemansrätten — a unique freedom to experience nature. Getting to Sweden with a motorhome is straightforward: via Denmark and the Øresund Bridge you're in Malmö within a day, or take the overnight ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg.

This page covers everything you need to plan a motorhome trip in Sweden: ready-made routes from 2 to 3+ weeks, a region comparison, tips on wild camping and an honest cost breakdown. We draw on 141 destinations in Sweden and more than 541 campsites, with 5 curated motorhome routes you can adapt to your plans. Or build your own with the AI route planner.

Why Sweden is perfect for a motorhome trip

Sweden is mentioned less often than Norway as a motorhome destination, but it has qualities that make it every bit as appealing:

• Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access): Sweden's right to nature gives you the freedom to walk, picnic and (with a tent) camp anywhere. For motorhomes there are additional restrictions — in practice, use campsites and ställplatser.
• Lakes, forests and space: Sweden has more than 100,000 lakes and is two-thirds covered in forest. You'll regularly drive tens of kilometres without meeting another vehicle — the ultimate sense of peace.
• Excellent road network: Swedish roads are wide, well-maintained and quiet. Ideal for motorhomes, including larger vehicles.
• Family-friendly: Sweden is set up for families. From Astrid Lindgren's World to playgrounds at every campsite — children are never bored.
• Easy to reach: via Denmark and the Øresund Bridge (roughly 9–10 hours' driving) or the Kiel–Gothenburg overnight ferry. No flights or complicated crossings needed.
• Ideal for 2 to 3 weeks: two weeks covers the west coast or southern Sweden. Three weeks lets you add Stockholm, Dalarna or even Lapland.

Sweden motorhome routes: 2 weeks, 3 weeks or longer

Sweden is large — Europe's third-biggest country by area. Your trip length determines how much you can see. Below you'll find recommendations by duration, with links to our ready-made motorhome routes through Sweden.

• 2 weeks — first motorhome trip through Sweden

  Two weeks takes you along the Swedish west coast (Gothenburg, Fjällbacka, Smögen), the lake district of Värmland and the red wooden houses of Dalarna. Note: our ready-made route for these regions covers 21 stops in 13 days — an intensive programme averaging 220 km per day. Ideal if you want to see a lot. Prefer a more relaxed pace? Select 10–12 stops from the route or build a calmer version with the AI route planner.

  Sweden's South Coast: Skåne, Öland and the Kingdom of Crystal(11 days · 1,165 km · 15 stops)

  The south coast of Sweden consists of the rolling fields of Skåne, deep forests, and the limestone island of Öland. The coastline is varied, with steep cliffs such as at Kullaberg Nature Reserve and the Ales Stenar monument standing high above the Baltic Sea. You'll find fishing villages with local smokehouses and sandy beaches interspersed with rugged rock formations. Many campsites and motorhome pitches here are located directly on the Baltic Sea or in the shelter of a harbor. Further inland, you can paddle a canoe through the archipelago of a thousand islands in Åsnen National Park. In the Kingdom of Crystal, you can see how the famous Swedish glass is blown at Kosta. The island of Öland has a completely different character with the open limestone plain of Stora Alvaret. With a motorhome, you can also easily spend the night in the quiet of the forests or by one of the many lakes. The best time to travel is from May to September, when nature is in full bloom and the evenings remain long and light.

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  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

  View route map



• 3 weeks — southern and central Sweden

  Three weeks or more gives you time to truly explore southern Sweden: Småland (Astrid Lindgren's birthplace), the island of Gotland with medieval Visby, the Stockholm archipelago and the rolling landscape of Skåne. This is the trip for those who want more than just the highlights and want to experience the calm of the Swedish countryside.

  Coast, Lakes and Red Houses - Motorhome trip through versatile Sweden(15 days · 3,085 km · 22 stops)

  This journey through Central and Southern Sweden reveals the contrasts between the deep forests and the long east coast. The heart of the country is formed by the Dalarna region, where the Falun copper mine is the source of the typical red houses. In the rugged Fulufjället National Park, you hike through ancient forests to Sweden's highest waterfall. The inland roads are often quiet and take you deep into the vast forests. On the east coast, the landscape is wide and open. From Kalmar Castle, you can already see the bridge to Öland, an island of open limestone plains and old windmills. Further north, Västervik opens the gate to an archipelago of about five thousand islands and rocks. With your motorhome, you often drive along the coast here with sea views. The best time to travel is between June and September, when nature is at its greenest and the evenings remain long and light.

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  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

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  Vildmarksvägen and Swedish Lapland - High Coast, Stekenjokk and Jokkmokk by Motorhome(18 days · 1,893 km · 12 stops)

  Northern Sweden combines a unique coastline with the vast wilderness of Lapland. Along the Höga Kusten, the land is still rising, causing forested hills to fall steeply into the sea. In the deep bays, old fishing villages are hidden. With a motorhome, you often stay in places by the water, sheltered by the bays. Inland, the hills give way to ancient forests and powerful rivers. The Piteälven transforms at Storforsen into Europe's largest untamed rapids. Further north, Jokkmokk on the Arctic Circle is the cultural heart of Sápmi, the land of the Sami. Deeper inland, you often spend the night in the forest or on the shore of a lake. The best travel time is June through September, when meltwater swells the rivers and the sun does not set.

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  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

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  Southern Sweden Naturally - Motorhome Trip from Stockholm(25 days · 1,687 km · 12 stops)

  Southern Sweden combines the Stockholm archipelago with deep forests and large lakes in the interior. In Åsnen National Park, the landscape is three-quarters water, featuring an archipelago of a thousand islands. On the shore of Lake Vättern, you'll find medieval towns and the sixteenth-century Vadstena Castle. With your motorhome, you'll often seek out a quiet spot on the edge of a forest or directly by the water. The east coast has a very different character, with the open landscape of Öland and its historic windmills. The capital, Stockholm, is built on fourteen islands, featuring the old quarter of Gamla Stan and views over the archipelago. Many campsites and motorhome pitches here are located on the edge of a town or with sea views. The best time to travel is from May to September, when the evenings in Sweden are long and bright.

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  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

  View route map



• 3 weeks or longer — Scandinavia combination

  Want to combine Sweden with Finland and Norway? Our Arctic Grand Tour takes you through three Scandinavian countries in 3 weeks — from the Swedish west coast via Finnish Lapland to Norway's Lofoten Islands. Note: this is a multi-country route, not Sweden only.

  Arctic Grand Tour - Lofoten & Lapland(21 days · 4,157 km · 19 stops)

  ⚠️ Multi-country route through SE + FI + NO — not Sweden only

  The north of Norway, Sweden, and Finland is an area of vast wilderness and a deeply indented coastline. Steep mountain walls rise directly from the ocean here, such as the 639-meter-high Segla on the island of Senja. In Vesterålen, near Andenes, you come face to face with sperm whales living in the deep waters. You drive your motorhome away from the pointed coastal mountains and see how the landscape transitions into endless birch forests. Deeper inland, the Sámi culture and the taiga dominate the scenery, around the large Inarijärvi in Finland. In Sweden, you hike through the Arctic wilderness of Abisko National Park, along the deep gorge of the Abiskojåkka. The roads here lead you through an open landscape of low hills and lakes, with space all around you. Between June and September is the best travel time, when the midnight sun bathes the landscape in a soft light day and night.

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  This is a multi-country route through Sweden, Finland and Norway — ideal for exploring multiple Scandinavian countries.

  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

  View route map

What is the best motorhome route through Sweden?

The best motorhome route through Sweden depends on what you're after. Three profiles:

• West coast (Gothenburg – Fjällbacka – Smögen) — for coast and charm. The Swedish west coast offers colourful fishing villages, granite rocks and the best seafood in Scandinavia. Best done over 10–14 days. Ideal if you love coast, food and relaxation.
• Southern Sweden (Småland + Gotland) — for nature and culture. Red wooden houses, endless forests, crystal-clear lakes and medieval Visby on Gotland. This is the Sweden from Astrid Lindgren's books. Ideal with children and for a first visit.
• Lapland (Abisko + Kungsleden) — for adventure and wilderness. The midnight sun, Mount Kebnekaise, Abisko National Park and Sámi culture. The route for experienced motorhome travellers who want to drive far and seek true wilderness. Plan at least 3 weeks.

Not sure which route suits you? The AI route planner builds an itinerary based on your trip length, starting point and interests — from coastal routes to wilderness trips through Lapland.

Regions of Sweden: where to go by motorhome

Sweden is enormous (1,574 km from north to south) and each region has its own character. Here's an overview of the key areas for a motorhome trip through Sweden.

Southern Sweden & Småland — the landscape of Astrid Lindgren. Red wooden houses, blueberry forests, hundreds of lakes and the birthplace of Pippi Longstocking in Vimmerby. Småland is also Sweden's glass country — visit the historic glassworks. Skåne in the south is flat, fertile and reminiscent of Denmark.

West coast & Gothenburg — the archipelago north of Gothenburg is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Scandinavia. Fjällbacka (known from Camilla Läckberg's novels), Smögen with its colourful boathouses and Marstrand are the highlights. Gothenburg itself is a relaxed harbour city with excellent restaurants.

Stockholm & the archipelago — the capital is spread across 14 islands and is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. The Stockholm archipelago has some 30,000 islands. Tip: park the motorhome at a campsite outside the centre and take public transport into the city.

Dalarna — the heart of Sweden, famous for the Dalahäst (wooden horse), midsummer celebrations and the Falun copper mine (UNESCO). Around Lake Siljan you'll find traditional Swedish villages, craft markets and a fairytale landscape.

Lapland & Abisko — Swedish Lapland is Europe's last great wilderness. Abisko National Park near the Norwegian border is the gateway to the Kungsleden (King's Trail). In summer the midnight sun shines here. You'll encounter Sámi culture and can spot reindeer. Note: distances are vast — plan for long driving days.

Our recommendation: for a first motorhome trip through Sweden, combine the west coast with Småland or Stockholm — that gives a solid picture of the country's diversity. With more time, add Gotland, Dalarna or Lapland.

Combining Denmark and Sweden by motorhome

A motorhome route through Denmark and Sweden is a popular combination — and a logical one, since you pass through Denmark on the way to Sweden. The Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen to Malmö in 15 minutes, letting you seamlessly combine both countries.

Route suggestion (3 weeks): start in the Netherlands → drive via Germany to Jutland → explore Funen and Copenhagen → cross the Øresund Bridge to Malmö → drive along the Swedish west coast to Gothenburg → through Småland back to Malmö → via Copenhagen and Denmark back home.

Why it works: Denmark is flat, compact and ideal as a warm-up. Sweden offers more nature and space. The combination gives a varied trip with both cities (Copenhagen, Gothenburg) and nature (Swedish lakes, west coast). The Øresund Bridge costs around €60 per single crossing for a motorhome.

Also check our routes through Denmark and Sweden or build a combination route with the AI route planner.

Getting to Sweden with a motorhome: via Denmark or by ferry?

There are several ways to get to Sweden with a motorhome. The best choice depends on your budget, comfort and how much you want to see along the way.

When to take the bridge, when the ferry? The Øresund Bridge is faster and cheaper, especially with ØresundGO (register online in advance). The overnight ferry is more comfortable if you don't want to drive the whole way in one day — you sleep on board and arrive refreshed in Gothenburg. With children or a large vehicle, the ferry is often the more relaxed choice.

Travelling with kids in Sweden by motorhome

A motorhome trip through Sweden with children is an excellent choice. The country is safe, clean and set up for families:

• Astrid Lindgren's World: the theme park in Vimmerby brings Pippi Longstocking and the Children of Noisy Village to life. A must for families with children aged 3–12.
• Kolmården Zoo: Scandinavia's largest animal park, with safari, dolphin show and a cable car over the park. Located between Stockholm and Norrköping.
• Öland and Gotland beaches: the islands off the south-east coast have long, child-friendly sandy beaches with shallow water — perfect for younger children.
• Lake swimming: Sweden has more than 100,000 lakes, and many campsites have direct water access. The water is pleasant in summer (18–22°C in southern Sweden).
• Universeum Gothenburg: a science museum with a rainforest, aquarium and space exhibition — a hit with children and adults alike, and ideal for a rainy day.
• Safe and calm: Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Campsites are clean, well-maintained and usually have playgrounds.

Tip: choose a route of no more than 2 weeks with limited daily moves. Southern Sweden (Småland, west coast, Gotland) works best for families — distances are short and there's something to do everywhere. The AI route planner adjusts the pace to suit your family.

Wild camping in Sweden: Allemansrätten and the rules for motorhomes

Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access) is one of the most distinctive aspects of travelling through Sweden. It gives everyone — including visitors — access to nature: walking, swimming, picking berries and mushrooms, regardless of who owns the land.

Important for motorhome travellers: Allemansrätten applies to tents, not to motor vehicles. Driving off-road with a motorhome is not permitted. Near houses, farms and in built-up areas you must always ask permission. Many car parks and popular nature areas have prohibition signs.

Our advice: Allemansrätten makes Sweden attractive for nature lovers, but motorhomes do face restrictions. In practice, use official campsites and ställplatser, and only stay outside campsites where local rules clearly allow it. Sweden has more than 541 campsites — there's always one nearby. Many campsites sit on lakes or in forests and offer a nature experience that rivals wild camping.

Best time for a motorhome trip through Sweden

The best period for a motorhome trip through Sweden is June through August. In southern Sweden you can expect 18–25°C with long, light days. The further north you go, the more spectacular the light — in Lapland the sun doesn't set from mid-June to mid-July (midnight sun).

June is ideal for southern and central Sweden: long light, few tourists and nature at its best. Midsummer (around 21 June) is the biggest celebration of the year. July is the warmest and busiest, especially along the west coast. August still offers warm weather but shorter days. September is beautiful for autumn colours in Dalarna and Lapland, but nights get cold.

Lapland: the midnight sun makes a summer motorhome trip through the north extraordinary — you can sit outside at midnight in full daylight. But prepare for mosquitoes in July–August and bring a good insect repellent.

Practical tips for your motorhome trip through Sweden

• Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). Card payments work almost everywhere — many Swedes barely use cash. A payment card without foreign transaction fees is recommended.
• Roads and tolls: Swedish roads are excellent. There are no toll roads (apart from the Øresund Bridge and Svinesund Bridge). Speed limits: 90–110 km/h on motorways, 70 km/h on country roads.
• Camping Key Europe: many Swedish Camping-affiliated campsites use Camping Key Europe (CKE) or Camping-ID for check-in. CKE also gives you discounts and basic insurance. You can buy one on arrival at most campsites (roughly €15).
• Mosquitoes: especially in Lapland and near lakes in July–August. Bring insect repellent and choose campsites with some wind.
• Groceries: ICA, Coop and Willys are the main supermarket chains. Prices are slightly higher than in the Netherlands but quality is good. Systembolaget is the only place to buy alcohol above 3.5% (limited opening hours).
• Ställplatser: alongside regular campsites, Sweden has a network of ställplatser — official motorhome pitches with basic facilities (electricity, water, waste water). Cost: SEK 100–250 per night. Many sit in attractive spots by lakes or harbours.

How much does a motorhome trip through Sweden cost?

Sweden is slightly more expensive than the European average, but cheaper than Norway or Iceland. With a Camping Key Europe and use of ställplatser you can keep costs down. The main expenses:

• Campsites: SEK 200–400 per night (€18–35) for a pitch with facilities. Ställplatser cost SEK 100–250 (€9–22).
• Fuel: diesel costs around SEK 19–21 per litre (€1.70–1.90). A 2,500 km route costs roughly €200–250 in fuel.
• Øresund Bridge: roughly €60 one way for a motorhome (booking online in advance is cheaper). So about €120 return.
• Groceries: 10–15% more expensive than the Netherlands. The quality is good. Local farm shops and fish markets along the west coast are excellent.
• Rental motorhome: from around €100 per day in peak season, depending on model and pick-up location.

Rule of thumb: a two-week motorhome trip through Sweden costs on average €1,500–2,500 for two people with your own vehicle, excluding toll bridges. Cheaper than Norway, comparable to Denmark.

Why Camproads for your Sweden motorhome route?

We've selected and rated 141 destinations across Sweden — from well-known spots like the west coast and Stockholm to gems such as Dalarna, Gotland and Abisko. For every destination we've mapped more than 541 campsites, so you always know where to stay.

Our 5 curated routes through Sweden are structured day by day, with driving times, distances and campsite suggestions at each stop. Every route is a starting point you can fully customise.

Want something different? The AI route planner builds an itinerary based on your trip length, starting point and preferences.

Frequently asked questions about motorhome trips through Sweden