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Sweden's best campsites – from north to south

Sweden is an ideal country for camping. Whether you go camping with your caravan or motorhome, try glamping or stay in a cabin – or even if you just pitch a tent – Sweden has hundreds of campsites spread out over the country. Below you’ll find the very best – the 14 Swedish campsites with a five-star rating.

The classification measures what the campsites offer and their standard when it comes to sanitary, the area, facilities, activities and events. The list is presented by camping.se and most of the campsites on their website are classified according to SCR Swedish Camping’s classification system Swedish Camping Standard.

Read more at camping.se

Pite Havsbad, Swedish Lapland

Pite Havsbad is situated on the east coast of Swedish Lapland in northern Sweden. The facility consists of a hotel, cabins and a campsite for caravans, motorhomes and tents. All types of accommodation are located next to the long sandy beach. Choose between some 40 activities, an indoor water park and outdoor pool, spa, playground, occasional live performances and a range of restaurants. The campsite at Pite Havsbad is open from May to September.

Byske Havsbad, Västerbotten

Some 40 kilometres further south down the east coast, in Västerbotten , you’ll find Byske Havsbad. The campsite offers a range of options with pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as cabins. Visitors can enjoy the shallow sandy beach or the outdoor pool. Other activities on offer are adventure golf, several playgrounds, a children’s BMX path and various exercise trails in the surrounding nature. The camping area at Byske Havsbad is open all year round.

Leksand Strand, Dalarna

Camping, glamping or cabin – at Leksand Strand in Dalarna you can stay next to Lake Siljan whether you have a campervan or a tent. The neighbouring summer and water park Leksand Sommarland is a definite draw for families. There is also an on-site outdoor pool, adventure golf, playgrounds, a sandy beach and several nature activities on offer. Summer events include Medieval Week, Nordic Dog Show, Sports Car Festival and a large Midsummer celebration. Parts of the Leksand Strand campsite are open from the end of April until September.

Årjäng Camping & Stugor Sommarvik, Värmland

This campsite, often referred to as just Sommarvik, is surrounded by forests and lakes in the west of Sweden, close to Norway. Choose between cabins, glamping or the campsite that welcomes mobile homes, caravans and tents. The nearby lake offers a sandy beach with shallow water, a sauna and a private jetty. There’s also a pool area with three outdoor pools to choose from, six playgrounds and adventure golf. Årjäng Camping & Stugor Sommarvik in Värmland is open all year round.

Gustavsvik Camping, Närke

Conveniently located between Stockholm and Gothenburg, Gustavsvik is also home to one of the largest indoor water parks in Sweden, Lost City. The campsite is spread out over a green area and welcomes caravans and motorhomes. Cabins in various sizes are also up for rent. The large span of activities ranges from paintball and zipline to mountain biking and kayaking. During summer evenings the onsite restaurant offers live music, and should you wish to see something else, Örebro city is within walking distance. Gustavsvik Camping is open all year round.

Daftö Resort, Bohuslän

South of Strömstad, on the west coast of Sweden, you’ll find Daftö Resort. The campsite has several plots for campers, caravans and tents, but also a hotel, cabins and a guest harbour. Daftö Resort is known for its family-oriented pirate theme and amusement park Daftöland, and there’s a daily schedule of children's activities on the campsite. If pirates aren’t your thing, the facility also offers adventure golf, a swimming pool area, an outdoor gym and several playgrounds. Daftö Resort in Bohuslän is open all year round.

Kronocamping i Lidköping, West Sweden

At Kronocamping in West Sweden , you’ll get nature and city life at the same time – the campsite is located by the sandy shores of Lake Vänern and on the outskirts of Lidköping. There’s plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes, and visitors without a vehicle can either book a cabin or rent a caravan or motorhome. Activities include an outdoor pool area, adventure golf, children’s club and spa. Family and sports events are arranged throughout the summer. Kronocamping i Lidköping is open all year round.

Ursand Resort & Camping, West Sweden

Further west on the shores of Lake Vänern and north of Vänersborg, you’ll find Ursand Resort & Camping. This campsite offers space for caravans, motorhomes and tents as well as glamping, cabins, trailers and a guest harbour. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor pool area, a spa, adventure golf and a mini zoo, along with various nature activities. The on-site restaurant hosts quizzes and live performances during peak season. Ursand Resort & Camping is open all year round.

Hafsten Resort, Bohuslän

Hafsten Resort is located on a peninsula on the west coast of Sweden, between Strömstad and Gothenburg. Stay in your motorhome, caravan or tent, or book a tree-tipi, beach villa or cabin. An outdoor pool area, adventure golf and sea sauna are on the offer, and you’ll find five designated hiking trails just outside the campsite. Troubadours are frequently performing at the pool bar. Hafsten Resort is open all year round.

Västervik Resort, Småland

Situated on the Swedish east coast, Västervik Resort offers a guest harbour, various cabins and a sea-side campsite for caravans, motorhomes and tents. Swimming is a large part of the experience and visitors can access the sea from cliffs or a sandy beach, experience the indoor and outdoor pool area or relax at the spa. The resort offers a range of daily activities, as well as live performances during peak season. Västervik Resort in Småland is open all year round.

Kneippbyn Resort, Gotland

Kneippbyn Resort, just south of Visby , is the only five-star campsite on the island of Gotland . Accommodation ranges from two hotels, bed & breakfast and holiday cabins to glamping and a campsite where all caravan spaces face the sea. Kneippbyn is also a summer and water park and home to the original Pippi Longstocking house, Villa Villekulla, known from the movies. There are several restaurants on-site and more than 25 activities arranged every day. Kneippbyn Resort is open from the end of May until the end of August.

Böda Sand Beach Resort, Öland

In the northernmost part of the island of Öland , close to a long and sandy beach, you’ll find Böda Sand Beach Resort. The campsite welcomes caravans, motorhomes and tents and there are also cabins for rent. Visitors can enjoy adventure golf, beach volleyball or take a swim in the pool. Young children can take part in activities with the mascot Bödde and older children can hang out in the "YouthCamp", which organises skateboard school, sports competitions and Nintendo tournaments. Böda Sand Beach Resort is open from late April until early September.

Destination Apelviken, Halland

Destination Apelviken is situated between two sandy beaches on the west coast, within walking distance to central Varberg. Stay with your caravan, tent or camper van at the campsite, or at the facilities’ hotel, apartments or cabins. Destination Apelviken has an outdoor pool, a surf centre, adventure golf and a range of children's activities. Events include pub quizzes, Apple Bay Day and Midsummer celebrations. Destination Apelviken in Halland is open all year round.

Mötesplats Borstahusen, Skåne

Mötesplats Borstahusen is a former fishing village in southwest Sweden, just north of Landskrona city in Skåne . Today, it’s a resort complete with cabins, a campsite for motorhomes, caravans and tents, a spa and a golf club. The resort offers adventure golf and has a long jetty going into the sea. Activities range from hiking and fishing to excursions to the island of Ven. Mötesplats Borstahusen is open all year round.

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Camping In Sweden

Camping in Sweden: Exploring the best campsites in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit campsites in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Camping In Sweden

Can you sleep in your car in Sweden?

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

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

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

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

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

Sleeping in your car in Sweden

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

Is Sweden motorhome friendly?

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

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

What are the rules for camping in Sweden?

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

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

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

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

Other rules for camping in Sweden include:

Know land crossing rights

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

Obey specific rules

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

Don’t stay too long

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

Use equipment carefully

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

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

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

Grab a bite to eat

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

Use campfires carefully

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

Can you camp anywhere in Sweden?

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

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

Is it safe to wild camp in Sweden?

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

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

The best campsites in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

9 of the best campsites in Sweden

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

1. Gotland (Strandby)

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

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

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

2. Mora Camping (Dalarna)

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

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

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

Camping In Sweden

3. Fulufjallet (Dalarna)

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

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

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

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

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4. First Camp, Malmö

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

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

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

Camping In Sweden

5. Skuleskogen National Park

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

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

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

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

6. Lijusdal Camping

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

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

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

7. Glaskogens Camping

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

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

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

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

8. Duse Udde Camping

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

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

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

Camping In Sweden

9. Kungsleden

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

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

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

How much do campsites in Sweden cost?

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

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

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

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

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Facts About Scandinavia

Camping and Campsites in Sweden

647 campsites.

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  • Top rating for Sweden
  • Recommended for swimming
  • Suitable for guests with tent

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  • Mariannelund
  • Recommended for hiking

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  • Suitable for senior citizens
  • Particularly good location

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  • Hammarstrand

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When you go camping in Sweden, you'll experience pristine nature, Nordic calmness and won't have to fear drowning in mass tourism. The country is very expansive and provides different natural sceneries. In Gothenland - especially in the province Scania - you'll camp in your private Bullerby: Red timber houses, deep forests and a pleasant climate characterise this region.

Crystal clear lakes and small islands off the coast of the Swedish capital Stockholm make campers' hearts beat faster in Swealand . Jump in the cool water and discover the region from your canoe.

The trip to Northland takes a bit longer, but you'll be rewarded with the midnight sun or the polar light . No matter which region you choose: Sweden will certainly fulfill your personal holiday dream. We introduce you to the most beautiful holiday regions for camping in Sweden !

Popular Holiday Regions for Camping in Sweden

Camping near the tiveden national park in sweden.

Your heart soars when you are surrounded by high green trees? In one of the most beautiful forest regions in Sweden, the Tiveden National Park , you are at the right address. Small hills and deep canyons make the region a mystical place. On the well marked hiking trails the Swedish national park can be explored excellently on foot. You can rest at one of the many beautiful lakes and refresh yourself in the cool water. You can also find some campsites near the national park .

Camping at Lake Vänern in Sweden

Camping at the largest lake in Sweden is particularly beautiful. Its diverse nature reserves, like the Djüro National Park or the Natural Reserve Surö , make the lake especially popular with nature-loving campers. If you like an active holiday you certainly won't miss out here either. Water sports such as boating, stand-up paddling or swimming give you the chance to really let off some steam.

Camping on Sweden's Baltic Sea Coast

You simply want to relax and unwind? Let's go to the Baltic Sea Coast in Gothenland ! The long stretched out beaches delight families with kids with beautiful swimming opportunities, while couples can take endless romantic walks. Whether on one of the beautiful campsites or directly under the stars when wild camping - from Malmö to Stockholm all campers in Sweden will be happy.

Winter Camping in Jämtland in Sweden

Mild summers are always nice, no doubts. But in Sweden things can also be different. In Swealand there are many possibilities for winter camping . Skiing and camping in Sweden, what more could you want? You can find interesting and helpful articles in our magazine in case you need more tips for camping during the winter .

City Feeling while Camping in Sweden

Do you need a city trip and some sightseeing after all that nature? In the Swedish capital Stockholm amazing parks and a vibrant cultural scene are waiting for you. Outside the city there is a fascinating skerry landscape .

If you travel to Sweden by ferry or across the Øresund Bridge with your motorhome, you can't get past Malmö , the "Gate to Sweden". The inner city with the city hall, the historic old town and the vibrant beach promenade are especially worth seeing. You'll find numerous campsites near the beautiful Swedish cities.

Round Trip through Sweden

When camping in Sweden it's also common to move around with your motorhome and not just stay in one place. You're still searching for the right route? In our magazine we have the perfect tip for you! Discover Sweden while following the tracks of Astrid Lindgren and revel in childhood memories of the heroes in the well-known books of the Swedish author.

What Campers Should Know About Camping in Sweden

Light’s on.

When you drive on Swedish roads and motorways, you must always have your vehicle's dipped headlights turned on , even if you’re travelling during the day, and the sun is shining.

Stay High and Dry

The drink-drive limit in Sweden is 0.02% or 20 mg/l . The authorities take drinking and driving very seriously, and they regularly test drivers for alcohol. These tests don’t always happen at night either; sometimes, they’ll occur early in the morning. Drivers are typically checked when getting on or off of ferries.

Alcohol Comes at a Price

Food prices in Sweden are the fifth-highest in Europe, around 10–20% higher than average . That doesn’t mean that you have to empty the contents of your entire fridge into your motorhome before you head out on holiday: Swedish discount grocery stories are quite affordable. The only exception is alcohol, which is expensive and only available in Systembolaget , a government-owned chain of liquor stores. You could end up spending two or three times the price you’re used to for a bottle of beer!

Fishing Licence Required?

Many people falsely believe that the Everyman’s right means that there are no rules or limits for fishing in Sweden. Actually, you don’t need a fishing licence if you plan to stick to the coast or the five largest lakes (Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Storsjön, and Hjälmaren). For any other body of water, though, you will need a licence, which you can purchase at tourist offices, kiosks, petrol stations or from machines set up near the water.

Popular Camping Regions in Sweden

3 things campers in sweden should know, is wild camping allowed in sweden.

The Right of Public Access in Sweden is no permission slip for wild camping. It allows everyone to stay under the starry night sky for one night in a tent. That rule even extends to private property, but keep in mind to set up camp out of the sight of any residential housing. Wild camping is completely forbidden on agricultural land or in natural reserves. Also, the Right of Public Access does not apply to motorhomes - those are only allowed to be parked at a resting place, a parking space or beside the road and even then only for a maximum of 24 hours. Thus wild camping is only possible in a tent and completely under the open sky.

Find and book available campsites in Sweden now

When is the best time to go camping in Sweden?

The best time to discover Sweden with your motorhome is from June to August . In the summer months temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 10 to 20°C - perfect to explore nature and maybe even go for a swim. If the cold doesn't bother you, in Sweden you can also go camping during winter . The snow-covered landscape is popular with all kinds of winter sports enthusiasts - whether for snowshoe hiking or skiing, the time from December to April is best suited for these activities.

What do I have to pay attention to on the road when Camping in Sweden?

The speed limits on Swedish motorways is 110km/h for passenger cars, with a caravan it drops to 80km/h. If you are over the speed limit it can get expensive. If you drive 20km/h faster than is allowed in unpopulated areas, you have to pay a minimum fine of 110€. If you drive more than 30km/h above the speed limit, your car can be confiscated. Also there is a congestion charge in Stockholm and Gothenburg , which passenger vehicles, trucks and busses with a total weight of less than 14 t have to pay on weekdays (Monday - Friday) from 06:30 to 18:29. If you pass a control station ("Betalstation") in the respective city centre area with your vehicle at these times, your licence plate number will be registered by means of a photograph. The bill will then be sent to you by post and the outstanding amount must be paid by the following month.

Tips for Campers

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With the Motorhome in the Snow

Frequently asked questions, which is the best campsite in sweden.

  • Långsjön Stugor & Camping AB , 4.8
  • Orrefors Camping , 4.7
  • Hätte Camping , 4.6

Which campsite in Sweden is recommended?

  • Kalmar Camping - Rafshagsudden , 4.5
  • Spilhammars Camping , 4.4
  • Nås Camping Dalarna , 5

How expensive is camping in Sweden?

How much does a pitch cost at a campsite in sweden, what does rental accommodation cost at a campsite in sweden, which campsites are available in sweden.

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Best Campsites In Sweden: Lakes, Beaches & Cities

Looking for a campsite in Sweden ? Great because you’ve found a guide to the best campsites in Sweden, which covers all the top parts of the country.

We’ve featured campsites that are right on the beach as well as those that are so remote you likely won’t have cell service. And of course, we also included campsites that are close to the big cities, in case you don’t want to give up on the urban jungles entirely. Some of the camping grounds featured in this guide are great bases for exploring larger areas and even make it possible to go on a quick day trip to Norway or Denmark.

Whether you want to go kayaking or head to Stockholm, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect campsite in Sweden for you!

Bredäng Camping Stockholm

Stockholm

Bredäng Camping Stockholm is a campsite near Lake Mälaren , just some 20 minutes outside Stockholm. If you’re interested in exploring Sweden’s capital city, this is definitely one of the best campsites for you. There’s a metro station in Bredäng just 10 minutes outside the camp, so it’s pretty easy to get to Stockholm even if you’re not up for driving on your own. And in the summer you can even get to the city by boat.

The campsite is also about 350 meters from an open-air swimming area that’s very popular in the warmer months. There aren’t many hiking trails in the area, but there is a minigolf course for entertainment. The lake is also popular with fishermen, so if that’s something you’re into you will really enjoy this campsite.

The sanitary block is modern and clean, with bathrooms, showers and washing machines. There’s also a communal kitchen and a restaurant at the camp, so you will have access to all the essentials. Well, except electricity – there aren’t any hookups on the pitches, and you’ll have to head to one of the main buildings if you need to charge your tech.

First Camp City-Strömstad

Strömstad

First Camp City-Strömstad is a campsite on the west coast of Sweden . The location of the campsite is awesome since it’s perfect for everything from swimming in the ocean to a quick day-trip to Oslo in Norway! There’s also a proper golf course not that far from the camp and even an amusement park that’s very fun for your little ones.

One important thing to note about this Swedish campsite is that they are entirely cash-free , but they accept all standard-issue credit and debit cards.

The camp offers pitches for tents, caravans and RVs – the difference between the latter two is just in the size of the plot. All motorhome pitches have electricity hookups and most also have paved access. Also, the pitches are all grouped and there’s at least one water tap for each group. You can choose exactly which pitch you would like to reserve, so definitely pick out something close to the water tap for the ultimate convenience.

This campsite features a very clean and modern sanitary block, a playground and a restaurant. Also, there’s a path near the back row of pitches that takes you directly from the camp to the beach on the lake – a compelling reason to book a 214-219 pitch!

Kalmar Camping

Kalmar

Kalmar Camping is on the east coast of Sweden, right on the shore of Kalmar Strait . It’s a very popular destination in the warmer months because of its excellent location. Kayaking, paddling and rowing are just some of the things to do here, making it a great option for long family vacations.

The campsite features around 200 pitches, some of which have electrical hookups. They have a helpful map on their site that lets you know exactly which pitches have access to electricity as well as the location of water taps, so it should be pretty easy to book the pitch that’s most convenient for you. Also, this campsite offers overnight pitches for people who just need somewhere to spend the night before they get back on the road again.

There’s a playground at the camp, as well as soccer and volleyball fields. Kalmar Camping also offers two modern sanitary buildings with showers, toilets and a laundry room. You’ll even find a kiosk and a café right in the camp, so really there’s no need to leave the camping grounds at all during your stay.

Liseberg Camping Askim Strand

Gothenburg

Liseberg Camping Askim Strand is a campsite in southwest Sweden . The location is awesome – it’s right on the sea with pitches a couple of minutes away from the beach, but at the same time the entire camp is just 15 minutes outside Gothenburg. Whether you want to spend your days lounging on the beach or shopping in the big city, you won’t be disappointed with this campsite.

The pitching area is parceled and every pitch has road access, but there’s not really a lot of foliage on the campgrounds. Which means there’s no bushes or trees to provide you with privacy from your neighbors, so keep that in mind. The area features about 260 pitches for motorhomes and caravans, and all of them have access to electricity. And if it’s just you and your tent, you can choose from 150 pitches, 14 of which have electrical hook-ups.

In terms of campsite amenities, Lisenberg Camping really didn’t cut any corners. There’s a huge green field where kids usually play frisbee or football, as well as a proper playground for the youngest campers. The sanitary buildings are modern and spotless, and you also have the option of renting your own private bathroom during your stay. There are even a communal kitchen and a TV room, as well as a grocery store on-site.

Ristafallet Camping

Ristafallet

Image courtesy of Fuzzy Mannerz

Ristafallet Camping is a campsite just below Ristafallet – a spectacular waterfall in central Sweden . The camp is in nature near a river, with lots of trees and phenomenal views wherever you look. If you want a camping experience that is peaceful and away from the city crowds and noises, Ristafallet Camping is definitely one of the top campsites in Sweden for you!

Especially because it’s one of the smaller campsites with only about 30 pitches. It’s never going to be way too crowded, and you can really enjoy a peaceful vacation in nature. And you’ll have everything you need for an enjoyable vacation at your pitch, including electricity and free WiFi. Toilets, showers, kitchen and laundry room are all in the main service building, and all camping facilities are included in the price of your pitch.

There’s a lot of things to do in the area, especially if you’re into hiking. The campsite is actually very close to St Olav’s long-distance hiking trail – if you were thinking about attempting that hike, this is one of the stops along the way. Also, there is a café at the campsite, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to do for food and drinks.

Camping Tiveden

Tiveden National Park

Image courtesy of Jean-Pierre Fleury

Camping Tiveden is on the bank of lake Unden , and it’s very close to National Park Tiveden . The area is perfect for nature lovers since there’s just so much to do here. Swim in the lake, explore the nearby hiking trails, rent kayaks and canoes, go horseback riding in the NP or just go mountain biking – if you love being outdoors and going on adventures, you will absolutely love this campsite.

The campsite is divided into three fields with 65 pitches on the grass, most of which have access to electricity. They range in size from 100m² to 140m², and they are either fully or partially shaded. The pitches near the lake protected from the wind with trees, but they still manage to offer spectacular views despite the foliage.

The main building is located centrally between the three fields, so you have easy access to it no matter where your pitch is. It is equipped with clean showers and toilets, a large communal kitchen and a separate dishwashing area. There’s also a laundry room with a washer and a drier, as well as a waste disposal area and chemical disposal site for RVs. All of the communal services are cleaned on a daily basis, so hygiene shouldn’t really be an issue at this campsite.

Falsterbo Camping

Malmo

Falsterbo Camping is a campsite in the south of Sweden , close to both Malmö and Copenhagen. The location is spectacular – you’re just a couple of minutes away from the sea and the beach, but also just a short train ride away from Denmark! Because of the strategic location, this is definitely one of the best campsites in Sweden for families.

The campsite is very big with hundreds of pitches divided into several areas. All pitches have easy access to electricity and water taps, which is very convenient. The main building is centrally located for easy access from every pitch and it has toilets, showers and cooking facilities. There’s another smaller service building near the entrance to the camp, and it features just toilets, showers and waste disposal.

You will also find a café-restaurant at the campsite, so you don’t have to worry about food. And entertainment is not lacking either, considering Falsterbo Camping offers everything from mini-golf to playgrounds for kids. And that’s obviously in addition to the spectacular beach, countless nearby hiking trails and easy access to some stunning big cities!

Möllstorps Camping

Möllstorps

  Image courtesy of Håkan Dahlström

Möllstorps Camping is located on the Öland Island in the Baltic Sea, just off the southeast coast of Sweden. Close to the campsite you’ll find a safari park and an amusement park, which makes this a great destination for families with kids. Especially since it’s so close to the sea and there’s plenty of opportunities for swimming.

The campsite is big with 450 pitches on grass that aren’t really parceled that well. The camping grounds are separated into a few areas, but there’s really nothing that separates the pitches themselves. There are very few trees and bushes, so don’t expect to have a lot of privacy from your neighbors.

There’s a restaurant at the camp, as well as a grocery store where you can grab all the essentials. And the camp has three service buildings with toilets and showers, which is usually enough for all the campers. You also get access to a kitchen and a laundry room, as well as free WiFi. The campsite has two playgrounds, pedal cars and a climbing frame, so there’s plenty of things to keep your little ones busy. During peak season they also offer entertainments for adults, but it’s not every single night of the week.

Kolgårdens Cabins & Campsites

Vilhelmina

Kolgårdens Campsite is located in southern Lapland on the shore of Lake Volsjon . The location is excellent because it’s surrounded by beautiful untouched nature, but it’s only a 5-minute drive away from the closest town (Vilhelmina).

The campsite is in a remote area, but the owners really go out of their way to make sure you’re not bored during your stay. They can organize pentathlon for groups, boat excursions and even fishing and hunting trips. Also, it’s possible to rent scooters if you want to go ride on the snowmobile trails and explore the area.

The camping grounds are not really parceled, so you’re free to park your campervan practically wherever you want. And all of the pitches have access to electricity for an extra charge, so you’re not making any compromises if you choose the lakeside pitch over the one in the tree shade. Also, there’s free WiFi all over the camping grounds but the further you are from the service building, the worse the signal gets.

The camp features a large service building with a fully equipped kitchen, a TV room, clean bathrooms and a recycling station. They also have a sauna, as well as a barbecue area that you are free to use. And on top of that, in the summer months, you can have ice baths at the camp, while in the colder months the owners set up two wood-fired hot tubs to warm you up after a long day out in the cold.

Gränna Camping

Granna Camping

Gränna Camping is a campsite on the shore of Lake Vättern , the second largest lake in Sweden. It’s about 30 minutes outside Jönköping , which is best known for the long lakeside beach and 19th century Sofia Church. The campsite features more than 450 pitches as well as some rental units, so it’s quite popular with campers.

Swimming in the lake and lounging on the beach are obviously the most popular things to do, but they’re certainly not the only entertainment in the area. There’s an island in the lake that features a popular castle, plus Omberg Ecopark and Tabergs Mine are very close to the camp. It’s also possible to go on boat trips and rent mopeds and motorcycles if you’re in the mood to explore.

The pitching area is parceled with road access to every single pitch. Rental cottages are the closest to the beach, but there’s also a row of pitches close to the lake. Most pitches have access to electricity, and when you’re booking your stay you can choose whether you want a pitch with or without an electric pole. Obviously, those that have electric hook-ups are pricier, but all the electricity you spend is included in the original price of the booking.

The campsite has two service houses and the facilities are mostly divided between them. The smaller building features showers, TV and dining rooms, a mini kitchen and a dishwasher, while the larger service building has toilets, a laundry room and a fully equipped kitchen.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Misfit Wanders

The Best Camping in Sweden: Hacks to Help Nature

by Misfit Wanders Dani | Sep 29, 2023 | Adventures , blog , Culture , Lifestyles , Nature , Sweden , Traveling

camping in sweden

Imagine a vacation where you become one with nature, where you awaken to the melodious songs of birds soaring high above, and every step you take through the forested wonderland is met with a satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. If this sounds like your ideal getaway, then camping in Sweden is an experience you simply can’t afford to miss!

In this article, we’re embarking on an exciting journey into the world of camping in Sweden, a land of enchanting forests, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains. Prepare to be enchanted as we unravel the secrets of allemansrätten, Sweden’s unique right of public access to these natural wonders. Along the way, we’ll reveal the most idyllic spots for a family-friendly camping adventure, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone.

The Beauty of Allemansrätten: Your Passport to Nature

Let’s begin our Swedish adventure by unraveling the enchanting concept of allemansrätten, often referred to as “everyone’s right.” This ancient law is your golden ticket to roam freely and camp in the pristine wilderness of Sweden. Imagine setting up your tent beside a serene lake, where the only neighbors you’ll encounter are the whispering winds and cheerful birdsong. That’s the magic of allemansrätten, an open invitation to explore and immerse yourself in Sweden’s unspoiled beauty.

Swedish Tradition

Wild camping

How Long Can you Camp?

With allemansrätten on your side, you’re granted the privilege of spending up to three days in the heart of nature. As long as you maintain a respectful distance of about 800 meters from buildings, you’re free to embrace the wild. If you plan to kindle a campfire, use only dead branches and ensure it’s safely contained, with a handy water source nearby. And when it’s time to bid farewell to your campsite, remember to leave no trace behind – preserve the area just as you found it. To delve deeper into allemansrätten and the art of wild camping in Sweden, check out this informative article

A Tip for Camping in Sweden!

Sweden’s pristine national parks and enchanting nature reserves beckon travelers from around the world to immerse themselves in the country’s breathtaking wilderness. As you embark on your adventure, it’s crucial to understand the importance of responsible tourism and preserving these remarkable natural wonders. In Sweden, designated camping areas play a vital role in safeguarding these unique environments. So, let’s embark on a journey together, and I’ll guide you through the fascinating world of camping in Sweden’s mesmerizing outdoors.

Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Camping Trip

Timing is key when planning your Swedish camping adventure. Sweden’s climate is as diverse as its landscapes, so selecting the right season is crucial. Summer, spanning from June to August, is the most popular time to visit, albeit with more tourists. During this season, enjoy long daylight hours, blossoming nature, and mild temperatures (although recent weather patterns have been unpredictable). Encounter an array of wildlife, from graceful deer and various bird species to majestic moose and even elusive foxes. For those yearning to witness the famous midnight sun, head north to the Swedish Lapland.

For a more serene and contemplative experience, consider camping during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these times, the landscapes are adorned with vibrant hues, and you’ll likely have the trails and campsites all to yourself.

Try out Camping in All the Seasons!

While camping in Sweden, each season offers its unique charm. Personally, I have a soft spot for spring, as it marks the awakening of life with blooming flowers. My son, on the other hand, adores summer, especially during berry season. In Sweden, berry-picking is a delectable tradition you can indulge in while camping. The same holds true for mushrooms foraging, which reaches its peak in the fall. My husband and I even braved winter camping in Sweden once, a bone-chilling adventure before our little one came along!

Family-Friendly Camping in Sweden: Where Dreams Begin

Camping in Sweden is a delight for families. The nation’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection extends to its camping facilities. Many campgrounds offer family-specific amenities, including child-friendly trails, playgrounds, and activities. The Swedes’ love for the great outdoors is deeply rooted in their culture, making it common to find families gathered around campfires, children building forts from sticks, and parents passing on their reverence for nature to the next generation.

Swedish Tradition

Top Spots for Camping in Sweden

Now, let’s unveil some of Sweden’s most enchanting camping destinations. While the options are nearly boundless, these gems have etched unforgettable memories in my camping journeys:

1. Tiveden National Park

This mystical forested park beckons hikers and campers with its rugged terrain, serene lakes, and ancient woodlands. Tiveden National Park is a realm where legends come to life, making it perfect for families eager to combine camping with captivating storytelling around the campfire.

Swedish Tradition

2. Sarek National Park

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, Sarek offers an untamed wilderness experience. Nestled in Swedish Lapland, it boasts pristine glaciers, towering mountains, and untamed rivers. Keep in mind that this destination is better suited for older kids or experienced young adventurers. It’s also conveniently close to Sweden’s tallest mountain, Kebnekaise , providing an opportunity for a thrilling side trip.

3. Stenshuvud National Park

Overlooking the picturesque Baltic Sea, Stenshuvud National Park offers a delightful blend of woodlands, meadows, and sandy beaches. It’s the ideal spot for a seaside camping escapade with your family. Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of waves caressing the shoreline, creating a calming atmosphere for all ages to enjoy! You can learn more about this national park at Sweden’s National Parks .

4. Camping in Värmland, the Nature County!

Värmland County, often dubbed the “nature county,” casts a spell on campers with its magical landscapes. The region’s natural beauty makes it one of the finest places for camping in Sweden. For more insights, don’t miss The Best Tips on Camping in Värmland.

You can learn more about camping at campsites and out in the wild at Visit Sweden .

Swedish Tradition

Responsible Camping in Sweden: Leave No Trace

As you embark on your Swedish camping expedition, remember to uphold the principles of Leave No Trace. This means treating nature, wildlife, and fellow campers with utmost respect. Keep your campsite pristine, pack out all trash, and employ established fire rings or camping stoves for cooking. Above all, resist the urge to disturb wildlife – observe from a respectful distance.

In Sweden, we cherish our natural wonders and strive to preserve them for generations to come. Let’s all play our part in leaving the land better than we found it.

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Bring the Right Gear for Camping in Sweden!

When preparing for camping in Sweden, always have essential items on hand, including a water bottle , snacks, a metal mug , a reliable rain jacket . These basics will ensure you’re well-equipped for a “fika” (a Swedish coffee break) and a delicious meal. Explore my shop for gear that can enhance your outdoor experience or refer to The Best Outdoor Gear Sweden: The Nature Country where I detail essential gear for various seasons.

In Conclusion: Your Swedish Camping Odyssey Awaits

In Sweden, camping isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of life. Allemansrätten beckons you to explore the wilderness, and Sweden’s diverse landscapes promise something special for every camper. Whether you’re setting up camp by a tranquil lake, hiking through ancient forests, or sharing stories beneath the northern lights, your Swedish camping adventure is destined to create lasting memories.

So, gather your gear, rally your loved ones, and embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Sweden’s natural wonders. Here, where the forest meets the sky, and the spirit of allemansrätten guides your way, your adventure begins.

Adventures in Sweden

If you’ve been captivated by the allure of camping in Sweden, then you’ll be thrilled to discover the myriad activities awaiting you in this nature-filled country. Explore more at Adventures in Sweden and uncover once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from petting moose to exploring magnificent national parks. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or serene escapes, Sweden has it all, waiting for you to explore and enjoy.

Swedish Tradition

Celebrating Midsommar

Swedish Tradition

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Camping in Sweden

Camping in Sweden

Camping is growing rapidly in Sweden. Almost every year, the industry reports new records being broken. We have approximately 1,100 to 1,200 campsites in Sweden. Among them you will find 16 five-star campsites; they are open all-year round.

Motorhome tourism

Motorhome tourists have primarily contributed to this increase in recent years. As a result, new parking sites have been built for motorhomes in many places in Sweden. The Swedish Camping Association (SCR) has even installed a special project group for motorhome tourism.

Freedom and community

Campers want freedom and community: the freedom to just leave and travel to a new destination and the chance to meet with other nice, sociable and helpful people.

People don’t become campers because they cannot afford a hotel or package tour, it is a deliberate lifestyle choice. By living in a small space together, you come closer to your fellow travellers and need to show them more consideration. You’ve got to be tolerant, neat and clean, and help each other – not just your family, but also your neighbours. It is this social aspect that makes camping so exciting.

Nature and adventure

Many campers also want to experience nature and exciting adventures. A night in a tent away from a campsite is an unforgettable experience. Hardly any forest is really quiet at night, and you will have to wash yourself in a cold stream, rather than a hot shower, in the morning, making you look forward all the more again to your next night on a well-equipped campsite.

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Camping is fun! – Greetings from Sweden

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Camping in Sweden - Everything you need to know

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Explore Sweden by camper van

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

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

Everything you need to know!

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

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Wunderwelten aus Schnee in Schweden

Sweden: round trip by motorhome - dream route

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Landscape Sweden

Wild camping in Sweden – What's allowed and what isn't

Camping for everyone

Geiranger, ein Ort in Norwegen.

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Ein Paar sitzt neben einem Camper in Norwegen.

Round trip through Norway by camper - discover Scandinavia

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THE 10 BEST Sweden Campgrounds

Camping in sweden, property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class.

  • Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
  • Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
  • Distance to city center See properties located closest to the center first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

Our cabin, in front of the lake.

1. Camp Alta Kiruna

Gabriela s

2. Lisebergsbyn

Morten Haugen

3. Aurora Camp Kurravaara

Marianne G

4. Fide Aventyrsby & Camping

First Camp Malmö

5. First Camp Sibbarp – Malmö

Mark Harvey

6. First Camp Arcus-Lulea

bobx77

7. Reindeer Lodge

themaddog74

8. Dafto Resort

Jamie P

9. Sudersands Semesterby

CoraTB

10. First Camp Gunnarso-Oskarshamn

Road12180667236

11. Kajkanten Vrango

stef b

12. Grand Circus Hotel

Federico R

13. Mötesplats Borstahusen

Ralf G

14. Dragsö Camping & Stugby

DadandCab

15. Långasjönäs Camping & Stugby

Ravindranath Chowdary

16. Karlstad Swecamp Bomstadbaden

Ian D

17. First Camp City-Stromstad

Brian EB

18. Munkebergs Camping, Stugor & Vandrarhem

sophiaibk

19. Vimmerby Camping

sallasergelius

20. Lovsjöbadens Camping

Glenn K

21. First Camp Kolmarden-Norrkoping

markkumikkola

22. Ristafallet Camping

Russell G

23. Saltviks Camping

abcnord

24. Mora Life Amasangsgarden

Pixboy

25. Löderups Strandbad

Morten_DN

26. Askeviks Camping & Stugor

The Travelling Wanderer

27. First Camp Molle-Hoganas

nveen371968

28. Ängdala Camping På Österlen

Martin L

29. Resort Yxenhaga

toffy

30. Big River Camp Hotel & Spa

Sofia

Sweden Hotels Information

schweden camping trip

  • Camp Alta Kiruna
  • Lisebergsbyn
  • Aurora Camp Kurravaara
  • Fide Aventyrsby & Camping
  • First Camp Sibbarp – Malmö
  • First Camp Arcus-Lulea
  • Reindeer Lodge
  • Dafto Resort
  • Sudersands Semesterby
  • First Camp Gunnarso-Oskarshamn

True Scandinavia

The Best Wild Camping Spots in Sweden

camping in Sweden

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

Why Go Wild Camping in Sweden

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

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

Sweden Wild Camping Rules to Follow

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

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

Which Part of Sweden Should you Choose for Wild Camping?

Forests are great camping spots in Sweden

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

Southern Sweden

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

Central Sweden

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

Northern Sweden

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

7 of the Best Camping Spots in Sweden

Wild camping spots are all over Sweden!

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

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

Fulufjället National Park

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

Skuleskogen National Park

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

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

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

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

Skrylle, Malmö

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

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

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Home » Europe » Sweden » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Sweden Travel Guide 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Why Go Backpacking in Sweden?

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

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

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

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

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

And then there is wild Sweden…

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Best Travel Itineraries For Backpacking Sweden

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking Sweden 10 day itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Sweden itinerary 14 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sweden itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places to Visit in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Stockholm

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

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

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

backpacking Stockholm

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

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

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

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

map icon

Backpacking Kalmar

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Backpacking Lund

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking Skane and Malmö

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking Gothenburg

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking Örebro

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

backpacking Sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking Uppsala

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

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

backpacking Sweden

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

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

Backpacking Kiruna

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking Luleå

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Backpacking Jokkmokk

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Backpacking Abisko

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

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

Backpacking the Kungsleden Trek

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Accommodation and Camping Along the Kungsleden Trek

Backpackers have several accommodation options along the Kungsleden Trek.

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

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

Getting Off the Beaten Track in Sweden

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

Aether Backpack

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

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

Top Things To Do in Sweden

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

1. See the Northern Lights

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

backpacking sweden

2. Go to the Beach

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

schweden camping trip

3. Pick Blueberries in the Forest

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

backpacking sweden

4. Try Swedish Food

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

backpacking sweden

5. Fall in Love with Stockholm

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

backpacking stockholm

6. Explore Tiny Villages

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

backpacking sweden

7. Stay in a Swedish Mountain Hut

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

backpacking sweden

8. Visit a Sámi Community

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

backpacking sweden

9. Explore the Swedish Archipelago

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

backpacking sweden

10. Hike the Kungsleden Trail

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

backpacking Sweden

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

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

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

Backpacker Accommodation in Sweden

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

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

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

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

The Best Places To Stay in Sweden

Wild camping in sweden.

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

Sweden Backpacking Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Daily Budget in Sweden

Money in sweden.

The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona .

ATM machines are widely available in all cities.

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

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

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

Travel Tips – Sweden on a Budget

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

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

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

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

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

Why Should You Travel to Sweden with a Water Bottle?

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

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

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

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

grayl geopress filter bottle

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

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

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

Best Time to Travel to Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking Sweden

Festivals in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

What to Pack for Sweden

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

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

Pacsafe belt

Travel Security Belt

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

sea to summit towel

Microfiber Towel

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

Gifts for backpackers

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

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

GEAR-Monoply-Game

‘Monopoly Deal’

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

Mesh Laundry Bag Nomatic

Hanging Laundry Bag

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

Staying Safe in Sweden

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

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

backpacking Sweden

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

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

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

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

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sweden

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

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

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

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

backpacking Sweden

Travel Insurance for Sweden

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

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

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

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

schweden camping trip

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

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

How To Get Into Sweden

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

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

backpacking sweden

Entry Requirements for Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

What the Hell are Schengen Area Countries?

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

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

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

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

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How to Get Around Sweden

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

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

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

Travelling by Train in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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Renting a Car in Sweden

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

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

backpacking sweden

Campervanning in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

Hitchhiking in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Onwards Travel from Sweden

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

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

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

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

Working in Sweden

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

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

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

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

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

Work Visa’s in Sweden

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

Volunteering in Sweden

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

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

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

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

schweden camping trip

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Teaching English in Sweden

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

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

What to Eat in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Smörgåsbord : The ultimate classic Swedish buffet feast.

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

Swedish Culture

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

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

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

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

Useful Travel Phrases for Sweden

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

Good morning – God morgon

Can I camp here? – Kan jag campa här?

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

Do you have soup? – Har du soppa?

Where is the toilet? – Vart finns toaletten?

What is this? –  Vad är detta

Sorry – Förlåt / Ursäkta

No plastic bag –  Ingen plastpåse

No straw please – Inget sugrör tack

No plastic cutlery please –  Ingen plast bestick tack

I am lost – Jag är vilse

Thank you! – Tack

One more beer please– En öl till, tack

Books to Read About Sweden

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

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

A Brief History of Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Some Unique Experiences in Sweden

packable travel medical kit

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

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

Trekking in Sweden

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

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

backpacking sweden

These are some of my favorite hikes in Sweden:

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

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

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

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

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

backpacking sweden

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

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

Joining an Organized Tour in Sweden

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

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

backpacking sweden

Final Advice Before Visiting Sweden

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

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

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

schweden camping trip

Aiden Freeborn

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Good Backpacking info. Thanks

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

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

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

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Outdoor vagabond is an outdoor adventure company that takes you off the beaten track. we offer training, hut to hut tours and tented expeditions. enjoy a small selection of tours that we do really, really, well, our tours and activities.

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Hiking in Sarek

Tent expedition Join us on a 9-day epic expedition in what´s often called Europe´s last wilderness – Sarek National Park. This is a tour for hikers with some previous experience of the outdoors and who wish to push their mental and physical limits. We don´t promise the easiest tour, we promise a journey of a life time!

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Hut to hut tour Join us on a 6-day guided tour along the southern part of the famous King´s Trail. This is the perfect tour for everyone wishing to experience the beauty and remoteness of one of Sweden´s most renowned hiking routs, yet enjoy the convenience of staying in comfortable mountain huts.

schweden camping trip

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Day activity in Sala Join us on a guided tour in the historic waterways of Sala. On this exceptional tour you will experience the spectacular wilderness of Sala as well as the towns fascinating history with its ancient silver production.

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Tent expedition Join us on an 9-day long winter expedition through Sarek National Park – often called Europe´s last wilderness! This tour takes you to the back-country of the Swedish mountains far away from marked tracks, mountain huts and any trace of civilization. We camp in tents and ski on Nordic expedition skis pulling our equipment on expedition sledges.

schweden camping trip

The King´s Trail – winter

Hut to hut tour Join us on a 6-day winter expedition along the southern part of the famous King´s Trail. We ski on Nordic expedition skis from hut to hut and enjoy the convenience of staying indoors in traditional Swedish off-grid mountains huts. Enjoy a nice fire-heated sauna after a full day of skiing in the back-country.

schweden camping trip

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

Posted on Last updated: July 21, 2021

Categories Sweden , Wild Camping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Go Wild Camping In Sweden: A History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sweden Wild Camping Rules To Follow

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

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

What are the main guidelines for your wild camping trip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Getting To And Around Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tips For Wild Camping In Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Camping in Sweden: How to Do It Right

The summer months are the perfect time to go camping in Sweden according to campingfunzone.com . After the crispness of the winter frost melts the idea of spending a few nights in a tent start to feel like a good idea. Come summer the landscape in Scandinavia blooms into green with lush forests and fresh berries in abundance for you to pick.

The great bonus about planning a camping trip in Sweden is that unlike other countries (such as Australia) there is a distinctive lack of animals and reptiles that can harm you.

As a country known for its equality, it is also relatively safe for women to camp either in groups or solo through Sweden. So, it is the perfect place for the solo female traveler who wants to save some money, camp and get back in touch with nature.

What to know

One of the benefits of camping in Sweden is the ‘right of public access’ or Allemansrätt which means that everyone is free to roam the countryside and camp wherever they like. How great is that?

It means that you have freedom to roam without having to stick to designated campsites per se and feel really free in your wanderings. General rules of decency do apply– don’t go camping in anyone’s garden– but in general you can camp where you feel like it.

Traveling in Sweden is expensive, so knowing that you do not have to pay for campsites if you have a tent you can sleep for free! Techie Camper looked at the best multiple tents, hammocks, and more, and combined them all in one site to make it easier for you to shop.

Where to go

There is no shortage of places to choose on a camping trip through Sweden. If you fancy hiking and camping on an island then the archipelago of Stockholm is a great destination.

Islands in the archipelago range in size and also in amenities depending on how remote you want to feel.

If you want to stick to the mainland then central Sweden offers plenty of forests and national parks that you can choose from to hike through.

Most have well maintained trails and maps and camp places with fires, toilets and sometimes wooden huts to sleep in too.

The further north you travel into the Arctic Circle offers you opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the winter, or the never ending Arctic daylight in the summer.

After a long days hiking it is nice and refreshing to cool off in one of Sweden’s many freshwater lakes, so make sure to pack your swimmers, even if the temperature does not seem high enough to swim.

Whilst some of the national parks and hiking trails have toilets, many do not, especially if you go off the beaten path so make sure to take your rubbish with you. This includes toilet waste, and if you are going to be camping on your period, keep this in mind.

Bugs and mosquitos can be a problem so take insect repellent. It might be summer but the night temperature can get low so pack some warm clothing for those chilly nights. Always check with local authorities if fires are permitted during the summer months before lighting one.

Sweden is a beautiful country with its islands, birch forests and lakes, and camping allows you to get up close and in touch with Sweden’s nature, to save some money whilst you travel and is a great and safe camping destination for women.

Do you camp when you travel?

About author.

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Growing up on the isolated West Australian coast Morgan always dreamt of lands far away and at the age of 18 started her world odyssey. After studying abroad twice in Ireland and Greece, interning in Jakarta, volunteering with animal rehabilitation in the Bolivian jungle and travelling to every continent including the great southern icy continent as an Antarctic Youth Ambassador and then volunteering as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development in Sulawesi, Indonesia. She is currently based in the Solomon Islands trying to combine her love of travel with her passion for protecting the environment.You can connect with her on twitter @morgan_petters and read more on her blog The Eco Backpacker.

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Top 5 EXCITING Spots for Camping in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Things to do in Gotland

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

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

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

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

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

Norrvikens Garden Skane Sweden

Skåne

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

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

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

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

Waterfall in Njupeskär Fulufjället National Park Sweden

Fulufjället

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

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

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

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

Skuleskogen National Park

Skuleskogen National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camping in Sweden: Glaskogen Nature reserved

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

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

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

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

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About me

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

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

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

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

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The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

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

Sweden is a great place for kayaking

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

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

So where is best for kayaking in Sweden?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which is the best type of canoe tour in Sweden?

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

Explore Sweden on a guided kayak tour

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

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

When is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden?

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

Summer is the best time to go kayaking in Sweden

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

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

Five of the best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden

Stockholm city by kayak.

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

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

Explore the Stockholm archipelago by kayak

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

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

The Stockholm archipelago is easily explored by kayak

The best of Bohuslän by kayak

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

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

Wilderness kayaking in Swedish Lapland

This amazing guided five-day kayak tour starts in Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, and explores the pristine wilderness of the Pearl River Nature Reserve. You’ll camp on the shores of Lake Karats each night (and may well catch your dinner in its waters), surrounded by vast uninhabited forests with no road access.

Take a self-guided or organised kayak tour in Sweden

Do-it-yourself kayak tours in Skåne

Lake Ivösjön, Skåne’s largest lake, is home to Wetlandi , which rents out canoes and all the kit you need to head out onto the water and camp on a deserted island like Robinson Crusoe. Canoes, life jackets and maps are provided, and they also rent out camping and cooking equipment and barbecue packages – or you can bring your own gear and food.

This lush, peaceful landscape is perfect for paddling around with more than 40 islands (many uninhabited) and plenty of secluded beaches and inlets, where you can escape the crowds and set up camp.

See also: The best Swedish islands: our top 12 The best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast The best lakes in Sweden

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Gideon Glaser

My Name is Gideon Glaser, I am from Austria. This summer (around August), I have a Kayak tour over the Götakanal planned. From Söderköping till Göteborg (about a month long). For that I would need a Kayak. I have looked at all the Options and haven’t found anything that could make that happen. So here is my Question. I need a kayak for that and i don’t want to buy one in austria and bring it with me if possible. So i would need to organize one there. In Söderköping, where i would like to start, are no options for that. …  Read more »

Eurovision Song Contest 2024: What is it? And who would be New Zealand’s entry?

Thomas Bywater

Thomas Bywater

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Sweden’s third city is warming up to host the “Olympics of camp”, otherwise known as the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

This week Malmö is preparing to host 26 finalists, competing to deliver the continent’s catchiest - or at least most memorable - pop song. The Swedish city joined by an 8km bridge to Copenhagen, Denmark is the perfect host for the competition as a cosmopolitan borer town and due to Sweden’s heritage as seven-times champion.

What began as a parochial bit of light entertainment - a mystery to the remaining six continents, including some Europeans - the competition has since become a global phenomenon. Last year the competition in Liverpool attracted 162 million viewers , inspired an acclaimed feature film with Will Ferrell and tallied votes from 144 countries. Considering New Zealand cast the fifth-highest number of online votes last year outside of the 37 participating countries, it appears the competition has turned a new global audience on to eurotrash pop music.

Or maybe they’re just also in on the joke now.

A half-century ago Swedish quartet Abba triumphed at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with peppy love song Waterloo. Photo / AP

As the Euros return to Sweden 50 years after Abba won with Waterloo - and prepare to enter an eighth decade of sequin-coated extravagance - it’s worth pointing out the song competition goes back a lot further than that.

The competition was founded by Swiss broadcaster Marcel Bezençon in 1956. Though sometimes divisive and often controversial, the song contest was founded to promote peace and unity in Europe, pitting countries against each other in friendly competition, less than a decade after the end of World War II. A less idealistic motive was to test new live television broadcast equipment with a relatively cheap-to-produce variety show.

It was supposedly inspired by the Sanremo Song Competition, although the 1950s song contest held in the casino close to Monte Carlo had a very different vibe to today’s TV extravaganza. Think dinner jackets and crystal candelabra, with far fewer pyrotechnics and bearded queens.

Some 68 years later it has morphed from something resembling an Ian Fleming novel into a camp gala of pop culture. Hosted by the previous winning entry’s home nation, each year it puts the spotlight on their millions of prospective tourists.

This year it’s all to sing for.

Australia's Voyager finished ninth of the 23 acts in last year's Eurovision. Photo / AP

Why are Australia and Israel in Eurovision?

Good question. Neither are geographically in Europe.

Despite Australia being on the opposite side of the globe from the Continent, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) extended an invitation to Canberra and broadcaster SBS 10 years ago.

Australia officially entered the competition in 2014, although Eurovision had been broadcast Downunder since 1981.

This year Electric Fields will represent Australia at the Eurovision contest. While under normal rules the winning entry’s country has to host the competition the following year, an Aussie victory would require them to nominate another country in the bloc to host it for them.

Israel was the first non-European country to participate, first taking part in 1973 because the Israeli national broadcaster was already an EBU member. Having hosted the competition in Jerusalem three times off the back of three victories, Israel last won the competition in 2018 with performer Netta.

There are still no offers for New Zealand to compete.

Happy people: Finland's representatives Lordi celebrate after winning the finals of the Eurovision song contest in 2006. Photo / Getty Images

Who has won the Eurovision the most times?

After Loreen of Sweden won the 2023 event - as only the second person ever to win the title more than once - this year’s hosts and Ireland are now level-pegging with seven titles each.

Although Ireland has a long history of success, it hasn’t had a winning entry since 1997.

Most famous Eurovision entries

Abba might be the host nation’s most famous export and Waterloo the first Eurovision song that comes to mind.

Canadian singer Celene Dion won in 1988 as honorary entry for Switzerland, singing Ne partez pas sans moi .

However, the most famous song to debut at Eurovision is arguably Domenico Mudugno’s Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu , which you’ll otherwise known as Volare . From Pavarotti to David Bowie and Dean Martin, it’s an Italian crooner for the ages.

Is Eurovision a joke? What do song contest winners get?

Unlike other international competitions, there are no cash prizes or rewards. First place earns exactly the same reward as 37th place - each country’s entry is in it “pour l’honneur seulement”.

In fact, if you win your home nation be expected to pay to host the competition.

A long-held joke is that the real winners of the ESC are the runners-up. It’s a view that backfired spectacularly on second-placed UK in 2022, who were forced to pay an estimated $50 million to host the competition in Liverpool after winners Ukraine could not host the competition.

Lorde at Eurovision? That kind of stuff just ain't for us. Photo / Getty Images

Who should represent New Zealand at the Eurovision Song Contest?

Despite having one of the most active voting blocs outside the competing country, New Zealand has never been part of the competition.

Last year, EU Ambassador to New Zealand Nina Obermaier hinted that Kiwi artists could one day join the competitors.

“If you build on the music that has come out of New Zealand in recent time and over the last couple of decades, there’s certainly a strong chance,” she told RNZ.But who would we enter?

Lorde - the Solar Power singer might have the biggest name recognition but an entry by her could backfire. Despite bangers galore, her biggest handicap is her republican streak and disapproval of Royals . “That kind luxe” might not be for us, but Europeans love that stuff. 3 / 10

Stan Walker - edgy, unapologetically Māori and with a fashion sense that would put Stockholm to shame, Stan could be the man. And shark tooth earrings on Eurovision would be a proud moment for Aotearoa TV. 9 / 10

The Topp Twins - not an obvious choice, but Eurovision has a long history of novelty acts. Plus, sending the yodelling twins back to ze Vaterland would be a win for all. 10 / 10

Europapa: The Netherland's entry for Eurovision 2024, Joost Klein. Photo / Sarah Louise Bennett, EBU

Eurovision Bingo:

The song competition finals are set for Sat, 11 May 2024 Malmo time, so the party is set to kick off on Sunday Morning here. Here’s what to look out for.

As sure as spring follows winter, and the public vote follows jurors scores, there are some Eurovision cliches that are sure to turn up.

See if you spot any of these on Saturday:

  • Someone mentions Abba
  • A “null points” performance
  • A mid-song costume change
  • An English language song that is incomprehensible to all
  • Blatant disregard of the EBU’s “No Politics” rule
  • Snarky comments from hosts
  • A wardrobe / pyrotechnics malfunction
  • Sunglasses indoors
  • The obligatory folk music entry
  • The tactical entry, designed to avoid hosting Eurovision 2025

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    First Camp Scandinavia's leading camping chain with over 60 destinations. Camping.se Find out more about camping in Sweden: Booking, inspiration and information. HPY Camper Booking site that gathers more than 1,300 campsites all over Sweden. Campcation Booking site that gathers more than 400 campsites in Sweden. Acamp Find and book a place to camp, focused on small to medium sized hosts and ...

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    4. First Camp, Malmö. Malmö is a popular location to visit in Sweden no matter whether you're planning on taking a camping trip or not. As a location packed full of culture and history, it attracts countless visitors every day. For a camping experience still close to the city, head to the First Camp Malmö beach plots.

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    Camping in Sweden. Camping is growing rapidly in Sweden. Almost every year, the industry reports new records being broken. We have approximately 1,100 to 1,200 campsites in Sweden. Among them you will find 16 five-star campsites; they are open all-year round.

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    Camping also allows you to experience a mix of this, and the historic and charming small villages and big cities of Sweden, which offer you culture, tradition and culinary delights. For travelling 1-2 weeks by camper, the south is a great choice, as it is the fastest way to get there from Germany.

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

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