Camper Van & RV Rental in Sweden

Sweden’s abundant natural beauty, expansive wilderness, and Right of Public Access make it a perfect country to take the roads in a camper van rental. Spend time in elegant cities, at quiet beaches, and the beautiful countryside of the south, visit the mountain-fed lakes and the High Coast in the center, and road trip along the Torne River under the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland. With 29 National Parks to explore, an extensive coastline to kayak, and mountains to climb, there are few better places in Europe to rent a camper van and get out into nature and have an adventure.

A camper van road trip in Sweden can be an incredible adventure! Sweden has a well-developed road network that makes it easy to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes, sights, and activities. Whether you’re island hopping through some of Sweden’s 200,000 islands (no, that’s not a typo!), photographing fishing villages with their distinctive red buildings, or searching for the aurora borealis, we’ve compiled the best tips and info below to help make any Swedish camping vacation go smoothly.

• In Sweden, you should drive on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers turning right generally have priority unless otherwise shown on signs.
• On the highway, drive in the right-hand lane. Other lanes are for passing only.
• The speed limit in Sweden is shown in km/h, on signs with a red circle around the number and a yellow background. In urban areas the speed limit is generally 50 km/h (31 mph), main roads are 70-90 km/h (43-56 mph), and on highways it’s 120 km/h (75 mph), but always make sure to stick to the speed limit shown on signs.
• Red lights at a traffic stop mean stop. This means you cannot turn right on a red light like you can in the US.
• Watch out for large animals, such as elk, in rural areas!

Allemansrätten, or the right of public access, allows people to freely explore nature in Sweden, including forests, lakes, and coastlines. However, this right applies primarily to individuals on foot and does not extend in the same way to motor vehicles.

• Access to nature – You can walk, hike, and spend time in most natural areas, as long as you do not disturb people or damage the environment.
• Limited for vehicles – Camper vans and motorhomes must follow road and parking regulations and cannot be used to access natural areas freely.
• Driving off-road is not allowed – It is illegal to drive in forests, fields, or other natural terrain.
• Follow local rules – National parks and nature reserves may have additional restrictions, so always check signage.

Camping in Sweden offers a great mix of nature and flexibility. While wild camping with a camper van or motorhome is limited, you can still enjoy scenic overnight stays in permitted parking areas or designated spots. Many travelers also combine these with campground stays for added comfort and facilities.

• Overnight stays in permitted areas – You can stay overnight in a camper van or motorhome in legal parking areas where it is allowed. Always check signage and local regulations.
• Campgrounds with full facilities – Campgrounds range from simple sites with basic amenities to fully equipped locations with kitchens, laundry, and waste disposal. They’re a great option for longer stays or when you want to recharge.

• Walpurgis Night, April, whole country – Walpurgis Night is Sweden’s way of greeting springtime at the end of April. Bonfires are lit, songs are sung, and traditional spring foods like nettle soup are eaten. Events are held all over the country, but the biggest ones are in the cities.
• Midsomar, June, whole country – To celebrate midsummer, people gather with loved ones at big parties to feast and have fun, make flower wreaths, dance around the maypole, and eat traditional herring and potatoes.
• Gothenburg Culture Festival, August, Gothenburg – This festival of the arts, celebrates music, drama, and dance, in what feels like a city-wide street festival.
• Lucia Festival, December, whole country – The traditional Lucia Festival celebrates midwinter, where you’ll see processions of children dressed in white gowns and holding candles singing through the streets.

While the delights of Stockholm and its archipelago are well-known to travelers for good reason, it’s not the only part of Sweden worth exploring. Here are four other regions you may want to visit to make the most of your time in Sweden:

Gothenburg – Visit Sweden’s most sustainable city and learn what it takes to top the Global Destination Sustainability Index four years in a row. From wind-powered hotels to a public transit system that runs on at least 65% renewable energy, clean air and water are high on the city’s list of must-haves. Restaurants have become closed-loop systems where power comes from kitchen waste converted to biogas. Local produce is championed, and sustainable innovation is seen everywhere from infrastructure to the fashion scene. There are pretty canals and leafy green streets, as well as brilliant art galleries, and the country’s biggest botanical garden. Don’t forget to explore some of the islands off the coast.

Dalarna – This beautiful region is the place to go if you’re looking for classic Swedish countryside. Cycle through shady forests, picnic in wildflower meadows, and park by a lake for the perfect sleep spot. It’s an amazing region to get out in nature with outdoor activities like horseback riding or going for a foraging walk with a local guide, as well as the hiking that Sweden is famous for.

Skåne – The southernmost tip of Sweden is a treasure trove for slow living, the perfect place to explore in a van. Relax on sandy beaches like Sandhammaren, where you’ll find 7 miles of golden sand, or hike part of the 621-mile Skåneleden trail. As you drive through the region, you’ll see rolling fields and peaceful farmland, with plenty of seasonal produce for sale at farm stands. This produce is used liberally in restaurants in towns like charming Ystad, where you’ll find cobbled streets and famous medieval architecture.

Arctic Lapland – Explore Abisko National Park and try snowshoeing, skiing, and dogsledding, amongst other arctic pastimes. It’s one of the best places in Sweden to catch the northern lights. Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city, a fantastic base for getting your bearings and stocking up on supplies, and the gorgeous town of Jokkmokk has a market that has been running for 400 years. Lapland is a great place to head in summer too, as the midnight sun means you’re never limited on daylight hours for your adventure!