Motorhome & Campervan Hire in Sweden

• 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 motorway, drive in the right-hand lane. The other lanes are only for overtaking.
• The speed limit in Sweden is shown in km/h, shown by signs with a red circle around the number and a yellow background. In built-up areas the speed limit is generally 50km/h, main roads are 70-90km/h, and on motorways and dual carriageways it’s 120km/h, but make sure to stick to the speed limit shown on signs.
• Red lights at a traffic light mean stop, there is no exception like in the USA where it is sometimes possible to turn right at a red light.
• Watch out for large animals in rural areas such as elk!

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 travellers also combine these with campsite 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.
• Campsites with full facilities – Campsites range from simple pitches 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, whole country, April – 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, whole country, June – to celebrate midsummer, people gather with loved ones in big parties to feast and have fun. Make flower wreaths, dance around th maypole, and eat traditional herrig and potatoes.
• Gothenburg Cuture Festival, August, Gothenburg – this festival of the arts celebrates music, drama, and dance, in what feels like a city-wide street festival.
• Lucia festival, whole country, December – the traditional Lucia festival celebrates midwinter, where you’ll see processions of children dressed in white gowns and holding candles singing through the streets.

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 others 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.

While the delights of Stockholm and its archipelago are well known to travellers 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 transport system that run on over at least 65 per cent renewables, clean air and water is high on the city’s list of must-haves and 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 up by a lake for the perfect sleep spot. It’s an amazing region to get out in nature with outdoor activities like horse riding or going on a foraging walk with a local guide, as well as the hiking that Sweden is so 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 12 kilometres of golden sand, or hike part of the 1000-kilometre Skåneleden trail. As you drive through the region you see rolling fields and peaceful farmland, with plenty of seasonal produce for sale at farmstands. This produce is used liberally in the 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 Artic 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 to daylight hours for your adventures!