This 14-day road trip leads you to some of the most breathtaking nature across Sweden, along with stops in the urban oases of Stockholm and Gothenburg. Starting and ending in Stockholm, you will explore the capital city before hitting the road. You will experience unrivalled scenery with vast lakes, historic castles, and sandy beaches, and you will have time in beautiful countryside towns like Kalmar and Ystad and the beautiful region of Dalarna.
Itinerary Highlights
Discover Swedish royalty by visiting castles and palaces
Enjoy the charms of Swedish Fika in Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Visit the coast of Skåne and the mystical Iron Age, Ale´s Stones, with a majestic view of the Baltic Sea
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore Dalarna, a region known for its rich history and culture
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
13
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive in Stockholm
Day 1
Stockholm
After arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, pick up your rental car and go to Stockholm’s scenic city centre. After settling in at your hotel, explore the beautiful city for the rest of the day. Stroll the well-known street Drottninggatan where you can shop, take photos and feel the relaxed vibe of the capital city. In the charming Old Town (Gamla Stan), you will find numerous attractions, including the Royal Palace, the parliament, old churches, beautiful cobblestone streets and medieval houses.
Spend the night in Stockholm.
Day 2
CHARMING TOWNS & SWEDISH HERITAGE
Today, start your Swedish road trip by driving south from Stockholm. On your way, stop by the 18th-century Tullgarn Palace Park, an ideal location to take a short walk before stopping in the charming town of Trosa. Next, travel through Linköping to visit the open-air museum “Old Linköping”, displaying how a small town in Sweden looked 100 years ago. You can visit the houses and see how Swedish people lived in the old days.
Continue driving until you arrive in the small town of Vadstena, which lies along the lush Lake Vättern. In Vadstena, you will find the Vadstena Castle, one of Sweden’s best-preserved Renaissance castles.
Spend the night in Vadstena.
Day 3
SWEDISH COUNTRYSIDE
Drive the scenic route along Lake Vättern, stopping in Gränna, where striped candy canes were invented in 1859. Visit one of the confectionery shops and see how this delicious candy is made. Next, drive through the scenic Swedish province of Småland towards the city of Kalmar, where you will find the Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket). Here, you can find over 50 glass factories and shops, many open to visitors. End the day in Kalmar, a history town featuring well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings and the Kalmar Castle, which dates back over 800 years.
Spend the night in Kalmar.
Day 4
Explore Oland
Today, you will explore Öland, a region with sandy beaches along a beautiful coastline and a vast landscape where you can enjoy the scenery and bask in the area’s solitude. After crossing the bridge, we recommend a visit to the historical site of Borgholm Castle, followed by a stop at Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. Next, visit the southern part of the island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stora Alvaret, a giant limestone plateau with a unique biodiversity and history.
Spend the night in Kalmar.
Day 5
SWeden’s South Coast
From Kalmar, drive south along the coast of Blekinge, where you will find the naval city of Karlskrona, which is a World Heritage site. Continue to Skåne, the most southern part of Sweden, where we recommend visiting Kiviks Musteri and the apple orchards to stop for coffee in the picturesque town of Simrishamn. Next, visit the fortress of Glimmingehus, which dates back to the Middle Ages, before continuing your drive to the charming town of Ystad.
Spend the night in Ystad.
Day 6
Skane
Get ready to see splendid Skåne and the area of Österlen today. Here you will find charming villages, sandy beaches and historical sites. Drive to the popular Ales Stenar stone ship monument, which consists of 59 massive boulders arranged in a 67 metre-long outline with a picturesque view of the Baltic Sea. Next, drive to the fishing village Kåseberga and sample some smoked fish and apple cider that is produced locally. Round out your day with a trip to the beach Sandhammaren, a 12 km long beach which is perfect for a swim or a long walk.
Spend the night in Ystad.
Day 7
Skanör and Falsterbo
From Ystad, make your way to Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden where you will find cosy cafés, eclectic craft shops and traditional fish smokeries. Continue driving along the south coast. We recommend taking a small detour to the old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo, located on the Falsterbo peninsula, where you will see long stretches of white sand beaches.
Once in Helsingborg, we recommend visiting Sofiero Palace & Garden, where you will find historical parks and gardens with a stunning variety of rhododendrons. Continue driving along the west coast of Sweden to Halmstad, where you will find long sandy beaches, nature reserves, and art like the sculpture Picasso’s Head of a Woman.
Spend the night in Halmstad.
Day 8
Travel to Gothenburg
After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for your drive to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city.
We recommend a stop in Varberg where you can visit the Varberg Fortress, walk along the sea and enjoy a Swedish fika at Varberg’s square, which is one of Sweden’s main squares with the most traders in the whole of western Sweden. Next, explore Varberg city centre, which is known for its fine shopping, small unique shops, cafes and restaurants.
Spend the night in Gothenburg.
Day 9
Explore Gothenburg
Plan to spend today on foot, seeing where the day takes you in this charming city. It is recommended to walk down Avenyn, the main shopping street that is full of interesting stores and fine restaurants. Other points of interest include the Feskekôrka fish market and the fun Liseberg amusement park. Art lovers should make a stop at the Gothenburg Museum of Art followed by an afternoon Fika in Haga.
Spend the night in Gothenburg.
Day 10
FROM GOTHENBURG TO SUNNE
Today, you will make your way to Sunne. Along the way, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Trollhättan and the impressive Göta Canal. The Göta Canal is one of the most remarkable waterways in the world and one of the communication links between Sweden’s two largest cities. The three separate Trollhättan lock terraces create an idyllic and green park area, and here, one finds lock segments from 1800, 1844, and 1916. This is also the starting point for the boat trips offered in the summertime.
Continue to drive north to Sunne through the Swedish forest and enjoy the scenery, making a stop at Lake Vänern or one of the other lakes for a swim.
Spend the night in Sunne.
Day 11
Travel to Lake Siljan
pend the morning in Sunne before you continue your road trip to Dalarna, which is the third most popular tourist site in Sweden after Stockholm and Gothenburg. For garden enthusiasts, a visit to Rottneros Park (closed in May and September) is a must. Here you will find elaborate gardens and sculptures. You can also visit the home of Nobel Prize winner author Selma Lagerlöf: Mårbacka, which is now a museum.
Spend the night in Lake Siljan area.
Day 12
Explore Dalarna
This morning, in Mora, we recommend visiting the 18th century home and museum of Anders Zorn, one of Sweden’s most celebrated painters. Drive to Nusnäs and visit the Grannas Dala Horse Workshop. Here at this family-owned workshop from the 1920s, you can see how this popular symbol of Sweden is made.
In Rättvik, you can visit the Rättvik church which has a history that goes back 800 years. In this area there are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, horse riding and swimming.
Other options today include visiting the pretty village of Tällberg by Lake Siljan, just 15 km south of Rättvik, or if you prefer to go north, you will find the Styggforsen waterfall, where you can take a stroll in the nature reserve and look at the “troll hole” cave located at the foot of the waterfall.
Spend the night in Lake Siljan area.
Day 13
Return to Stockholm
For those with Swedish heritage, a stop at the Dössberget Museum in Bjursås, just outside Falun, might be of interest. Even if you don’t have Swedish roots, the great view, atmosphere and lunch makes it well worth a visit. In Avesta, you will find the largest Dala Horse in Sweden. This is a perfect stop for a great photo and a snack at the café-restaurant located here. You will end the day back in Stockholm, where you will spend the evening at your leisure.
Spend the night in Stockholm.
Day 14
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Sweden experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures and moderate humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sweden is during the summer months of June to August, when the days are long, and the sun shines brightly. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The autumn season, from September to November, is also a great time to visit as the leaves change color and create a picturesque landscape. The winters can be quite cold, but they offer unique activities like ice skating, skiing, and watching the Northern Lights. Overall, Sweden has something to offer in every season and is a great destination to visit year-round.
In January, the weather in Sweden is typically cold with temperatures ranging from -6°C to -1°C. It is common to see snow and icy conditions during this month, so it's important to dress warmly and be cautious when walking or driving. Despite the cold temperatures, Sweden's winter landscapes are beautiful and offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing and ice skating.
In February, the weather in Sweden is still cold but starts to gradually warm up. The temperatures typically range from -5°C to 0°C, and there may still be some snow and icy conditions, especially in the northern parts of the country. It's still important to dress warmly and be cautious when walking or driving, but there may be more opportunities for outdoor activities as the days start to get longer and the sun shines brighter.
In March, the weather in Sweden starts to become milder as winter transitions into spring. The temperatures typically range from 0°C to 5°C, with occasional drops below freezing still possible. While the snow and ice may begin to melt, it's still important to dress warmly and be prepared for chilly and damp conditions. However, the longer days and increasing sunshine offer more opportunities for outdoor activities.
In April, Sweden experiences a noticeable increase in temperature as spring continues to unfold. The average temperature ranges between 5°C to 10°C, with the occasional drop below freezing still possible. While the weather is generally milder than in the previous months, it is still important to dress warmly and be prepared for unexpected weather changes. It is a great time to enjoy the longer days and engage in outdoor activities.
In May, Sweden experiences a slight increase in temperature as spring transitions into summer. The average temperature ranges between 10°C to 15°C, with occasional warmer days reaching up to 20°C. It is generally a pleasant time to be outside, but it is still important to be prepared for cooler temperatures and sporadic rain showers. It's a great time to explore the beautiful Swedish countryside and enjoy the longer days.
June is when summer is in full swing in Sweden, and the temperatures are warmer than in May. The average temperature ranges between 15°C to 20°C, with occasional warmer days reaching up to 25°C. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the beautiful Swedish landscapes, but it's still important to be prepared for occasional rain showers. Overall, June is a pleasant month to visit Sweden and soak up the sun.
In July, Sweden experiences even warmer temperatures than in June. The average temperature ranges between 17°C to 22°C, with occasional days reaching up to 30°C. It's a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and explore the beauty of Sweden. However, it's still advisable to bring some rain gear as occasional rain showers may occur. Overall, July is a great month to visit Sweden and bask in the warm weather.
The weather in Sweden during August is still warm, with temperatures ranging between 16°C to 21°C. While it's not as hot as July, it's still a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the scenic beauty of Sweden. It's always a good idea to bring some rain gear as occasional rain showers may occur. Overall, August is a pleasant month to visit Sweden and enjoy the mild weather.
The weather in Sweden during September typically starts to cool down, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 15°C. It's important to bring some warm layers as the nights can get chilly. While occasional rain showers may occur, the overall weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities. September is a great time to visit Sweden if you prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds.
The weather in Sweden during October starts to get colder, with temperatures ranging between 5°C to 10°C. It's important to bring warm layers as the days become shorter and the nights even more chilly. Occasional rain showers may occur, but overall, the weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities. If you enjoy autumn weather, October is a great time to visit Sweden and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
In November, the weather in Sweden continues to get colder with temperatures averaging between 0°C to 5°C. It's important to bring warm clothes and layers as the weather can be quite chilly, especially during the night. Occasional snowfall may occur, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. However, if you prefer warmer weather, November may not be the ideal time to visit Sweden.
In December, the weather in Sweden gets even colder with temperatures averaging between -2°C to 2°C. It's important to bring warm clothes and layers as the weather can be quite chilly, especially during the night. Snow is likely to fall throughout the month, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. If you prefer milder weather, it may be best to plan your visit for another time of year.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Sweden itinerary. Several nearby countries could make great additions to your trip. Denmark, Norway, and Finland are all neighbouring countries that offer unique experiences and attractions. Denmark is just a short ferry ride away from southern Sweden and is known for its charming cities, picturesque countryside, and world-famous cuisine. To the west of Sweden, Norway boasts stunning natural scenery, including fjords and mountains. To the east of Sweden, Finland offers a chance to experience the Northern Lights and explore the country’s rich culture and history.
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