Sweden in 14 days
Enjoy untouched nature reserves and culture full of joyful feasts
The capital of Sweden is mostly famous for its royals, Abba and the Old Town (Gamla Stan). We also know Stockholm for its hip hangouts, lively bar culture and fine dining places. If the starting point of your motorhome rental holiday is Stockholm, it is recommended to save a day or two for this gem of the North, before heading to the picturesque fishing villages, the medieval cities of Sigtuna or Uppsala, and the beaches of Ystad.
Swedish culture is labelled by the adventures of characters like Pippi Longstocking, Pelle Svanslös and Kurt Wallander, the protagonist of Henning Mankell’s novels. Swedes love the midsummer, so don’t miss out on this originally pagan festival, which celebrates the longest day of the year with good food, the company of friends and, of course, a few schnapps. Skål!
DAY 1
Arriving in Sweden
If you arrive by airplane, we’ll meet you at Arlanda Airport (ARN) or if you plan to start this tour from Malmö we´ll meet you at Malmö Airport (MMX). Touring Cars rental station is at the airport area only 5 minutes from the terminals but we will provide you with a free of charge transfer to our rental station. At the motorhome rental station you will be given a full personal orientation to your beautiful rental motorhome together with the latest tips on local customs. After returning your motorhome to our rental station, we’ll provide you with a free transportation back to the airport.
City of Uppsala
If you have already seen Stockholm, we suggest heading 45 kilometers North from Stockholm to Uppsala. Uppsala is university city, famous for its historical atmosphere. The history can be seen all around the city, in its fabulous architecture and museums that reveal amazing stories from the old times. One of the great scientists of the 19th century, Carl Linneaus, received his education in these surroundings. He became famous for devising the modern classification system for plants and animals. Linneaus spent his early years studying medicine at the University of Lund and botany at Uppsala. His house and botanical garden can be visited in Hammarby, Uppsala.
Even more exciting place especially for children is Pelle Svanslös Hus which is a theme park-house that is famous for the cat with no tail. Pelle Svanslös is a sympathetic cat, who is bullied due to his loss of tail. This story from 1939 illustrates the importance of tolerance and friendships.
DAY 2
Salmon fishing in Svartå
Lake Mälaren has about 100 different historical castles, palaces and country houses around its shores so you are spoiled with great options to see and do.
To get an authentic feeling of Scandinavia we suggest visiting a prosperous old town of Arboga lying on the old iron route between the Bergslagen and Stockholm ports. Sweden´s oldest canal is located here with its nine manually operated locks. Arboga is idyllic small town with beautiful marina area with lovely local cafe where you can taste famous Swedish pastries and learn the culture to "fika" (to have cup of coffee with pastries).
Only a short 40 km drive from Arboga is another beautiful town, Örebro. This town is great for outdoor activities including salmon fishing in the Svartå River so don´t forget to pack your rods with you.
DAY 3
Eye to Eye with the king of The forest
Wake up refreshed and enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast in your beautiful rental motorhome. When you´re ready to continue, hit the road and travel 115 km from Örebro to a city called Karlstad. This city has been a market town ever since medieval times, so if you feel like doing some shopping, make a stop here.
100 km north of Karlstad is a super exciting place for children called Moose-World. This unique place is dedicated to the "king of the Scandinavian forest" and you don´t just get to see these magnificent animals but even allows to touch and feed them. Try a moose safari and go trekking in the local hill together with alpacas.
After this exciting stop, your journey continues another 75 km to Åmål which is the old marketplace and port for timber from Norway and iron to Gothenburg. The town is also known from the movie Show Me Love, from 1998.
DAY 4
Explore West Coast
It’s time to change the scenery and drive the rental motorhome to the west coast, where the landscapes of the shores by the Northern Sea are very different and rough compared to the ones on the east coast by the Baltic Sea.
If you are ready for some Scandinavian history make a quick stop at the town called Tanum which is listed as a world heritage site and famous for its rock carvings that date back to the Bronze Age.
After 51 km on the road you will reach Fjällbacka which is a local holiday resort, where famous Swedish actress, Ingrid Bergman spent her summers. Today Fjällbacka is all about good food in a stunning authentic Scandinavian setting. Scandinavian countries and especially Sweden is known for their fish dishes. Try some of these specialties such as marinated salmon with dill potatoes or chives and sour cream. One of the must try-dishes is called Toast Skagen which is widely available in almost every restaurant in Sweden. This delicious dish includes sautéed bread along with prawns, whitefish roe, dijon mustard, mayonnaise and fresh dill.
High point of this area is called Vetteberget and it offers magnificent views over the archipelago. This is also the setting for Astrid Lindgren's famous children story Ronja the Robbers Doughter
Other family friendly attractions nearby include Nordens Ark, the nature park and zoo that cater specifically for endangered species. It is particularly enjoyable for families, as there are special children's activities all around the park.
After a full day of amazing sceneries, exciting local stories and exotic animals it´s time to park the rental motorhome for the night and spend an evening by the campfire. Along the western coastline, there are several good camping places to choose from.
DAY 5
Gothenburg
Lysekil with population under 10000 lies at the far end of the Stångenäset peninsula, by Gullmarsfjorden, which is the only real fjord in Sweden. The town's past is still visible in its beautiful Scandinavian architecture and traditions, like fishing and bathing. Just stroll along the post-card-like streets or visit local aquarium, “Havets Hus”, which is devoted to the marine and plant life found on the Bohuslän Coast.
Not too far away from Lysekil lies the town, Uddevalla which is locally famous for its shipbuilding, and houses a history of seafaring in Swedish Seamen´s museum (Sveriges Sjömanshusmuseum).
80 km from Uddevalla you will reach one of the best recognized cities of Sweden, Gothenburg. This maritime metropolis has for centuries been one of Sweden's gateways to the outside world, as it can be seen when walking along the Göta river. Spectacular modern buildings, the Gothenburg Opera and the Utkiken contrast with the city's historic monuments of the Kronhuset and the East India Company Building. This route will take you through some of the gems of the past Scandinavian culture so now it’s time to feel the future of Scandinavia.
For any automobile enthusiasts, this area has a history with the two iconic automobile brands: SAAB and VOLVO. Volvo Cars company has a visitor center in Gothenburg and the old SAAB factory in Trollhättan is 50 km inland from Gothenburg.
Gothenburg area has many wonderful options for adventure, music, games, good food and beautiful gardens. One of such places is the Liseberg amusement park which is located in the city center.
DAY 6
White sand beaches in Varberg
Great place to wine down to, from the busy city life, is the town of Varberg located 77 km from Gothenburg, where you can spend a day on a white-sanded beach. Since the 19th century, the town has been famous for its swimming locations. The landmark of this city is the Varberg fortress, (Varberg Fästning). Building dating back to the 17th century, is now housing a local history museum.
A little bit more of Swedish history is offered in Halmstad, 72 km away. Halmstad was the largest town on the west coast in the Middle Ages and the remains of this era can still be seen in the inner city, with its beautiful Scandinavian reflective half-timbered architecture.
DAY 7
Copenhagen Tivoli and the bridge of Öresund
You are not too far from the world-famous Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark and this is your opportunity to visit this epic amusement park.
If your head is still spinning after the earlier visit to the Liseberg, continue driving along the shores of Öresund. You will pass several towns with fortresses and landmarks of Danish and Swedish history. Just north of Landskrona town, is an island called Ven. This is where Tycho Brahe set up his underground observatory in the mid-16th century. His discoveries in astronomy paved the way for a new view of the universe.
55 km drive from Ven island lies the old Danish capital, Lund. This city has perfectly preserved street cottages and town houses so you can truly experience the authentic Scandinavian atmosphere here.
The old Domkyrka (cathedral) and surroundings are wonderful for a Scandinavian family picnic. You´re probably joined by many others due to the proximity of Lund University with around 40,000 enrolled students.
One of the newest iconic landmarks of Scandinavia is 8 km long Öresund Bridge that was completed in 2000, and now links Malmö, Sweden with Denmark and continental Europe. This iconic view is only 20 km away from Lund so taking a selfie here doesn´t take too long.
DAY 8
City of contemporary art and design
Sweden´s third largest city, Malmö is the country's third largest city, full of cobbled streets and beautiful sitting areas. City was founded already in the mid-13th century but has become a center for contemporary art and design. There are a lot of cultural happenings and art events in Malmo so if you´re keen on art you will be delighted with these options.
DAY 9
Idyllic fishing villages of Skåne
Skanör - Falsterbo, the twin towns at the far end of Skåne’s south-western cape are idyllic seaside resorts just 35 km from Malmö. The Middle Age ruins of Falsterbohus tell their stories from the past, and the local still functional Scandinavian styled lighthouse shows the safest way for tomorrow.
25 km to the east lies Trelleborg, with a remarkable re-creation of a Viking fortress. This re-creation is based on the original from the 10th century which was most likely built by King Harald Bluetooth. Make a stop also at the Stone Age burial mound called Skegriedösen.
60 km down the coastal road, Ystad welcomes you to visit its medieval church and monastery.
This area in the region of Skåne charms with its countryside sceneries, gardens and castles. This is the most fertile land in Sweden and a home of many idyllic fishing villages which are dotted like pearls on a string along the coastline. The entire region has become a haven for painters and writers. In addition to swimming these stunning sceneries offer also amazing setting for many outdoor sports such as golf and tennis.
DAY 10
The Versailles of the North and the Kingdom of Glass
When you continue your rental motorhome adventure on the shores of Baltic Sea, you can see how the vegetation and atmosphere changes on the way.
Here´s a few places worth visiting on the way:
55 km, Mörrumsån hosts the Laxens Hus (Salmon World), which gathers everything connected to with fishing. Every year since the 13th century, salmon fishing attracts enthusiasts to try their luck in the Mörrumsån River.
70 km, Karlskrona, the naval town, has been inspired by both Versailles and Rome. In 1998, the town was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
90 km, Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in Sweden, and was of great importance in the Swedish-Danish wars. 20 km inland from Kalmar is an area called the Glass Kingdom, so if you´re into glass making, crystals or just good food, stop by this unique place in the deep forests of Småland. Glassmaking has been the pride of the region and a major source of income for hundreds of years. This could be also a perfect spot to find special souvenirs from Scandinavia.
DAY 11
Fun day with the family in Astrid Lindgren's World
From Kalmar, the bridge takes your rental motorhome to the island of Öland, the paradise for birdwatchers, nature lovers and sun worshippers.
A place you can visit is Astrid Lindgren's World and it is 70 km drive, in Vimmerby. Lindgren’s writings are translated into 90 languages, making her one of the world's mostread children´s authors. The most famous characters of her literature, with more than 80 books, are Pippi Longstocking, Madicken, Emil from Lönneberga and the Children of Bullerbyn.
DAY 12
The greatest engineering history and forest creatures
Start your day in the beautiful surroundings of Göta canal, the blue area of Sweden, which can be considered as the high point of Swedish engineering history. It took 22 years to build a waterway across Sweden from the Baltic Sea to join the already completed Trollhättan Canal, and provide a route through to the Kattegatt. Learn the interesting history and have lunch outdoors before heading towards Kolmården Zoo some 120 km away.
Kolmården Zoo is an attractively landscaped zoo, with a drive-through Safari Park. The park brings visitors close to the creatures of the savannah who live here, alongside Nordic species, such as brown bears and wolves. There is also a dolphinarium, an outdoor tropicarium and aparium so an exciting day for the entire family is guaranteed.
There is a camping site only 5 km west of the zoo, so take your time exploring the park and stay overnight just a stone throw away.
DAY 13
Heading towards Stockholm
The closer to the capital area you drive your rental motorhome, the more populated the landscape becomes. On the way to Stockholm area, industrial villages with picturesque old wooden houses, cafes and shops invite you for a stroll and “fika” (to have a coffee and a pastry). To avoid driving into the huge city area of Stockholm, cross Lake Mälaren by Strängnäs and Enköping. One of the great ways to spend your last day is to visit the historical town of Sigtuna. Sweden's oldest town, Sigtuna was founded in 980. The ruins of 3 of the original churches still remain, and the attractive Main Street is lined with colorful wooden buildings, following the original route. The church of St.Maria which dates back to the 13th century is still in use today.
DAY 14
Arriving back to the rental station in Märsta, Arlandastad
Our welcoming rental station staff will be excited to hear all about your adventure in Southern Sweden. After packing your personal belonging, updating the social media channels and saying goodbye to your beautiful rental camper, Touring Cars staff will offer you a drive to the airport terminal building.
Pick up: Stockholm, Sweden
Rental Motorhome for 2 in May 14 days 1800 EUR
Rental Motorhome for 6 in May 14 days 2080 EUR