Camper Van & RV Rental in Sweden

‘Allemansrätten’, or the right to access land, is treasured by the Swedes and a fundamental part of what makes outdoor activities so accessible. Access to forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches, is not restricted, and wild or dispersed camping is allowed. However, it works by asking everyone who recreates in nature to be responsible and to act sensibly. There are of course rules and guidelines to follow, and while we can’t list them all here, we’ve condensed some of the most important info that will allow you to make the most of allemansrätten and the incredible landscapes Sweden has to offer.

• Follow Leave No Trace practices – Take your trash with you, never camp near a water source, and clear all evidence of a campsite before you leave.
• Use your common sense – If there’s a lot of wildlife around, perhaps it’s best not to camp. If the area seems particularly dry, think twice about lighting a campfire.
• Rules and guidelines are different in every area – Make sure you read the info signs wherever you go, especially in the National Parks.
• Walking off-road is allowed, but driving off-road is not – Make sure you are not driving or camping in a prohibited area. A quick online search before you set off to your destination will let you know where you can park for the night if you’re not using a camping spot.

One of the best things about camping in Sweden is the ability for dispersed or wild camping. Sleep in seclusion in nature, enjoy your morning drink with an incredible view and make the most of the feeling of living outdoors that a camper van or Class B RV provides. There are no facilities when wild camping, so at some points on your trip, you’ll probably want to stay in a traditional campground to use those.

• Wild or Dispersed Camping – Choose a level spot to park that has no restrictions, practice Leave No Trace, and enjoy getting back to the simple life.
• Organized Campgrounds – Offer a step up in terms of facilities from dispersed camping, although these campgrounds vary wildly from one to the next. In some you’ll find an experience that mimics dispersed camping but with bathrooms and potable water available. At the other end of the spectrum, are campgrounds with kitchens, laundry, waste disposal facilities, and even water parks and spas. It can be nice to include one of these towards the end of your trip for a little luxury (and a chance to get really clean) before you head home.

• 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!