Sweden is the ultimate Winter Wonderland, formed of immense Arctic tundras, ancient forests, and lakeside mountains. Traveling through the unspoiled wilderness in a rented campervan is the best way to visit every corner of this Scandinavian treasure.
From the southern tip of Sweden to the northern borders of Lapland, you can find plenty of historic towns and villages, each filled with friendly locals happy to share their cultures and stories. Orebro, Lund, and Uppsala are old cities with Historic Centers in a classic European style, whereas the port towns of Gothenburg, Malmö, and Helsingborg have a unique Scandinavian design.
Sweden also has an overabundance of National Parks; there are over 30 to choose from! The parks range from the mountain regions of Sarek, Absiko, Fulufjället, and Sånfjället to the dark forests of Skuleskogen, Tivedens, Pieljekaise, and Björnlandet. There are even a few island and archipelago parks, including Ängsö, Blå Jungfrun, Djurö, and Gotska Sandön.
Sweden seems like it was made for campervans, with legal Wild Camping, endlessly stunning landscapes, and a large variety of friendly campsites. If you go on a friends and family vacation in Sweden, then an Intermediate or Budget-friendly Campervan is the safest bet for you. There’s enough space for everyone to relax in the back and the campervan comes equipped with all the basic amenities.
If you’re traveling solo or as a pair and want to get lost in the frozen wilderness, then a 4WD Camper should be your go-to option. While you don’t get as much space, the trade-off is a rugged vehicle capable of reaching the most remote destinations. A Luxury Class Motorhome is ideal for large groups who love home comforts, but these can be trickier to drive.
Sweden is the perfect country for a campervan vacation; here’s why:
The Vast Wilderness: Most of Sweden is made up of enormous stretches of untouched wilderness, and it’s difficult to see any of it without being able to drive.
Affordable Campsites: Compared to hotel prices in Sweden, the campsites are only a fraction of the cost.
Saunas at Every Stop: Traveling in Sweden can get cold after a while, which is why a heated Sauna can be found at most campsites.
Convenient Travel: With long distances between inhabited towns, it’s always easier to travel with everything you need already on board.
To rent a campervan in Sweden, you'll need a Standard Type B Driver's License. Make sure your license is current and, if it's written in a non-European, non-Latin alphabet, accompanied by an official Swedish translation.
The lower age limit for renting a campervan in Sweden is 21, but keep in mind that you may be charged a small insurance surcharge if you're under 25. You'll also need to have at least one year of driving experience under your belt before you can rent a campervan.
Swedish law prevents motor vehicles from traveling on public land in a natural environment. This means wild/free camping in a motorhome is generally prohibited.
The country has over 400 campsites and these start at around 190 Swedish Krona ($19 USD) per night.
Sweden also has numerous rest stops which may allow you to stay for a night. Check the signposts or visit an information center for regulations regarding a specific area.