Discover the top five road trips in Sweden

Sweden

Travelling by road in Sweden is an unforgettable experience that every traveller should try at least once . From top tourist cities to remote villages, paradise beaches, and even the Arctic Circle, Sweden offers a diverse landscape waiting to be explored.

The key to making the most of your journey is to hire a car, giving you the freedom to discover this incredible country at your own pace. Once you’ve booked your rental car, it’s time to plan your adventure. That is why we’ve put together a guide to the five best road trips in Sweden.

Sweden, a country worth visiting any time of the year

Sweden is a fantastic year-round destination, offering something special and different in every season. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, the country provides a variety of unique experiences to suit all tastes. Each season in Sweden brings its own set of attractions, allowing you to enjoy different adventures depending on when you choose to visit.

During the warmer months, which coincide with the high season, the weather is ideal for road trips. With long days and temperatures reaching the high 20s°C, cities like Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg buzz with outdoor events and activities. It’s the perfect time to explore nature parks, experience the Midnight Sun, and, if you dare, take a dip in the cool waters of the Baltic.

In the transitional seasons, spring and autumn, Sweden becomes even more magical. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn sets the forests in warm colours, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C. These off-peak months also offer a more authentic experience, with fewer tourists, allowing you to explore the country in a peaceful way.

Winter in Sweden has its own charm, drawing travellers seeking unforgettable cold-weather adventures. From witnessing the Northern Lights to exploring snow-covered landscapes, winter here is beautiful. Whether you’re into winter sports or simply enjoying cities blanketed in snow, lit up with Christmas lights and bustling with Christmas markets, Sweden offers a winter wonderland like no other.

The five best road trips in Sweden

Sweden offers stunning road routes that vary according to the time of year. Some are ideal for winter exploration, while others shine during the warmer months. Each route promises a unique adventure, and many can be combined to create the perfect journey.

Plus, each route begins and ends in cities where CarJet offers car hire, making it easy to plan your adventure. So, without further ado, here are the top five road trips in Sweden:

From Stockholm to Borlänge

Start your journey in Stockholm, where you can visit iconic sights like the Royal Palace, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. During winter, Gamla Stan twinkles with Christmas lights, while in summer, it’s filled with lively cafés and markets.

After exploring Sweden’s capital, hop in your hire car and head to Borlänge, 230 kilometres from Stockholm. Along the way, stop by Uppsala and visit its famous cathedral, the tallest in Scandinavia. When you reach Borlänge, don’t miss the old Tuna-Hästberg mine, where you can explore tunnels that pass through underground lakes and natural shafts. This route is an ideal way to combine sightseeing and adventure.

From Stockholm to Kalmar

Heading south from Stockholm, make a stop in Norrköping, where you will dive into its artistic scene by wandering through its cobbled streets, galleries, and museums. Continue your drive along the Baltic coast to Kalmar, where you can visit its cathedral and the castle, which often hosts exhibitions about the city’s history. This is a perfect summer route, offering 400 km of coastline and the chance to swim in the Baltic’s refreshing waters.

From Gothenburg to Malmö

Begin this route in Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, known for its Dutch-style canals lined with cafés and restaurants. Be sure to try the city’s famous shrimp sandwich before setting off. Next, visit Helsingborg, one of Sweden’s oldest cities, and then continue to Lund, where its cathedral and Skissernas Museum are the main attractions.

Your final stop is Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city. Here, you can explore at your leisure or take a quick detour to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. This route along the Kattegat coast showcases two of Sweden’s largest cities. It is definitely one of the most recommended routes.

Northern Lights Route

Start your Arctic adventure in Luleå, known for the world's largest saltwater archipelago, with over 1,300 islands. Here you will find some of the most beautiful islands in Sweden, a country that holds the record for the most islands in the world. Hire a car and head north towards Kiruna, the best spot in Sweden to witness the Northern Lights. While spotting the aurora isn’t guaranteed, your chances are highest during the colder months.

Along the way, drive through villages like Råneå, Töre, Morjärv, and Gällivare before reaching Kiruna, located just 250 km from the Arctic Circle. This journey will take you through snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.

A tour of Sweden's largest lakes

For nature lovers, this route explores Sweden’s two largest lakes: Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern, just 43 kilometres apart. Start in Trollhättan to enjoy stunning views of Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Europe. In winter, it freezes over, and in summer, you’ll witness unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

From Vänern, head to Lake Vättern and visit the tiny island of Visingsö in its centre. Here, you’ll find Wisingsborg Castle and Kumlaby Church. Finish your adventure in Jönköping, located at the southern tip of Lake Vättern, and the most important town in the region.

Hire your car online at the best price with CarJet

Sweden is the perfect destination for a driving holiday. It offers well-maintained roads, clear signage, and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Hiring a car in Sweden gives you the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

With CarJet, you can easily compare thousands of offers to find the perfect vehicle, whether you need a car or a van for group adventures. Start your unforgettable road trip in Sweden with CarJet!