Sweden is often overlooked as a road trip destination in favour of its more dramatic neighbours, but the country rewards those who explore it. The Kungsleden wilderness, the glass kingdom of Småland, the archipelago coast of Bohuslän and the Arctic tundra of Swedish Lapland offer experiences as diverse as anywhere in Europe — and the roads are excellent.
Best airports & pick-up locations
- Stockholm (ARN/BMA) — central Sweden, the archipelago, Uppsala, Dalarna.
- Gothenburg (GOT) — west coast, Bohuslän archipelago, Norwegian fjords within reach.
- Kiruna (KRN) — Swedish Lapland, Aurora Borealis, Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi.
- Malmö (MMX) — Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen, southern Sweden, Skåne wine country.
Driving in Sweden
- Drive on the right. Speed limits: 110–120 km/h motorway, 70–80 km/h national roads, 50 km/h urban. Strict enforcement.
- Winter tyres mandatory 1 December–31 March (and whenever conditions require it).
- Elk and reindeer are genuine road hazards — particularly dangerous at dawn and dusk. Take warning signs seriously.
- All vehicles must use headlights at all times, day and night.
Local tips & best routes
The Inlandsvägen (the Inland Highway, 1,700 km from Mora to Gällivare) is Sweden's great road trip — through wilderness Sweden largely unknown to tourists. The Bohuslän coastal road from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border passes granite islands and fishing villages. In the far north, the Lapporten valley near Abisko is one of Scandinavia's most dramatic landscapes — and the Northern Lights viewing is exceptional.