Panorama of southern Sweden.

Southern Sweden camper van routes

Sweden, the “country of a thousand lakes”. Well, actually, it’s over 96,000, but who’s counting? Campers are guaranteed to find plenty of activities on and off the water on a trip through southern Sweden in a camper van. The forests of Småland meet the coasts of Skåne and historic towns, like Malmö and Kalmar. There’s something for everyone here. So hop in, we’d like to show you three of the best routes for novice campers.

Shimmering lakes route:
Malmö – Växjö – Kalmar

Lake in southern Sweden.
Duration: 3–4 days

Keen to see some stunning lakes? Then this route is for you, as this region is home to some of Sweden’s loveliest lakes. And with them, come countless opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating. Maybe you’d like to take in a bit of town life, too? Then pay a visit to the towns of Malmö, Växjö and Kalmar, where you’ll find an attractive mix of modern and traditional. They are also great bases for exploring the beauty of southern Swedish nature in a camper van over three to four days.

Malmö.

Campsites in Malmö:

  • First Camp Sibbarp

    Character: family-friendly campsite overlooking the Öresund strait with plenty of leisure activities.

    Address and location: Strandgatan 101, 216 11 Limhamn, Malmö, Sweden

    The campsite is located some seven kilometres from the centre of Malmö directly overlooking the sea.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has almost 300 parking spaces and provides everything you could wish for, from playgrounds to mini golf and bike hire.

  • Ribersborgs Kallbadhus Camping

    Character: small, friendly campsite close to Ribersborgs beach.

    Address and location: Limhamnsvägen, 217 59 Malmö, Sweden

    The campsite lies to the west of the city close to the Ribersborgs beach.

    Facilities & leisure: The site has just under 50 parking spaces, all of which have access to the beach. There is also a café, sauna, and showers.

In the morning, head north-east some 200 kilometres to Växjö, one of Europe’s greenest towns. This section of the route provides a picturesque journey through the idyllic southern Swedish landscape. En route, it is worth stopping off at the Åsnens National Park nature reserve for its hiking and canoeing and just generally enjoying nature at its unspoilt best. Arriving in Växjö, you’ll notice that the town is surrounded by one of Sweden’s loveliest lakes. One of the real highlights of the town is the Swedish Glass Museum where you can watch the artistic craftsmanship of the glassblowers close up. Not far away is the village of Huseby Bruk. Its historic estate with its mansion house, gardens and old blacksmith’s forge is well worth a visit.

Växjö.

Campsites in Växjö:

  • Evedals Camping

    Character: quietly located campsite overlooking the lake, perfect for nature-lovers.

    Address and location: Evedalsvägen 100, 352 63 Växjö, Sweden

    The campsite lies directly on Lake Helgasjön just north of the town.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has 150 well-equipped parking spaces and you are guaranteed never to be bored, thanks to its boat hire, bathing area, hiking trails starting from the campsite, and playground.

  • Camping Öjaby

    Character: small and simple campsite, but with an especially quiet and beautiful location.

    Address and location: Öjabyvägen 42, 352 73 Växjö, Sweden

    This campsite is also located directly overlooking Lake Helgasjön.

    Facilities & leisure: This campsite only has 20 parking spaces. Its facilities are simple but you will find everything you need.

After exploring Växjö, continue your journey by camper van through southern Sweden to the town of Kalmar. Kalmar is a historic town on the east coast with an impressive waterfront castle and a truly beautiful old town.

Kalmar.

Campsites in Kalmar:

  • Stensö Camping

    Character: family-friendly campsite near the centre of the town.

    Address and location: Svinövägen, 392 47 Kalmar, Sweden

    The campsite is very close to the town and is therefore easy to reach.

    Facilities & leisure: You are guaranteed to find everything you need here with about 200 parking spaces, a playground, boat rental, mini golf and a kiosk.

  • First Camp Kalmar

    Character: well-equipped campsite with numerous leisure activities and direct access to the coast.

    Address & location: Rinkabyholm, 394 77 Kalmar, Schweden

    The campsite is situated south-west of the town directly adjacent to the sea.

    Facilities & leisure: It has about 250 parking spaces, bike rental, a playground, restaurant and sauna. What more could you ask for?

Coastal tour:
Gothenburg – Halmstad – Helsingborg

Southern Swedish coast.
Duration: 3–4 days

Would you like to spend more time by the sea on your journey through southern Sweden by camper van? No problem. You’ll find charming fishing villages and lively towns and cities in the southern Swedish coastal regions, including Gothenburg, Halmstad and Helsingborg. The climate in summer is lovely and mild, making this region attractive to travellers in camper vans.

Start your route in Gothenburg, where you can also stroll through the magnificent Botanical Garden and eat fresh seafood in the harbour. And if you feel brave, try Surströmming – fermented herring. But be warned: its smell is not for the squeamish! Gothenburg is a wonderful starting point for your camper van trip through southern Sweden with its myriad sights.

Göteborg.

Campsites in Gothenburg:

  • Lisebergsbyn Camping

    Character: comfortable and family-friendly campsite.

    Address and location: Olbersgatan 9, 416 55 Gothenburg, Sweden

    The campsite is centrally located and stands out, above all, because of its proximity to the Liseberg amusement park.

    Facilities & leisure: The site has almost 150 parking spaces, a playground, bike hire and a restaurant.

  • Gothenburg Camping Lilleby

    Character: quiet campsite on the outskirts of the town with good access to the countryside.

    Address and location: Lillebyvägen 100, 423 53 Gothenburg, Sweden

    The campsite is located about 30 minutes west of the city centre.

    Facilities & leisure: 100 parking spaces, beach access, hiking trails, barbecue areas, washrooms. In short: everything you could possibly need.

From Gothenburg, head about 140 kilometres by camper van through southern Sweden to Halmstad. This area is famous for its beaches, especially the renowned Tylösand beach. Relax by the sea, soak up the sun – and maybe take a detour into the hinterland. There you can explore the Galgberget Hill, with its observation tower and open-air museum. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Halmstad.

Campsites in Halmstad:

  • First Camp Tylösand

    Character: popular large and comfortable campsite.

    Address and location: Kungsvägen 3, 302 70 Halmstad, Sweden

    The campsite is located close to Tylösand beach to the west of the town.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has about 300 parking spaces, a playground, mini golf, and a restaurant.

  • Vilshärads Camping

    Character: family-friendly campsite with plenty of leisure activities.

    Address and location: Vilshäradsvägen 24, 305 65 Villshärad, Sweden

    This campsite is located slightly further north, but also not far from the coast.

    Facilities & leisure: This campsite has almost 200 parking spaces. It also boasts a playground, plus boat and bike hire.

The last stage of this route through southern Sweden by camper van takes you to Helsingborg. It is renowned for the famous Sofiero Castle – and a fantastic view across to Denmark. If your kids love animals, then take them to the Tropikariet Zoo, a small but rather lovely animal park that’s perfect for families. If you have a little more time, take a detour to the Kullen Peninsula, with its amazing cliffs where you can also visit the Kullaberg nature reserve.

Helsingborg.

Campsites in Helsingborg:

  • Camping Lerberget

    Character: modern campsite overlooking the sea with plenty of leisure activities.

    Address and location: Kustgatan 95, 252 70 Råå, Helsingborg, Sweden

    The campsite is situated directly on the coast on the southern outskirts of the city.

    Facilities & leisure: The site has almost 250 parking spaces, a pool, mini golf, restaurant and spa.

  • Mötesplats Borstahusen

    Character: well-equipped and family-friendly campsite.

    Address and location: Kustgatan 95, 252 70 Helsingborg, Sweden

    The campsite is situated about 20 minutes south of the city directly overlooking the sea.

    Facilities & leisure: It has about 150 parking spaces, boat and bike hire, mini golf and sauna.

Fairytale island route:
Jönköping – Vimmerby – Öland

Island in southern Sweden.
Duration: 4–5 days

This route takes you and your camper van on a round trip through the fairytale landscape of Småland to the island of Öland. Southern Sweden is known for its small villages and dense forests. Jönköping, Vimmerby and the island of Öland offer a wealth of child-friendly activities – great for family holidays. And what is also great, is the perfect mix of nature and culture you’ll experience throughout your journey.

This third route by camper van through southern Sweden starts in the town of Jönköping. Take a little time to look around the city and beautiful Lake Vätternsee. Interested in museums? Great, then you will love the Matchstick Museum located here. By contrast, you might just like to relax by the water. Simply take a dip and enjoy cooling off. The Store Mosse National Park is also not far from Jönköping. It’s home to southern Sweden’s largest peatland with truly wonderful hikes.

Jönköping.

Campsites in Jönköping:

  • Lovsjöbadens Camping AB

    Character: close-to-nature campsite overlooking the lake surrounded by forests and fields, ideal for nature lovers.

    Address and location: Hyltena Sjöbo 3, 555 92 Jönköping, Sweden

    The campsite is situated about 20 minutes south of the city on a small lake.

    Equipment & leisure: It has around 80 parking spaces, hiking trails starting at the campsite, fishing spots and barbecue facilities.

  • Villa Björkhagen Camping

    Character: family-friendly campsite on a huge lake.

    Address and location: Friggagatan 31, 554 54, Jönköping, Sweden

    The campsite is located directly on the banks of the huge Vätternsee lake north of Jönköping.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has about 100 parking spaces, a playground, boat and bike hire, and a restaurant

Your next stop is Vimmerby, about 130 kilometres to the east. Vimmerby is famous for being the hometown of Astrid Lindgren and a visit to “Astrid Lindgren’s World” is an absolute must for families. Both your kids (and you) will love the adventures in the world of Pippi Longstocking. Nearby is the Norra Kvill National Park, a small but beautiful protected area with old pine forests and lakes.

Vimmerby.

Campsites in Vimmerby:

  • Astrid Lindgrens Världs Gästboende

    Character: a themed campsite right next to the “Astrid Lindgrens World” theme park.

    Address and location: Fabriksgatan 5, 598 85 Vimmerby, Sweden

    The campsite is located on the western outskirts of Vimmerby.

    Facilities & leisure: There are about 120 parking spaces, several playgrounds, a restaurant, themed accommodation and leisure activities.

  • Vimmerby Camping

    Character: homely campsite near the town overlooking the lake.

    Address and location: Nosshult 108, 59893 Vimmerby, Sweden

    The campsite is located south-east of the town on Lake Nossen.

    Facilities & leisure: It has almost 190 parking spaces, a playground, countless hiking trails starting at the campsite, and fishing spots.

Ready for an island? Then hop over to Öland. Here you’ll find the historic windmills that it’s famous for. This section of the route provides a wonderful trip through the countryside of Småland to the coast. The Swedish island of Öland is best reached by camper van via the Öland Bridge which connects it to the mainland. Enjoy your journey over one of Europe’s longest bridges, (the trip over the bridge is a little adventure in itself). On the island of Öland, take time to visit the old castle ruins of Borgholm or walk through the Stora Alvaret Nature Reserve, one of the largest limestone plateaus in Europe.

Öland.

Campsites on Öland:

  • Ottenby Vandrarhem & Camping

    Character: quiet campsite in an idyllic location close to nature.

    Address and location: Lundegårdsvägen 11, 387 92 Borgholm, Sweden

    The campsite is located at the southern end of the island near the nature reserve and the Långe Jan lighthouse.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has about 50 parking spaces, a playground, and restaurant.

  • Köpingbaden Camping

    Character: beach-side campsite with direct access to the Baltic Sea.

    Address and location: Köpingevägen 27, 387 50 Köpingsvik, Sweden

    The campsite is located on the west coast of the island.

    Facilities & leisure: The campsite has 180 parking spaces, barbecue facilities and bike hire.

Hints and ideas for your camper van trip through southern Sweden

Whichever route you choose, you can park your camper van almost anywhere, thanks to Sweden’s legendary “Everyman’s Right” (Allemansrätten). But be aware, the “Everyman’s Right” only applies to people camping in tents. In Sweden, you normally cannot just park your camper van in the middle of a forest. However, you can park it overnight in public car parks, at the end of roads or directly on the beach.

In general, however, the Swedes are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. A smile and a “hej!” (hello) open many doors. What is more, be sure to factor in a Fika from time to time, Sweden’s traditional coffee break with pastries (preferably cinnamon rolls). They taste twice as good after a long hike on Öland or a walk around Malmö.

And so, with that, “Adjö” and have a great trip!