Woman biking over bridge

A road-trip guide through the heart of Sweden

A country steeped in history that harks back to the Viking Age, Sweden is a must-see for everyone looking for that next great adventure. The southern part of Sweden, with its magnificent countryside, is no exception. Rolling wheat fields and a beautiful coastline are the major natural highlights of this area, but with the third largest city in Sweden, there’s something here for everyone.

Travel from Rostock to Trelleborg, or Gdynia to Karlskrona, and you’ll disembark into a world where the endless miles of beautiful landscapes are peppered with quaint villages and the third largest city in Sweden – Malmö. Travel north and visit the islands of Öland and Gotland, where the history and sandy beaches makes every inch even more beautiful than before. As with any road trip, detours are encouraged! Don’t be afraid to make this adventure entirely your own.

Header
Malmö
Body

30 minutes from Trelleborg you’ll find Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden. Known for its innovative culinary scene and iconic architecture, this city is one that you can’t miss if you’re in the area. Take that quite literally, as the futuristic skyscraper “Turning Torso” towers 190 meters above the city and is the second tallest building in Sweden. Check out Öresundsbron, the bridge connects Denmark to Sweden, splurge at Emporia or Triangeln shopping centres and have a bite to eat in one of the cities acclaimed restaurants. 

Image
Urban landscape of Malmo, Sweden
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
Kalmar
Body

Driving north along the coast from Karlskrona you’ll get to the city of Kalmar. The Kalmar Union was signed here in 1397, and Sweden’s recession from it in 1523 marks the foundation of modern Sweden. Shortly put, Kalmar’s history is the history of Sweden. Be sure to visit the Kalmar Castle and take a stroll on the cobbled streets riddled throughout the medieval city centre. If you need to cool off, take a swim at the oddly named Kattrumpan beach, meaning “The cat’s butt”. 

Image
Kalmar Castle, Sweden
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
Öland
Body

The island of Öland is located across a bridge from Kalmar and is must-see when you’re in the area. Go for a hike in the wind-swept pine forest of Trollskogen nature reserve, where the trees take on the weirdest of shapes. Visit the town and castle of Borgholm or have a relaxing day at the beautiful 20km long beach Böda Sand. 

Image
Coast and lighthouse Lange Erik on north coast of the island of à land in the east of Sweden from above during sunset
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
Gotland
Body

If you haven’t had your fill of medieval castles and city centres, the island of Gotland is an absolute must. With an awe-inspiring city wall and riddled with houses from the 13th century, the entire city of Visby is a protected World Heritage Site. Dotted around the island you’ll find rune carvings, ruins from massive cathedrals and a peaceful countryside that truly makes Gotland stand out from the crowd. 

Image
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
Göteborg
Body

A bit north of Trelleborg, on the west coast, you’ll find the city of Göteborg.

The second largest city in Sweden, it’s home to Scandinavia’s largest amusement park Liseberg, as well as numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Haga district, have a fika, a typical Swedish dish consisting of coffee and pastries, or sit by the harbour and watch the ships roll in. 

Image
City of Gothenburg street architecture view, Vastra Gotaland County of Sweden
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
Stockholm
Body

The capital of Sweden is obviously a must-see for everyone coming to Sweden. Here, you’ll find everything your heart desires. There’s the amusement park Gröna Lund, the Royal Palace where you can watch the changing of the guard, the colossal Vasa Museum where the world’s best-preserved 17th century ship is, the ABBA museum and much, much more. Saunter down the streets of Gamla Stan and its 13th century buildings, have dinner at the waterfront and take a canal tour around the city. Simply put, Stockholm is truly a capital worthy of its title. 

Image
View of Stockholm's old town in Sweden
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities

Quick Facts

Distance Trelleborg - Gothenburg

Image
Title
Distance from Trelleborg to Göteborg
Description

If you’re driving from Trelleborg to Göteborg, expect the trip to take around 3½ hours depending on traffic. On the way, make sure to stop by the seaside and experience why the locals call the west coast the “best coast”.     

Distance Karlskrona - Stockholm

Image
Title
Distance from Karlskrona to Stockholm
Description


A longer drive of 500km, the drive would take about 6 hours from Karlskrona to Stockholm. Don’t forget, the road trip is yours to plan! If you’re feeling up for it, we really recommend driving up to Stockholm.

How to get to Gotland

Image
Title
How to get to Gotland
Description


If you’re planning a trip to Gotland, the only way there is by ferry. Be sure to book your ticket in advance as they could sell out! 

Try local cuisine

Image
Title
Try some local cuisine
Description


Sweden’s big cities might have Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining, but don’t be afraid to try the local foods as well! You’d be surprised often the local food scene can be made into superb dishes.

Selected destinations for this guide

Customer Service

Do you have questions or need help with your booking? Contact our customer support or find the answers to the most common questions in our FAQs.