Sweden has a lot to offer: stunning cities, perfect coastline, castles, and vast wilderness the likes of which are hard to come by in the modern age. If you’re looking for a spectacular road trip that fuses culture, modernity and pure, untouched nature, then check out our epic road trip recommendation from Stockholm to the Swedish South Coast.
Day 1: Starting at Stockholm
After hiring your car at one of Stockholm’s Airports, be sure to take in all the Swedish capital has to offer. Here are a few must-see sites in Stockholm:
- Vasa Museum is a maritime museum on the island of Djurgarden. The warship Vasa sank after a short sail of some 1300 km when water entered through the open gun ports.
- Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is mainly made up of the island Stadsholmen and dated back to the 13th century. There is a strong influence of Northern German architecture in what is one of the best-preserved old towns in Northern Europe.
- Rosendals Trädgård is a charming garden where the public can visit which allows access to the beauty of nature and the art of gardening.
Day 2: On to Vadstena
- Taking a walk through Tullgarn Palace Park is like being transported from the 17th century through to the 20th century, from the avenues of Carl Hårleman’s to the exotic fortress of King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria’s.
- More time travel in “Old Linköping” where you will find wooden houses, cobblestone alleys, gardens and many museums.
- Visit the Renaissance Vadstena Castle where at the 1st floor you’ll find information about its history and also see a model of the castle when it was a fortress, before it became a palace. There is also the old kitchen replete with slush chute and gun turrets too.
Day 3: Journey to the South Coast
Carrying on along the banks of Lake Vättern take in:
- Gränna which is renowned as the originator of striped candy cane, get one here from one of the many bakeries.
- ‘The Kingdom of Crystal’ – Glasriket – where you can experience renowned glassworks via a range of activities – and lots of opportunity to stock up on some classic Swedish decor.
- Kalmar Castle is a symbol for Kalmar. The castle’s history features international politics, court intrigues, fiery sieges and fierce battles.
Day 4: The Island of Öland
The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland, a World Heritage Site, consists of linear villages, cultivated farmland, seaside pastures and the Great Alvar.
From the town of Kalmar, cross the bridge to explore:
- Öland. Spend the day enjoying the best of this pretty island, the second largest in Sweden.
- Discover sandy beaches, the UNESCO-listed landscape of Stora Alvaret, Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace.
Day 5: Colourful Ystad
Go camping, see the pastoral nature reserve, a round of golf, culture vulture’s art or a spot of wine tasting at Blekinge.
In Skane take in the Øresund Bridge, an iconic structure incorporating fixed spans and a suspension bridge together with a tunnel.
Just west of Grostorp there is a small-scale farming landscape with stone farms, hills, pastures and farmlands. The beautiful landscape is dominated by a powerful focal point.
Charming Ystad is an important hub of the Swedish film industry. It’s home to the country’s oldest cinema (Biografteatern Scala), a production studio, and the Cineteket interactive film museum.
Day 7: Back to Stockholm
And after such a full week of adventures head back up north to Stockholm, return your hire car and catch your flight back home.
If you’re looking to hire a car without a credit card in Sweden, check out the variety of locations we offer or enquire now using the form on the right.