Southern Sweden by Road ▶ Coasts, Lakes and Quiet Towns

Planning a road trip in southern Sweden is one of those ideas that sounds simple and then suddenly fills your head with maps, coastal towns, forests and 'How many days do we actually need?' questions. If you're thinking about renting a campervan and exploring Skåne, Småland, Halland, or Blekinge, this guide is built exactly for that.

Whether you're dreaming of a Skåne road trip along sandy beaches, or a loop that mixes coast, lakes and red cottages, this guide walks you through why to go, where to stop, how many days to plan and the main things to do in southern Sweden with four wheels and plenty of freedom.

Why Choose Southern Sweden for a Road Trip

Before diving into routes and maps, it helps to understand why a road trip in southern Sweden works so well, especially in a campervan. This part of the country is compact but varied, easy to drive, and full of places where you actually want to slow down instead of rushing to the next big city.

Compact Distances and Easy Driving

Southern Sweden feels made for slow travel. Distances between major stops are short by Scandinavian standards. Malmö to Lund is about 20 minutes, Lund to Ystad about an hour, and even crossing from the west coast to the Baltic side usually takes only a few relaxed hours.

Kitesurfer riding choppy waves in front of a long row of motorhomes on a beach campsite on Sweden’s west coast, perfect for active campers.

The roads are well maintained, clearly signed and usually much quieter than in central Europe. Motorways in Sweden typically allow 110 to 120 km/h on the safest stretches, while rural roads sit around 70 to 100 km/h, depending on conditions and signs.

If you're new to driving in Scandinavia, southern Sweden is a gentle introduction. You drive on the right, headlights must be on at all times and speed cameras are frequent, which keeps the general pace calm.

Huge Variety in a Small Area

A road trip in southern Sweden lets you switch landscapes quickly without feeling like you're spending the whole holiday behind the wheel.

In a single week you can:

Stroll Malmö’s waterfront and modern architecture in Skåne.
Wander through medieval streets in Lund and step inside its Romanesque cathedral.
Walk along endless sandy beaches in Halland and watch surfers at Tylösand.
Drive between red cottages, lakes and deep forests in Småland.
Take a boat out into the Blekinge archipelago with its 1,600 islands and quiet coves.

You never need to choose between coast and countryside. Southern Sweden quietly hands you both.

Campervan-Friendly Infrastructure

If you're planning this as a campervan road trip, southern Sweden works especially well. Campsites and simple motorhome parking areas (ställplatser) are scattered along the coasts, near lakes and just outside most mid-sized towns.

White motorhome parked under leafy green trees beside a quiet street in southern Sweden, showing how easy it is to camp close to nature.

Sweden’s famous “Right of Public Access” (Allemansrätten) gives tent campers huge freedom, but motorhomes and campervans are a bit different. With a camper you must stay on roads and parking areas, and you're not allowed to drive or park on natural ground like beaches, meadows or forest clearings.

The upside is that there're many official spots that feel wild but still follow the rules. With some basic planning you can enjoy lakeside sunsets, harbors and forest edges without worrying about a knock on the door in the middle of the night.

Where to Go on a Road Trip in Southern Sweden

Southern Sweden is not a single province. For planning your route, it helps to break it down into four main regions. Each has its own character, and a good southern Sweden itinerary usually picks two to four of them, depending on how much time you have.

Skåne: Beaches, Cities and Open Landscapes

Skåne is Sweden’s southernmost county and the place most people picture first when they think about a Skåne road trip. This is where Malmö, Lund, Ystad and Ales Stenar are found.

Expect:

Long, white sand beaches and bright yellow rapeseed fields in spring.
Small fishing villages and winding coastal roads in areas like Österlen.
Buzzing city life, modern architecture and food culture in Malmö.

Skåne is ideal if you want a mix of urban stops and coastal drives without long distances.

Soft sand beach framed by grassy dunes with the sun setting over the sea on Sweden’s west coast, a classic Halland evening stop.

Halland: West Coast Beaches and Cycling Routes

Halland sits on the west coast between Skåne and Gothenburg. It's famous for its soft beaches, dunes and relaxed summer towns.

Highlights include:

The Kattegattleden cycle route that follows the coast between Helsingborg and Gothenburg, passing through Halland’s towns and beaches.
Halmstad and Tylösand beach, one of Sweden’s most famous stretches of sand.
Varberg with its fortress above the sea and classic wooden bathhouse.

Halland works very well as a driving or cycling link between Skåne and the rest of Sweden if you love coastal scenery.

Småland: Forests, Lakes and Classic Red Cottages

Småland lies just north of Skåne and Blekinge and feels like a postcard version of Sweden. Think deep forests, clear lakes, red timber houses and quiet gravel roads.

The region is known for:

Dense old-growth forests and sparkling lakes.
The Glass Kingdom (Glasriket), where traditional glassworks and design studios invite visitors.
Kalmar Castle and the coastal city facing the island of Öland.
Astrid Lindgren World in Vimmerby, perfect if you grew up with Pippi Longstocking or are traveling with kids.

Misty sunrise over a calm forest lake with a small wooden jetty and rowboat, a serene morning scene on a Småland campervan route.

Småland fits perfectly in a camper itinerary when you want to slow down by a lake for a day or two and break up coastal driving with forest walks and paddling.

Blekinge: Archipelago and “Sweden’s Garden”

Blekinge is Sweden’s smallest mainland county, tucked along the Baltic coast east of Skåne. It's often called “Sweden’s garden” thanks to its mix of sea, islands and leafy parks.

Here you find:

Karlskrona, a historic naval city spread across islands.
The Blekinge archipelago with more than 1,600 islands and islets.
Ronneby Brunnspark, a beautiful historic spa park.
Eriksberg, the largest safari-style wildlife reserve in the Nordic region, where bison and deer roam in a fenced natural area.

Blekinge is a great way to end a southern Sweden road trip, slowing down in small harbors and island hopping before you loop back toward Malmö, Copenhagen or Gothenburg.

Best Time to Plan Your Road Trip in Southern Sweden

You can drive in southern Sweden in every season, but the kind of trip you have will change a lot with the months. For most travelers, late spring to early autumn is ideal.

Summer

Months	Best for	What to expect	Tips for a southern Sweden road trip
June to August	Classic road trips in southern Sweden. Beach days and coastal walks. Harbor evenings in Skåne.	Long daylight hours from early morning to late evening. Mild temperatures and generally stable weather. Sea warm enough for swimming on the south and west coasts. Lively coastal towns with open cafés, farm shops and events. Most campsites and attractions fully open.	Plan a Skåne road trip if you want beaches, coastal walks and harbor nights. Book campervan rentals and campsites in advance due to peak demand. Use the long evenings for sunset walks and slow driving days.

Shoulder Seasons

Months

Best for

What to expect

Tips for a southern Sweden road trip

May, September and early October

Hiking and cycling.
Quiet roads and fewer crowds.
Mix of coast and forest.

May

Fresh greenery and blooming rapeseed fields.
Noticeably fewer tourists than in summer.
Cooler evenings where a heater in your campervan is useful.

September and early October

Autumn colors in the forests of Småland and inland Skåne.
Slightly cooler but still comfortable temperatures along the coast.
Calmer Blekinge archipelago with local boats still running but summer crowds gone.

Great choice if you want a southern Sweden itinerary that avoids the busiest period.
Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
Late May and September are sweet spots for balance between weather and crowd levels.

Winter

Months	Best for	What to expect	Tips for a southern Sweden road trip
November to March	City-focused trips. Short scenic drives. Travelers comfortable with winter driving.	Short daylight hours, especially in December and January. Possible snow, ice and strong winds on exposed coastal roads. Many campgrounds closed or running with limited services. Roads in the south are usually well maintained but conditions can change quickly.	Focus on city stops like Malmö and Lund with short drives to dramatic coastal spots. Avoid trying to cover all four regions on one loop. Make sure your rental has proper winter tires and you're confident driving in winter conditions.

Suggested Southern Sweden Itineraries (3-7 Days)

Every road trip in southern Sweden will look a bit different, depending on your interests and how often you like to move. The itineraries below give you realistic starting points that you can tweak.

3-Day Skåne Road Trip

This short Skåne road trip focuses on coast and culture, perfect if you only have a long weekend.

Day 1: Malmö and Lund

Morning: Arrive in Malmö, pick up your campervan and explore the old town and Western Harbor.
Afternoon: Drive to Lund, stroll the university area and visit Lund Cathedral.
Evening: Overnight at a campsite near Lund or back toward the coast.

Driving time: about 30 to 40 minutes between Malmö and Lund.

Day 2: Ystad and Ales Stenar

Morning: Drive to Ystad, park outside the center and wander its historic streets.
Afternoon: Continue to Kåseberga and walk up to Ales Stenar.
Evening: Overnight at a coastal campsite in Österlen, maybe near Sandhammaren or Kivik.

Colorful historic street in Ystad with half-timbered houses and tall hollyhocks in bloom, one of the prettiest towns in southern Sweden.

Driving time: around 1 to 1.5 hours total.

Day 3: Smygehuk and the South Coast

Morning: Head to Smygehuk to stand at Sweden’s southernmost point.
Afternoon: Follow small coastal roads back toward Malmö, stopping at beaches and harbors.
Evening: Return the vehicle or stay one last night near Malmö if your flight is the next day.

This is a compact southern Sweden itinerary that still hits many classic Skåne road trip highlights.

5-Day Coast and Countryside Loop

With five days you can expand your road trip in southern Sweden to include Blekinge or Småland while keeping driving times reasonable.

Day 1: Malmö – Lund – Ystad

Pick up your camper in Malmö.
Lunch and cathedral visit in Lund.
Afternoon and evening in Ystad.
Night at a campsite east of Ystad.

Day 2: Österlen to Blekinge

Slow coastal driving through Österlen with stops at beaches and fishing villages.
Afternoon drive onward toward Karlskrona in Blekinge.
Evening walk in the naval city and harbor.
Night at a campsite or ställplats near Karlskrona.

Wooden jetty leading through tall reeds to small boats on a calm lake at sunset in southern Sweden, a peaceful overnight stop on a campervan trip.

Day 3: Blekinge Archipelago and Ronneby

Take a half day boat trip in the Blekinge archipelago or explore islands reachable by bridge.
Afternoon visit to Ronneby Brunnspark for a park walk.
Optional: Short evening drive north into Småland.
Night either near Ronneby or at a lakeside campsite in Småland.

Day 4: Småland Lakes and Forests

Morning swim or paddle on a lake.
Visit a glassworks in the Glass Kingdom or explore Växjö.
Afternoon drive southwest toward Halland, perhaps aiming for Halmstad.
Night near the coast.

Day 5: Halland Coast to Malmö

Enjoy a slow morning on the beach at Tylösand or a coastal walk near Varberg.
Lunch in a seaside town.
Afternoon drive back to Malmö via Helsingborg or straight down the E6 road.
Night in Malmö or return the vehicle.

This loop touches all four regions, so it works well if you're researching things to do in southern Sweden and cannot decide on just one area.

7-Day Slow Southern Sweden Itinerary

A full week lets you travel at a softer pace, linger in places you like and add family-friendly stops.

Straight country road running beside green fields and tall power lines at sunset in Skåne, southern Sweden, ideal for slow scenic driving.

Day 1: Malmö and Lund

Same as in the 3-day version, but you do not need to rush. Stay the night near Lund or in the countryside.

Day 2: Söderåsen or Kullaberg

Choose one:

Explore Söderåsen National Park, hiking to viewpoints and through beech forests.
Or drive to Kullaberg for cliff walks and small harbors like Mölle.

Night near your chosen nature stop or back toward the south coast.

Day 3: Ystad, Ales Stenar and Österlen

Take your time moving along the south coast and into Österlen. Add farm shops, beaches and small galleries to your usual stops. Night at a sea-facing campsite.

Day 4: Österlen to Blekinge

Continue east to Blekinge as in the 5 day itinerary. Depending on your pace, you can stop in Kristianstad or Karlshamn before reaching Karlskrona.

Day 5: Blekinge Archipelago or Eriksberg

Spend most of the day on the water or in wildlife-rich landscapes:

Take an archipelago boat trip in Karlskrona or Järnavik.
Or drive the safari route through Eriksberg Nature Reserve.

View of the red Eriksberg crane and modern waterfront apartments in Gothenburg, a popular urban stop on a southern Sweden road trip.

Night somewhere around the archipelago.

Day 6: Into Småland

Head inland for lakes and forests. You could:

Aim for Lake Åsnen and nearby campsites.
Or drive toward Växjö and the Glass Kingdom.

Spend the afternoon hiking, swimming or just sitting by the water.

Day 7: Småland to Malmö

Drive back toward Malmö, possibly stopping in small towns along the way. If you started in Copenhagen, you can cross the Öresund Bridge once again at the end of your loop.

This seven-day southern Sweden itinerary keeps driving days balanced and leaves space for weather changes, kid breaks and spontaneous detours.

Practical Travel Tips for a Road Trip in Southern Sweden

A smooth road trip is about more than the route. These practical tips cover driving, renting a campervan, camping rules and daily logistics.

Driving Basics and Safety

Driving in Sweden is straightforward, but a few rules are important to know before you set off.

Aerial view of two cars driving a straight road through dense autumn forest in southern Sweden, a classic quiet route for a road trip.

You drive on the right and overtake on the left.
Headlights must be on at all times, even during bright summer days, usually on dipped beam.
Typical speed limits are 30 to 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 to 100 km/h on rural roads and 110 to 120 km/h on motorways, depending on signs and road quality.
Sweden has a very low legal blood alcohol limit of 0.02 percent, so the safest choice is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.

Fines for speeding and drink driving are high, and the general driving culture is cautious. Take your time, especially where Swedish wildlife such as deer or moose can cross the road, and reduce speed in rain or fog.

Renting a Campervan vs a Car

If you're deciding between a car and a campervan for your road trip in southern Sweden, think about:

Choose a campervan if you:

Want maximum flexibility to stay near beaches, lakes or small towns.
Prefer to cook your own meals regularly.
Enjoy camping-style evenings outdoors.

A compact campervan is often easier to maneuver in historic town centers and narrow coastal roads than a large motorhome.

Choose a car if you:

Plan to stay mostly in hotels or cabins.
Want easier parking in cities like Malmö and Lund.
Travel in winter and feel more comfortable in a smaller vehicle.

If you do go for a camper, check that it includes proper extras such as heating, good insulation and winter tires if your trip falls outside summer.

Camping, Ställplatser and Wild Camping Rules

Sweden is famous for wild camping, but there's a key difference between tents and motorized vehicles.

Simple gravel parking area with several motorhomes, campervans and cars surrounded by forest, showing a typical Swedish ställplats stop.

The Right of Public Access allows you to pitch a tent on uncultivated land for a night or two as long as you do not disturb or damage nature.
Campervans and motorhomes are covered by other laws. Driving or parking off road on natural ground such as fields, beaches, meadows and forests is not allowed.

In practice, this means that with a campervan you should:

Use official campsites, ställplatser (simple camper parking spots) and regular parking areas where overnight stays are allowed.
Respect “No camping” and “No motorhomes” signs, especially in sensitive coastal or archipelago areas.
Park so that you do not damage grass, block access roads or disturb nearby houses.

A good rule is to treat your camper more like a car than a tent. If parking is allowed and there're no signs against overnight stays, one night is often fine, but always check local rules.

Budget and Payments

Southern Sweden is not the cheapest road trip destination, but you can manage costs with a few habits.

Groceries: Large supermarket chains like ICA, Coop and Willys offer better prices than small convenience stores. Cooking in your campervan most nights makes a big difference.
Fuel: Prices are usually higher than in many European countries, so factor that into your driving distances.
Campsites: Expect anything from simple gravel ställplatser with a basic fee to full-service campgrounds with showers and kitchens.

Card payments are widely accepted, and many places are cashless, so a debit or credit card is enough for almost everything.

Packing Tips for Southern Sweden

Weather in southern Sweden can change quickly, even in summer, so smart packing matters.

Smiling hiker with large backpack sitting on a pink rock with forested hills and blue sky behind her, showing a hiking stop on a southern Sweden road trip.

Consider:

Layers instead of only one heavy jacket. Even in August you may want a fleece or light puffer at night.
A rain jacket and shoes that can handle wet grass and light mud.
Swimsuit and quick-drying towel for spontaneous dips in lakes or the sea.
Mosquito repellent, especially if you plan to stay by lakes in Småland.
A thermos and picnic gear for fika stops with a view.

If you're renting a campervan, check what is included: bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and camping chairs are not always standard.

FAQ: Planning Your Road Trip in Southern Sweden

How many days do I need for a road trip in southern Sweden?

Three to four days are enough for Skåne. With five to seven days you can add Blekinge and either Halland or Småland.

Is southern Sweden good for a first road trip in Scandinavia?

Yes. Distances are short, roads are calm and you get a lot of variety without long driving days.

Is it better to rent a car or a campervan?

A campervan is best if you enjoy camping, cooking and staying close to nature. A car is easier for city focused trips and winter travel.

Where should I start my southern Sweden itinerary?

Most people start in Malmö or Copenhagen and cross the Öresund Bridge. Gothenburg is another good starting point if you want to follow the west coast.

When is the best time to visit southern Sweden?

June to August is ideal for beaches and long days. May and September are quieter with mild weather. Winter works only if you're used to driving in snow and ice.

What is driving like in southern Sweden?

Roads are well maintained, traffic is light outside cities and signs are clear. Headlights must always be on and alcohol limits are strict.

Can you wild camp with a campervan?

Not in the same way as with a tent. Stick to roads, legal parking areas, ställplatser and official campsites.

Do I need to book campsites in advance?

In July and early August it's safer to reserve popular coastal campsites. Outside peak season you can often just show up, especially inland.

Is southern Sweden a good destination for families?

Yes. Short distances, safe roads, beaches, national parks and kid-friendly stops like Astrid Lindgren World make it very family friendly.

Start Planning Your Road Trip in Southern Sweden

A road trip in southern Sweden gives you a lot for relatively little effort. In one compact region you get beaches, forests, historic towns and quiet roads that are easy to drive, especially with a rental campervan as your base.

Once your route, vehicle and rough overnight stops are in place, the rest is simple. You just follow the road, leave room for small detours and let southern Sweden do the rest.