Welcome to Southern Sweden! We spent a couple of weeks road tripping through west and south Sweden in our campervan. We loved every minutes and we can’t wait to return and hopefully explore more of this idyllic country. Throughout this blog we share our top things to do in Southern Sweden.
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Best Things To Do In West And Southern Sweden?
West Sweden is a region that seams to have it all, there’s a rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the mesmerizing cave drawings of Tanum to the bustling streets of Gothenburg, West Sweden offers a diverse array of experiences for every traveller.
1. Tanum’s Ancient Cave Drawings
On our journey from Norway, we were lucky enough to accidently stumble upon some of Sweden’s rich History.
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tanum’s rock carvings is a must. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these petroglyphs provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient Scandinavians. Like us you can take the time to explore the carvings alone and let your imagination run wild about the people who tread the ground before you or take a guided tour to fully appreciate the intricate carvings depicting ships, animals, and human figures.
While we explored, we also stumbled across an old Scandinavian house that had been destroyed and left. It felt eerie as we explored finding soles of shoes, roof tiles and even a kettle. Further up the path we found the rest of the settlement left to be overtaken by nature. Location 📌
2. Moose Safari At A Swedish Moose Farm
For us at the top of our Swedish bucket list was to see a moose. Now preferably this was a wild moose in its natural habitat but to use they seem elusive, therefore we researched to find a moose farm that we felt was sustainable. It’s worth noting many of the farms had bad reviews, but we headed to Dalsands Ranch and loved it. The moose had a large area to roam, and they had a Scandi café on site which really immerses you into their culture. At the farm you can learn about moose behaviour, their ecological importance, and enjoy the thrill of encountering these gentle giants up close. Location 📌
3. Hiking Trails for Nature Enthusiasts
Southern Sweden boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, catering to all levels of hikers. Whether you prefer coastal walks, forested paths, or challenging mountain hikes, there’s something for everyone. The Bohusleden trail, with its diverse landscapes, is particularly popular. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure through West Sweden’s stunning nature.
4. Gothenburg and Malmö
There are also plenty of cities to explore in West Sweden. Two of Sweden’s most vibrant cities, Gothenburg and Malmö, offer a mix of culture, history, and modern amenities. In Gothenburg, explore the Liseberg amusement park, stroll along the picturesque canals of the Haga district, and visit the Universeum science centre. In Malmö, wander through the charming Old Town, visit the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper, and relax in one of the city’s parks.
5. Ice Hockey Excitement
During our visit to Gothenburg, we decided to spend a night at the ice hockey. If you’re in a camper, we recommend parking at the university for a night (right in the centre) allowing you to explore the city later at night.
Swedes have a deep love for ice hockey, and catching a game in West Sweden is a thrilling experience. Check the schedules of local teams like Frölunda HC in Gothenburg or Malmö Redhawks in Malmö. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a hockey match, a sport deeply ingrained in Swedish culture. We experienced Frölunda HC and it was like no other sports game I’ve been to! Location 📌
Best Sweden Tours
6. Vänern Exploring Sweden’s Largest Lake
No visit to West Sweden is complete without a visit to Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest lake in Europe. Embark on a scenic boat tour, try your hand at fishing, or simply relax on the shores and enjoy the serene beauty of this vast freshwater expanse. Location 📌
7. Culinary Delights
No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine! Indulge in the culinary delights of West Sweden by sampling local dishes. Try traditional Swedish meatballs, gravlax (cured salmon), and herring. Don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of Akvavit, a popular Scandinavian spirit.
Now you’re ready to book your trip or start the drive to Sweden. Whether you’re exploring prehistoric cave drawings, encountering moose in the wild, hiking through picturesque landscapes, or immersing yourself in the vibrant cities of Gothenburg and Malmö we would love to know and see your photos, tag us in your photos @kateandmikestravels and we hope you have a wonderful time. Happy travels!
Essential Items for Sweden
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Norway is a hiker’s destination and with challenging hikes such as Pulpit Rock, we were glad to have our poles. We would also recommend reliable Hiking Boots.
If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter a head torch is a must. The days are short and if you’re camping this is essential.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Sweden
If you’re visiting Sweden here are our top travel tips:
- Scandinavia is vast, take it slow – don’t feel the need to see everything if you only have a short time. Instead spend the time you have discovering the beauty and culture of the area you’re in… plus then you have an excuse to come back.
- Hire a car or motorhome – in our opinion this is the best way to really see Sweden. You get to drive down hairpin roads such as Trollstigen and explore the lesser known nooks of the countries.
- Be prepared for changing weather – it can be sunny one minute and snowing the next so pack for a range of temperatures and remember “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
