6 Best Road Trips Across Sweden

One of the best road trips across Sweden takes you along the country's West Coast. This magnificent stretch of coastline is replete with charming marinas, mighty castles, quaint swimming spots and historical and family-friendly sights to stop at.

You can naturally begin your West Cost road trip at whatever point you like, but to see as much as possible the best approach is to start at Strömstad in the north or Malmö in the south and drive the entire 280-mile stretch that lies between. There is plenty to see and do along the way and you can even give your road trip a theme. For example, put animals in focus with stops at Borås Zoo (Borås Djurpark) and the Ark of the North (Nordens Ark), which is a zoo featuring many endangered animals. Or why not plan a historic road trip and take in Malmö Castle (Malmöhus), Varberg Fortress (Varbergs Fästning) and the rock carvings and bronze age farm at Vitlycke?

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This stretch between Hällevik and Karlskrona takes just 1 hour to drive, but will bring you past the main sights on the Blekinge Coast. If you only want to take in part of the route then you could start at Karlshamn, for example, but the stretch is so short that there is really very little reason to cut it short.

Begin in Hällevik with a visit to the Hällevik Fishing Museum or check out one of the local fish smoke-houses in the area. Continue eastwards along the coast towards Karlshamn where you will find several historic sights. Then finish up at the world heritage city of Karlskrona which is brimming with beautiful and notable buildings. And be sure to drop a penny in old Rosenbom's hat!

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As you drive through the fertile lands of the Söderslätt region and Österlen, you'll see open fields, historic sights and picturesque villages. You can naturally shorten the route however you like, but the distance between Malmö and Åhus is not that long and it is well worth traversing the entire stretch. We recommend beginning in Malmö and driving through the gorgeous Söderslätt countryside, with its many green and golden fields, heading towards Ystad.

Stop at Ale's Stones, a large stone ship burial sight dating back to the Iron Age and located in a very beautiful spot. Pop into the charming little town of Ystad for a spot of shopping and a coffee break. Then continue along towards Simrishamn and be sure to stop at one of the many quaint farm shops that can be found all around the Österlen region. Finally, finish your journey with a well-deserved tipple, either in the vodka capital of Sweden, Åhus, or at the Cider Factory in nearby Kivik.

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The High Coast offers one of the best road trips across Sweden, with magnificent sea views and charming spots along the way. The area stretches along the stunning archipelago of the Bothnian Sea, from the town of Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik in the historical province of Ångermanland. Begin in the south with a tour of the Härnösand Gin Distillery, or if whisky's more your thing, head for the High Coast Distillery instead. Be sure to also check out the classic cars on display at the Härnösand Car Museum (Härnösands Bilmuseum). Or head even further back in time to a simpler age at the Mannaminne Folk Museum in the small, picturesque village of Nordingrå. You'll then no doubt want to quell your rumbling tummy with a visit to the oldest bakery of traditional Swedish flat bread in the country, Mjälloms Tunnbröd.

For a bit more art and culture, check out the sculptures at the High Coast Art Valley. Finally, once you've made it to the city of Örnsköldsvik, treat yourself to some retail therapy and prepare for your next outdoor adventure at the renowned outdoors outfitter, Naturkompaniet.

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The Humleslingan in Scania is a 31-mile-long trail boasting magnificent scenery around Ivö Lake, as well as stately palaces, historic buildings and leafy apple orchards. The trail goes in a neat little loop around the lake so you can start wherever you like, although the easiest approach is to begin in one of the settlements along the trail such as Vånga or Bromölla.

Step out of your car and discover Charles XV's summer residence, Bäckaskog Castle, or the magnificent Renaissance building, Trolle Ljungby Castle. Learn more about the prehistory of southern Scandinavia at Havsdrakarnas Hus Fossil Museum or stroll through an iron age burial ground such as Gudahagen. Be sure to also check out an art exhibition at Humletorkan in Näsum or quite simply take your time and enjoy the magnificent nature around you.

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The Blue Highway (Blå Vägen) goes from Norway to Russia, with the Swedish part running through an incredible mountain landscape and past both historic landscapes and family-friendly destinations. The Swedish part of the highway goes between the tourist town of Hemavan, where the King's Trail begins, and the northern city of Umeå – but you can of course begin anywhere along the way. If you decide to start on the Norwegian border, be sure to visit the Alpine Botanical Garden (Fjällbotaniska Trädgården) in Hemavan and the striking wooden church in Stensele.

As you approach the town of Lyckelse, stop at the Forest Museum (Skogsmuseet) and learn all about local forestry practices or take the kids along to the zoo. Once you arrive in Umeå, take a stroll around the city's streets and find a nice place to settle down for a well-deserved meal.

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