Sweden: A Scenic Road Trip in a Camper Through the Land of Lakes and Forests
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Sweden is a country that feels like it was made for road trips. Endless forests, crystal-clear lakes, charming towns, and dramatic coastlines create a backdrop that’s nothing short of breathtaking. My camper trip through Sweden, starting with a ferry ride from Lübeck, Germany to Malmö, Sweden, was a journey filled with nature, adventure, and countless Instagrammable moments. Every mile was a story waiting to be told, and the camera barely left my hands.
Here’s my complete guide to the best stops, photography tips, and must-see places from Malmö to the Norwegian border.
Starting the Adventure: Malmö and the Öresund Coast
My Swedish journey began in Malmö, a vibrant city that perfectly blends modernity with Scandinavian charm.
1. Turning Torso and Västra Hamnen
The Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper, is Malmö’s iconic landmark and a striking piece of modern architecture. Right next to it is Västra Hamnen, a beautiful waterfront area with wooden boardwalks and colorful buildings.
Instagram Spot: Capture the Turning Torso from the boardwalk, framing it with the clear blue sky or dramatic clouds for contrast.
Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to highlight the height and unique shape of the building.
2. Malmö Castle and Kungsparken
After soaking in the modern vibe, I explored the Malmö Castle and Kungsparken, a lush green park surrounding the historic fortress. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic and some tranquil nature shots.
Instagram Spot: Shoot the castle surrounded by the park’s greenery for a mix of history and nature.
The Southern Coast: Ystad and Ales Stenar
Heading east along the southern coast, I reached Ystad, a picturesque town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses that feel like stepping back in time.
3. Ystad’s Old Town
Known for being the setting of the famous "Wallander" detective series, Ystad is full of cozy cafes and colorful facades.
Instagram Spot: Find a narrow alley with hanging flower pots for the perfect quaint shot.
4. Ales Stenar: Sweden’s Stonehenge
Just a short drive from Ystad is Ales Stenar, an ancient stone circle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. This mysterious site is breathtaking at sunset.
Instagram Spot: Photograph the stones with the sun dipping into the horizon for a magical effect.
Photography Tip: Use a tripod for long-exposure shots to capture the soft glow of the setting sun.
Småland: The Land of Lakes and Fairy Tales
Continuing north, I entered the enchanting region of Småland, known for its dense forests and countless lakes. This area felt like it was pulled straight from a storybook.
5. Lake Vättern and Gränna
Lake Vättern, one of Sweden’s largest lakes, offers stunning vistas. The town of Gränna, famous for its red-and-white striped candy canes (Polkagris), is a delightful stop.
Instagram Spot: Capture the view of Lake Vättern from the cliffs near Gränna, with colorful Polkagris candy in hand for a playful touch.
Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to enhance the lake’s deep blue tones.
6. Astrid Lindgren’s World
As a fan of Pippi Longstocking, visiting Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby was a childhood dream come true. This theme park brings the beloved author’s stories to life.
Instagram Spot: Snap a photo in front of Pippi’s iconic colorful house, Villa Villekulla.
The Archipelagos: Kalmar and Öland Island
7. Kalmar Castle
Kalmar is home to one of Sweden’s best-preserved Renaissance castles. The surrounding gardens and moats make it an ideal spot for photography.
Instagram Spot: Capture the castle’s reflection in the moat for a fairytale-like shot.
8. Öland Island
Crossing the Öland Bridge, I arrived on Öland, an island filled with windmills, beaches, and UNESCO-protected limestone plains known as Stora Alvaret.
Instagram Spot: Photograph the windmills at sunrise or sunset for a picture-perfect moment.
The Heart of Sweden: Stockholm and Its Archipelago
Arriving in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, I was blown away by its blend of historic and modern vibes, spread across 14 islands.
9. Gamla Stan (Old Town)
The cobblestone streets and colorful facades of Gamla Stan are a must-see. This medieval old town is one of Europe’s best-preserved.
Instagram Spot: Capture Stortorget, the main square, with its iconic colorful buildings.
Photography Tip: Shoot early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light.
10. Stockholm Archipelago
Taking a boat trip into the Stockholm Archipelago, I explored tiny islands with charming red cottages and pristine nature.
Instagram Spot: Capture the red cottages against the shimmering blue water for an iconic Swedish scene.
The Wild North: Dalarna and Lapland
Heading further north, the landscape became more rugged and untamed.
11. Dalarna: The Land of the Dala Horse
Dalarna, famous for its painted wooden horses, felt like the heart of traditional Sweden.
Instagram Spot: Take a photo holding a Dala horse with the picturesque Lake Siljan in the background.
12. Abisko National Park and the Northern Lights
My journey ended in Abisko National Park, near the Norwegian border. This remote wilderness is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Instagram Spot: Capture the aurora borealis dancing over the snow-covered landscape.
Photography Tip: Use a tripod and set your camera to a long exposure (10-20 seconds) to capture the lights.
Photography and Filmmaking Tips for Your Swedish Camper Trip
Essential Gear
Wide-Angle Lens: Perfect for capturing vast landscapes like lakes and forests.
Tripod: A must for long-exposure shots and Northern Lights photography.
Drone: Ideal for aerial shots of the Swedish archipelagos and dense forests.
Best Times to Shoot
Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset provide soft light that enhances Sweden’s natural beauty.
Overcast Days: Sweden’s muted light on cloudy days is perfect for capturing moody, atmospheric shots.
Editing Tips
Enhance the greens of the forests and the blues of the lakes using Lightroom or Photoshop.
Adjust highlights and shadows to bring out details in landscapes and skies.
Why Sweden Should Be Your Next Road Trip Destination
Sweden offers a mix of serenity, adventure, and unspoiled natural beauty that’s perfect for a road trip. Whether you’re exploring charming towns, gliding through archipelagos, or chasing the Northern Lights, every moment feels like a scene from a Nordic fairytale.
Pack your camper, charge your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Sweden’s timeless charm and wild landscapes. Trust me, it’s a journey you’ll never forget!
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