--- title: "Bicycle touring in Sweden | Cycle Planet" description: "Sweden is a very large country where it is pleasant to cycle. The south is flatter and less sparsely populated than the center and north. There are also…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden" meta: "og:description": "Sweden is a very large country where it is pleasant to cycle. The south is flatter and less sparsely populated than the center and north. There are also…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BSweden%2Cdescription_~U3dlZGVuIGlzIGEgdmVyeSBsYXJnZSBjb3VudHJ5IHdoZXJlIGl0IGlzIHBsZWFzYW50IHRvIGN5Y2xlLiBUaGUgc291dGggaXMgZmxhdHRlciBhbmQgbGVzcyBzcGFyc2VseSBwb3B1bGF0ZWQgdGhhbiB0aGUgY2VudGVyIGFuZCBub3J0aC4gVGhlcmUgYXJlIGHigKY%2Cheadline_Northern%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvc3dlZGVuIg%2Cs_GGw_hCOr_tOfOEZG.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Sweden" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BSweden%2Cdescription_~U3dlZGVuIGlzIGEgdmVyeSBsYXJnZSBjb3VudHJ5IHdoZXJlIGl0IGlzIHBsZWFzYW50IHRvIGN5Y2xlLiBUaGUgc291dGggaXMgZmxhdHRlciBhbmQgbGVzcyBzcGFyc2VseSBwb3B1bGF0ZWQgdGhhbiB0aGUgY2VudGVyIGFuZCBub3J0aC4gVGhlcmUgYXJlIGHigKY%2Cheadline_Northern%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvc3dlZGVuIg%2Cs_GGw_hCOr_tOfOEZG.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Northern Europe # Sweden **Schengen**[**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=60.128161,18.643501,6.5) [** Download GPX (5) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/SE) ## **About ** Sweden is a very large country where it is pleasant to cycle. The south is flatter and less sparsely populated than the center and north. There are also more roads in the south. The coastal regions are also usually busier than the rest of the country. It is important to choose the right roads for a bike ride. Major thoroughfares with their rushing freight traffic can be annoying. Other roads are excellent. Many holiday cyclists in Sweden are on their way to the North Cape or on the way back. Many try to drive through Sweden as quickly as possible and then opt for the A45, A4 or other busy roads. Unfortunately, they often do not get a positive impression of Sweden because of this. That is unfortunate and unfair. Sweden consists for the most part of lakes and coniferous forest and is hilly and flat. Many cyclists are very pleased with the tranquility. In the south a lot of land has been cultivated and you mainly cycle between rolling fields, but if you go more to the north the country becomes desolate. Sweden is a large country, cycling from north to south takes about three weeks. Northern Sweden is rough, unspoilt and sparsely populated. This area covers almost half of Sweden. You will find extensive forests, inaccessible wetlands, mountains, fjords and islands. So you can cycle for days without meeting anyone. So plan your purchases well. Central Sweden is a low plain with some hill areas and large lakes. The southern part has a rolling landscape, is most visited by tourists and is therefore busier than the northern regions. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/about) ## **People ** Swedes are fairly self-contained, but if you make contact they are hospitable and helpful. They are sporty. Cyclists are treated with respect. Communication is fine in English with half a word of Swedish. Sometimes you can also use German. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/people) ## **Visa ** People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here [**https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/**](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/). The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries. Last updated 3 Sept 2020 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/visa) ## **Sleeping ** ### **(Formal) camping** There are excellent campsites where you can camp as well as rent a small wooden bungalow (trekker hut type). The campsites usually have good facilities: laundry room, cooking area, drying or ironing facilities. You don't pay per person but per place. Keep in mind that you will soon lose about 12 euros per night. Many campsites are affiliated with a camping organization. If you want to use these campsites you must have a pass. This can be purchased for about 10 euros at any affiliated campsite. An overview of camping sites can be found at [**www.camping.se**](http://www.camping.se) . Camping gas is not available. ### **Ho(s)tels** The youth hostels are not age-related. There are about 200 of these inns in Sweden. They are open from May to mid-September. In summer it is advisable to discuss. It is often possible to get meals. ### **Wild camping** Wild camping is allowed because of everyone's rights. This means that you can camp anywhere as long as you stay out of sight of the owner of the estate. If you do that near houses, then discuss it. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/sleeping) ## **Places to sleep **(5) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**1. Beach Camping**Wild campingNice large beach which is used as a military trainings ground in the none summer months. Primitive toilet available.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/ec83659b-ba86-4a69-b904-0ecb53dbf4d7) 2. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**2. Beach in the forest**Wild campingWell hidden beach after a small path wäre youbhave to push your bike. Sandy.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/5d9e27ec-4d86-4f23-a479-02fe9e5251cd) 3. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**3. Campspot at the pond**Wild campingEasy to reach but silent spot right at a pond.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/41c76ebb-df84-40d0-b4ae-479fc6e27a62) 4. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**4. Shelter near the sea**Wild campingTwo Shelter with fireplace, primitive toilet and a wonderful view.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/52790f30-e0fb-434f-bec6-adbbf69c3401) 5. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**5. Shelterplace at the edge of the forest**Wild campingShelterplace with wooden hut and oven. Enough space to pitch a tent outside. Primitive toilet given.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/f180c5c8-7655-4689-9b6f-fee8fcbd5aee) ## **Safety ** Sweden is a safe country. Cycling alone is not a problem. Just pay close attention to your bicycle, because bicycle theft does occur! ### **Traffic** There is little traffic on the road, with the exception of the major roads. Cars take good care of cyclists. If you follow the signposted cycling routes, you usually ride on nice and quiet roads. Many regional roads have been converted in "2+1 roads" where there is a wire barrier separating alternating stretches of 1-lane and 2-lane sides. Cycling in a 1-lane stretch is very dangerous: lorries cannot leave cyclists almost any margin when they are driving at 90 km/h. Google maps does not give this information, ask the locals. Last updated 20 Jul 2021 by [Pieter Kuiper](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/YtlBYkod5QR4lgjT4QOyzHFjRbD2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Train** It is possible to cover large sections by trains of most local railroad companies. Often the cost is the price of a children's ticket. On the national carrier of Sweden SJ, one cannot take bicycles. Instead, the bicycle can be transported separately. This can sometimes take up to three days. The bicycle is stored at the final destination and therefore does not have to be picked up immediately. Bicycle transport is only possible to and from the major stations and costs about 30 euros, regardless of the distance. ### **Bus** It is not possible to take a bicycle on long-distance routes of Swebus and Eurolines, but FlixBus takes bicycles. From Karslborg you can take the Skövdebus to Skövde and to Askersund. From Askersund you can take your bike on the back of the bus to Örebro. From Eskilstuna you can go to Mariefred and Stockholm by bike on the back of the bus. ### **Boat** Bicycles can always be taken on the domestic ferries. Usually it will cost you nothing or a few euros. A very nice trip by old steamboat from the historic town of Marietstad to the center of Stockhom. Of course you can bring bicycles. Google steamship Mariefred. Last updated 20 Jul 2021 by [Pieter Kuiper](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/YtlBYkod5QR4lgjT4QOyzHFjRbD2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** **Supermarkets** Only shops (supermarkets) in the somewhat larger cities. But almost everything is available here. Many of these supermarkets are open from 7am to 9pm, sometimes longer and even on Saturdays and Sundays. Some "big" villages have a small local shop. The choice and opening times are more limited here. Keep in mind that there may be several tens of kilometers between two shopping cities/villages. Especially in the sparsely populated areas (70 km is no exception to the next shop). Alcoholic drinks above 3% are available in special stores. **Restaurants** Eating out is very expensive. If you cook for yourself, it's okay. Pizzerias can be found in many small villages. Don't skip the small conditories: the coffee and pastries are excellent. A tip from Arjan Giling: "In many restaurants, inns and hotels, lunches are served from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, for 5.5 - 8 euros you can have excellent food with salad, drink and main meal, coffee at the end. okay with you." John: "In large cities it is often difficult to get into a cafe during the evening as a -23 year old. This is still possible in the student area, but in many larger cafes this is not possible. Especially on Thursdays there is often an outside bouncer who is inexorable." **Drinkable water** The tap water is of the best quality. In the far north you can also drink from streams. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/foodDrink) ## **Vaccinations & health ** In the summer there are many midges (the annoying little flies). Mosquitoes are mainly found in the north of Sweden. If you travel through the woods in the summer, make sure you have mosquito repellent with you. However, do not expect miracles from using those remedies. The best remedy against the mosquitoes is to choose the right season, i.e. early spring, autumn, or if you like cold, winter. A cap with a mosquito net is very comfortable. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/health) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** The best cycling time is from early June to mid-September. Sweden has a continental climate with harsh winters and beautiful summers. It is a lot drier and warmer than neighboring Norway. In the south, the influence of the ocean is noticeable and it rains more often here. It hardly ever rains for days on end. It can cool down quite a bit at night. Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/sweden#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"Sweden is a very large country where it is pleasant to cycle. The south is flatter and less sparsely populated than the center and north. 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