Sweden 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive Stockholm

Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN).

Clear customs and collect your luggage. You'll then proceed to pick up your pre-booked rental car, your trusty VW Beetle, to begin your road trip.

Look for signs for car rental services in the arrival hall. Ensure your driving license and international driving permit (if needed) are ready.

Check into Hotel

Drive from Arlanda to your hotel in Stockholm.

Check in and settle into your room.

Familiarize yourself with the hotel's amenities and local area. Parking is available.

Gamla Stan Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Gamla Stan (Old Town), Stockholm's charming historic center.

Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and browse unique shops.

Wear comfortable shoes. Many small cafes offer 'fika' (Swedish coffee break).

Dinner in Södermalm

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Södermalm district, known for its relaxed atmosphere and good food options.

Try traditional Swedish meatballs or fresh seafood.

Archipelago Kayaking Tour

Embark on a private, family-friendly kayaking tour in the stunning Stockholm Archipelago.

Paddle through tranquil waters, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the serene island scenery. Perfect for enjoying the lakes and water activities.

Booking required. All equipment provided. This private tour is ideal for a couple seeking a personalized experience. It offers a wonderful blend of outdoor activity and scenic beauty.

RIB Boat & Island Visit

Experience the Stockholm archipelago from a different perspective on an exhilarating RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) speed boat tour, followed by a visit to a beautiful island.

This offers more of the 'water activities' you enjoy.

Wear waterproofs provided by the tour. This tour combines speed and scenic beauty, giving you a comprehensive view of the archipelago. Remember to book in advance.

Relaxing Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel or in a quiet part of the city, reflecting on your adventurous day in the archipelago.

Explore local eateries or enjoy a meal at your hotel.

Scenic Drive to Södermanland

Depart from Stockholm and drive south-west into the scenic Södermanland region.

Your VW Beetle will be perfect for exploring the winding country roads leading to forests and lakes. This region is known for its beautiful nature reserves and idyllic countryside.

Plan your route to include a coffee stop at a charming roadside café. The drive itself is part of the 'getting away from city life' experience.

Check into Lakeside Guesthouse

Arrive and check into your chosen lakeside accommodation in the heart of Södermanland's nature.

Unpack and settle into your tranquil surroundings.

Look for guesthouses or self-catering cabins near larger lakes such as Lake Mälaren or smaller, more secluded bodies of water. Check-in times may vary.

Forest & Lake Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the surrounding forests and along the shores of the nearby lake.

Take in the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Keep an eye out for local birds and small wildlife.

Many nature reserves in Södermanland offer well-marked hiking trails. Bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Canoeing on the Lake

Rent a canoe or rowboat (often available directly from guesthouses or nearby) and enjoy an afternoon paddling on the serene lake.

This is a quintessential Swedish summer experience.

Check for local rental options. Life jackets are usually included. Perfect for enjoying the water activities and peaceful surroundings.

Countryside Dinner

Prepare a simple meal at your guesthouse or enjoy dinner at a local countryside restaurant, if available.

Embrace the quiet evening away from city lights.

Many guesthouses offer kitchen facilities, making self-catering a great option for a 'get away from city life' experience.

Morning Birdwatching

Start your day with some early morning birdwatching.

Many Swedish forests and lakes are home to diverse bird species, including cranes, ospreys, and various waterfowl. Bring your binoculars!

Quiet observation is key to spotting shy species. Dawn and dusk are often the best times for bird activity.

Guided Forest Hike (Self-guided)

Embark on a longer self-guided hike through a local nature reserve.

Follow marked trails, enjoy the tranquility of the deep forests, and perhaps find a scenic spot for a packed lunch.

Popular reserves include Stendörren Nature Reserve (coastal) or smaller inland forest areas. Always let someone know your route, and be aware of any local regulations.

Riverside Picnic

Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch by a river or stream, surrounded by nature.

Pack some local Swedish treats and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Bring a blanket and dispose of all trash responsibly.

Afternoon Relaxation

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your guesthouse, reading, or enjoying the natural surroundings.

Alternatively, take another short stroll or dip in the lake.

Embrace the quiet and solitude.

Evening Wildlife Spotting Drive

As dusk approaches, take your car for a slow drive on less-traveled forest roads.

This is a prime time to spot larger wildlife like moose, deer, and maybe even a fox or badger.

Drive slowly and quietly. Use your headlights carefully. Wildlife spotting is never guaranteed but is more likely at dawn and dusk.

Morning Swim/Paddle

Enjoy a final refreshing morning swim in the lake or a short paddle before breakfast.

Fully immerse yourself in the natural tranquility.

Swedish lakes are generally very clean and safe for swimming in summer.

Explore Quaint Country Town

Before heading further north, visit a charming small town in Södermanland, such as Mariefred with its Gripsholm Castle, or Nyköping.

Enjoy a coffee and browse local craft shops.

A good opportunity to pick up some local souvenirs or enjoy another 'fika'.

Drive Towards Central Sweden

Begin your scenic drive towards the next region of your adventure – Central Sweden, specifically towards the Västmanland/Dalarna area, known for its deeper forests and more prominent wildlife.

This drive is part of the experience, offering changing landscapes.

This will set you up perfectly for the next chunk of your itinerary. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the forested roads.

Check into New Accommodation

Arrive and check into your new accommodation in the Västmanland or Dalarna region.

Settle in and prepare for more immersive forest and wildlife experiences.

This could be a guesthouse, cabin, or a stay offered by a local wildlife tour operator.

Dinner at Forest's Edge

Enjoy dinner at your new location, perhaps at a guesthouse restaurant or by preparing a meal with local ingredients, savoring the quiet of the Swedish forest.

Take the opportunity to stargaze after dinner, away from city light pollution.

Drive to Västmanland

Begin your scenic drive from the Stockholm/Södermanland region towards the peaceful forests and lakes of Västmanland, aiming for an area like Skinnskatteberg, known for its rich wildlife.

Check into Forest Lodge

Settle into your chosen forest lodge or lakeside cabin, your base for wildlife exploration in Central Sweden.

Lakeside Forest Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the immediate surroundings of your accommodation.

Breathe in the fresh forest air and look out for local birdlife by a nearby lake or stream.

Many lodges offer direct access to forest trails. Ask your host for local recommendations.

Traditional Swedish Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant or prepare a meal at your cabin, enjoying the tranquility of your forest retreat.

Lodge Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your forest lodge before embarking on your wild adventure.

The Wolf Howl Experience

Embark on an incredible 48-hour guided adventure to track wolves and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

With skilled trackers, you'll learn about wolf behavior, set up a hammock camp, and try to elicit howls. This experience includes night monitoring.

This is a truly immersive wildlife experience. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and minimal facilities during the camping portion. A packing list will be provided by the tour operator.

Wolf Howl Experience Conclusion

Continue your wildlife tracking efforts into the morning.

Learn more about the local ecosystem from your expert guide. The experience concludes in the afternoon, after which you'll be transported back to the starting point.

The exact schedule for the second day will depend on wildlife activity and weather conditions. Your guide will ensure a memorable and educational experience.

Relax at Lodge

After the intense wolf experience, return to your comfortable forest lodge.

Take time to relax, shower, and reflect on your incredible adventure.

Quiet Evening & Dinner

Enjoy a quiet dinner and a peaceful evening, perhaps by a campfire or with a good book, embracing the serenity of the Swedish forest.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before checking out and beginning your journey further north.

Drive to Dalarna Region

Take a scenic drive into the Dalarna region, famous for its cultural heritage, red wooden houses, and beautiful lakes like Lake Siljan.

Your destination is a charming lakeside location.

Check into Dalarna Accommodation

Arrive at your lakeside cabin or guesthouse in Dalarna, ready to explore the region's natural beauty.

Lakeside Kayaking/Canoeing

Rent a kayak or canoe and spend a peaceful afternoon paddling on one of Dalarna's beautiful, serene lakes. Enjoy the quiet waters and surrounding forests.

Many lakeside resorts or local outfitters offer kayak/canoe rentals. Check for rentals upon arrival or book in advance.

Dinner with Lake Views

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a restaurant with views overlooking the lake, or cook a fresh meal at your cabin.

Lakeside Breakfast

Savour a leisurely breakfast with beautiful views of the Dalarna landscape.

Guided Forest Hike & Birdwatching

Explore the ancient forests of Dalarna on a guided or self-guided hike.

Keep an eye (and ear!) out for local bird species and forest animals. This is a great opportunity for quiet observation.

Check with your accommodation or local tourist information for recommended trails and birdwatching spots. Consider packing binoculars.

Forest Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the tranquil forest setting, embracing the Swedish concept of 'friluftsliv' (open-air living).

Afternoon by the Lake / Prepare for Travel

Spend a relaxed afternoon enjoying the lake shore, reading, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Begin packing and preparing for your journey to Southern Sweden tomorrow.

Farewell Dinner in Dalarna

Have a final dinner in Dalarna, savoring the last moments of this beautiful region.

Scenic Drive to Småland

Enjoy a picturesque drive from Central Sweden into the heart of Småland.

Take in the changing landscapes of dense forests and sparkling lakes as you head towards Klavrestrom.

Sweden Zipline Adventure

Experience Europe’s longest zipline, with over 4 km of lines stretching through the forest along the steep slopes of the Småland highlands.

A grand nature tour through a unique geological formation.

Book your zipline adventure in advance, especially during summer. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Lakeside Dinner & Relaxation

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing dinner, perhaps at a local restaurant or by preparing your own meal if your lodge offers facilities, overlooking one of Småland's many beautiful lakes.

Morning Birdwatching Walk

Start your day with a peaceful walk around your lodge or a nearby nature trail, listening to the birdsong and spotting local wildlife.

Småland is rich in diverse bird species.

Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Early mornings are best for spotting wildlife.

Kayaking on a Forest Lake

Rent a kayak or canoe and spend a tranquil morning paddling across one of Småland's pristine forest lakes. Enjoy the silence, fresh air, and stunning reflections of the surrounding nature.

Many lodges offer kayak rentals, or you can find rental spots in nearby towns. Pack a waterproof bag for essentials.

Deep Forest Hike

Embark on a guided or self-guided hike through Småland's ancient forests.

Discover hidden paths, observe flora and fauna, and experience the profound peace of the Swedish wilderness.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and perhaps a local map. Be mindful of nature and leave no trace.

Evening Wildlife Spotting

Take a quiet drive or walk during dusk, when many animals are most active.

Keep an eye out for moose, deer, foxes, and various birds that come out to feed.

Moose are often seen near forest edges or clearings at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly and quietly.

Visit a Moose Park

Experience Sweden's iconic moose up close at a dedicated moose park.

Learn about these majestic animals and their habitat in a semi-wild environment.

Great opportunity for wildlife photography. Check opening hours as some parks might have specific feeding times.

Traditional Swedish Fika

Enjoy a traditional Swedish 'fika' (coffee break with pastries) in a charming forest café or a scenic spot in nature.

Lake Swimming & Sunbathing

On a warm summer afternoon, find a designated swimming spot (badplats) at one of Småland's many lakes and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Relax on the sandy shores and soak up the sun.

Swedish lakes are generally clean and safe for swimming. Look for signs indicating public swimming areas.

Farewell Småland Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Småland, savoring local Swedish cuisine.

Reflect on the amazing nature experiences of your trip.

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy a final Swedish breakfast at your accommodation before preparing for departure.

Final Småland Drive

Take one last scenic drive through the Småland countryside, soaking in the views before heading towards the coast.

Drive to Trelleborg Ferry Port

Begin your journey south towards the port of Trelleborg, where you'll catch a ferry back to Germany.

The drive will take you through southern Sweden, offering more pleasant landscapes.

Ferry Check-in

Arrive at Trelleborg ferry terminal and check in for your ferry to Germany (e.

g., Rostock or Travemünde).

Allow ample time for check-in procedures, especially during peak summer season. Have your booking confirmation and passports ready.