Sweden – a dream destination for you and your pet

More than ever before, visitors to Sweden want to bring their pets along with them on holiday. So why not take your dog on a hiking adventure in the north, sightseeing in Stockholm or island hopping on the west coast? Whether it’s hotels, campsites or self-catering accommodation you’re looking for, Sweden is ready to open its pet-friendly arms to you and your furry friends.

Bringing your pet to Sweden

It’s not always easy to decipher the rules about where and when pets are welcome, so, to make the most of travelling to Sweden with a dog, check local regulations before embarking on your adventure. Sweden has broadly the same regulations as other EU countries: Animals must be ID-marked, have a valid vaccination against rabies, an EU passport for pets and you must report to customs when you cross the border.

The rules are similar if you are travelling with a dog to Sweden from the UK and USA. In both cases though, owners also need to fill in a pet owner’s declaration that can be downloaded from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) website.

If you are travelling from outside the EU, UK or USA, you must notify Swedish customs before and after you arrive, and it’s always advisable to have travel insurance for your pets. For more details, see the Swedish Customs (Tullverket) website.

Sweden with your pet – the essentials

Keep in mind that getting around requires some planning if you are travelling to Sweden with a pet. For long-distance train journeys operated by national operator SJ, you have to reserve your seat in the special “Pets allowed” section. In most cases, you can have your dog next to you on the floor. Using local public transport is relatively straightforward too, with dogs allowed to travel free in the major cities' networks. It is worth checking with the individual operators to be sure though.

While you’re out and about with your furry friend meanwhile, remember that dogs must be kept on a leash in cities and all public places, at all times, with the exception of specially provided exercise areas. There are also strict rules surrounding dogs in the nature, where different rules apply at different times.

Pet-friendly accommodations in Sweden

For somewhere to stay, the good news is that there are countless dog-friendly hotels in Sweden, including many run by the large chains. Scandic provides a list of dog-friendly locations on its website, along with a useful guide to help you decide on the best destination. Best Western has some 70 dog-friendly hotels in Sweden. Many have special rooms set aside for owners, and while guide dogs are always free, some will charge a supplement for your pet, so check in advance. Most provide free bowls, blankets and treats for dogs, as well as good tips for walks. Similarly, the Strawberry hotel chain has rooms available for pets across the group, with individual offers at several establishments.

You will also find many dog-friendly boutique hotels across Sweden, including the classic Lydmar Hotel in Stockholm and Hotel Pigalle in Gothenburg. In other words, you and your pet will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a dog-friendly hotel in Sweden.

Camping with dogs in Sweden is also increasingly popular – camping.se lists the many sites in Sweden where pets are welcome, while for hikers, the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) provides information on which hostels accept dogs. Some may add an extra fee for your canine companion, and many will have restrictions on the number of pets allowed, so make sure you check before you book.

Dog-friendly places to eat in Sweden

When hunger strikes, dog-friendly restaurants in Sweden are not difficult to find, especially during summer. Most restaurants with outdoor seating are happy to accommodate dogs, although fewer welcome them indoors. While several hotel chains allow dogs in certain parts of their dining rooms, in restaurants it’s often down to the owner to decide. Dog-friendly restaurants and cafés in Stockholm include Nabo and Brewdog, while Gothenburg establishments include Levantine and Taverna Averna.

Want to treat your furry friend? Dog Bakery has cafés and shops in Stockholm, Gothenburg and (from July) Uppsala, with plenty of options to spoil them. Other dog-friendly cafés include Himmelska Hundar and Chewie’s Bar in Stockholm, and Anklevska Kompaniet Café & Lifestyle in Nyköping.

Nature calls – unforgettable Sweden trips to take with your pet

Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) means everyone can roam freely, but with that freedom comes responsibility, especially for those with dogs. In the countryside, dogs have to be leashed between 1 March and 20 August. Even the vast expanses in the north have certain restrictions, as the region is a magnet for hunting, fishing and hiking enthusiasts.

National parks and hiking trails have long been favourite destinations for travellers. Unsurprisingly, dogs are becoming a more regular sight on Sweden’s major hiking trails like The King’s Trail, (Kungsleden) Pilgrim’s Trail (Pilgrimsleden) and the Storsjö Trail (Storsjöleden). You can even scale Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain, with your pet by your side.

Outside the mandatory leash period, dogs must be kept under control to prevent them from harassing wildlife and in most nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs are welcome in most of Sweden’s national parks and city parks, although certain rules do apply depending on the time of year and can vary from one park to another. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) provides full details.

Sweden’s long coastline and numerous lakes mean there are plenty of possibilities to swim, although often only on stretches not designated as official public beaches. Beaches in bigger cities and towns are less accessible to four-legged friends, however, although Malmö’s Ribersborg Beach does offer a special area for dogs.

In the city, sightseeing with your pet generally needs to be done outdoors. Making your way through the fairy tale narrow streets of Stockholm’s Old Town is a wonderful way to while away a few hours with your dog, likewise the numerous parks and recreational areas around the capital. While you’re welcome to roam around the grounds of major sites, you can’t take dogs inside palaces, museums and places of worship. However, Drottningholm Palace has its own island, Ormholmen, also known as 'dog island', where dogs can be unleashed.

In short, Sweden will lay out a red carpet for you and your companion. Make sure you do your research thoroughly, and travelling with your pet will be stress-free, comfortable and most of all, memorable.