Plan the perfect trip: Combine Sweden with other Nordic countries

With its awe-inspiring nature, rich cultural heritage and thriving cities, Sweden is sure to provide an enriching experience. An added bonus is its central position in the Nordic region, allowing you to travel to its neighbouring countries without having to board a plane. Set off across Sweden in almost any direction by car, train or ferry and you’ll eventually reach the border of either Norway, Finland or Denmark. Given the scenic nature of many of these routes, you’re in for a trip that is an adventure in its own right.

So how far is it between Sweden and Norway? This, of course, depends on where you happen to be, but from Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city – you’ll get to Oslo by car in about three and a half hours. If travelling from Stockholm, meanwhile, the journey will take roughly six and a half hours.

It’s just as easy to travel to Finland, and in the very north of Sweden, there’s easy cross-border access between the two countries. You may also wonder how to get from Stockholm to Helsinki? In this case, you’ll glide across the water courtesy of the many ferry services running this popular stretch.

Effortless travel in Sweden: Light traffic, scenic rails, and easy Nordic links

Sweden is known as one of the world’s safest countries for drivers, and travelling along its well-maintained network of roads tends to be complication-free—always with plenty to see and do along the way. Sweden is a large country with a modest population, so you’ll likely be positively surprised at the typically light traffic, particularly away from the larger cities.

If you prefer to travel by train, Sweden’s rail network is extensive and criss-crosses the entire country – and beyond. Take your pick between the express trains, rural railway lines and overnight sleeper trains, many of which are run by the national rail service SJ.

Should you wish to leave your travel itinerary to someone who’s well-versed in Scandinavia and the Nordic region as a whole, dedicated travel agents are on hand – yet this guide demonstrates how easy it is to travel between the Nordic countries independently.

Northern Sweden’s standout routes continuing into Norway and Finland

Hugging the majestic Ume River as it snakes its way through Sweden, The Blue Highway is so scenic and gem-rich it’s popularly called ‘the tourist route’. The road runs from the Norwegian border at Högstaby, north of Hemavan, continuing south to Holmsund, which forms part of Umeå municipality on the east coast. Thereafter it’ll take you even further east all the way to Vaasa in Finland, via ferry from Umeå.

Bothnian Coastal Route, also known as the Kvarken roadtrip, will have you journeying through the northern east coast of Sweden and Finland’s Kvarken Archipelago, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These two natural wonders boast the globe’s highest coastlines – and they keep growing due to a land-lift phenomenon set in motion during the Ice Age. The ferry at Vaasa in Finland will take you across the Gulf of Bothnia back to Sweden, where the charming city of Umeå awaits.

Further adventures combining Sweden and Finland can be had around the Bay of Bothnia, the northernmost part of the Gulf of Bothnia where the two countries meet. Here you get to experience the culture-rich Swedish Lapland – the homeland of the indigenous Sámi people – and its Finnish equivalent. Start at Luleå or Kalix – two coastal gems in Norrbotten county – and drive into Finland via Kemi, known for its snow castle. Make it a roundtrip by continuing south to Vaasa and its Umeå-bound ferry-crossing.

Travelling west through Swedish Lapland from Kiruna to Narvik in Norway is nothing short of wondrous. This 173 kilometre-stretch, which takes about two hours and fifteen minutes to drive, is also served by a train line – the Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan). Whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll get to take in the stunning terrain of Abisko National Park and the majesty of Lake Torneträsk. Summertime, the region is a paradise for hiking, biking and kayaking – or any other outdoor activity you can think of while bathed in the Midnight Sun. During autumn and winter, Abisko Turiststation is celebrated as one of the best places in the world to catch the Northern Lights.

The Norwegian city of Trondheim is equally accessible. Experience a full cross-section of Sweden by setting off from Sundsvall on the east coast, heading northwest to the natural wonderland that is the mountainous county of Jämtland and the nearby ski resort Åre. Both these spots offer ample opportunity—depending on the season—for hiking, fishing, biking, and, of course, skiing in the winter. Trondheim is situated a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Åre or a train journey of about the same duration.

Touring Sweden’s south and onwards to Norway and Denmark

Move further south, and you’ll soon find yourself in the midst of Sweden’s idyllic west coast and Bohuslän county. Road A6 between Gothenburg and Oslo is a much-loved route, snaking its way past numerous highlights – the coastal hotspots Lysekil and Smögen among them. Though this part of Sweden has year-round appeal, it comes alive in summertime as a seafood paradise and haven for outdoor enthusiasts with a penchant for kayaking and other water-based activities. You can also reach Oslo by catching the ferry running between Strömstad and Sandefjord.

Road-tripping through Sweden will immerse you in nature, but there’s no shortage of city experiences either. The famous Öresund Bridge conveniently connects Sweden and Denmark, allowing you to lap up the urban charm of Malmö one moment and experience the buzz of the Danish capital, Copenhagen, the next. Driving between the two cities takes about 45 minutes, and the train journey takes a few minutes less.

Other ways to combine Sweden’s must-visit west coast and Denmark is to consider the three ferry routes running between Gothenburg and Fredrikshavn, Halmstad and Grenaa, and Helsingborg and Helsingør.

Considering the ease with which you can traverse the borders of countries within Scandinavia and the Nordic region – if using Sweden as your base – there might not be much need to ponder: where to go, Sweden, Norway, Finland or Denmark? The countries within the Nordic region can easily form part of a multi-faceted adventure.