Cycling in Sweden

Sweden is made for gravel. The country is large and sparsely populated, and much of the road network consists of well-maintained gravel roads through forests and along lakes. Thanks to the right of all to roam, you can camp almost anywhere in nature. And it’s closer than you think: with the night boat from Kiel to Gothenburg you’re there in the morning.

Why cycle in Sweden?

• Endless roads: quiet, well-rideable gravel, also fine with 38 to 40 mm tires.
• Long summer eveningsIn June it hardly gets dark. You can cycle as long as you want.
• Right of all people: camping is allowed, respecting nature and the local residents. Ideal for bikepacking.
• Well organized: marked routes, cycling-friendly accommodations and trains that carry bicycles.

The best regions

• Dalsland: The gravel area of Sweden, over 850 kilometers of marked gravel routes between lakes and forests, near Gothenburg.
• Dalarna: red wooden houses, Lake Siljan and Cykelvasan, the bicycle version of the famous Vasaloppet ski race.
• Tjörn: an island on the west coast with pine forests and rocky coast. The round trip to Tjörn is 67 kilometers, starting in Skärhamn.
• Billingen: a table mountain near Skövde with gravel courses of 10 to 66 kilometers, all of which start at the Billingen recreational area.
• West CoastThe Kattegat Trail runs approximately 390 kilometers along the coast from Helsingborg to Gothenburg. It is a beautiful multi-day hike, mostly without cars.
• Gotland: an island in the Baltic Sea with a mild climate, limestone cliffs and quiet roads.

Southern Sweden: Skåne and the South Sweden Trails

The southern part of Sweden, Skåne, is the closest: via the Øresund Bridge you are there from Copenhagen in half an hour. It is flatter and softer than the rest of the country, with fields, beech forests, fishing villages, and long beaches. The Sydkustleden follows the southern coast, and via the South Sweden Trails you drive through to Småland with its forests and lakes. We followed these routes in three parts; read, among other things, our story about The South Coast Pioneers.

Midsummer and the midnight sun

In June and July, it hardly gets dark in Sweden. The further north you go, the longer the days are. We drove through Sweden and Finland during the longest days of the year: read Chasing the Midnight Sun.

Overnight stay

In addition to hotels and pensions, there are many in Sweden stubborn (wooden cabins), youth hostels (STF) and camping sites with huts. Thanks to the right of all to roam, you can also camp in nature for one night, at a suitable distance from houses and without leaving any traces.

Practical

• Join the rideWith the night boat Kiel – Gothenburg, you can bring your bike along. Regional trains often carry bicycles; check per line.
• PayAlmost everywhere you can pay with a pin or credit card, even for small amounts. You rarely need cash.
• Eating on the go: Plan your stops. In sparsely populated areas, supermarkets and cafes are located far apart. Fika, Having coffee with a cinnamon bun is a regular ritual.
• Wild: Especially at dusk, watch out for elk and deer, especially on gravel roads through the forest.

Sweden is big. Choose a region for a week, such as Dalsland, Dalarna or Skåne, rather than driving many kilometers by car.

For whom is Sweden?

Sweden is the country for gravel riders and bikepackers who seek rest, space, and nature. The gravel roads are well-surable, even with a regular gravel bike, and the distances between villages are large enough to truly feel the sense of adventure. Race cyclists will find quiet asphalt roads in Skåne, along the west coast, and on Gotland. Thanks to the right of all, you can go anywhere with a tent, and thanks to the long summer evenings, you never have to rush.

Combine with Denmark or Norway

The Øresund Bridge takes you from Copenhagen to Malmö in half an hour, making it easy to travel through Denmark to southern Sweden. From Gothenburg, you’re quickly at the Norwegian border, and with the night boat from Kiel to Gothenburg you arrive equipped with your own bike.

When are you leaving?

From May to September. June and July have the longest days; in August and September it is quieter. In the summer, keep in mind that there are mosquitoes in the forests.

How do you get there?

By car and the night ferry Kiel – Gothenburg, or by driving via Denmark and the Øresund Bridge. By train it can be done via Hamburg and Copenhagen. By plane you can go to Gothenburg or Stockholm.

Stories

This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.

Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.

Driven in Sweden

22 April 2026Vätternrundan adds gravel racing in September 202622 February 2026Chasing The Midnight Sun – Graveling on the longest days in Scandinavia30 October 2021Cycling in Southern Sweden: Part III of the South Sweden Trails9 October 2021Cycling in Southern Sweden: South Sweden Trails II, South Coast Trail30 September 2021South Sweden Trails: part 1

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