The best accommodations Sweden

Budget & Tips

A financial headache? For those on a budget, camping is an economical way to take your family on vacation - especially since in Sweden you have a choice. Vandrarhem or homestays are another option, depending on the season. Are you looking for more comfort, a certain standard or special services? Then choose charming or luxury hotels; in the city, you will be spoilt for choice.

Hotels. Reduced rates are often available from mid-June to mid-August and on weekends throughout the year. Nevertheless, hotels are still relatively expensive: SEK 800 for a night in a budget hotel, SEK 800 to 1,600 in higher-end hotels and more than SEK 1,600 for more luxurious hotels. Sometimes the rooms are cramped and the toilet and shower are located on the landing. However, breakfast is almost always included, served as a buffet with a wide selection.

Guest rooms. It is not uncommon for locals to rent out a room or two. Look for a "Rum" sign or ask the tourist office for their addresses. A room costs between 150 and 650 SEK. If you are driving on the southern highway, you may see Rum & Frukost signs indicating rooms.

Youth hostels. A difficult term to translate... Vandrarhem is not quite the same as a youth hostel, because in Sweden everyone is welcome, from the youngest to the oldest, and most importantly, these places are remarkably family-friendly. Most of these hostels have single rooms, some have 2 or 4 beds, and some even have 6 or 8 beds. Some are open all year round, others only in the summer, for which it is recommended to make reservations (they sometimes close on August 15). It is better to call before your arrival because often the reception hours are very limited (except in Stockholm and Gothenburg), from 8 to 10 am and from 5 to 7 pm. There are more than 500 hostels in Sweden; some of them are old mansions, farms, disused prisons, prehistoric caves and even renovated sailing ships. In general, their comfort is of a good standard and there is almost always the possibility to cook, iron, shower and relax in the common room. However, remember to bring your own sheets and towels so that you don't have to pay for them; sleeping bags are not allowed.

Campsites. There are many classic campsites in Sweden. For a night, you can expect to pay between SEK 150 for a small pitch and SEK 250 for a large pitch that can accommodate the whole family, including car, tent or caravan. For hikers or single cyclists, there are sometimes lower rates.

What's very local

Sweden is the land of wilderness camping. You can pitch your tent wherever you want in the middle of nature. Why not in front of a lake where birch trees and fir trees are reflected? Remember to bring water and make sure you leave the place as you found it. Legally, you are only allowed to camp for one night in the same place.

For food lovers

Good news! Breakfast is often included in hotels, although rarely in hostels. And, importantly, it is pantagruesome! On the menu, smoked salmon, knäckebröd (the famous Swedish crispbread), soft-boiled eggs, fresh cheese to spread, as well as different cheeses with a taste more or less similar to Gouda, ham cooked with herbs, slices of tomato, cucumber, salads... Enough to create sandwiches as original as delicious. On the sweet side, muesli, fruits, seeds, nuts, yoghurts, everything to make a complete and delicious bowl!