Southern Sweden Family Road Trip: Malmö to Stockholm via the West Coast - 10 Days

Highlights

• Cross the moat and explore the royal chambers of Malmö's 15th-century castle
• Ride the wooden rollercoaster at Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement park
• Spot basking seals as you kayak around the Grebbestad archipelago
• Visit a countryside ranch and feed the resident moose by hand
• Step into the interactive worlds of Pippi Longstocking and ABBA in Stockholm

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Malmö, Castle, Aquarium & Sea Pools

Welcome to Sweden! This 10-day family vacation focuses on Sweden's beautiful west coast, known for its historic cities, coastal fishing villages, and scenic archipelagoes. You'll arrive in Malmö, a lively coastal city across the Öresund Strait from Copenhagen. Malmö's history dates back to the 1200s, and its residents hail from 170 countries, making it a melting pot of cultural diversity. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

After settling in, you can choose an activity that suits the kids' energy levels and ages. If the family's ready for some sightseeing, start with a visit to Malmö Castle, the oldest Renaissance fortress in Scandinavia. You'll find plenty to explore with the preserved 15th-century castle, but the complex is also home to multiple museums, including a fun aquarium on the basement level. For something more sedate, grab your swimsuits and head to Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, a pierfront open-air bathhouse where you can soak in wood-fired hot tubs and cool off with a swim in the sea pools.

Day 2: Drive to Helsingborg, Afternoon at Sofiero Palace & Gardens

Pack up the family, pick up your rental car, and set off on the first day of your Swedish road trip, driving an hour north up the west coast to Helsingborg. Located in the idyllic province of Skåne, this small city has a fascinating past, much of which is immortalized in its well-preserved Old Town. Add to that a wealth of culture, magnificent coastal nature, and a lively restaurant scene focused on local, seasonal produce. After dropping your bags at your hotel, get your bearings with a stroll around the historic center, pausing to treat the kids to some of the city's famous pralines and licorice along the way.

When it's time for lunch, grab a picnic and head to Sofiero Palace, one of Sweden's most beautiful royal parks, located just outside Helsingborg overlooking the Öresund. Once a summer residence of the Swedish royal family, it's now a favorite family summer destination, surrounded by extensive grounds dotted with themed gardens and sweeping lawns. Little ones will love climbing the nature-inspired play structures, including suspension bridges, treetop walkways, and towers shaped like giant rubber boots. You can also visit exhibitions inside the castle, browse the garden shop, or stop by the café for a treat.

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Sightseeing Boat Tour

Grab some cinnamon buns and snacks for today's scenic 2.5-hour drive up to Gothenburg, a port city on the Göta Älv River. Break up the journey with some stops along the way, starting just outside Helsingborg at the lovely Tylösand Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and even surf. You'll also find beautiful beaches in Marstrand, a charming island town with an imposing 13th-century castle. The kids might also want to stop by Varberg Fortress, a well-preserved medieval castle with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Once in Gothenburg, check into your hotel, then it's all aboard a boat ride along the river. Relax on deck as your guide shares insights into Gothenburg's 400-year history, and pass notable landmarks like the statue of King Gustaf Adolf, the 18th-century German Church, and Feskekörka (Fish Church), a waterfront fish market. Afterward, stroll over to Långgatorna, better known as the "Long Streets," to discover the range of cozy pubs and restaurants lining the road. Try traditional Swedish food, like inlagt sill (pickled herring), and end with a slice of prinsesstårta, a sponge cake covered in bright green marzipan. 

Day 4: Gothenburg Bike Tour, Liseberg Amusement Park

If the kids are eager to see more of Gothenburg, start exploring on two wheels with a morning bike tour of the city's cyclist-friendly streets. Cruise along the main boulevard of Avenyn, lined with shops and restaurants, pedal through the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, home to over 16,000 plant species, and cut through the serene green space of Slottskogen Park. If it's a rainy day, visit the city's 10-story Universeum, an interactive science museum with a diverse range of exhibits, from the rainforest to the sea floor.

For something more adventurous, hop on a vintage tram and spend the afternoon at Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest amusement park. Located just 10 minutes south of the city center, the park offers plenty of fun for all ages, with over 40 rides and attractions. The littlest family members will find gentle carousels and fairy-tale castles to explore, while school-age kids can ride the Liseberg Wheel for panoramic views of the city or try out the Balder, a looping wooden coaster. Adrenaline seekers and teens won't want to miss the Helix, a multi-looping rollercoaster that's been voted one of the best in the world. 

Day 5: Drive to Grebbestad, Explore the Bohuslän Coast

Get ready for one of the most scenic drives of the trip today, when you pack your bags and set off north into Bohuslän, a coastal paradise that stretches from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border. Task the kids with counting the traditional red fishing villages that dot the rocky shores, and see if they can spot some of the over 8,000 islands that form the vast western archipelago. It's a two-hour journey north to your destination in Grebbenstad, but you can take your time and add in some detours to get the most out of the day.

Make sure to stop by Smögen for a stroll along its famous pier, lined with colorful boathouses, shops, and cafés, where you can grab a seafood lunch and sample some of the region's famous oysters. You'll also want to spend some time in Fjällbacka, another picture-perfect seaside town, where you can see the statue of Ingrid Bergman in the town square (the actress spent nearly every summer on a nearby island) and refuel with an afternoon fika (the Swedish ritual of coffee and cake) at one of the waterfront bakeries. You'll end the day in Grebbestad, where pastel houses overlook an idyllic fishing harbor.

Day 6: Archipelago Kayaking Tour, Afternoon at TanumStrand

Grab your sunhats and swimsuits and join your guide this morning for a kayaking adventure through the archipelago. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, the activity begins with a lesson in basic paddling techniques and safety. Then, you'll strike out into the sheltered waters, gliding past tiny skerries (rocky islets) formed from the region's distinctive Bohus granite. The kids will love spotting the coast's diverse wildlife (including basking harbor seals and diving razorbills) and stopping to explore larger islands along the way.

Back on the mainland, grab a seafood lunch along the pier and spend the remainder of the afternoon however you please. You could venture out of town to explore the coastal meadows and steep, rocky beaches of the Tjurpannans Nature Preserve, or spend some downtime at the TanumStrand SPA & Resort, one of the area's most famous coastal hotels. Kids can splash around in the family-friendly pools, while adults can unwind in the saunas and Jacuzzis. End the day like the locals with a bracing swim off the pier!

Day 7: Drive to Örebro, Visit Dalslands Moose Ranch

In the morning, you'll get back in the car and continue the drive, this time heading east across the country to Örebro, a city on the Svartån River. The trip takes about four hours, but you'll stop on the way for a two-hour break and tour at Dalslands Moose Ranch. This family-run moose park is dedicated to offering a safe habitat for Sweden's "kings of the forest." Here, moose roam free in their natural environment, and you can see them on a guided hike through the park. You can even feed these giant animals some snacks! It's a memorable experience that offers great photo opportunities.

After the park, you'll continue to Örebro. Located in the heart of Sweden, the city was officially founded in 1404. The oldest landmarks here are the impressive Örebro Castle, which dates to 1270, and Sankt Nikolai, a Lutheran church consecrated in the 14th century. You can visit other beautiful buildings on a city tour, but if you're eager for more nature, it's not far away. Two national parks (Tiveden and Garphyttan) are near the city, as are two of Sweden's largest lakes, Hjälmaren and Vättern. If the kids are ready for an early night, head straight to your hotel and rest up for tomorrow's drive.

Day 8: Drive to Stockholm, Explore the Swedish Capital

Hit the road again this morning and continue for 2.5 hours east to Stockholm. Founded in 1252 and spread across a Baltic Sea archipelago of fourteen islands, it's easy to see how Sweden's capital earned the nickname "Venice of the North." However, besides its aesthetic charm and history, this Scandinavian metropolis is a forward-thinking, innovative city home to a growing tech community and many startups. Upon arrival, drop off your rental car and check into your hotel, where the kids can grab a nap before some sightseeing.

Stockholm is easily walkable, with good public transport connecting various neighborhoods with distinct identities. Södermalm has a laid-back vibe and is popular with creatives, while Östermalm is the picture of refined elegance. Between them is Norrmalm, a busy commercial area; farther south is the Gamla Stan (Old Town). The latter is a perfect place to start your explorations—catch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Royal Palace, grab a family photo op on the "skinny street" of Mårten Trotzig, and duck into the playground at Junotäppan to let the kids burn off some energy on the swings.

Day 9: Family Fun on Djurgården, Sunset Kayaking Tour

It's the penultimate day of your trip, and you'll spend it on Djurgården, one of the 14 islands that make up the city of Stockholm. Here you'll find some of the city's most kid-friendly interactive experiences, including the Vasa Museum, home to a 17th-century warship, Skansen, the world's largest open-air museum, and Junibacken, a whimsical world devoted to the stories of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. It's also home to ABBA The Museum, a perennial hit with older kids and teens, and Gröna Lund, the country's oldest amusement park. 

Later in the day, you'll hit the water again to see more of the city on a three-hour guided kayak tour. The adventure begins on the island of Långholmen, where you'll paddle down scenic canals lined with parks and the city's colorful old buildings. Watch fishermen plying their trade and migratory birds flying overhead as you travel along a circuit route. Once back at the island, you'll take a short hike to a secluded beach where you'll enjoy a delightful barbecue dinner. After the meal, you'll return to your hotel in the city and rest up for tomorrow's flight.

Day 10: Depart Stockholm

Time flies when you're enjoying a Swedish summer adventure. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. As they say in Sweden, farväl!

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