5-day tour in Sweden: from Gothenburg to Stockholm

Day 1: From Gunnebo Slott to fika in Alingsås

You start your journey just outside Gothenburg at Gunnebo Slott. This is not just a country house, it is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. The gardens are at least as impressive as the house itself. You can walk through three different types of gardens: the formal garden, the kitchen garden with heritage vegetables and the large landscape park.

You then continue to Alingsås. As this is the “capital of fika”, it is worth taking time for a coffee break. Walk through the narrow streets and step into one of the many historic bakeries. The wooden houses and courtyards give a clear sense of old Sweden.

Day 2: Gorge walks on Kinnekulle and visit to Läckö Castle

Today, you head into nature. Stop at Kinnekulle, a flat-topped mountain by Lake Vänern. Here you find the “Mörke klyfta”, a gorge often called Sweden’s mini Grand Canyon. The view over the lake from this point is wide and open.

In the afternoon, you reach Läckö Castle. This white baroque castle, with its many towers, looks like something from a storybook. Next to the castle, the “Lilla Slottsträdgården” (small castle garden) is also worth visiting. The garden is redesigned every year, so it looks different each season.

Day 3: Swedish design in Lidköping and cycling along the Göta Canal

In Lidköping, you visit the Rörstrand Museum. It shows how Swedish tableware has developed over time. There is also an outlet where you can buy a piece of Swedish design.

You continue to Mariestad, where you follow the Göta Canal through the town. A walk along the canal or a short bike ride works well here. You see boats moving through the locks. The old town around the cathedral is well suited for an afternoon walk.

Day 4: Outdoor art in Kumla and steam train ride in Nora

Today, you visit one of the more unusual art sites in the country: Konst på Hög in Kumla. What used to be an industrial landfill is now an open-air exhibition space. As you walk between the large sculptures, you look out over the Närke region.

You then drive on to Nora. This town is one of the three preserved wooden towns in Sweden. You can also take a ride on the oldest heritage railway on standard gauge in the country, the Nora Bergslags Veteranjärnväg, aboard a steam train.

Day 5: Along Lake Mälaren to Stockholm

On the final day, you head towards Stockholm, with a stop in Mariefred. Here you find Gripsholm Castle, located directly by Lake Mälaren. The castle houses Sweden’s national portrait collection.

From here, it is a short drive to Stockholm. You enter the city via its bridges and see the surroundings change from green areas to an urban setting. End your trip in Gamla Stan, where you can raise a glass in the narrow streets to a successful road trip through the heart of Sweden.

Frequently asked questions about this tour in Sweden

How many kilometers do you drive during this tour?

You drive a total of about 400 to 500 kilometers. The distances per day remain limited, giving you enough time for stops along the way.

Do you need to book activities in advance?

For museums and sights, booking is usually not necessary. In summer, it is recommended to arrange tickets in advance for popular places or restaurants.

How much time do you need per day for the activities?

Each day includes a few stops that together take half a day to a full day. There is still room to add something extra or stay longer somewhere.

Can you extend this tour?

Yes, you can add extra nights in Gothenburg or Stockholm. This gives you more time to explore the cities.