Coast to Coast Through Sweden, Self-Drive

Transfer by train to the city center and continue on to your hotel. Your journey starts in Stockholm, which offers a massive range of cultural interests from the history of the Vasa Museum to the contemporary Museum of Modern Art and the pop-culture of the ABBA Museum. Overnight in Stockholm

Choose from one of three tours today: A trip to Drottningholm to see the beautiful gardens, theater, and the Royal Castle, a cruise through the Archipelago to Birka where there are Viking ruins, or a cruise to Artipelag and the famous art museum there. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Stockholm. A stroll through the winding lanes of Gamla Stan is suggested. Overnight in Stockholm

Pick up your car today and depart on your journey. Drive along Lake Maleran and make a stop at Örebro. The castle in Örebro has been the focal point of the city for more than 700 years. Originally it was a simple fortress/prison, but it was remodeled in the age of Gustav Vasa to become a magnificent royal palace. Continue on to the the top of Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, and the city of the smiling sun, Karlstad. Dinner is provided at your hotel. Overnight in Karlstad

From the top of Lake Vänern to the bottom of Lake Vättern, travel south through Sweden’s lakes region. Along the way, stop in Kristinehamn for a visit to the old and new: the Järsberg Runstone from 500 AD and a statue by Picasso from 1965. Some time at the fortress in Karlsborg may also be of interest. In Jönköping, your stop for the night, there are many sites to visit. You can take in the view over the city from the Stadsparken, see the quaint Matchstick museum, wander through the motorbikes and machines at the Huskavarna Museum, or marvel at several beautiful churches. Dinner is provided at your hotel. Overnight in Jönköping

Make your way toward the west coast. You may want to detour up to Trollhatten, one of the towns along the Gota Canal, with its locks entering the southern part of Lake Vänern. Travel to the city of Klädesholmen, north of Gothenburg, on an island reachable by car, located in the west coast archipelago. Dinner is provided at your hotel, situated by the sea. Overnight in Klädesholmen

Journey back from the island to the mainland, then spend some time exploring Gothenburg (Göteborg). Sweden’s second largest city is nestled next to the water on the west coast. While shopping, kayaking, museums, and gardens, are at your disposal, there is a large amusement park if you are so inclined. Of course, don’t forget to enjoy some of the fresh seafood local to this port city. Make your way south along the coast to Halmstad and your accommodation. Overnight in Halmstad

Relax today and explore your surroundings by car or on foot. You are close to the center of the forest and only a stone’s throw from the sea, along one of Sweden’s loveliest beaches. Overnight in Halmstad

Drive through the Skåne area of southwest Sweden. You may wish to visit the nature reserve at Hovs Hallar or the town of Lund before making your way down the coastal city of Malmö, the connection point to Denmark and mainland Europe. Drop off your rental car this afternoon, then discover this charming town. Overnight in Malmö

Transfer independently by train across Øresunds Bridge to the Copenhagen airport for your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!