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Why to visit Sweden during the Off-Season

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Evelina Hjortskog

09.10.2024

∼ 10 min. read

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Credits: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

Visiting Sweden during its contrasting seasons will give you vastly different experiences, showing the variety of this beautiful country. With so many things to offer, from city breaks to breathtaking nature, Sweden has something for everyone during all the months throughout the year. In this article, we will dive into the different ways to explore Sweden during the seasons to make sure your visit is as enjoyable as possible. 

What counts as Off-season in Sweden?
The most popular time to visit Sweden is during the summer months: June, July, and August. Although stunning and unique with its long days of sunlight and warmer weather, the Swedish summer can also be crowded and expensive. December, with the national holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, also counts as part of the busy season. Most Swedes will have several weeks of vacation during both the summer and the winter holidays, which makes the country busy with tourists and locals combined. 
The peak of the Off-season is between February and May in the spring and September and November in the autumn. During this period, Sweden is quieter. The Swedes are settling back into their routines and the grind of everyday life around the same time that tourism slows down, which makes these months perfect for exploring all that Sweden has to offer! 

 

The ins and outs of the off-season
Exploring Sweden during the off-season is the perfect way to embrace true Swedish calm and tranquility. Although the Swedish cities may bustle in the peak season, the cities and nature alike provide a rare calm atmosphere that you won’t find in most places during the off-season. With more than 70% of the country covered in forests, there is plenty of nature to explore. The forests are said to have a calming effect on the entire country. Keep reading to discover the biggest upsides of travelling to Sweden in the off-season. 

Table of contents

Best time to go road tripping in Sweden 

Natural Wonders

Stunning seasonal landscapes

After a long winter, Swedish nature undergoes a magical transformation. Spring breathes life back into the land as the days grow longer. It’s a beautiful transition to watch; the trees are never as green as when they’ve just bloomed, the flowers show up with all their might, and the birds return from warmer destinations. The country simply explodes in a burst of colors and sounds. 


Springtime is an ideal time for hiking since trails become accessible and the weather is mild. National parks like Tyresta or Abisko offer trails that lead through forests and rivers flowing heavily from the melted snow. 

Once summer has come and gone, the underrated autumn comes in full force. The trees now turn from green to a display of a wide range of colours. Gold, amber, and a stunning dark red light up the landscape, and the crisp and clean autumn air brings a freshness of rejuvenation. 

Harvest Time Activities

Autumn is the perfect time to forage for berries or mushrooms in the forest or head to a local market to indulge in fresh produce.  For that reason, the autumn harvest season is perfect for food enthusiasts. Farms open their doors for visitors to pick apples, berries, or pumpkins. These activities offer a hands-on connection to Swedish agriculture and its traditions.
If you end up foraging by yourself, remember to educate yourself or join a guided tour to ensure safe and sustainable foraging practices, as some berries and mushrooms can be harmful or deadly. 

Chasing the Northern Lights

One of Sweden's most magical experiences is witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). While commonly associated with winter, the lights are also visible in early spring and late autumn, especially in the northern regions like Kiruna or Abisko.


Parking your camper van in these areas allows you to chase the auroras without the extreme cold of winter. Clear, dark skies away from city lights increase your chances of seeing this natural wonder. Some campsites even offer wake-up calls when the lights appear.

Outdoor Activities Abound

The off-season is excellent for a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the quiet shores of lakes and rivers, with an abundance of different species in both spring and autumn.


Hiking and biking trails are less crowded, making exploring them much more peaceful and serene. Wildlife is usually more active during these times, which increases your chances of spotting moose, deer, or, in some northern areas, bears.


For those interested in water-based activities, kayaking along the coast or in the archipelagos is usually very pleasant. The cooler temperatures make being active more comfortable, and the landscapes provide stunning backdrops.

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Credits: Katja Kristoferson/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Flexibility and Accessibility

Popular Destinations All to Yourself

One of the biggest advantages of off-season travel is the solitude. During peak summer months and the winter holiday, Swedish city break destinations and nature destinations are usually bustling with visitors. In contrast, during spring and autumn you will get a more secluded experience as you explore this country.  


Without the busyness and bustling, you can stroll along cobblestone streets, linger in historic sites, and immerse yourself fully in Sweden's breathtaking nature. If you enjoy photography, the absence of crowds means unobstructed shots of Sweden's architectural and natural settings.

Peaceful Camping Experiences

Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access) is a unique privilege that allows everyone to roam freely in nature, camp, and forage on uncultivated land, as long as you respect the environment and property owners. During the off-season, this freedom becomes even more profound. Not only will the campgrounds be less busy, but so will the free camping out in nature. With fewer campers and people around, you can freely pick the spot that suits you best and find secluded spots to park your campervan, whether by a secluded lakeside, on a hill with panoramic views or in a nice and calm spot in a forest. The tranquility will forge a deeper connection with nature and all its elements. Imagine spending your evenings by a campfire under the stars, drinking hot chocolate and heating up in the van afterwards. The tranquility of the off-season will enhance your relaxation and make you feel more rested than when you first arrived. 

While enjoying the freedom to roam, it's crucial to follow the principles of "leave no trace." This means disposing of waste properly, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, and respecting private property boundaries. We take great pride in our natural environment, and as visitors and locals combined, we share the responsibility to preserve it.

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Credits: Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se

Ideal Weather Conditions for Exploring

In spring, temperatures gradually rise from the coolness of winter, averaging between 5°C and 15°C (41°F and 59°F). Fall temperatures are similar, starting from the warmth of late summer and descending with time. Sweden's off-season weather may require an extra layer or two, but if you dress properly, the crisp air and moderate temperatures make for the perfect weather to explore nature and the city alike. The cooler nights are perfect for cosying up in your camper van, maybe with a hot drink and your favourite book.

Optimal Road Conditions

Road travel during the off-season is usually very smooth and stress-free. Without the snow and ice-covered roads that winter usually brings and the lack of busy highways full of summer travelers, the roads are a breeze. 


You will also notice fewer people on ferry crossings to islands like Gotland or the archipelagos, which makes the logistics of travel more accessible and more enjoyable. With fewer cars on the roads, there’s a bigger freedom to stop spontaneously and take in unexpected sight, which, if you ask me, is one of the joys of camper van travel. However, make sure you follow traffic regulations and don’t stop in a place that is considered dangerous to you or other cars. 

Off-Season Discounts

Travelling during the off-season can be significantly more budget-friendly. Accommodation prices often drop, and many campsites offer reduced fees. Attractions, tours, and activities may also have lower prices or special offers to attract visitors during the quieter months. This means you can experience more for less, stretching your travel budget further and perhaps even extending your trip.

No Need to Book Ahead

The off-season is quieter, which means that you don’t need to plan every detail in advance, making spontaneity a lot easier. Campsites are less likely to be fully booked, and you can often find a spot even if you arrive late in the day, which is usually not as easy during peak season. 


This flexibility lets you adapt your itinerary to suit weather conditions, local recommendations, or simply your mood. If you discover a charming village or a beautiful hiking trail, you can choose to stay longer without worrying about reservations elsewhere.

Local Festivals and Traditions

Off-season travel can also align with several traditional Swedish festivities. In spring, Walpurgis Night (Valborg) on April 30th marks the arrival of spring with bonfires and big parties. It's a community-centred event where you can join locals in the celebrations.


Although Midsummer is well-known, autumn also brings its own share of festivities. The Skördefest (Harvest Festival) in September is celebrated in rural areas, especially on the island of Öland. It's a time to show gratitude for the successful harvest and usually brings markets, exhibitions, and cultural events.

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Credits: Hilla Aspman/imagebank.sweden.se

The off-season, month by month 

January

Best for: Cheap Skiing


Although the nights are long and the days are short in January, there is no better time to visit our mountain ranges' snow-filled slopes. Watch how the snow lights up even the darkest of winter, and enjoy the sun on your face as you make your way down the slopes. January is often one of the cheaper months at Swedish ski resorts.


Other events: Kiruna Snow Festival, Göteborg Film Festival

February

Best for: Semlor and cosy hangouts at cafés


With the Swedish winter break occurring in the middle of February, the ski resorts fill up and get more expensive. For that reason, February is a better month for relaxation. The month of February is known in Sweden for being the time for Semlor to arrive. Semla, or semlor in plural, is a traditional cardamom-flavored wheat bun filled with whipped cream and almond paste, and they are so popular they have a special day dedicated to them. The cafes and bakeries fill up with these pastries, and it’s a cosy time to wind down and enjoy this special occasion.


Other events: Jokkmokk Market

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March

Best for: Cross-country skiing


With spring slowly showing up, the weather in March is usually slightly warmer and sunnier than the previous months, but the northern parts of Sweden are usually still covered in snow. This makes it an ideal time for cross-country skiing. On the first Sunday in March, cross-country skiers and spectators flock to Dalarna for the 90km (56 mi) Vasaloppet race. This is a very popular event in Sweden and worth a visit. 


Other events: Vasaloppet, GBG Beer Week (Gothenburg beer week)

April

Best for: Warmer days and festival celebrations


April weather is a term often used in Sweden to describe unpredictable weather. The days can host a variety of different weather, and it is a time of contrasts, with big temperature shifts from day to night. The coolness of winter gradually recedes, and bright days bring new energy and signs of spring. In Stockholm, Kungsträdgården Park turns pink with Japanese cherry blossoms. The month of April ends with bonfires and songs of spring to celebrate Valborgmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve).


Other events: Kulturnatt Stockholm

May

When May comes around, spring is usually well underway, with warmer temperatures in most of Sweden, even if the weather stays colder further north. You will notice a big difference in the length of the days since the sun is out for longer. The country is blooming and with it, so is its population. More and more people are spending time outdoors, and outdoor patios for cafes and restaurants are opening up. 


Other events: International Workers Day parades

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Credits: Håkan Wike/imagebank.sweden.se

September

Best for: Fall colours


With the landscape's stunning new colors and relatively comfortable weather, September is a wonderful month for hiking. The mosquitos that plague the summer months are gone, making outdoor activities more pleasant. 


Other events: Stockholm Fringe Festival, Lidingöloppet, Kivik Apple Market

October

Best for: Shift from fall to winter


October still offers stunning autumn days when the leaves remain on the trees. However, October is a month of transition. The weather is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter, which makes for some cosy times inside or exploring indoor attractions. 


Other events: Stockholm Jazz Festival

November

Best for: Start of the Christmas cheer


By November, winter has officially arrived. With snowfall in the north, the ski resorts can finally open. Further south, November can be considered a dark and long month, but the start of Christmas preparations adds warmth to the month. By this point, stores are filled with Christmas decorations, and the joyful and cosy Christmas spirit is slowly building up. 


Other events: Autumn Lights at Sofiero Palace, Stockholm International Film Festival, Gotland Truffle Festival, Christmas markets open

Conclution

With so many things to offer, Sweden welcomes you with open arms regardless of season. Due to its variety of things to do, see, and explore, even in the off-season, maybe Sweden should be next on the list for your campervan adventure.

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Credits: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se

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