Family-Camping in Kristinehamn, Värmland, Sweden – Image: Clive Tompsett/imagebank.sweden.se
Brits love camping in Sweden: The Scandinavian country recorded a remarkable 120,189 camping guest nights from the United Kingdom from January to May this year. This represents an increase of almost 10%, compared to the same period in 2024.
Interest in camping and cabin holidays in Sweden is particularly strong, with 14% of travellers in the UK expressing very high interest in these types of breaks. Furthermore, over half of all British travellers interested in Sweden (57%) cited outdoor activities as one of their top choices, an increase from 44% in 2021, showcasing a growing preference for embracing the outdoors comfortably.
Online behavior also supports this trend, with a 24% increase in Sweden-related travel and holiday searches from UK users compared to 2023, representing the second sharpest growth among all international markets, according to a Bloom Consulting 2024 report.
The enduring appeal of Swedish camping also lies in its diverse offerings, welcoming atmosphere, and strong commitment to sustainability, says the national tourism organization Visit Sweden. Campers are increasingly opting for sites that provide a genuine sense of atmosphere and hospitality.
A growing number of Swedish campsites are certified according to the Green Key sustainability standard, aligning with the rising priority for eco-conscious holidaymakers. Additionally, major providers like First Camp, operating approximately 50 locations, implement their own comprehensive environmental concepts.
Swedish campsites offer a wide variety of accommodation options to cater to diverse preferences, including:
- Traditional pitches for tents or camper vans.
- Characteristic Falun red holiday homes.
- Family-friendly extras such as glamping by a lake.
- Experiences ranging from Astrid Lindgren adventures to quiet days nestled among the rocks and pine trees
Cool camping in Sweden – Image: Visit Sweden/henrik_trygg
The hunt for cooler holidays
The appeal is clear: searches for “cooler holidays” have surged by 300% over the past year, and bookings to traditionally milder destinations like Scandinavia and the Baltics are up significantly. A substantial 42% of travellers now prefer destinations with cooler temperatures, with 54% planning to shift activities to later in the day to avoid heat, firmly positioning Sweden and the Nordic region as frontrunners for summer travel in 2025. This shift supports the robust expansion of outdoor holidays in Sweden.
Crucially, Sweden has truly captured the hearts of British travellers, with an astounding 92% of visitors eager to return after their initial trip. Broader appeal among UK travellers is also evident, with findings from Visit Sweden’s 2024 study revealing that 90% find Sweden appealing and 60% are considering a first-time visit. (NAN/VS 15-07-25)
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