Swedish camping sector expects record year

A hotel in Halland has applied to build a motorhome parking area. If approved, it could be ready by next summer.

In April 2026, 854 motorhomes were registered in Sweden, compared with 609 in April 2025. So far in 2026, 1,887 motorhomes have been registered, a 61.6% increase from 1,168 in the same period last year, according to industry statistics. Owners report difficulty finding overnight spots, with one saying you must arrive by 9 a.m. to secure a place.

According to the Swedish Caravan and Motorhome Association (HRF), new motorhome registrations in Sweden increased by 46% in 2025 compared to 2024, while caravan registrations declined. The country has about 425,000 registered caravans and around 300,000 motorhomes. HRF chairman Per Nilsson attributes the shift to a European trend of people wanting to move around more, finding motorhomes more convenient. Magnus Hartwall, who has tried both, prefers a caravan because driving a motorhome caused rattling noises from cupboards.

Camping owners in Sweden have filed a complaint against municipal parking areas for motorhomes, claiming they create unfair competition. They argue that under the new law, these municipal sites offer services at prices that private campsites cannot match. The complaint seeks to remove or alter the operation of these parking areas.

Hans and Robert Jakobsson from Katrineholm have converted a 2003 Scania bus into a motorhome over 18 meters long, likely the longest in Europe. Listed for 1.2 million Swedish kronor, it features 16 solar panels of 250 W each, an induction hob, a washing machine, and air heating. In Sweden, it can be driven with a B-class license issued before 1996, but a bus license is required abroad.

The Swedish government has sent out for consultation a proposal to increase the maximum speed for passenger cars towing caravans or trailers from 80 to 100 km/h. The change, which could take effect on March 1, would require vehicles to meet the Tempo-100 standard, including technical inspection and specific requirements for tires and braking systems.