Record start for Göta Canal: motorhome overnight stays on the rise

According to Bilprovningen, 31.1% of light and 22.3% of heavy motorhomes had defects during inspection. The main cause is brake system issues due to long-term storage. The worst rate was in Jämtland (42.4%), the best in Östergötland (22.5%).

In Tenhult, Sweden, after the bankruptcy of Hobby Fritid in January 2026, a new company Tenhults Fritidscenter is opening in the same premises under new management. Initially, 5 employees are hired, and the lineup includes motorhomes from Dethleffs, Laika, Knaus, and Etrusco. New motorhome registrations in Sweden in Q1 2026 increased by 85% compared to the same period last year.

After four years of traveling by motorhome, Johanna and Andrée Byanjo from Kungälv decided to create their own stopover for motorhomes. They found a former football field in Norrhult, near road 31, and opened Norrsunda ställplats. The site is designed for motorhome parking and offers basic amenities for travelers.

The municipality of Skellefteå has published parking rules for motorhomes, caravans and trailers. A vehicle with a trailer or caravan attached is considered a single unit and must fit within marked parking spaces. A detached trailer or caravan is treated as a separate vehicle and is subject to parking fees. A motorhome registered as a passenger car class II may park where passenger cars are allowed, unless otherwise indicated.

According to Bilprovningen data for 2025, 31.4% of inspected caravans had defects, and 21.3% required re-inspection. The most common issues are with the braking and wheel systems.

The Swedish government is reviewing a proposal to increase the speed limit for caravans from 80 km/h to 100 km/h. The issue is expected to be presented to parliament in September. The new rules would require mandatory inspection of the towing vehicle and caravan, including weight ratio, tire age (max 6 years), and a friction coupling. A similar system is already in place in Germany.