Sweden leads the European camping trend: How to choose the right caravan

Sweden is Europe's leading caravan nation, and the interest in spending holidays at campsites seems to continue growing. More and more people are choosing the flexibility that a caravan offers over flying and hotels, and there are good reasons for this.

Sweden at the top: A nation of campers

Sweden is the European country with the highest number of caravans and motorhomes per capita. According to statistics from the European Caravan Federation and the Swedish Caravan and Motorhome Industry Association, there are approximately 300,000 registered caravans and 120,000 motorhomes in the country. The fact that camping is one of the most common forms of holiday is also reflected in the 2024 statistics:

• Between 17 and 18 million guest nights were registered at Swedish campsites.
• 47% of all European tourists' overnight stays in Sweden during the summer took place at campsites.
• Winter camping increased by 9.4% from the previous year, to approximately 1.2 million guest nights.

The 2025 statistics were not finalized when this article was written. However, preliminary figures from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth indicate that the increase continues. Part of the explanation is that a camping holiday combines freedom and flexibility with lower costs than hotel accommodation. You control your time, choose your location, and take your accommodation with you wherever you want to go.

What determines if a caravan suits your trip?

There are caravans in all sizes and price ranges, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The best advice for finding a caravan that suits your trip is to think through how you plan to use it and to evaluate the caravan's features based on that. There are three factors that are truly important, namely weight, size, and season.

Weight and towing capacity

The first thing you should check is how heavy a trailer your car is allowed to tow. This is stated in the vehicle registration document. A common rule of thumb is that the caravan's total weight should not exceed the car's unladen weight, to avoid risking loss of control.

A caravan with a total weight of less than 1,500 kg is generally a good choice for those who have not driven a caravan before, partly because it is easier to drive, and partly because it does not require a higher driving license category.

Size and layout

How many people need to sleep in the caravan? Do you want a fixed double bed, bunk beds, or a convertible sofa? The layout affects comfort just as much as the size. A caravan that is too large can also be difficult to maneuver and park. One that is too small, on the other hand, can feel cramped and be difficult to keep organized.

Season and equipment

If you plan to camp only in the summer, a basic caravan is sufficient. If the caravan is to be used during autumn and winter, however, you need to ensure it has water-based heating, insulated water tanks, and a heating system that can handle sub-zero temperatures. If you want to wild camp without hookups, you should also look for solar panels and gas equipment.

Weight regulations and driving license: What you need to know

With a standard B driving license, you can tow an unbraked trailer of up to 750 kg. If the caravan is braked, the total weight of the car and caravan must not exceed 3,500 kg. With an extended B license, a total of up to 4,250 kg is allowed. If the combination is even heavier, a BE driving license is required.

Another thing to take into account is that the maximum speed with a braked caravan is 80 km/h, regardless of what the road signs say. On long driving distances, this affects travel time, and it is important to consider this when planning routes. The Swedish Transport Agency's page on trailers and caravans has all regulations collected in one place, including information on license requirements and weight limits for different vehicle combinations.

New or used: What fits your economy?

A new caravan gives you a new condition, warranty, and the latest solutions in energy and comfort. If you choose used, you get more caravan for your money, but it also requires thorough checks.

The most important thing to investigate in a used caravan is whether there are any water damage issues. Damage that is not visible on the outside can be expensive to repair and, in the worst case, require entire sections to be replaced. Therefore, always ask for a professional moisture measurement. Also check that the brakes and tires are in order.

Well-known European brands generally hold a good resale value. This means that a used purchase does not necessarily entail a significant financial loss in the long run.

Compared to hotel holidays or package tours, a camping holiday is often cheaper per day, and the difference increases the more weeks per year you use the caravan. When the start-up cost is spread over many trips, it can become a truly cost-effective alternative.

Before the first trip: Important preparations

Regardless of which caravan you choose, it is good to test drive well in advance of the first real long trip. This way, you can discover if something is not working as it should and have time to fix it.

Also remember that driving characteristics are affected by how you load the caravan. Heavier items, such as the roof tent, are best placed above the wheel axle. This reduces the risk of swaying during the journey.

Check the tire pressure and look for cracks or abnormal wear. If the tire pressure is incorrect, stability is affected and the risk of problems during driving increases.

When planning your route, in addition to accounting for a maximum speed of 80 km/h, include proper breaks. A trip that takes three hours by car can take nearly four hours with a caravan. It requires a bit of foresight, but it also becomes a different type of trip – one that begins even as you roll out of the driveway.