Many owners choose to take their pet with them wherever they go. In Sweden, it's not just a question of including your dog in your luggage, but of ensuring that he enjoys his holiday to the full and shares an enriching and enjoyable experience with you.
And with good reason: Sweden, known for its respect for nature and love of animals, is an ideal choice for dog owners.
In this article, we offer you a complete guide to preparing your trip, finding suitable accommodation, enjoying restaurants and using transport with your faithful companion.
Preparations before departure: documents, vaccinations and equipment needed to travel to Sweden with a dog
Documents and vaccination
If you want your dog to be part of your trip to Sweden, you'll need to prepare carefully for the documents required to enter the country. Although checks are not systematic, it is preferable to be in order to avoid any mishaps on arrival.
Make sure your dog has a passport in its name and that its vaccinations are up to date, especially the compulsory rabies vaccination.
If your dog has not yet been vaccinated against rabies, check with your vet beforehand. There may be several injections over a period of time, so it's important to plan ahead.
Finally, your pet must be identified by a microchip that complies with European standards.
As these laws may change, consult the official page of theFrench Embassy in Sweden for the latest information.
Materials and equipment required
To make sure your dog travels in comfort, here are a few essentials to pack:
- Harness or collar and lead : Choose a sturdy rope lead, a practical way of tying your dog up if you need to.
- Bowls and food : Foldable silicone bowls are ideal, as they take up very little space and are easy to transport.
- Basket or blanket : Take along its basket or a familiar blanket for comfort.
- Identification : Attach a tag to your dog's collar or harness, bearing your name and contact details in the event of loss.
- Bags for faeces : Essential for respecting the environment.
- First aid kit : Pack a first-aid kit for your pet (note that veterinary costs in Sweden are very high, so it's best to travel with an adult dog in good health).
For Freyja, we used collapsible bowls made from silicone, easy to attach to a hiking bag or the dog's harness thanks to a snap hook, and a 3-metre lead, perfect for our frequent travels.
Don't forget that in most national parks and public places in Sweden, dogs must be kept on a lead. A three-metre lead allows your dog to enjoy his walk without being constantly on his heels!
Find Dog-Friendly accommodation in Sweden
Many establishments in Sweden are dog-friendly. On our first visit with Freyja, we stayed mainly in hotels found on Bookingfilter, using the animals accepted" . We were pleasantly surprised by the variety of choices on offer.
The hotels even allowed us to leave our dog in the room when we were away, which was handy for going to restaurants in the evening, for example, as long as your pet was well-behaved and used to being left alone.
During our road trips, all the campsites we stayed at accepted dogs enthusiastically and free of charge. They often had dedicated areas, such as "dog bars" and treats available.
We also had access to most of the campsite, including the beaches. Freyja got to meet lots of new friends!
Is public transport in Sweden accessible to dogs?
All the transport we took in Sweden with Freyja was dog-friendly. Trains and underground trains generally have special compartments for pets (in the Stockholm metroone carriage in two). So your pet can travel with you easily, without the need for special equipment such as a muzzle.
We were even able to take the ferry to the Stockholm archipelago without any problems.
Fares vary from company to company. On the Stockholm metro and ferries, dogs travel free of charge and can sit next to you. It's best to check with your carrier beforehand!
What activities can you enjoy with a dog in Sweden?
Hiking and Nature Parks
In Sweden, nature parks and reserves generally allow dogs, provided they are kept on a lead so as not to disturb the local wildlife. So hiking with your companion is very easy.
Freyja was able to accompany us on all our walks, whether short or long, to her great delight.
One notable advantage: Sweden is full of watering holes, so you can water your dog regularly without having to carry an extra water bottle.
Beaches and lakes
Many of Sweden's beaches and lakes are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for relaxation and refreshment.
To find out about local regulations, follow the information signs or ask the site managers (tourist office, campsite managers, etc.).
On our road trips and even at home, we had no trouble finding places for Freyja to swim. Most of the time, beaches on lakes or in the sea are segmented by signs, with a specific section reserved for dogs.
Visits to towns and villages
Although outdoor activities are more suited to holidays with a dog, don't deprive yourself of a few visits to towns and villages. Freyja accompanied us several times to the Swedish capital, as well as to Copenhagen, the Danish capital.
If your dog is relatively calm and used to crowds, and you can keep him on a short lead without worry, your visits will go smoothly.
As mentioned above, dogs are allowed on public transport, as well as in certain restaurants and other places. In summer, it's best to use the terraces.
Finally, although you won't be able to visit museums or go shopping, Scandinavian capitals and cities are relatively quiet and offer plenty of natural areas.
On our visits, Freyja always attracted the kind attention of passers-by and restaurant owners, who happily offered her a bowl of water, without us having to ask. This really reinforced our belief that dogs are more than welcome in Sweden, even in urban areas.
Practical advice: Camping with your dog
This summer, Freyja accompanied us on a 10-day camping trip in a tent! It was a really great experience that allowed us to discover other aspects of her personality in a totally different environment and routine.
Here are some of our practical tips and tricks to make your camping adventure with your dog as enjoyable as ours:
- Harness and Lead : Choose a comfortable, well-fitting harness and a sturdy lead about 3 metres long. This will allow you to secure your dog without the risk of escape or injury. One or more additional snap hooks may also be useful.
- Piquet d'Attache : Take along a special worm-shaped peg to hang your dog on, which can be fixed anywhere, even if there is no support (tree, table, etc.).
- Suitable tent : Opt for a tent with a covered area at the front, other than the bedrooms. This allows more air to pass through while keeping your dog protected from the elements: it's the ideal place for him to sleep. Beware of small, fully enclosed tents, which can become stifling for your companion.
- Transport Case or Cage : If necessary, take along a large crate, a crate or a closed basket to leave your dog in overnight. For Freyja, we used a crate placed in the front of the tent, allowing good air circulation.
- Mastication : Take along some chews to keep your dog occupied during your private time (shower in the toilets, meals, breaks, etc.).
- Hydration and Shade : Even if your dog is tethered, make sure he always has access to a water bowl and as much shade as possible. In summer, the heat can be difficult for our companions to cope with.
As our holidays were mainly spent walking and visiting places, Freyja was as tired as we were when we returned to the campsite in the evening. This made it very easy for her to manage, as from then on she slept soundly!
