Sweden’s camping sector continues to strengthen its position as the nation’s most preferred form of tourist accommodation, reaching record levels in the summer of 2025, according to data from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Between June and August 2025, Swedish campsites recorded 12.8 million bed nights, marking a 3.9 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. July saw the strongest growth, with a 5.2 percent rise in overnight stays.
Camping accounted for 45 percent of all guest nights in commercial tourist accommodations during the summer, reinforcing its role as the dominant lodging option for European travelers visiting Sweden.
Both domestic and international markets contributed to this growth. Swedish guests accounted for 71 percent of summer stays, with their numbers increasing by 3.9 percent year-over-year. International bed nights also rose by 3.0 percent, demonstrating balanced demand across segments.
“It has been a really good summer season at many destinations. It is gratifying to see that the Swedish guest nights are increasing strongly, as it has previously mainly been the international ones that have driven the growth,” said Martin Juhos, CEO of Svensk Camping.
He added that the growth in both domestic and foreign guests highlights camping’s appeal as an “attractive and accessible form of holiday.”
Germany remains a key market for Swedish tourism, with German bed nights increasing by 4.4 percent from January through August 2025, reaching 1.41 million.
This places Germany close to Norway’s 1.67 million guest nights, though the Norwegian market saw a slight decline during the same period.
“Given the great market potential, the development in the German market is of course very interesting. Germany is an important target group with great potential and we continue our work to get more Germans to discover Sweden as a camping destination,” Juhos told On 365.
The trend extends beyond the summer months. From January to August 2025, Sweden’s camping industry recorded over 16.1 million bed nights, representing a six percent increase over 2024.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, Sweden’s results point to continued resilience and diversification in camping demand.
The country’s ability to attract both domestic and international travelers underscores the value of investing in quality infrastructure, marketing to nearby European markets, and offering accessible experiences that appeal to a broad demographic of guests seeking affordable, nature-oriented holidays.