Feedback for 2 weeks in Southwest Sweden, Dalsland

Is the itinerary too rushed?

In my opinion, yes. I have nothing against one night stops, it can be very useful. But you're planning a lot of one night stops. Is that a travel style you are comfortable with? But adding travel time and packing/unpacking it means you'll get around half a day at each stop.

Is this part of a longer trip or is it just these two weeks? In any case, is there any thought behind starting in Malmö? Or the other places on the list. Especially Dalsland. It is not a bad place to visit at all if you enjoy nature. But for just one night? Also, what attracts you to Västerås?

Thanks, Badger.

This represents the complete trip. We are flying into Copenhagen, which is why we are starting in Malmo. Originally I had a lot of interest in visiting Gothenburg. The most convenient flight from where I am in the US is to CPH (I'm using frequent flyer miles). I thought after the long trip (it is an overnight flight with a connection in Amsterdam) that it would be best to settle in quickly so we can recharge. Malmo isn't as high on my list as Lund and Gothenburg, which is why it's just the one night to recharge.

We have two nights in Dalsland planned at the Nordic Refuge in Fröskog. From there I looked for interesting stops as we headed towards Stockholm airport that wouldn't involve hours per day in the car. Vasteras seemed interesting for the architecture and the burial mounds. I think we will just pass through and spend the night on an alpaca farm to the north.

I could attempt to change to return flight to leave from either Oslo or once again from Copenhagen if we make major changes to the itinerary. I do have interest in seeing Uppsala because of the university - my daughter is interested in studying in Sweden. However, it's not a must if it is making the trip too rushed and convoluted.

How would you suggest modifying the itinerary?

Thanks,
Ada

This represents the complete trip. We are flying into Copenhagen,
which is why we are starting in Malmo. Originally I had a lot of
interest in visiting Gothenburg.

When do you land in Copenhagen? My suggestion would be to go straight to Lund instead. There are certainly things to see in Malmö, but it is not the most interesting place in Sweden. Lund and Gothenburg are more interesting in my opinion.

We have two nights in Dalsland planned at the Nordic Refuge in
Fröskog. From there I looked for interesting stops as we headed
towards Stockholm airport that wouldn't involve hours per day in the
car.

If you plan on renting a car in Lund and keep it for the entire trip, you should rethink that. Rent a car for when it is actually useful, and use other options when they are better.

Vasteras seemed interesting for the architecture and the burial
mounds. I think we will just pass through and spend the night on an
alpaca farm to the north.

Interesting is also a way to put it. Västerås was voted 2nd ugliest city in Sweden in a poll a few years ago, and I can't say it didn't deserve it. Anundshög can be worth a stop, but on the other hand there are a couple of burial mounds in Uppsala if you just want to see burial mounds.

I do have interest in seeing Uppsala because of the university - my
daughter is interested in studying in Sweden. However, it's not a must
if it is making the trip too rushed and convoluted.

Uppsala is well worth a stop and won't make the trip convoluted.

How would you suggest modifying the itinerary?

What I would do is to travel direct to Lund, spend a night there. The next day, take the train to Helsingborg, rent a car there and spend two nights on Kullen. When finished, drive back to Helsingborg, return the car, and take the train to Gothenburg. Spend at least two nights in Gothenburg. Is Lådfabriken a must? If so, rent a car and head there. As for the rock carvings, if you have an interest in history it is worth the detour in my opinion. Then continue to Dalsland. If you are looking for things to do in Dalsland, consider a canal trip, https://www.dalslandskanaltrafik.se

After that, drive to Örebro. It is not the most beautiful town in Sweden, but can be worth a night if you are passing by. Return the car in Örebro. The next day, continue to Uppsala (ca 2 hours by train and bus, one change needed), and then to Arlanda and home. If you like picturesque small towns you can replace Örebro with Askersund.

Those are my thoughts.

Thank you, Badger, for all the helpful advice. I will definitely skip Vasteras!

You've probably finalized your itinerary, but there is so much to see and experience in Uppsala that it definitely deserves more than one day. Our daughter spent her junior year abroad at Uppsala University and subsequently moved there permanently almost 9 years ago. She has since obtained her Swedish citizenship, so we've visited many times. The royal burial mounds in Old Uppsala and the adjacent museum are not to be missed, but there is much to see in Uppsala as well--the castle, cathedral, botanical gardens, or just strolling along the Fyris River that runs through Uppsala. Enjoy your visit!