Norwegian Tourist Visits to Swedish Campings Decline Amid Economic Challenges
Economic factors lead to a significant decline in Norwegian tourists visiting Swedish campings in 2025.
Key Points
- • Norwegian guest nights in Sweden decreased by 20% in 2025.
- • Daftö Camping, with 60% Norwegian guests, reports noticeable declines.
- • The Norwegian currency's value drop and high interest rates affect travel plans.
- • Bodens Camping sees a 33% reduction in July bookings from Norwegians.
In a significant downturn, the number of Norwegian guest nights in Sweden has decreased by 20% in 2025, adversely affecting Swedish campings that heavily rely on Norwegian visitors. Notably, at Daftö Camping, which is close to the Norwegian border, about 60% of guests typically hail from Norway, making the current situation particularly concerning, according to Lena Kempe, the camping's CEO. The decline is attributed to economic factors, including a depreciating Norwegian currency and heightened interest rates in Norway, which compel families to reconsider their travel plans.
Statistics reveal an even steeper decline in the first quarter of 2025, with Norwegian overnight stays dropping by 22.2% compared to the previous year. The regions of Western Sweden and Stockholm have experienced the largest reductions in Norwegian guests. Furthermore, Bodens Camping, which usually sees 90-95% of its July bookings from Norwegians, has reported a staggering 33% drop this season. Leif Larsson, the destination manager at First Camp Boden, indicated that uncertainty in the global landscape is pushing potential travelers to delay their bookings.
Despite these economic pressures, some Norwegian families, such as the Hovinds, plan to return to Sweden to enjoy their vacation, underscoring a continued desire for travel among certain groups despite the challenges.