Sweden is not just Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö. A silent revolution is taking place far from the cities, in the deep forests, on the shores of lakes and in villages where silence is king. The Swedish countryside, once forgotten by rental investors, is now emerging as a new Eden for short-term rentals. And if you know what you’re doing, the returns are more than promising.
The revival of the Swedish countryside
Over the 2020s, Sweden has seen a growing interest in its rural areas. Fueled by a thirst for nature, disconnection and authenticity, this movement accelerated after the global health crisis. Tourists ; both national and international ; are turning to national parks, boreal forests and eco-friendly cottages.
Sweden has more than 30 national parks and an infinite number of nature reserves. These regions, long seen as unprofitable for rental, are now experiencing an explosion in demand.
And in this context, short-term rental service is becoming a key tool for maximising your investment.
The Swedish countryside is attracting more and more visitors in search of authenticity, nature and reconnecting with themselves. There are several reasons for this new craze.
Immersive experiences
Travellers are attracted by unique activities in the heart of nature: watching the Northern Lights in Lapland, kayaking in the wild archipelagos of Blekinge or Värmland, or picking local produce and traditional cuisine on organic farms in Småland. These experiences offer direct contact with the environment and local traditions.
Why is the countryside so attractive?
A growing appeal for eco-responsibility
The Swedish countryside is committed to sustainable living. Accommodations are adopting environmentally-friendly solutions: cottages with green roofs, dry toilets, wood-burning stoves, composters, and the use of local renewable energies. This ecological commitment is appealing to a clientele that is increasingly sensitive to climate issues.
Isolation to reconnect
Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the countryside offers an ideal setting to refocus. Some places are deliberately Wi-Fi and 4G-free, providing a real opportunity to disconnect. Well-being retreats, yoga, digital detox and slow travel are just some of the options on offer to meet the growing need for calm and rejuvenation.
Real profitability: beyond the myth
Contrary to popular belief, some rural areas generate higher rental income than urban centres.
Take the example of the cottages around Lake Siljan in Dalarna. These cottages rent for up to €180 a night in high season, with an occupancy rate of over 75%. With acquisition costs often under €120,000, property rental is becoming extremely profitable.
And with good Airbnb management, the net return can reach 8 to 12% a year, well above Swedish standards.
The key: professional management
Many international investors are faced with a logistical reality: how do you manage a property remotely, in a remote area, without speaking Swedish or knowing the local customs?
This is where experienced co-hosting services come in. These local service providers take care of reception, cleaning, maintenance and communication with customers, as well as property optimisation: choosing the right price, professional photos, availability strategy.
SwedBNB, a catalyst for profitability
Among these co-hosts, SwedBNB has established itself as a key reference. Independent of this site, SwedBNB has been helping owners and investors throughout the country for several years, with unique expertise in rural areas.
Their strengths:
- Specialization in natural areas.
- A network of local cleaners, craftsmen and photographers.
- Digital dashboards to monitor income in real time.
With SwedBNB, you can maximise your investment without stress, avoiding the classic mistakes made by first-time landlords !
Concrete opportunities
Here are some particularly strategic areas in 2025:
- Jämtland: national parks, Nordic skiing, hiking.
- Värmland: lakes and forests, much sought-after by Germans and Dutch.
- Gotland (rural): beaches and historical heritage, away from the crowds of Visby.
- Inland Skåne: areas that are still affordable, close to Denmark.
Properties for under €100,000 are still available in these regions, with the potential to increase in value in the medium term.
To conclude,
The future is (also) rural..
Short-term rental in rural Sweden is no longer a niche, but a booming segment. For investors looking for differentiation, ethics and profitability, this is an opportunity to be seized now.
With the right support, a solid strategy and a reliable partner like SwedBNB, it is entirely possible to create a stable, ecological and inspiring source of income in the heart of Scandinavia’s most beautiful landscapes.
The future of property rental doesn’t always lie in the city. Sometimes it starts on the edge of a lake, between a wooden sauna and a clearing where moose graze.
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