How to get to Lilla Älva
One of the first questions many guests ask is: “How do we get to Lilla Älva?” The good news is, it’s easier than you might think.
Lilla Älva is located in the beautiful, peaceful forests near Filipstad in central Sweden. You can reach us by car or by plane + rental car, and both options are straightforward (and surprisingly scenic!).
Below you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip, no matter which country you’re coming from.
Coming by car
Driving to Lilla Älva is a great option if you like flexibility and want to explore along the way. Sweden’s roads are well maintained, quiet and easy to navigate, even in winter.
From the Netherlands, Belgium or Northern Germany:
The most popular route is via Denmark, crossing the famous resund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. From there, it’s about 6 to 7 hours to Lilla Älva. You’ll drive through forests, small villages and lakes: the perfect introduction to Sweden.
Alternative option: Take the ferry from Kiel (Germany) to Gothenburg (Sweden). The ferry takes around 14 hours overnight and from Gothenburg it’s about 3.5 hours by car to Lilla Älva. This is a relaxing option, you can sleep on board and wake up in Sweden.
From Norway: From Oslo, the drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, mostly through quiet countryside roads.
From Stockholm: It’s about 3.5 hours by car from Stockholm to Lilla Älva. The route goes through beautiful forests and small Swedish towns, perfect for a coffee stop along the way.
Tip: Fuel prices in Sweden are similar to those in Western Europe. A one-way drive from southern Sweden (e.g. Malmö) to Lilla Älva will cost roughly €60–€80 in fuel, depending on your car.
Coming by Plane
If you prefer to fly, there are three good airport options, all about the same distance from Lilla Älva.
1. Gothenburg (Göteborg Landvetter Airport)
- About 3.5 hours drive to Lilla Älva
- Direct flights from many European cities
- Great choice if you want to combine your trip with a stop in Gothenburg
2. Stockholm Arlanda Airport
- Also around 3.5 hours drive
- Largest airport in Sweden with many international connections
- Car rental desks are located directly at the airport
3. Oslo Gardermoen Airport (Norway)
- Around 3.5 hours drive to Lilla Älva
- Often affordable flights and an easy drive through quiet border roads
Tip: Compare flight prices to all three airports, sometimes Oslo or Gothenburg can be much cheaper than Stockholm, depending on where you fly from.
Once you land, you can rent a car directly at the airport.
Most major rental companies are available there, and you can easily book your car in advance via rentalcars.com to compare prices and secure the best deal. Prices for a small rental car in Sweden start at around €35–€50 per day, depending on the season.
The Final Stretch
From any of the three airports, the last part of the drive to Lilla Älva is the best one: quiet roads, deep forests, and shimmering lakes. Most of our guests say it’s where the holiday feeling really begins.
You can easily navigate using Google Maps, just type “Lilla Älva, Filipstad” and it will take you straight there or click here.
Tip for winter travelers: If you visit between November and March, we recommend winter tires (usually included with rental cars.com in Sweden). Roads are well-cleared, but it’s good to be prepared.
Why the trip is worth it
Whether you fly or drive, the journey to Lilla Älva is part of the adventure. You’ll pass through forests, lakes and landscapes that look like they came straight out of a storybook and when you arrive, the peace and quiet make every kilometer worth it.
So pack your bags, plan your route and start looking forward to that first cup of coffee on the porch at Lilla Älva!
