A fishing trip in the Nordics is just simply something not to miss. Especially if you are a fishing enthusiast. Extensive fishing opportunities and a rich variety of fish species, the natural Nordic lifestyle, the cleanest waters in the world, the endless daylight during summer and Arctic fishing opportunities make this region truly unmatched.
What else makes Finland, Sweden, or Norway such a popular destination? Thousands of lakes, long coastlines, and well-preserved natural areas mean you’re never far from excellent waters. At the same time, low population density and strong outdoor traditions allow travellers to enjoy nature respectfully and without crowds.
Why Campervan Is the Perfect Way to Experience a Nordic Fishing Holiday?
For those who are seeking flexibility, hitting the road with a campervan is a great way to discover the best and less crowded fishing spots. Waking up next to the water, following the weather, and changing locations based on where the fish is biting. Sounds pretty good, right? The best part is, that you only need one week to find it all from deep-sea fishing to lake fishing and river fishing, one stunning stop at a time.
The Best Nordic Countries for your Campervan Fishing Adventure
Fishing in Finland – The Land of a Thousand Lakes and 3 million Saunas
Fishing in Finland is wildly popular because of its freshwater bodies, from over 188,000 lakes to long rivers, all rich in various fish species. The concept of "Everyman's Rights" allows everybody the access to enjoy fishing with a rod and line. It also enhances your travel experience by allowing temporary and responsible overnight parking of campervan in nature, even on private land. This creates a rare sense of freedom and connection to the landscape that perfectly complements your campervan adventure!
Lake fishing is at the heart of Finnish outdoor culture. Popular species include pike, perch, and zander, all of which thrive in the country’s clean and nutrient-rich waters. It’s very common to find a quiet spot where you can fish undisturbed, surrounded by peaceful forests.
Also, river fishing is wildly popular in Finland. River Tornio (Tornionjoki) is a 400-kilometer-long river following the border of Finland and Sweden. The traditional form of fishing in the river is salmon trolling but in addition to salmon, the river is rich in sea trout and grayling.
Of course, Finnish fishing experience is not complete without a sauna session at the end of the day. After hours spent on the water, stepping into a warm wooden sauna followed by a refreshing swim in a lake is a ritual deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
Read more about fishing permits in Finland: https://www.eraluvat.fi/en/fishing/fishing-permits
Fishing in Sweden –
Incredible Diversity of Water and Species
Fishing in Sweden provides plenty of opportunities that any enthusiast shouldn’t miss out on! North or south, east or west, in Sweden the chance of catching your dream fish is never far away.
Sweden is considered a world-class fishing country due to its incredibly diverse and uncrowded waters, filled with abundant fish populations. With over 100,000 lakes, vast river systems, and a long coastline stretching from the Arctic Circle to the southern Baltic Sea, the country offers great opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Southern Sweden features mostly lowland lakes holding pike, zander, perch, and coarse species. As you travel northwards, the landscape changes; it becomes more rugged, hilly, and forest carpeted with thousands of lakes holding pike and perch, as well as brown trout, grayling and zander.
As you approach northern Sweden, where the giant spruce forests end and Arctic tundra, meadows, towering mountain peaks take over. The lakes are full of brown trout, grayling and Arctic char.
The idea of being free to go anywhere, drive deep into nature and go places where others haven’t gone before might be one part of the dream when deciding to embark your campervan fishing trip. Just like Finland, Sweden has it: The right to camp freely in public places applies. This means you can stay almost anywhere overnight with your motorhome, campervan or tent.
Read more about fishing permits in Sweden: https://www.ifiske.se/index.php/en/
Fishing in Norway – Epic Landscapes and World-Class Fishing Opportunities
We all know Norway has a lot to offer when it comes to fishing. Dramatic fjords, tall mountains, endless coastline, powerful rivers, untouched mountain lakes. Norway offers some of the most diverse and spectacular fishing opportunities in the world.
Exploring Norway by campervan makes your fishing experience even more unforgettable, allowing you to wake up beside fjords and fish in epic cinematic landscapes.
Norway offers a nice range of fishing adventures, both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The endless sea and fjords create ideal conditions for some of the best saltwater fishing in Europe. Species such as cod, pollock, coalfish, haddock, and halibut are commonly caught, often in impressive sizes and sometimes even close to shore. This makes Norway especially attractive for campervan travelers, as excellent fishing spots can be reached without long boat trips.
Inland, you will find some of the finest spots for freshwater fishing, especially fly fishing. Thousands of lakes, rivers and streams offer wild trout, salmon, grayling, pike, powan and Arctic char, to name a few of the most common species. Just remember to buy a fishing permit!
The combination of coastal roads, ferry crossings and wild landscapes. Norway is not only about the catch. It’s the Arctic adventure!
Nordic Fishing Campervan Route 7–10 day trip
Here’s our top picks for the perfect fishing road trip. Route starting from Rovaniemi, Finland and traveling through Sweden to Norway.
Starting point: Rovaniemi, Finland
Easily begin your journey from Motorhome and Campervan rental in Rovaniemi, from where you can effortlessly head towards Sweden and Norway. Our campervans have plenty of storage space for your fishing gear and luggage.
Stop 1: Raanujärvi, Finland
Raanujärvi is a beautiful, medium-sized forest lake located about 30 km southeast of Rovaniemi, making it an ideal first stop on a Lapland fishing road trip. Surrounded by pine forests and quiet wilderness, the lake is most popular for fishing brown trout, perch and massive northern pike.
Stop 2: Tornio River, Finland and Sweden
The Tornio River is one of Europe’s most famous salmon rivers. Massive riverbanks, wild surroundings, and legendary fishing history makes this spot a highlight of your trip. The river is rich in Atlantic salmon, sea trout and grayling.
Stop 3: Abisko National Park, Sweden
Dramatic mountain scenery, open tundra, crystal-clear waters, and Lapland landscapes. One of the most beautiful places in northern Sweden! Lake Torneträsk is a must-visit place for fishing enthusiasts. It is most popular for fishing European grayling, Arctic char, and brown trout.
Abisko River (Abiskojåkka) provides beautiful high-alpine fishing in Swedish Lapland, best known for its Arctic char, trout, and grayling, especially in summer.
Stop 4: Narvik, Norway
Your first taste of legendary Norwegian fjord fishing, where mountains drop straight into the sea. Fishing in Narvik offers excellent sea fishing in dramatic scenery where cod, pollock, coalfish, and halibut are commonly caught, often close to shore.
Stop 5: Vesterålen, Norway
If you want to catch big, go to Vesterålen! One of northern Norway’s hidden gems for fishing, is known for deep-sea fishing and whale watching. There are many good spots even on the shoreline. The most common species are cod, coalfish, haddock and redfish, but it is also possible to catch salmon and sea trout or even the giant halibut.
Stop 6: Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø delivers an unforgettable Arctic fishing experience and a perfect finale to your Nordic road trip. In Tromsø area there are multiple great fishing spots to be found, close to shore and deep-sea. Or perhaps it’s already time to relax after your long road trip.
In Tromsø, you’ll find plenty of outstanding seafood restaurants, one standout worth mentioning is Fiskekompaniet, known for its fresh Arctic fish and refined Nordic flavors https://fiskekompani.no. Their seafood platter is so good it’ll knock your socks off!
Return your campervan easily to Touring Cars' Tromsø office.
Ready to start your Nordic Fishing Adventure?
Pick up your campervan from one of our Nordic destinations, pack your fishing gear, and set out on the ultimate fishing road trip. Whether you’re chasing trophy fish or simply unforgettable moments, the Nordics are ready to deliver some epic adventures!
Book your campervan: Best destinations for motorhome holiday
