Outdoor activity

Sweden's west coast offers fantastic opportunities for sea kayaking. That this is a coast with no strong currents and no tidal waters, and that the water is warm in the summer, combine to make the Bohuslän archipelago one of the most spectacular and accessible kayaking areas in the world.

Sweden's first Marine National Park, Kosterhavet, is centred around the car-free Koster Islands. It's a unique seaside location, with beaches, fishing villages and rocky islands. You can rent bikes and enjoy a guided tour or a boat trip to see this marine wonderland. It's the perfect environment for a unique seal safari, diving and sea kayaking too.

Experience ultimate relaxation with a visit to one of West Sweden's soothing spas. Think steaming hot tubs by the shore and treatments that use natural ingredients from the west coast, including at Nösunds Värdhus – a fabulous new spa on Orust island.

The shellfish in West Sweden, including lobster and oysters, are among the best in the world. And Autumn is the perfect time to eat and learn all about them during the renowned Shellfish Journey (from 26 September to 6 November 2011). Indulge in an array of exciting activity, including educational and mouth-watering seafood safaris, for example:

Truly immerse yourself in the Shellfish Journey by embarking on a new three-day sailing adventure along the west coast on selected weekends during Autumn (30 September – 2 October and 21-23 October). Led by an experienced skipper, explore the ocean onboard a sleek Farr 65 R Celeste racing yacht, devouring gourmet food along the way. The adventure begins and ends at Långedrag, docking for the night at historic Marstrand island, as well as Björholmen, where guests are treated to a special lobster party. The trip costs 4,800 SEK (£467) pp, including two nights' accommodation on board the yacht, all breakfasts and lunches and a lobster party.

Soak up the peace and tranquillity of the car-free South Koster island, set in Sweden's first marine national park, Kosterhavet. Dotted with small fishing villages, the island is surrounded by an unspoilt landscape of beaches, plants and flowers and is a wonderful place for cycling, sea kayaking and walking. Stay at Sydkoster Hotel Ekenäs, where guests take in a two-day lobster experience, with one night's accommodation, lobster safari, all meals including four-course lobster dinner and a fascinating cycle tour of the island, costing 3,695 SEK (£359) pp (based on two sharing).

The fishing village of Grebbestad is a seafood Mecca, from where 90% of Sweden's oysters originate. Set off on a lobster safari from a restored 19th century boathouse, featuring a natural oyster bed directly underneath it and a soothing outdoor hot tub by the shore. The safari lasts for 2.5 hours and, along the way, treats voyagers to Grebbestad's very own seaweed crisp-bread with horseradish cheese and warming coffee. A lobster safari, lobster dinner and one night's B&B accommodation at GrebbestadFjorden costs 2,200 SEK (£213) pp (based on two sharing). A lobster safari only costs 850 SEK (£83) pp and oyster opening classes and tastings are available too for 250 SEK (£24) pp.

The most delicious shellfish is on offer in Taste of West Sweden restaurants throughout the region, including at Villa Sjötorp in Ljungskile. Stay at this splendid guesthouse and admire what could possibly be the greatest view from a restaurant - a jaw-dropping vista through lush, dark green trees to the sea beyond, islands scattered in the distance. Tuck into a special Shellfish Menu, including oysters, prawns, lobsters and mussels, culminating with the most exquisite mousse au chocolat. One night's accommodation costs from 1,695 SEK (£165) pp (based on two sharing), including the Shellfish Menu.

Sample the Shellfish Journey from the coastal haven, Strandflickorna Havshotellet. Set in Lysekil, it was originally built as a holiday retreat for tired, rich nurses from Stockholm in 1904 and then wonderfully refurbished into a characterful guesthouse. Guests will enjoy a special four-course lobster feast at the well-known Brygghuset Krog restaurant, set in picturesque Fiskebäckskil – just a ten minute ferry ride from Lysekil. Cost from 1556 SEK (£150) pp (based on two sharing), including one night's B&B accommodation, ferry trip to Fiskebäckskil and lobster dinner.