2011 in West Sweden in Gothenburg

Seeking the next Stieg Larsson or Wallander-esque mystery? Check out the page-turners of two talented ladies from West Sweden and visit the scenic backdrops where their all-consuming stories play-out. Camilla Läckberg's best-selling thrillers - including The Gallow's Bird which goes on sale in the UK this March - are set in the peaceful, picture-perfect coastal community of Fjällbacka where she grew up. Frozen Moment is the stunning debut novel of Gothenburg-based Camilla Ceder, set in the pretty area around the west coast city, which follows the dark investigations of Inspector Christian Tell.

The niche cruise operator picked up the accolade at the TRIP Global Award 2010, organised the Swedish tourism industry, in a hotly-contested category judged by tour operators from Sweden's major foreign markets: France, Germany, UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia and the United States. The awards recognise what foreign visitors to Sweden most want to do and which Swedish company offers the best experience. The Göta Canal Steamship Company operates classic cruises aboard historic steamships on the Göta Canal, 'Sweden's longest adventure', between Gothenburg and Stockholm.
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A number of companies offer Göta Canal cruise trips including Sunvil Discovery, Simply Sweden, Best Served Scandinavia, Mighty Fine and Discover the World (details available later in 2011).

West Sweden's newest hotel, Marstrands Havshotell, opened on the mainland opposite Marstrand Island on 15 January. A scenic getaway beside the water just 50 minutes from Gothenburg, the 98-room venue includes a spa with traditional Bohuslän coast treatments incorporating seaweed, salts and hot baths; two restaurants, an outdoor terrace, views to sea and across Marstrand, which can be reached by car over a connecting bridge from the mainland. Packages can be booked through Taber Holidays or call 01274 875 199.

A biosphere reserve on the southern coast of Lake Vänern is being developed as an eco-tourism destination offering new hiking and biking trails, and strengthening links between tourism, public transport and green local businesses. The Lake Vänern Archipelago and Mount Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve protects the area's culture and great ecological diversity including important species within the woods, meadows and pastures of Kinnekulle.

Selin Charter, a company offering scenic boat charters around the Koster Islands – within Kosterhavet, Sweden's first marine national park – has received the prized Nature's Best eco-certification. Selin offers trips from Strömstad on its 50-passenger boat to the park's islets and seal colonies; lobster safaris in association with local hotels, and is developing boat trips with underwater cameras to give views of the park below the surface.

Walking specialist Ramblers Worldwide has introduced a new tour for 2011 coupling the tranquillity of Sweden's Koster Islands with the green open spaces and gardens of Gothenburg. The eight-day summer season holiday explores South Koster in Kosterhavet, Sweden's first marine national park, where tracks meander through woods to secret coves. It also includes a guided nature walk on surrounding tiny islands and, in Gothenburg, a visit to the Botanical Gardens, Gunnebo House and Gardens and lakeside walking at Alingsås. Ramblers holidays or call 01707 331 133.

A Passion for Food, 25-27 February
An exhibition for anyone who loves cooking, it will inspire home chefs to try exciting ideas in their own kitchen and includes a rich selection of small-scale and traditionally produced food products from the West of Sweden. Tips are available from chefs and producers and all products are available to buy. Read more >>
       
Nordic Oyster Opening Championships, 14 May
See chefs from across Scandinavia battle it out to become the speediest opener, and enjoy a host of other tasty oyster activities. Read more >>
 
Dalsland Cross Country – Mountain Bike Orientation, 7 May
Compete in teams of two in the beautiful wilds of Dalsland during this five-mile orientation course, which starts and finishes in Bengtsfors. Men's, women's and mixed classes are available. Read more >>
 
Metaltown, 17-18 June
The metal music festival in Gothenburg has grown steadily since 2004 and 2011 sees the likes of Volbeat and System of a Down perform in an international line-up. Read more >>
  
Way Out West, 11-13 August
Established in 2007, Way Out West became an immediate success. Now one of Europe's leading festivals, the eco-friendly event takes place in Gothenburg's centrally located Slottskogen Park. While 2011's acts have yet to be confirmed, an eclectic line-up typically includes a mix of big international names, up and coming bands and Swedish talent. Club nights take place at venues across the city. Read more >>
  
Dalsland Canoe Marathon, 13 August
Tackle the 55km course through the lakes and waterways of the Dalsland wilderness with 1,000 competitors in Sweden's largest canoe event. Packages are available with Nature Travels or call 01929 463 774.
   
Lobster safaris and a Shellfish Journey, Autumn
26 September marks the start of the lobster season: enjoy a lobster safari culinary experience in which you'll help catch and cook this west coast delicacy. Try all of Bohuslän on the plate during the Shellfish Journey, with the chance to sample lobsters, oysters, mussels, crayfish and prawns, during October and November. Having ventured out to sea, you'll dine in snug restaurants and relax in comfortable hotel accommodation. Read more >>

A tipi adventure in Dalsland
Camp in a traditional tipi beside a lake and revel in the sense of space, freedom and adventure. Explore the forests, hike and take out the rowing boat before cooking dinner over an open fire and putting your head down on a bed of fir twigs covered in reindeer skins. Book through Nature Travels on 01929 463 774.
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Rent your own island
Be king of your own domain during a stay at Henriksholm, a grand country house sitting on a 100 hectare island within the lake district of Dalsland. The island, with a history dating back to the 16th century, lies in picturesque Lake Ånimmen, offering excellent fishing. Cast a line from 6km of private shores, take out your personal powerboat or have a paddle in the kayaks. Read more >>
  
An offer by the ocean: three nights for two at Handelsman Flink
Throughout 2011, Sunvil Discovery is offering three nights for the price of two at seaside hotel Handelsman Flink. The getaway is located on the island of Flatön, part of the archipelago stretching along the Bohuslän coast, 90 minutes north of Gothenburg. Here you'll be tempted by fresh seafood in the Taste of West Sweden accredited restaurant, have the chance to enjoy a culinary adventure during a seafood safari, and explore the area by sea kayak. Book through Sunvil Discovery on 020 8568 4499. Read more >>
  
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West Sweden can be reached with direct flights to Gothenburg with British Airways (Heathrow), easyJet (Gatwick and Manchester), Ryanair (Stansted and Edinburgh), SAS (Heathrow) and City Airline (Manchester and Birmingham).
  
More information on how to get to Gothenburg and West Sweden >>