Winter News from West Sweden and Gothenburg

West Sweden and Gothenburg are becoming even more accessible with the launch of new routes to Sweden's west coast city.
 
New British Airways route
London Heathrow – Gothenburg Landvetter Airport starts on 28 November 2010.
     
New easyJet routes
London Gatwick – Gothenburg Landvetter Airport
Manchester – Gothenburg Landvetter Airport starts on 10 December 2010.
 
Berlin Schoenefeld Gothenburg Landvetter
     
New Ryanair routes
Edinburgh – Gothenburg City Airport
 
Brussels (Charleroi) - Gothenburg City Airport
 
Paris Beauvais – Gothenburg City Airport (starts 13 December 2010)
 
Rome (Ciampino) – Gothenburg City Airport

    
More information on direct flights to Gothenburg and West Sweden >>

Marstrands Havshotell (Marstrands Sea Hotel) opens on the mainland opposite Marstrand island in mid January.  It’s a scenic getaway beside the water just 50 minutes from Gothenburg. The 98-room hotel includes a spa with traditional treatments from the Bohuslän coast, incorporating the likes of seaweed, salts and hot baths; two restaurants, an outdoor terrace with seating for 150 people, views to sea and across Marstrand, which can be reached by car over a connecting bridge from the mainland.

Gothenburg, the Christmas City
From mid-November, Gothenburg becomes the self-proclaimed 'Christmas City' as preparations for the big day get under way. Located on the west coast of Sweden and less than two hours from Britain, Gothenburg is a magical destination for a pre-Christmas city break offering Scandinavia's largest Christmas market, stunning light displays and glorious seasonal food. Festive travellers are recommended to combine the city with time in the picturesque West Sweden region to visit traditional manor houses steeped in Christmas traditions.
More information >>

A visit to a traditional Christmas market and Julbord (Christmas smörgåsbord) in the countryside:
Experience a day filled with yuletide tradition and warmth, the bustle of a Christmas market brimming with handicrafts, plenty of glögg and the extravagant julbord - a genuine Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord – at beautiful Tofta Manor House in the countryside north of Gothenburg.
Book the six-hour 'Christmas Special' tour here >>

City Sightseeing with a visit to 18th century Gunnebo House and Garden:
Visitors could also try a day of city sightseeing taking in Gothenburg's highlights and soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas City. Included is a visit to Gunnebo House and Gardens, the neo-classical estate on the edge of Gothenburg, where guests will enjoy an organic lunch in its coffeehouse and restaurant.
Book the City Sightseeing here >>

A very special Christmas break - forget turkey and sprouts, try nine courses of Christmas at Villa Sjötorp
For an exquisite taste of West Sweden at Christmas, sit down for a nine-course December menu amid beautiful surroundings at Villa Sjötorp, a Gothic villa overlooking a seascape of islands and peninsulas at Ljungskile, 45 minutes north of Gothenburg. The perfectly-balanced meal uses regional ingredients, such Munkedal Forest venison, Håverud salmon and the last pears of the season, and is enjoyed in the hotel's Taste of West Sweden-accredited restaurant. Priced 848 SEK (£80) pp.
To read more or to book a package including a accommodation >>

Scandinavia's largest Christmas market - use the Gothenburg Pass!
This market, blending a traditional and contemporary Christmas, opens in the attractive Liseberg Amusement Park on 12 November with five million twinkling lights, 700 Christmas trees, stalls brimming with Nordic handicrafts, plenty of seasonal Swedish fare, an ice rink, a children's winter wonderland, ice sculptures and an ice bar. Entrance to Liseberg is included in the Gothenburg Pass, giving access to top city attractions and free public transport. Priced 24 hours: 245 SEK (£23) per adult and 170 SEK (£16) per child; 48 hours: 390 SEK (£36) per adult and 270 SEK (£25) per child, it can be booked at here >>
More information >>

Gunnebo House and Gardens' Christmas Market, 20-21 and 27-28 November
Visit a traditional Christmas market with Swedish crafts and foods at Gunnebo House and Gardens, one of Sweden's finest 18th century estates, beautifully located between lakes Stensjön and Rådasjön outside Gothenburg. Break from browsing the stalls for coffee or lunch in the coffeehouse and restaurant. Daily guided tours of the house are available.
Here you can read more about Christmas Markets >>

For an insider's guide to events and experiences in West Sweden read the blogs at www.explorewestsweden.com
   
Finally , here is a list of tour operators selling packages to Gothenburg and West Sweden >>