West Sweden and Gothenburg Autumn newsletter 2011

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 - an event across the west coast which is set to be bigger than ever this year, extended from two weeks to a month and a half (from 26 September to 6 November 2011).
 
This means there will be a greater choice of educational and mouth-watering seafood safaris available. One of the seafood highlights, the lobster safari, will see visitors voyage along the coast with a skipper, helping to haul up and reset the pots of 'black gold'. Learn how to prepare and cook the lobsters and then sample the scrumptious catch, perhaps after enjoying champagne in an outdoor hot tub overlooking the spectacular coast. There'll also be more adventurous activity on offer, including sea kayaking trips around the archipelago.

Sweden's west coast is easily accessible from the gateway to West Sweden, Gothenburg, with the following five destinations only a short drive away (ranging from approximately an hour to 90 minutes' drive):

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 three-day lobster experience, with two 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, found 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.

A fabulous new tree house has just opened outside of Falköping, two hours' drive from Gothenburg. Hotel Andrum's Seventh Heaven is built into a large oak tree, showcasing towers and pinnacles like a fairytale castle. Guests can sleep under the stars on its balcony, a great spot to take in the sounds of the forest or to spot an elk! There's a bowl of fruit and other goodies on arrival, with breakfast hoisted up in a large basket every morning. The tree house is also a great base for exploring nearby Lake Hornborga. One night's stay costs £80pp (based on 2 sharing double room). Call +46 515-720384.

The building of Gothenburg's exciting new Clarion Hotel Post is well underway, with its doors officially set to open on 26 January 2012. The listed former Post Office from the 1920s is being beautifully restored and extended into a sleek 500-bedroom hotel. Designed by the international architects Magnus Månsson of Semrén and Månsson and Erik Nissen Johansen of Stylt Trampoli, the hotel will retain its original awe-inspiring grand hall and high ceilings. It will also boast a trendy rooftop pool and the top-class 'Norda Grill & Bar' restaurant, managed by the famous Gothenburg-born chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Fjällbacka has to be seen to be believed. It is the dreamiest of fishing villages, set on the west coast about 90 minutes' drive from Gothenburg and close to Grebbestad (see 'Sample Shellfish Journey holidays' above). Boats sway gently in the harbour by lines of red wooden houses, with wind chimes singing in the sea breeze. Fjällbacka also happens to be the childhood home and setting of the crime novels written by the number-one selling Swedish writer Camilla Lackberg. At the moment her books are being turned into a TV series, with the filming of The Fjällbacka Murders currently taking place (think Midsummer Murders and Murder, She Wrote). Visit www.westsweden.com more information about visiting Fjällbacka – see it now before all the fans start flocking!

Say hello to the West Sweden Tourist Board at The Scandinavia Show, held at Earl's Court from 8-9 October. We'll be exhibiting there on the Visit Sweden stand (number 109), with visitors able to learn all about and indulge in the very best of Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia, including design, travel, lifestyle, fashion, culture and food.

Exciting prizes are up for grabs through West Sweden's Facebook page, including a tailor-made holiday in Sweden if you take a quiz to find out if you're a Gothenburg or Stockholm type. There will also be a chance to win a Shellfish Journey experience, filled with shellfish safaris, exquisite dinners and cosy accommodation.

Mixing a warm sense of tradition with contemporary Swedish design, Gothenburg lights the way to Christmas – literally. From 18 November, walk the unique 3km 'Lane of Light' through the city, beginning at the new Wheel of Gothenburg by the harbour and taking in shimmering outdoor light displays and the main boulevard's Winter Wonderland. The magical journey ends at Liseberg Amusement Park, decorated with a million lights and famous for Scandinavia's biggest Christmas market. Families will love the four-star Hotell Liseberg Heden, from £56pp per night (based on four sharing a family room), including breakfast and free entry into Liseberg Christmas market.

Witness a Swedish national tradition. Every year (this year on 12 and 13 December), Gothenburg chooses its Lucia 'Queen of Light', marking her coronation with a poignant concert held in candlelit churches across the city, including the incredibly atmospheric Vasa Church.
 
 
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).
 
For more information on travelling to Gothenburg and information on tour operators selling packages to Gothenburg and West Sweden >>
    
For an insider's guide to events and experiences in West Sweden follow the latest blogs at www.explorewestsweden.com.
 
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