West Sweden and Gothenburg Summer newsletter 2011

The perfect summertime city getaway
Gothenburg sparkles during the sunny season. You'll discover quaint canals, the cobbled streets of historical Haga and countless green open spaces, including Sweden's biggest botanical gardens, boasting over 16,000 species. Summer is also a wonderful time to soak up the city's buzzing outdoor café scene, with quality 'fika' galore (a break for coffee and a sweet bun) from which to choose. Or why not dine at one of five Michelin-starred restaurants, including the most recent addition to the list, Thörnströms Kök? There's also the city archipelago awaiting your exploration; it's easy to reach via a half-hour tram ride and a short passenger ferry trip. Shimmering water, blue skies and beaches all add to the holiday buzz. Save money by booking the Gothenburg Package, including B&B, free transport on trams, buses and boats and access to many top attractions, from 650SEK pp per night.

Sunbathing, swimming and sea kayaking along 1,000 islands
It's almost impossible not to have your breath taken away by the beauty of West Sweden's Bohuslän coastal region. A summer visit spent exploring the archipelago of 1,000 islands is bliss, with an array of outdoor relaxation and activities on offer. Think sunbathing, outdoor hot tubs, swimming, sea kayaking and seafood safaris for starters. There's a stunning selection of islands to visit, including the North and South Koster islands set in Sweden's first marine national park, Kosterhavet. 
     
Simply Sweden is one of numerous tour operators that offers holidays to this region.

Crayfish safari short break on Flaton island, Bohuslän
Visitors to the west coast can also embark on a thrilling crayfish safari this summer, as part of an exciting three-day trip. Stay at the renowned Handelsman Flink hotel, boasting a beautiful waterside setting on Flaton island. Set off from here on your crayfish adventure, led by an experienced skipper, demonstrating how to catch the seafood delicacies. Then journey back to the boathouses, where professional chefs will show you how to cook the crayfish, and enjoy the fruits of your expedition in a delicious fresh seafood buffet with fine wine. 
      
Sunvil Holidays is one of numerous tour operators that offers holidays to this region.

Hooray for Herring Weekend, 4-6 June
Few things have influenced the history of the Bohuslän coast as much as the herring, so every year the Swedes celebrate the country's oldest food tradition with a special festival held on Swedish National Day (6 June) on so-called Herring Island - Kladesholmen. Organised by the renowned seafood restaurant and hotel, Salt & Sill, visitors can enjoy tasty herring dishes to the sound of lapping water, plus cultural heritage walks and a fascinating visit to the herring factory. And - for the first time this year - celebrations have been extended to take in a weekend, with events along the entire coast, including on Marstrand island, where there will be a herring race, professional chefs offering expert cooking tips and boat trips.

Celebrating Sunlight with the Swedes, 24 June
Visitors can now take part in a very Swedish tradition - the Midsummer Special - something which hasn't been as accessible in the past. New for 2011 and held on 24 June at the magnificent Gunnebo House and Gardens, join the Swedes as they take to the countryside to celebrate the longest day of the year, celebrating Midsummer by dancing and singing around the maypole, whilst indulging in a delicious fresh picnic. Guests will also enjoy a tour of Gothenburg's most famous sites. The eight-hour day trip ranges in price from 550 SEK to 1750 SEK, depending on age of attendee and includes hotel pick up and drop off, transport, all admission fees and guides, lunch and refreshments.

Sculpture at Pilane 2011 - contemporary art in an ancient cultural landscape
Visit one of the most beautifully-situated historical sites in Sweden - Pilane sculpture park on Tjörn island (open June to September). Sheep graze freely amongst thousand year-old ancient remains in the Swedish countryside, including stone circles dating from the Iron Age. The fascinating site features contemporary exhibits too, this year showcasing the work of the famous British artist, Tony Cragg, currently exhibiting at the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Irish artist, Eva Rothschild, creator of the cutting-edge 'Empire' sculpture in Central Park, New York. Entry into Sculpture at Pilane 2011 is free for under 18s and costs 80 SEK per adult.

Slow down and de-stress along Sweden's Göta Canal, until mid September
Spend your most relaxing summer holiday yet cruising in style along Sweden's serene rivers, lakes and the iconic Göta Canal. The Göta Canal Steamship Company's summer season lasts until mid September, offering two, three, four and six-day cruises on beautifully-restored historic boats, featuring nostalgic cabin accommodation and full board fine dining. What's more, there's 20% off selected cruises, including four-day cruises from Gothenburg to Stockholm, departing 26 and 30 May, 4 and 8 June and, in the opposite direction, departing 30 May, 8 June and 12 June, all now costing from 7820 SEK pp (per two sharing double cabin).

New four-day boat journey along the Bohuslän coast, departures from 13 June to 14 August
Or explore Gothenburg and the Bohuslän coast with new four-day boat trips, available throughout summer 2011. Admire spectacular views as your journey from Gothenburg to Fjallbacka, the famous, picturesque setting of Camilla Läckberg's crime novels. You'll stay at exquisite spa hotels along the way, including the Marstrand Havshotell on the historic Marstrand island, renowned for its yachting culture, beautiful wooden architecture and Carlsten's Fortress. The four-day cruise with the company Kulturbåtarna, including full board, three nights' hotel accommodation in the Marstrands havshotell, Gullmarsstrands hotell and Smögens havsbad and numerous stops en route, costs 5850 SEK pp.

Gothenburg - gliding on a Segway
Visitors to Gothenburg now have an exciting new way to explore the city, with Segway hire available at Lilla Bommen in Gothenburg's centre. Pop on the safety helmet and vest included in the hire price, and then you're free to roam the city in this fun way. An hour's rental costs 350 SEK pp.

GPS mountain biking in Dalsland lake district
The wilderness area of Dalsland is perfect territory for feel-good cycling. It's an unspoilt mix of lakes and forests a world away from the buzz of everyday life, yet only 90 minutes from Gothenburg. Experience GPS mountain biking with Canodal, offering several pre-programmed routes of varying character and difficulty - from family outings to more extreme off-road trails. Rest tired legs at the historic Baldersnäs Manor, which has just been renovated to include 20 more rooms and is set on a lush peninsula by Lake Laxsjön and the Dalsland Canal. A double room costs from £67pp and a day's GPS mountain bike hire costs 250 SEK pp.

Feel the Dalsland Canoe Marathon adrenalin rush, 13 August
Tackle the 55km course through the lakes and waterways of the Dalsland wilderness, with 1,000 competitors taking part in Sweden's largest canoe event, held on 13 August. Glide across sparkling lakes and waterways, surrounded by deep forests, with fellow competitors aged 12 to 75 (shorter course for children). A marathon package with Nature Travels, including two nights' accommodation, registration and canoe hire, costs from £414 total (for a family of four).

Sailing spectacular – Stena Match Cup, Lysekil Women's Match and Around Tjörn race
If you prefer, leave exercise to the professionals this summer by witnessing some of the world's best sailing competitions, including the Stena Match Cup (4-10 July), where visitors gather on the cliffs and quaysides of Marstrand to follow these gripping races which attract competitors from the Olympics; Lysekil Women's Match (1-6 August), the world's biggest match racing competition for women, with a 400,000 SEK prize up for grabs and Around Tjörn (20 August), a yacht race circling the pretty island of Tjörn.

World-class live acts at eco-friendly Way out West, 11-13 August
Kanye West has recently been added to the list of world-class acts set to perform at this top European music festival, held 11-13 August in Gothenburg's city park, Slottsskogen. The global superstar joins an A-List line-up, including Robyn, Fleet Foxes, Pulp and Janelle Monáe. The eco-certified festival also sees eclectic performances at central clubs and culture hubs around the city. A festival package, including a three-day festival pass, two nights' B&B (two sharing a double or twin room) and the Gothenburg City Card (free public transport on trams, buses and boats and entrance to Liseberg amusement park and Universeum Science and Discovery Centre), costs from 2690 SEK per person.

Other leading music festivals this summer
And if that's not enough musical excitement for one summer, Gothenburg will also host the open-air Midsummer Concert by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Slottsskogen City Park (6 June); the pre-party for Way Out West - Woody West Limited Edition (21 June) in the central park (Garden Society); Where the Action Is (28 June), featuring performances from the likes of Coldplay, Glasvegas, Brandon Flowers and Bright Eyes in Slottsskogen park; Metaltown (17-18 June) and West Coast Riot (16 June), along with two big heavy metal concerts at Ullevi Stadium - Iron Maiden (1 July) and Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax (3 July). Finally, there's also the Gothenburg Culture Festival (16-21 August), featuring music, open-air dance floors, great food and an arts and crafts market.

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).
  
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