West Sweden by theme

These include the pristine lakes and forests of Dalsland, a quiet wilderness teeming with wildlife; the rocky coastline of Bohuslan scattered with skerries and fishing villages; and Vastergotland, a blissful swathe of countryside stretching inland and home to historical sites, picturesque manor houses, gardens and atmospheric castles. For many, the coastal city of Gothenburg is the entry point to the region and a great place from which to start a holiday, experience cultural attractions and taste the cuisine. Whether your holiday is focussed on the family, fine food, a city break or outdoor activities, West Sweden is a little-known gem just waiting to be explored.

France and Italy don’t have a monopoly on fine food – Sweden draws upon its high quality produce to create dishes to die for and Gothenburg in West Sweden – with four Michelin-starred restaurants - is the country’s culinary capital. West Sweden’s coastal area, Bohuslän, supplies some of the tastiest seafood in the world with highlights including lobsters, oysters, mussels and langoustine, not to mention the famed herring. As a result, there is a wealth of seafood restaurants for visitors to choose from, both in Gothenburg and up and across the region, often in breathtaking settings. Herring lovers should head for Salt & Sill on ‘herring island’ Klädesholmen or, for premier oysters, eat the delicacy while sipping champagne at the Oyster Bar on Käringon Island. To underline West Sweden’s foodie credentials, the Taste of West Sweden scheme is a collection of some of the region’s top restaurants which make the most of the freshest ingredients on their doorsteps.

There are more than 8,000 islands along the Bohuslän coast starting in Gothenburg and stretching up to the Norwegian boarder. Most of the islands are car-free and accessible from the mainland by ferry. One of the best-known is Marstrand Island, with the impressive Carlsten fortress, built on the order of King Carl X Gustaf in 1658. The island has long been a summertime gathering place for boaters and the Grand Hotel Marstrand was built at the turn of the last century to provide high society with accommodation they felt was befitting of their standing. Hållö Island, reached from Smögen, with pink granite rocks and crystal clear water, is an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling, diving and exploring the wild nature reserves. Väderöarna Islands (the Weather Islands) are Sweden’s most westerly and home to one of the coast’s largest seal colonies. These islands, numbering in their hundreds, enjoy one of Sweden’s warmest climates and support lush vegetation. Visit the Koster Islands, reached by ferry from Strömstad, for a walking and cycling heaven. Other islands not to be missed include Åstol, Käringön and Gullholmen.

Many of Bohuslän’s traditional fishing villages sprung up during the mid-18th century herring boom. Experience their charm with visits to Fjällbacka, with a beautiful archipelago, and where the actress Ingrid Bergman spent her summers. Picturesque Smögen has Sweden’s longest jetty and a 600 meter stretch of colourful sea huts selling fresh shrimps. Other idylls not to be missed include Mollosund, Hunnebostrand and Fiskebackskil. Hire a boat and sail through the archipelago to view these villages from the sea.

The Göta Canal, part of a waterway stretching from Gothenburg to Stockholm, is your way to an array of outdoor activities and offers a perfect passage through West Sweden. Try piloting your own pleasure boat, take things easy with a cruise on a vintage steam vessel, cycle or walk beside the canal - or jump straight in for a swim. These activities are perfect for family holidays and the area’s beauty and tranquillity makes it an attractive destination for a romantic break too. The Dalsland Canal, running through the Dalsland wilderness area, is another watery wonder and connects a labyrinth of large and small lakes, river and meandering canals. A 240km navigable system, it is perfect for canoes, pleasure and passenger boats.

With an exciting range of landscapes, there are many different ways to get active and enjoy the pleasures of outdoor living. Hire kayaks at one of the many fishing villages and paddle the coast, get in a canoe and see the lakes and rivers at water level in Dalsland, tee-off at one of the 55 golf courses in the region, go rock climbing, take a trolley ride through forests on a disused railway or simply walk and cycle through the quiet countryside – whatever you feel like doing, it’s a pleasure in West Sweden.

Dalsland, a verdant province of serene lakes and thick forests, lies in the north of the region and is the most accessible wilderness in Europe. Home to an abundance of wildlife, the fauna includes lynx and wolves while Halle-Hunneberg at Lake Vänern (Sweden’s largest lake) is known for its large population of elk. Every spring the area hosts the spectacle of the dancing cranes, numbering 10,000, at Lake Hornborga. In West Sweden the great outdoors also encompasses the sea and Gullmarsfjorden, located by the coastal settlements of Fiskebäckskil and Lysekil, supports a rich diversity of marine life. Its striking array of creatures explains why it was made the country’s first and only marine preservation area.

Make Gothenburg your starting point and head to Liseberg, Sweden's largest amusement park. Be sure to take in Universeum, the science and discovery centre which is all about interaction. Pedal your way quietly into the wilderness of Dalsland on an old railway inspection trolley, where you can spot the local wildlife, and see more of Mother Nature at Nordens Ark - a nature park for endangered species with a magnificent west coast setting. Crab fishing is a popular option for youngsters all along the coast so introduce your little ones to the thrill of pulling up a clawed crustacean from the jetties, cliffs and rocks. Embark on a seal safari from coastal settlements such as Lysekil, where you can also learn about Sweden’s western sea at the Havets Hus aquarium, or take a half-day boat trip from one of many small fishing villages north of Gothenburg.

Visitors to West Sweden are spoilt for choice when it comes to castles, manor houses and enchanting gardens. Thorskogs Manor is a fairytale retreat 45 minutes from Gothenburg and, with an atmosphere rich in romance, is ideal for couples. Läckö Castle, reflected in the waters of Lake Vänern, is an imposing construction with a history dating back to the 13th century and includes an attractive castle garden. Experience classic Swedish charm at Villa Sjötorp and relax in the traditional surroundings of Bjertorp Castle, a hotel with a well known restaurant which is Taste of West Sweden accredited. Seventeenth century Gunnebo House and Gardens at Mölndal, just outside Gothenburg, is one of Sweden’s most beautiful neoclassical estates while other highlights include Rostock Herbgarden, Hellekis Garden at Lake Vänern and, in Gothenburg, the Botanical Garden.

Culture vultures will be eager to swoop on the fantastic sites and venues in Gothenburg and across the region. These include the Vitlycke Museum and Rock Carvings at Tanumshede, some of which are 3,000 years old and are featured on Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites, the artfully situated Nordic Watercolour Museum on the island of Tjörn, and the historic Carlsten’s Fortress on Marstrand Island. Gothenburg is a centre of cultural attractions such as the National Symphony Orchestra, housed in the striking harbourside opera house and the Röhsska Museum; Sweden’s Museum of Design and Decorative Arts.

No holiday would be complete without good food and West Sweden has a burgeoning reputation as a gastronomic destination. This is helped by the Taste of West Sweden scheme, which was started in 2000, and aims to build upon the high standards of cuisine in the region by forging close ties between restaurants and local food producers. Some of the regional produce to light up the menus of West Sweden eateries include fresh oyster, lobster, langoustine, mussels and prawns from the Bohuslan coast, game, beaver, berries, and mushrooms from the woods of Dalsland, fish from freshwater lakes not to mention the traditional schnapps. There are 27 restaurants that are Taste of West Sweden certified, many with amazing settings such as castles and manor houses, and a lot offer accommodation too.

For holiday ideas and to book your break visit www.goteborgplus.com. Here you can find a wealth of packages to the best places to visit across the region, bookable at the click of a button. For more information on visiting West Sweden go to www.westsweden.com, where you can also access a range of breaks through tour operators, or do it yourself by sorting your own flights and accommodation and then check out where to go, what to see and what to do. Is your heart set on a city break? Then for more information dedicated to Gothenburg visits and to book your stay go straight to www.goteborg.com.

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