Cool Gems of West Sweden

A little slice of heaven in the southwest of the country, West Sweden is a diverse and picturesque region boasting a lively archipelago, rolling countryside, forests, lakes and castles. Relative to the entire country, which is the third largest in Europe, West Sweden is compact but varied made up of three distinct areas. Bohuslan is the coastal bit. Dalsland is the wilderness bit. And Vastergotland is the historic bit brimming with heritage.

The West Sweden charm offensive is gentle and understated, but highly effective. To visit is to fall in love with the laid-back vibe, the architecture both modern and traditional, the colourful history and the pure nature. And that’s before sampling the culinary delights. For seafood lovers, the Bohuslan archipelago is a must, where shellfish takes centre stage.

Road trips are the best way to explore, connecting the dots from coast to country, combining outdoor adventure with cultural interludes, taste sensations with charming accommodation. Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg, is the gateway to the region and well worth a day or two exploring.

Only a two-hour flight from the UK, Gothenburg is the largest non-capital in the Nordics with a population larger than that of Iceland. Friendly and stylish, it is the kicking-off point for exploring the wider region.

The city is also refreshingly compact, as the locals will readily point out, with everything in walking distance. Everything in this case refers to museums, parks, the botanic gardens, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and the largest amusement park in Scandinavia. Liseberg is a hub of entertainment drawing regular live music acts to complement the white-knuckle thrill rides. One of the city’s newest draws is World of Volvo – a stylistic experience centre celebrating this iconic, homegrown brand through interactive exhibits, design and innovation.

For simpler pleasures, strolling café-lined streets, over canal bridges and along the tree-lined central avenue is part of the city’s charm as is riding on the iconic blue trams. Explore the old city of Haga and attempt to eat one of the giant cinnamon buns. Relax in one of the many picturesque parks or take a leisurely canal cruise in the characteristic Padden boats.

Heading out of the city and following the coastal route north leads to Bohuslan archipelago, a picturesque collection of around 8,000 islands and rocky islets supporting fishing communities. A draw for sailing enthusiasts, it’s also a gourmet paradise with hidden gems all along the west coast. From the 17th century fort at Marstrand to the traditional architecture and carvings that dot the flat granite rocks, it’s also rich in maritime heritage.

There’s plenty of scope for island hopping with passenger ferries connecting various islands, including Marstrand and Härön where hiking trails weave through the nature reserve. You’ll also find opportunities for sea kayaking in sheltered bays and coves. Imagine water like a millpond, sparkling in the sunshine as you paddle between smoothed granite islets.

Fjallbacka is a quaint coastal town and a great place to indulge in the region’s high-quality seafood. This is where Hollywood legend, Ingrid Bergman, spent many summers from the late 50s to the early 80s with her then husband, director Roberto Rossellini. Soak up the relaxed ambience and great views while sampling mouth-watering flavours.

Towards the northern fringes of Bohuslan, nearing the Norwegian border, the idyllic Koster Islands sit a 45-minute ferry ride from Stromstad on the mainland. Part of Kosterhavet National Park, which is the only marine national park in Sweden, the Koster Islands are car-free and a true hidden gem in a region of gems. Slow your pace down and take to two wheels, cycling around the island. You might find a secluded spot to watch the sunset over this impressive archipelago.

There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time in Bohuslan. Choose a central base like the coastal town of Ljungskile and explore. Take in extraordinary hill-side sculptures at Pilane, potter around the Nordic Watercolour Museum on Tjorn, one of largest islands in the archipelago and walk the Kuststigen trail from the bustling Lysekil to Stangehuvud. Be sure to tread the boardwalk at Uddevalla. Strandpromenaden is a 9km wooden walkway built along the rockface and is a local treasure.

Fascinating Norden’s Ark is a visitor hotspot. This 950-acre park run by a non-profit foundation is dedicated to the conservation of endangered animals. Encounter snow leopards, Amur tigers, wolves and lynx and stroll around the scenic grounds. Animals come first at Nordens Ark, so patience is a virtue, but there’s a handy app for navigating your way around and learning about the different species.

West Sweden suits a slow, immersive type of holiday, especially amidst the verdant wilds of Dalsland. Wildlife and nature dominate here making it tailor made for outdoor adventures. Striding out on foot is a great way to explore with abundant lakeside and pine forest trails to choose from, and you’ll also find opportunities for canoeing. But cycling is the go-to activity. Dalsland is known for its gravel tracks, with miles of quiet, scenic roads and hardly any traffic. There are 17 ready-made route suggestions from leisurely loops to longer hill climbs. Download the GPS maps and start peddling. On foot or on wheels, soak up nature at every turn and be on the lookout for that most Swedish of residents, the mighty moose.

Take the detox up at notch and truly switch off with a stay at Swedish Country Living at Kopmannebro. This unique property set in the countryside near to vast Lake Vanern is an electricity free zone, designed specifically for a stress-free escape. Simple but luxurious cabins feature upcycled doors and windows and natural wool insulation. Just dissolve into your surroundings, enjoying the sounds and sights of nature. There’s an outdoor kitchen if you fancy baking your own pizza in the woodfired oven or dine on fresh local produce at the nearby restaurant, Brasseriet, in Håverud, a small town with its own claim to fame.

Punching well above its weight in terms of Dalsland’s visitor attractions, the Håverud Aqueduct is a fascinating intersection of road, rail and waterway, uniquely constructed of riveted steel sheets. The ingenious brainchild of constructor Nils Ericson, the aqueduct was conceived to work around the rapids that were impeding the passage of the Dalsland Canal. 33,000 rivets keep the 33.5 metre-long steel trough in place and allow both a rail and road bridge to pass overhead. An engineering gem, it was opened in 1868 by King Carl XV.

The largest province of West Sweden, this is where you’ll find the region’s larger towns including, Trollhättan , the nostalgic home of Saab and a fascinating lock system. Castles and historic buildings that dot the countryside provide a focal point for visitors. From classic turreted structures, like instantly recognisable, Baroque architecture of Läckö Slott, to charming manor houses such as Gunnebo House and Gardens, marvel at the architecture, soak up the history, stroll in the gardens and sample the eateries.

Not far from Läckö Slott, Swedish style is on show in the lakeside town of Lidkoping, where you can visit Rörstrand Museum formerly one of the oldest porcelain factories in Europe and Sweden’s ceramic showpiece.

Combine hiking and history striding out on the Pilgrim Path between Falköping and Varnhem. This 44km trail passes landmarks such as 12th century Varnhem Abbey and Lake Hornborga, a well-known bird lake where thousands of cranes gather each spring to dance. You might also dip into the longer 140km Biosphere Trail, which passes Läckö Slott and Platåbergens, Swedens’ first UNESCO Geopark.

There’s no shortage of places to indulge in Sweden’s cultural coffee break. Whether you’re gazing out over the harbour, looking to the horizon from a rocky outcrop, listening to birdsong beside a lake, or cosying up in café, make sure you find time for fika – relax with a drink, a sweet treat and chat to friends.

Alingsås claims the title the ‘Capital of Fika’ with its cosy cafés where you can indulge in rich coffee culture and join guided fika walks learning about local stories and traditions.

More formal dining is well taken care of in West Sweden too. Showcasing fine food produced from local ingredients is a focus of local tourism. Often linked to properties like Swedish Country Living, be sure to delight your tastebuds.

Plan your West Sweden adventure

History, culture, outdoor living, relaxation and divine dining blend together in West Sweden and will capture your heart and soul. If you’re looking for a laid-back summer holiday, this Swedish gem to be a contender. Browse our new Coast and Forest Escape or let us tailor a trip entirely for you.

Get in touch with our Sweden experts on 01737 214 250 or make an enquiry.