West Sweden’s Coast and Forest Escape

Arrive in Gothenburg and collect your rental vehicle and head north to Ljungskile. Visiting the island of Marstrand with the Carlsten Fortress, dating back to 1658 along the way before you reach Ljungskile, where you will spend 4 nights.

Ljungskile is charming town, a popular bathing and spa town for many decades due to its climate, it still offers relaxation as well as plenty of activities and good food throughout the year.

This morning start the day with a 45 minute drive to Pilane where every summer a sculpture exhibition with world-leading artists is arranged in the middle of the Bohuslän cultural landscape.

The exhibition area is more of a living landscape than a traditional park. From the hills you have a fantastic view of the archipelago. One of the largest and most beautiful sculptures is found here, “Anna” by Jaume Plensa, which has become a landmark for the whole of the West Coast and is now permanently located in Pilane.

Then continue to the island of Härön, a 5 minute ferry ride from Kyrkesund. With some lovely walking trails that wind through the nature reserve on the island, with fantastic views, rocky landscapes, sea views and nature.

Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Nordic Watercolour Museum where art, nature and people come together in a beautiful waterside setting. Since the opening in 2000, included works by Salvador Dali, Bill Viola and Louise Bourgeois as well as Swedish favorites such as Elsa Beskow, Anders Zorn and Lars Lerin.

Today drive North to the seaside town of Uddevalla.

The seaside boardwalk Strandpromenaden is Uddevalla’s pride and joy. The wooden boards run snugly along the steep mountain walls and the ocean. As you walk along the promenade, Uddevallas history passes through. At the starting point, Skalbankarna, there are remains from the stone age settlements and the banks are unique fossil remains from the last ice age about 10,000 years ago.

It is also possible to take an optional trip by boat and explore the Bohuslän landscape from the sea.

Visit the bustling town of Lysekil, situated on the Bohuslän coast where the mouth of Gullmarsfjorden faces the open sea. Stångehuvud is a beautiful, rugged rocky area just west of the town which has a breathtaking view toward the sea, and in Lysekil itself there are many areas of beautiful architecture. Gamlestan – the old town – is the original historic centre where there are several well-preserved, charming neighbourhoods to stroll around. Other popular attractions are outdoor swimming at Kallbadhuset, as well as Lysekil church, built in granite on a high hill overlooking the town and Havets Hus a salt water aquarium.

You can also take the ferry across Gullmarsfjorden takes you to Skaftölandet with picturesque villages such as Fiskebäckskil and Grundsund.

It is also possible to hike part of the Kuststigen-trail from Lysekil to Stångehuvud which offers beautiful views out to sea and leads to Stångehuvud nature reserve. (approx. 7km each way).

Today you will drive to northeast Dalsland. Along the way you can make a stop at Vitlycke Museum gives you a real insight into the Bronze Age world and witness well-preserved rock carvings, which are on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Check in to Swedish Country Living, sustainable housing reaches new levels in the Hermitages, built with recycled doors and windows, natural insulation in the form of sheep’s wool and a luxurious but minimalist interior. With a few days of “detox” here, you’ll have a no-electricity reboot and will be ready for a stress-free life.

Set off this morning to visit the Dalsland Canal to see this spectacular intersection of road, rail and waterway. The aqueduct in Håverud is one of the most popular attractions in Dalsland. Most of them are constructed with Roman stone arches or with cast iron troughs as superstructures. The aqueduct in Håverud is made of riveted sheets of steel and is one of a kind. What makes the site even more impressive is the fact that both a rail and a road bridge pass over the aqueduct.

Then continue onto Dalslands Konstmuseum, perched on a hill with a breathtaking view of the lake, and the museum’s sculpture park. You can walk around and see handicraft from Dalsland, the art and temporary exhibitions, and enjoy the lovely view from the museum café.

Visit Kroppefjäll Nature Reserve, one of West Sweden’s largest wilderness areas, filled with beautiful landscapes including pine heathlands, lakes and a rift valley. There are many hiking trails, including the well know Kroppefjäll Trail of 54km long. But for those who want to experience a small part of it, Dr Saedéns Walk (2.7km) is recommended.

You will also have some free time to take part in optional activities in the local area, including hiking, canoeing or biking.

Take a leisurely drive south to Gothenburg where you will drop off your car before boarding your onward flight. Or it is possible to add a stay in the vibrant city of Gothenburg and enjoy the sights that Sweden’s second largest city has to offer.