The landscape of West Sweden varies from rocky coastlines with picturesque villages to open fields, vast forests and beautiful lakes. This diverse and spectacular region is a delight to tour.
Gothenburg, the gateway city to West Sweden, is considered by many to be the most interesting and varied of all Swedish cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Göta, the city is rich in history and culture and has a character and vibrancy all of its own. A truly cosmopolitan destination, Gothenburg is ideal for a weekend break or for a longer stay. Gardening, shopping and food aficionados need look no further!
At the heart of the city is the historic district of Haga. It is easy to spend a few hours here; strolling through the maze of cobbled streets, admiring the traditional wooden buildings, indulging in the boutique and designer shops, and sampling the delicious Kanelbuller (cinnamon bun) in one of the many coffee shops.
It is said that Gothenburg offers 175m of green space per inhabitant, and no matter where you venture, a park or garden will not be far away. In the centre of the town is the Trädgårdföreningen Park, home to a delightful rose garden (2600 species) and Liseberg Gardens and Amusement Park, Sweden’s premier tourist attraction.
Further a field the city’s Botanical Gardens are the largest in Sweden with 16,000 species of flora. The coastal location of Gothenburg has played a central role in the development and the history of the city. Today, many monuments and churches dedicated to the sea and to the thriving fishing and shipping industries of the past can be seen. The harbour-side preservation area of Klippans kulturreservat, with its wealth of 18th century buildings, once associated with the Swedish East India Company, is well worth a visit.
The seas off Sweden’s West Coast produce some of the best fish and shellfish in the world and have helped Gothenburg build a reputation as a gourmet destination.
The city itself is home to 18 Michelin starred restaurants such as: Bhoga, Koka, Restaurant 28+, SK Mat Och Människor and Trattoria La Strega as well as a plethora of reasonably priced eateries and fish indoor markets. The Feskekorka (fish market) located on Rosenlunds canal deserves a special mention. Here is a hive of activity throughout the day and a superb place to enjoy lunch.
The West Coast of Sweden stretches 170km north of Gothenburg to the Norwegian border. Comprised of three regions - the island scattered Bohuslän coast; the forests and lakes of Dalsland and the countryside and manor houses of Västergötland – 400 nature reserves and four National Parks, the West Coast is perfect for a weekend break or for a fly-drive holiday.
The wondrous Bohuslän coastline has to be seen to be believed. The stark beauty of its 10,000 island archipelago, thousands uninhabited, is counterbalanced by an abundance of colourful, traditional fishing villages, bustling marinas and cultural attractions – Pilane Sculpture Park, the Nordic Watercolour Museum and the Carlstens fortress on Marstrand to name a few.
It is here that you can take part in a Lobster Safari, crab fishing excursion or sample some of the local delicacies at the superb restaurants and hotels featured in the Taste of West Sweden programme; a partnership between suppliers and restauranteurs where the emphasis is on high quality, locally produced ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, friendly and knowledgeable service and respect for the environment.
No matter what your interests, the West Coast of Sweden has something for everyone.
For further inspiration on a trip to Gothenburg, read our blog.
