See all uppcoming events which take place in West Sweden 2008. For more information: www.westsweden.com, www.goteborg.com
22 January - “Long live the planet"Al Gore receives the Göteborg Award For Sustainable Development 2007 and talks about his dedicated work for the environment at a gala night at Scandinavium arena. www.goteborg.com 19 Jan - Celebration of the Nordic fortresses starts – ‘Fästningarnas Fest’ During 2008, Sweden, Norway and Denmark will celebrate their fortresses, mutual heritage and history. The fortresses represented in Sweden are Bohus in Kungälv and the Carlsten fortress on Marstrand island; celebrating their 700th and 350th birthdays respectively during 2008. There will be a long list of events taking place during the year, including concerts and theatrical performances, and it all starts on 19 January with a torchlight procession, choirs and fireworks on Marstrand island. 25 Jan- 4 Feb - Göteborg International Film FestivalScandinavia’s largest public film festival with about 450 films will attract 115,000 visitors. The festival will honour the legendary director Ingmar Bergman with a grand Bergman retrospective. www.goteborg.filmfestival.org 14 Feb - Valentine’s DayGet away from the crowds on Valentine’s Day and check into a fairytale castle: Thorskogs Slott, located north of Göteborg at Västerlanda, is a real sleeping beauty. Or cosy-up on the coast at a traditional or contemporary hotel with magnificent views, or try oysters and champagne in a hot tub at the Oyster Bar on Karingon Island.www.westsweden.com 22-24 Feb - A Passion for Food exhibition in Göteborg A date for the diary of any foodie is the Passion for Food exhibition held in the gastronomic city of Göteborg. The exhibition held at Eriksbergshallen enables visitors to Taste the West of Sweden by showcasing the region's best food producers and restaurants. Buy top-quality produce, try taster platters and get tips from Göteborg's star chefs. www.westsweden.com March - Cranes Dance at Lake HornborgaWitness an amazing spectacle: the arrival of over 10,000 cranes flying in from Spain to their traditional breeding grounds. Once arrived the cranes perform the famous Crane Dance – a mix of bowing, hopping and wing-flapping that is part of the mating ritual - as well as the unforgettable "big lift" at dusk when the birds take off. This is best witnessed from the bird tower at the Nature Reserve Centre. www.hornborga.com 13-16 - March TUR 2007, Göteborg This is Scandinavia's leading trade show in the travel and tourism industry and it’s open to the general public from 15-16 March. The show is held at Svenska Mässan in Göteborg. www.swefair.se 18-23 March - ISU World Figure Skating Championships Göteborg will host one of the world's biggest sporting events when the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2008 takes place in the Scandinaviaum arena. Scandinavium is the second largest indoor arena in Sweden. www.goteborg.com/worlds2008 14 – 20 April - International Science Festival GöteborgExperiments, shows and seminars. Theme: Game, Gamble & Playwww.vetenskapsfestival.com 23-27 April - Göteborg Horse Show An annual international event with the FEI World Cup in dressage, show jumping and driving. At the same time, the Euro Horse exhibition takes place at Svenska Mässan, Göteborg. www.goteborghorseshow.com 19 April - Oyster FestivalWest Sweden produces some of the world’s finest oysters and an Oyster Festival, held on 19 April, is dedicated to celebrating this delicacy in Grebbestad, two hours north of Göteborg. Oyster-openers battle it out in the Nordic Championships and the whole family can get acquainted with this sought-after shellfish through opening, picking and boat trip activities. www.westsweden.com 26 April-12 Oct - Liseberg Amusement Park Summer SeasonIt’s the greatest amusement park in Scandinavia and Sweden’s number one tourist attraction with around three million visitors per year. www.liseberg.se April 30 - Walpurgis EveWalpurgis Night, when spring is welcomed with bonfires, choral singing and fireworks. The festivities go on in many locations. 17 May - Göteborgsvarvet (Göteborg half-marathon) With its 40 000 participants it is one of the world’s biggest events for runners. Take part and soak up the atmosphere all along the way, on the main boulevard Avenyn and hear the hearty encouragement of spectators and around thirty musical bands. Göteborgsvarvet is not just a sports event but a celebration for the whole family. Kids have their own running event on the following day. www.goteborgsvarvet.com 29 May – HBT-GBG FestivalJune A festival that gives everyone interested the possibility to get a broad aspect of culture created by and for lesbians, transsexuals, gay and bisexuals. This is the second year the festival is running. 6 June - Sweden’s’ National Day 6 June - Summer concert with Sweden’s National Symphony OrchestraTraditional open-air concert with the Göteborg Symphony Orchestra. And 6 June is the National Day of Sweden. Slottsskogen City Park. www.gso.se 20 June - Midsummer’s EveMidsummer is one of the most popular holidays in Sweden – it’s a celebration of summer and of the long light nights. Most Swedes take to the countryside for public and private parties, which comprise dressing the Midsummer Pole with fresh leaves and flowers for children and grown-ups alike to dance around. Midsummer is celebrated all over Sweden the weekend nearest Midsummer’s Day itself, 24 June. Below are examples of public midsummer celebrations in West Sweden on 21 June, and more to be find on www.westsweden.com Läckö CastleTraditional Midsummer celebrations take place at Läckö Castle on the shore of Lake Vänern, about two hours north-east of Göteborg. Läckö Castle is a 17th century fairytale castle complete with turrets and spires and an enchanting setting on Lake Vänern. There are magnificent public rooms and furniture, popular summer exhibitions and a famous castle garden. Opera and concerts are also held here. www.lackoslott.se Nääs CastleTraditional Midsummer Celebrations at Nääs Castle, 30 minutes outside Göteborg (Lerum). Nääs Slott is a well-preserved, 19th century manor house in Rococo style and has a world famous crafts centre offering courses and exhibitions. www.naas.se 28 June- 28 Sept - Gardens of GöteborgThis international garden exhibition will take place at four beautiful venues in and around the city: Trädgårdsföreningen Horticultural Society Gardens, Göteborg Botanical garden, Gunnebo House and Gardens and Liseberg amusement park. Leading Swedish as well as international landscape architects and garden designers will participate. www.goteborgslustgardar.se 27-28 June - Metaltown / Pier PressureInternational music festival with around 30 bands playing during two days including Monster Magnet, Killswitch Engage, Bullet For My Valentine, Amon Amarth, Witchcraft and Nifelheim. At Frihamnspiren, Gothenburgwww.goteborg.com 30 June- 6 July - GKSS - Match Cup SwedenThe Swedish Match Cup resurrects under a new name – GKSS Match Cup Sweden. Some 100,000 visitors throng the cliffs and quaysides of Marstrand to follow the gripping match races which attract sailing competitors from the Olympics, World and European Championships and America’s Cup. www.gkss.se 1- 6 July - Partille Cup, GöteborgSome 14,500 youngsters get together for the annual handball tournament in Göteborg. www.savehof.se 4-5 July - Bruce Springsteen concerts in GöteborgBruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will be back at Ullevi Stadium in Göteborg. www.goteborg.com 4 – 6 July - World youth athletic gamesUllevi stadium 5 – 13 July - Hova Jousting WeekEach year, a medieval week is held in Hova, about two hours from Göteborg, to celebrate a famous battle. A jousting festival with all manner of activities for the whole family is part of nine days of events attracting over 100,000 visitors. See the biggest medieval parade in the Norse countries as villages turn out in costume. There is also a medieval playground called ‘Barnens Riddarland’ for the little knights and princesses. www.riddarveckan.com 10-13 July - BluesFest in ÅmålThe Åmål BluesFest has become an international festival in its genre and one of the most prestigious in Sweden. www.bluesfest.net 13 -19 July - Gothia Cup The largest and most international youth football event in the world, with competitors from 50-60 countries in over 1,350 teams. www.gothiacup.se 12-13 July - Evert Taube Festival, ÄngönVisitors enjoy their favourite Evert Taube songs in the Bohuslän archipelago. The performing artists are some of Sweden´s finest such as Sven-Bertil Taube and Peter Harryson. It was on the island of Ängön that famous Swedish singer/songwriter, Evert Taube, wrote some of his finest songs during the 1940’s. www.taubespelen.com 18-20 July - Falls Days in TrollhättanWater is allowed into the Trollhättan Falls and there are activities and entertainment for the whole family. www.vastsverige.com/trollhattan 9 August - Dalsland Canoe MarathonThe Dalsland Canoe Marathon takes place over 55 km through the connected system of waterways which make up the Dalsland Canal. www.kanotmaraton.se 7-9 Aug - Way out West, GöteborgThe music festival that started in Göteborg in 2007 was a success with a great line up of international names. The festival will be back in 2008 at Slottskogen City Park, central Göteborg. (www.wayoutwest.se). 8 – 10 Aug - Göteborg Jazz Festival Annual international jazz festival with some 30 participating bands, starting with a parade along the main boulevard Avenyn. www.gothenburgjazzfestival.com 12- 17 Aug Göteborg Culture FestivalThe city is buzzing as the festival takes over the central city for six days. At the festival venues with outdoor stages, there will be several hundreds of music concerts, entertainment and culture activities, all with free admission. The children will have their own festival at Trädgårdsföreningen Horticultural Society Gardens. www.goteborg.com 15 - 24 Aug - Göteborg Dance & Theatre FestivalThis is Sweden's leading event focusing on contemporary performing arts from all over the world. International companies are invited to present a selection of the best and most interesting performances within the fields of contemporary dance, theatre new circus and performing art. www.festival.goteborg.se 16 Aug - Tjörn Runt sailing raceAlmost 1,000 boats take part in this 27.5 mile sailing race round the island of Tjörn. www.tjornrunt.nu 18-21 Aug - Göteborg Masters – Ladies European TourLycke Golf course, near the scenic island of Marstrand and about one hour from Göteborg, will host the Göteborg Masters at the Ladies European Tours. The golf course is designed by Johan Henrikson and the golf pro Helen Alfredsson. 22-24 Aug - Open House at the Orust ship yards - A floating boat exhibition.The ship yards of Ellös, Henån and Kungsviken on Vindön open to visitors during three days. Oppna Varv is one of Sweden’s most popular boat exhibitions when more than 180 boats, from 7.5 metres to 20 metres, and many companies from the boat industry show their latest products in four different ship yards on the Orust island. 22 Sept - Opening of the lobster seasonThe first day of the lobster season is the first Monday after 20 September, this year 22 September. Lobsters safaris, followed by lobster suppers, are arranged at a number of places in along the coast. www.westsweden.com 25-28 Sept - Göteborg Book FairInternational book and culture fair at Svenska Mässan Exhibition and Congress Centre. Oct - Lights in AlingsåsSix international designers come together in Alingsås and in workshops with around 70 people from around the world they create “Lights in Alingsås”. www.alingsas.se 13 Dec - Lucia Day – Queen of LightsDecember 13 is Lucia Day, and the longest night of the year. Lucia is a symbol of light in the dark Swedish winters. Each year, a Lucia (Queen of Light) is chosen from every establishment countrywide, from schools to clubs. The elected girl is dressed in a white gown with a crown of candles in her hair, and she delivers coffee, cat-shaped buns (’lussekatter’) and glögg. There are several Lucia concerts in churches and concerts hall all over Sweden on 13 December. 16 Nov-23 Dec - A Göteborg Christmas with Swedish Style Spectacular light arrangements generate an atmospheric Christmas Lane from Liseberg park, via Götaplatsen square all along the main boulevard Avenyn to the harbour, covering more than three kilometres with innovative and stylish light attractions in a Christmas theme. The large Christmas market at Liseberg features some 80 rustic market stalls and shops selling arts and crafts and festive foods. The park is illuminated by almost five million lights on trees and buildings. Several children’s attractions are open and Santa is there. There are more Christmas markets in the downtown area and further outside the city in pleasant surroundings. Most restaurants serve a Christmas buffet “julbord” with a maritime flair.www.goteborg.com
Pre view 2009…September 2009The Kosterhavet Marine National Park will be inaugurated in September 2009.On the west coast of Sweden, on the border to Norway, Sweden’s first marine national park is underway. The marine environment here is influenced by the Atlantic and it includes habitats and species found nowhere else in Swedish waters. This area, Kosterhavet, is also a valuable recreational resource - it is one of Sweden’s most visited tourist destinations - and is an important inshore fishery, mostly for prawns and Norwegian lobsters. Protecting and maintaining the natural and economic wealth of Kosterhavet is one of the great challenges in planning this new national park. The Kosterhavet Marine National Park will be inaugurated in September 2009.
Cranes Dance at Lake Hornborga Liseberg Amusement Park Tjörn Runt sailing race Midsummer in June is one of the most popular holidays in Sweden The 34-mile Dalsland Canoeing Marathon takes place on 11 August.
Weekend | at Thorskogs Grand Manor House The best castle in the West of Sweden offers You attractive accommodation, tranquillity, food experiences that are out of the ordinary and just the amount of activity You want. Price from 1795 SEK BOOK NOW
Handelsman Flink * * * * | Flatö Island In historic surroundings, on Flatön in the Bohuslän archipelago, is Handelsman Flink. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view of Malö Strömmar. Price from 890 SEK BOOK NOW
Sydkoster Hotell Ekenäs | Koster The location is gorgeous, in a large, lush park with oak trees., right next to the ocean. The hotel includes a restaurant and coctailbar. Large terrace with outdoor dining and grill. Price from 750 SEK BOOK NOW
Miniweekend | Thorskogs Grand Manor House This is the ideal venue for something out of the ordinary. Here you will find peace, supreme comfort and personal attention all in rich, historical surroundings. Price from 1195 SEK BOOK NOW
Quality Spa & Resort | Strömstad A brand new lifestylehotell with a SPA . The hotel was opend in March 2007 and it stands to reason that you'll have to visit this oxtrardinary hotel when you come to Strömstad. Price from 990 SEK BOOK NOW
Albert Hotel * * * | Trollhättan First-rate hotel & restaurant with a breathtaking view over Trollhättan and Göta Älv. Price from 525 SEK BOOK NOW
Villa Sjötorp **** | Ljungskile An absolutely beautiful hotel decorated and furnished with traditional Swedish charm. This delightful retreat, intimate with just 14 rooms, is made for romantic breaks. Price from 1495 SEK BOOK NOW
Experience | Bjertorp Castle The castle lets you experience an interior and atmosphere of a bygone era. Enjoy a meal from the prize-winning kitchen on starched linen tablecloths and by candle light. Price from 1290 SEK BOOK NOW
Håveruds | Kök Hotell & Konferens On a waterfront property on the Dalsland Canal, and with views of the aqueduct at Håverud. A wide range of natural and/or cultural attractions can be enjoyed Price from 986 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas Buffet | in the winter archipelago In the summer Salt & Sill is sun, boat, sea and pier. But in November the creative process starts again as preparations for the Christmas Buffet get underway Price from 1245 SEK BOOK NOW
A cruise | through the archipelago of Gothenburg A cruise through the archipelago of Gothenburg. Aboard m/s Lasse Dahlquist you can enjoy a Christmas Buffet inspired by the sea while sailing past the glorious islands in the Gothenburg archipelago Price from 525 SEK BOOK NOW
Knistad Country Club | Skövde Knistad Hotel and Conference Centre is a first class establishment, situated in an area of natural beauty between Vänern and Vättern, about 10 kilometres outside Skövde. Price from 1300 SEK BOOK NOW
The Karoliner Ride | 6 days The ride offers a wonderful mix of wilderness and wildlife encounters, relaxation together with horses and new friends. If you are interested in history you will certainly enjoy this ride in the historic area. Price from 9800 SEK BOOK NOW
First Hotel Billingehus | Skövde From its hillside vantage point, First Hotel Billingehus offers sweeping views across the plains of Västergötland. Price from 799 SEK BOOK NOW
The Karoliner | Ride 3 days This ride is an escapade in western saddles where you will meet new friends that share your interest for horses, nature and adventure. Price from 5000 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas at | Thorskogs Grand Manor House Awaken your senses and enjoy the unique atmosphere at Thorskogs Grand Manor House, situated only half an hour by car from Göteborg city, far away from the city noise and bustle. Price from 1521 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas Experience | at Bjertorp Castle Bjertorp Castle is built in Jugend style with 35 rooms inspired by the four seasons. The castle is situated in Kvänum about 2 hours east of Gothenburg Price from 1350 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas Package | Koster Island Every weekend from the 21rd November – 20th December you can give yourself the best Christmas present Price from 1210 SEK BOOK NOW
Golf at the Castle | Bjertorp This package combines playing golf with the wonderful experience of the castle. The castle is located at the gates of Vara Bjertorp Golf Club Price from 1550 SEK BOOK NOW
The GöteborgPackage | Your hotel package All inclusive family package – hotel stay, admission to museums and other sights, sightseeing, free parking, tram and bus rides. Shopping and food discounts. Simple and convenient booking. Price from 530 SEK BOOK NOW
The Göteborg Pass | Göteborg The Göteborg Pass gives you free admission to museums, Liseberg and other tourist attractions, free parking, free travel on public transport and much more. Price from 225 SEK BOOK NOW
Lobster Package | Handelsman Flink - Flatö Islad A package with a lobster-inspired menu and fine wines. Price from 2700 SEK BOOK NOW
Björholmen Marina | Tjörn Island Four-star accommodation in an unbeatable island setting on Tjörn, for people who want the ocean right beneath their balcony and a magnificent sea view to enjoy. Price from 1390 SEK BOOK NOW
Gourmet package | Handelsman Flink, Flatö Island Wine tasting combined with good food. We serve a five-course dinner Price from 1890 SEK BOOK NOW
Gullmarsstrand Hotel | Fiskebäckskil Gullmarsstrand Hotel & Conference is situated in Fiskebäckskil by the Gullmar Fjord, and has been awarded five stars by the association Svenska Möten. Price from 1390 SEK BOOK NOW
Weekend Package | at Salt & Sill Klädesholmen At Salt & Sill, Sweden’s first floating hotel, we offer a peaceful environment with guaranteed sea views over Bohuslän’s outer archipelago. Price from 995 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas Buffet | at Mollösund’s Wärdshus This year, Mollösund’s Wärdshus on Orust serves up a glorious Christmas Buffet with all the traditional Swedish seasonal dishes. Enjoy the view from our heated conservatory. Price from 1195 SEK BOOK NOW
Lobster Supper | Salt & Sill Enjoy a 6-course lobster supper and stay at our floating hotel in the archipelago. Price from 1495 SEK BOOK NOW
Moholms Herrgård | Törboda When you stay at Moholms Herrgård, you can combine a historical journey of discovery with exceptional sightseeing, intimate accommodations and wonderful dinners. Price from 1350 SEK BOOK NOW
Salt & Sill’s Little Extra | Klädesholmen At Salt & Sill, Sweden’s first floating hotel, we offer a peaceful environment with guaranteed sea views over Bohuslän’s outer archipelago. Price from 1695 SEK BOOK NOW
Christmas supper & Package | Handelsman Flink 2008 is the 16th year that we serve Christmas table. Now we have desided to do something new and exciting; Price from 1400 SEK BOOK NOW
Salt & Sill Hotel | Klädesholmen At Salt & Sill, Sweden’s first floating hotel, we offer a peaceful environment with guaranteed sea views over Bohuslän’s outer archipelago. Price from 840 SEK BOOK NOW
Lobstersafari | Handelsman Flink Join us when we fish the black gold of the sea this autumn! An unforgettable experience encompassing both luxury and the wonders of nature. Price from 3500 SEK BOOK NOW
West Sweden Tourist Board | Kungsportsavenyn 31-35 | 411 36 Göteborg, SwedenPhone +46 (0)31-81 83 00 | Fax +46 (0)31-81 83 01 | E-mail: info@vastsverige.comThe West Sweden Tourist Board is the legally responsible publisher of this website. WSTB market tourism products andservices in the West Sweden County. Reservations and purchases are made directly from the supplier, whose name andcontact details are stated on the confirmation. Any complaints are to be directed to the respective supplier(s).For more information, contact the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency.