Spring and summertime in Gothenburg and West Sweden have a lot to offer. Here is just a flavour of some of the coastal, cultural and culinary highlights:
The Koster IslandsVisit a grey seal colony by sea kayak, cycle around the Sydkoster Island and hike on North Koster. Only a 2.5 hour scenic train ride north of Gothenburg, you can take a ferry from the coastal town of Stromstad to the Koster Islands. The Koster Islands are part of Sweden's western archipelago and an ideal base for a mix of nature, culture and culinary highlights. There are two islands, North and South Koster, with a surrounding archipelago of smaller, uninhabited islands, rocks and skerries. Stay at the Sydkoster Ekenas hotel, member of the discerning Taste of West Sweden scheme.More information and booking The Nordic Watercolour Museum in SkarhamnTucked into a rocky promontory, the angular red edifice sits at the island’s edge, as undisturbed as its gentle waters. The museum serves as a Nordic centre for contemporary art, research and training with the emphasis firmly placed on techniques of watercolour art. The museum is as exciting gastronomically as it is visually. Vatten restaurant (a member of the Taste of West Sweden scheme) offers fantastic food, breathtaking views, and the choice of cosy indoor or open-air jetty dining. This exhibition allows a combination of cultural and culinary excellence in one short visit. The Museum is located in the fishing village of Skarhamn, on Tjorn island, easy to get to both by bus from Gothenburg Central Station or by car . More information
Vitlycke Museum and Rock CarvingsAbout two hours drive up the west coast north of Gothenburg you will find the amazing Bronze-Age rock carvings of Tanum which feature on Unesco´s list of World Heritages Sites. These magnificent pictures, some carved 3,000 years ago, bear a unique testimony to the Bronze Age world. Not only do they make vivid this lost and distant time to us, but these powerful images also have the ability to speak directly to the modern onlooker. Nearby Tanums Gestgifveri offer both accommodation and a culinary highlight or choose to stay in one of the nearby fishing villages Grebbestad or Fjallbacka. More information Find your sparkle at Strömstad Spa Take a romantic break to one of Scandinavia's most stylish spa hotels – Strömstad Spa & Resort in Stromstad. The Spa is located right by the sea in the coastal town of Strömstad, close to the Norwegian border, and less than two hours from Gothenburg. It’s perfectly placed for discovering the archipelago of islands strung along the shores of West Sweden. This stylish and luxurious 232-room complex features the Flow Saltwater Spa, which includes a 2,000 square metre spa and Sweden’s most comprehensive spa programme, with treatments from all over the world. It also has a tennis court, golf simulator, a jetty and a 18-hole golf course. More information and booking
Gunnebo House and GardensEighteenth century Gunnebo House & Gardens is considered as one of the foremost neo-classical country estates in Northern Europe and is part of the international Gardens of Gothenburg exhibition between 28 June and 28 September. The house boasts three styles of gardens: kitchen garden, formal garden and landscaped parkland. Three kitchen gardens will be created at Gunnebo answering the brief to create a kitchen garden of the future. Besides the beautiful house and gardens, Gunnebo also has a restaurant and a coffee house that relies on home grown organic produce from the kitchen garden for all of the food served. Gunnebo is part of the Taste of West Sweden scheme and a perfect excursion from Gothenburg, just 15 minutes away from the city. There will be a daily bus tour that includes lunch and a guided tour from central Gothenburg from xx. For information and booking Dancing Cranes at Lake HornborgaThe dancing and trumpeting of 10,000 magnificent cranes at Lake Hornborga in March signals the start of spring in West Sweden – and each year 15,000 visitors flock to see the majestic sight. The crane normally stays during March and April at Lake Hornborga before heading north. Combine your visit to the magnificent cranes with staying at Bjertorp Castle that offers the guest an unforgettable 8 course dinner with tastes from the region including shellfish from the west coast, locally picked Chanterelles, herbs from the castle’s herb garden, fish from Sweden’s largest lake, Lake Vänern, dry-aged fillet of beef tournedos and local cheese. Bjertorp Castle has 35 newly renovated rooms themed by the seasons. The Castle is located x minutes from Lake Hornborga (www.hornborga.com) and approximately xx minutes from Gothenburg, near Kvanum. For information and booking Oyster Bar, Karingon IslandSample some of the finest oysters in the world at the Oyster Bar on Karingon Island – with a setting to match the quality of the food. Two hours north of Gothenburg, Karingon is reached from Hallevikstrand on Orust Island and offers visitors the chance to sip champagne as they glug oysters in a hot tub with seaviews all around – what could be better? Overnight stays are a great way to relax on the island and the House on the Hill, for example, is located close to Karingon harbour, has wonderful views from all rooms and sleeps eight. For more information
The Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skarhamn Vitlycke Museum and Rock Carvings Find your sparkle at Strömstad Spa Dancing Cranes at Lake Hornborga Karingon Island
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
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
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
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 540 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
Björholmens 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 1195 SEK BOOK NOW
Göta Kanal | Norrqvarn Hotell The area around the Norrkvarn locks near Lyrestad has been transformed into a world of adventure for the whole family. Price from 190 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.