15 reasons to love West Sweden

1. Discover West Sweden

There are many well known places to visit in West Sweden, and even more you’ve not heard of yet, to discover. Watch this three minute film that takes you on a journey of the best, most beautiful and coolest things to do in West Sweden.

2. Stay in a glass cabin

Book a relaxing, energy-giving stay in one of the glass houses in Dalsland and feel the stresses and strains of life fade away.

3. Island hopping in Bohuslän

Island hopping is the perfect way to discover Bohuslän’s fantastic archipelago. Spend some time exploring salt sprayed granite rocks, picturesque fishing villages and classic seafood restaurants.

4. Wind down in Dalsland 

The more time we spend in the countryside, the better we feel. This is something researchers the world over agree on. The richness and intensity of nature in Dalsland is unparalleled for anyone in search of a generous dose of revitalisation and well-being. Discover our 10 best tips on what Dalsland has to offer. 

5. Nature experiences and activities

If you're looking for exciting nature experiences, West Sweden is the right place. Kayaking, hiking, cycling – all wonderful ways of enjoying the beauty and peace and quiet of a nature-based holiday in West Sweden.

6. Discover the fishing villages and islands of Bohuslän

Käringön, Fiskebäckskil, Marstrand...here is a list of some of the must-see fishing villages and islands of Bohuslän.

7. Top visitor attractions in West Sweden.

Läckö Castle, Göta Canal, Dalsland Canal and Nordens Ark. Here is a list of West Sweden’s top visitor attractions.

8. Gothenburg – the culinary and festival capital of Sweden

Gothenburg appeals with its urban chic and port city swagger and has bags of fantastic eateries, cafés, clubs, pubs, museums, historic sights and cultural attractions and events. The attractions and amenities of the city are all close at hand and the well-run and punctual public transport system is a great way of getting around. In just one day here you could; hit the shops and a museum, go fishing, paddle a kayak and be back in time for evening eats.

Tip! Explore beyond the city. All you have to do is ride just a few stops beyond the city limits to enjoy the idyllic archipelago, an authentic west coast atmosphere, unique 18th century history, Sweden’s sailing capital, a mecca of the cofee world and a modern interpretation of a classic mill town setting.

9. Kosterhavet National Park

Sweden’s first marine national park and a great place for a family holiday with all its above and below water activities. The park encompasses some 390 square kilometres of unique island and marine environment, including the car-free Koster islands.

10. Kayaking in the world’s most beautiful archipelago

From the Gothenburg archipelago in the south to the Koster islands in the north, the Bohuslän archipelago takes in thousands of smooth granite-rock formed islands and rocky outcrops that make it a kayaker’s dream.

11. The best shellfish in the world

Lobster, langoustine, oysters, shrimp and mussels. Not only can you feast on these delicacies in the fishing villages and towns dotted along the Bohuslän coast, you can join the crew of a local fishing boat and help them catch some. After baiting, potting, catching and hauling in the deep, dark, mineral-rich waters off the coast, you can prep, cook and devour some of the catch on a deserted island in the world’s most beautiful archipelago. Read more about seafood experiences.

12. The world’s most beautiful waterway

The Dalsland Canal connects a 254 kilometre-long navigable system of lakes and waterways in wild and beautiful Dalsland. The aqueduct at Håverud – a combination of roadway bridge, railway bridge and an aqueduct - opened in 1868 and is unique in Europe.

13. Göta Canal – a part man-made wonder

What does one say about Göta Canal? We’ll give it a go…it is one of Sweden’s biggest visitor attractions and Sweden’s biggest ever construction project. Of course, like the best construction projects, its creator and builder died before it opened and it took so long to build that the railway came in and made the canal commercially unviable. What remains is 190 kilometres of gorgeous canal that takes visitors through 58 locks, gorgeous inland West Sweden countryside, hamlets, villages and the cultural and heritage landscape of the region. See it by motor boat, passenger boat, bicycle or by foot.

14. They come to dance at Hornborga lake

Cranes, that is. Thousands of these long-legged, long-necked, wading birds arrive at Hornborga lake to hit the dance floor in March/April every year. You should join the 150,000 visitors that come to see them flap, jump, pirouette and frolic from dusk to dawn. 

15. Fika – everyone in West Sweden does it

Say fika (pronounced fee’ka, a coffee or tea break with buns and biscuits) in West Sweden and someone is going to say ‘yes, please’. Visit Sweden’s fika capital, Alingsås, with its more than 30 cafés for a guided fika tour. For real. People in West Sweden take their fika very seriously indeed and at least three times a day.