Exciting must-do activities in the region

Explore exciting places in West Sweden There are three main provinces with contrasting landscapes waiting to be explored in West Sweden; Bohuslän, Dalsland and Västergötland, all right on the doorstep of our cosmopolitan city of Gothenburg. Bohuslän is a gorgeous coastal area on Sweden’s west coast which is lined by an archipelago of 8,000 islands stretching north from Gothenburg to the border with Norway. With so many islands to explore, beautiful Bohuslän is a dream for outdoor summer breaks on the water, whether sailing, sea kayaking, diving, island hopping by ferry, relaxing on the beach or finding your own place to swim. Quaint fishing villages are scattered across the area which are ideal places to stop for a look around quaint surroundings, taste fresh seafood and dip toes in the water while sitting on a jetty.
Dalsland is West Sweden’s verdant lake district and, just one hour north of Gothenburg by car, it is Europe’s most accessible area of wilderness. Full of shimmering lakes and deep forests, it’s a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, families and anyone seeking to get active and close to nature. A haven for wildlife, wolves and lynx are some of the creatures found here and there is the chance to see elk and beaver, and learn more about their worlds, through special safari experiences.
Västergötland offers a step back in time through a wealth of immaculate manor houses and historical sites with pretty countryside settings. Läckö Slott is a particularly fine example of West Sweden’s fascinating history and this well-preserved attraction, a towering fairytale-like castle reflected in the waters of Lake Vänern, holds a lively calendar of events. Other sites to put on your list include neo-classical Gunnebo House and Gardens, the abbeys of Varnham and Gudhem and Nääs Castle.
Here is our recommended bucket list for visiting the region:
1. Set off on a lobster safari

The region’s shellfish is among the tastiest in the world because the delicacies grow slowly in the cold, clean waters. Set out to sea with an expert fisherman to learn how to catch and prepare the ’black gold’ of the sea – lobsters! Finish in style by enjoying a mouth-watering lobster feast. Lobster not your thing? There are mussel, oyster, crayfish and prawn safaris available, too…
2. Complete the Dalsland Canoe Marathon

Challenge yourself by taking on the annual Dalsland Canoe Marathon, Sweden’s largest canoe event, held on 10 August 2013. Glide along the 55km route, across sparkling lakes and waterways, surrounded by forests. All ages and abilities can take part, with fellow competitors aged anywhere from 12 to 75 (there’s a shorter course available for kids). Toast your achievements at the crayfish party afterwards!
3. Investigate the Fjällbacka murders

A ‘must’ for Scandi-crime fiction fans - set off on a new Camilla Läckberg-themed guided tour of Fjällbacka fishing village (launching in April). The top-selling Swedish writer sets her detective stories here and visitors can follow in the footsteps of the crime fiction characters. The tours also offer participants the chance to walk up Vetteberget Mountain, towering over the village and providing one of the best views of the region.
4. Indulge in fika and the country’s biggest cinnamon buns

Join the Swedes in sampling their favourite pastime, fika. This coffee break is a national institution, usually accompanied by friends, a coffee and something sweet. While away hours in cosy, candle-lit cafés, with local Gothenburg favourites including Café Husaren in the trendy Haga district, which serves the country’s biggest cinnamon buns.
5. Journey along the iconic Göta Canal

Connected to the country’s largest lakes – Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern in West Sweden – and stretching all the way from Gothenburg to Stockholm, the Göta Canal is an important part of Sweden’s history. Journey along it on an historic steamship, or enjoy cycling or walking along its banks.
6. Toast a Swedish Midsummer

Take part in a very Swedish tradition by marking the arrival of summer on Midsummer Eve (21 June 2013). After the country’s dark winters, this National Day is eagerly anticipated. Maypoles are raised in villages and everyone tucks into a Midsummer feast – washed down with schnapps!  One of the best places to spend Midsummer Eve is at a delightful coastal guesthouse with acclaimed cuisine, Villa Sjötorp in Ljungskile.
7. Witness 10,000 dancing cranes

Witness the breathtaking display of 10,000 cranes dancing above Lake Hornborga (from mid-March to mid-April). The birds perform as part of their mating ritual, flying in from Spain to their traditional breeding grounds. Stay nearby in Hotel Andrum’s tree-house, Seventh Heaven, with a private balcony for star-gazing and breakfast hoisted up in a large basket every morning.
8. Taste the region on a culinary tour

Eat your way across West Sweden by touring the region’s fine local producers, Taste of West Sweden-accredited restaurants, hotels and farm shops. Dalsland provides a variety of game, berries and fresh fish; Västergötland offers fine cheeses, beer, fertile agricultural land for high-quality grain production and animals raised in the best organic traditions.  The grand finale has to be the west coast’s abundance of shellfish, amongst the best in the world.