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Slow Travel

11 reasons to visit West Sweden

West Sweden has plenty of culture and activities to offer.

Written by Bradt Travel Guides

 

West Sweden is undoubtedly a destination for your bucket list. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker or a fan of the great outdoors, you will be spoilt for choice. 

Sea kayaking

kayak Smogen West Sweden by Roger BorgelidThe Bohuslän coast is ideal kayaking terrain © Roger Borgelid, vastverige.com

Explore the Bohuslän coast from a kayak.

Fresh seafood

Seafood safari West Sweden by Frank Heuer, West Sweden Tourist BoardLearn how to catch and cook many types of shellfish on a seafood safari © Frank Heuer, vastverige.com

Treat yourself to some of the freshest oysters, mussels and lobster you’ve ever tasted.

Wild swimming

Torpa Stenhus Vastergotland West Sweden by Jonas IngmanWest Sweden abounds in wild swimming potential © Jonas Ingman, vastverige.com

Plunge into the crystal-clear water surrounded by towering pine forest.

Canal tours

Göta Canal West Sweden by Gaby Karlsson Hain West Sweden Tourist BoardA ferry cruise along the Göta Canal is a highlight of the region © Gaby Karlsson Hain, vastverige.com

Take a slow boat ride on either the Dalsland or the Göta Canal.

Island hopping

Marstrand West Sweden by West Sweden Tourist BoardMarstrand is a delightful car-free island © Jonas Ingman, vastverige.com

Take a ferry out to the islands off Sweden’s west coast. 

Coffee and cake

Fika Cafe Husaren Gothenburg West Sweden Ulf Svane, vastverige.comFika is a Swedish institution © Ulf Svane, vastverige.com

The Swedes call it fika and you can’t get more Swedish than a good cup of coffee with a cinnamon bun or a piece of cake. 

Hiking

Hike Dalsland West Sweden by Roger BorgelidThe pine forests of Dalsland are some of the region’s prettiest landscapes © Roger Borgelid, vastverige.com

Commune with nature: ramble alongside the Göta Canal, explore car-free islands, and trek the wild forests of Dalsland.

Liseberg

Liseberg West Sweden by Stefan KarlbergLiseberg is a great day out for the family © Stefan Karlberg, Liseberg

Ride the rollercoasters at Gothenburg’s fabulous amusement park.

Prehistoric art

Rock carvings Vitlycke Museum, West Sweden There are around 100 large carvings at Vitlycke © Vitlycke Museum

Marvel at 3,000-year-old Bronze Age rock carvings at Vitlycke. 

Farm shops

Homemade produce West Sweden by Asa DahlgrenA tempting selection of cheeses is available at Sivans Ost © Asa Dahlgren, vastverige.com

Sample and buy tasty, homemade produce from the region’s farmers.

Road trips

Dalsland, West Sweden by Roger Borgelid, vastverige.comThe Brudfjällsvägen takes you deep into the forests of Dalsland © Roger Borgelid, vastverige.com

Fall in love with the switchback road between Håverud and Dals-Långed. 


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West Sweden the Bradt Guide by James Proctor

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