SUGGESTED ITINERARY
WHAT, WHERE & WHEN
Day 1:
On arrival at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, make your way to the city centre. You can travel by public transport, taking the Flygbussarna coach with regular departures to the city centre station. The journey time is 30 minutes and tickets can be bought online or at ticket machines at the airport.
Depending on your hotel location, there are taxis available at the station or many are within walking distance. Check-in and get acquainted with the accommodation before heading out and spending time in this vibrant city.
Day 2:
Today is at leisure for you to explore Gothenburg. There are many attractions to enjoy, perhaps visit Liseberg amusement park, one of Sweden’s most visited tourist attractions; take a ‘Swedish Fika’ break in Haga, a charming neighbourhood with cobbled streets, cosy cafes and enticing shops; take in some culture at the Museum of Art; enjoy the views from Skansen Kronen - a fortress dating back to the 1690’s; visit Universum Science Centre which houses an entire rainforest, an aquarium hall and exciting exhibitions, or spend time in the beautiful 19th century park Tradgardsforeningen and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden and of course, enjoy one of the many restaurants, bars and eateries where you’ll find delicious seafood and the famous cinnamon bun.
Day 3:
Collect the rental car and begin the road trip heading out of the city. An hour’s drive from Gothenburg lies Marstrand, an idyllic island with the impressive Carlsten Fortress taking centre stage. Take a stroll around the pretty quay area or stretch your legs with various walking routes around the island, and when you reach the top of the Fortress you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline and its many islands.
Another option is to visit the island of Tjorn, one of Sweden’s largest islands and ideal for hiking, cycling and kayaking enthusiasts. Make a stop at Skulptur I Pilane, a unique outdoor sculpture park or visit the Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skarhamn.
Continue the drive along the stunning coastline, making your way to Ladfabriken, a boutique accommodation located on the island Orust and just a few metres from the sea. With just four rooms, you will be well looked after by the owners, who have lovingly created a wonderful and unique place to stay. Evening meals at Ladfabriken are focussed on the fresh seafood. They can be pre-booked and vary in price depending on the choice. Please ask for further details.
Day 4:
Ladfabriken will be your base for two nights, with time to relax, eat well, hike in the area and if you wish, use the kayaks which are available for guests to use in the beautiful crystal clear waters. It is also possible to arrange different fishing trips depending on the season. Eat at the hotel or perhaps venture out by car and find a local restaurant.
Day 5:
After breakfast continue the trip heading along the coast, visiting the small fishing villages along the way. Don’t forget to stop for Fika. A nice place to stop for lunch is Musselbaren in Ljungskile, where you can taste the ‘blue gold’ mussels, harvested fresh from the sea.
Another option is to stop at the popular village Fjallbacka, 90 minutes drive from Ladfabriken, and once home to Ingrid Bergman. It is also the setting for several novels by author Camilla Lackberg. If you have time, hike to Vetteberget, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the village and the archipelago beyond.
Continue the short journey towards Grebbestad. On the way, head to Tanum, known for its many rock carvings and ancient monuments with Vitlycke museum, an information centre in the middle of Tanum World Heritage area and definitely worth a visit. In the area around Grebbestad are also several ancient monuments and a range of activities and sights, with remains from the Iron Age such as the Labyrinth Ulmekarr.
Your base for the next three nights,while you explore northern Bohuslan is at Everts Sjobod, just outside the town and with direct views towards the sea. There are two buildings, each with three room options. Breakfast is included here, and with so many wonderful restaurants in the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Day 6:
With such a rich coastline, it’s no surprise to learn that Kosterhavet National Park was Sweden’s first marine national park. Lying off the coast, the Koster Islands are a short boat trip away from Stromstad and offer experiences for all the family, such as fishing for crabs, cycling around the islands, join a seal safari or visit popular attractions including the Tjarno Aquarium, where you can learn more about life beneath the surface. It is also possible to enjoy the views from one of the hiking trails or rent a kayak.
If you have time, and just 40 minutes drive away is Nordens Ark, a wildlife park for endangered species. The park has about 60 different species and breeds from all over the world and embarks on several conservation projects.
Day 7:
Everts Sjobod can also arrange different fishing trips depending on the season. Try Crab and Mackerel fishing (May to September), Oyster tasting (September to June), and Lobster fishing (October & November). These can all be pre-booked.
If you prefer to take to the water but without the fishing, a great way to view the coastline is on a guided kayaking trip, paddling between islands and stopping off for fika. It is possible for a full-day or half-day trip.
Grebbestad is renowned for its shellfish and there are several restaurants to choose from, offering the famous blue oysters and other delights from the ocean’s pantry.
Day 8:
Make your way back to Gothenburg Airport (2 hours drive) and return the rental car before taking the flight home. Alternatively, extend your week holiday and spend time in Dalsland for a spot of hiking. Please speak to one of our Sales team for your personal quote.
Special Overnight Option
West Sweden has some wonderful overnight options and none more so than our two choices of staying on an island. Situated 45 minutes away by boat transfer from Hamburgsund you can find Vaderoarna Vardhus, a delightful inn on the breathtaking and beautiful Weather Islands. This is a real hidden gem in the middle of the sea and a lovely place to relax. The overnight stay includes a boat transfer, lunch, sauna and jacuzzi session, dinner, overnight stay and breakfast. Please note, the jacuzzi may not be available during certain times. Other packages are available which can include a fishing experience for crayfish, crab or lobster.
Alternatively, spend the night in the luxurious Pater Noster, a former Lighthouse Master’s home which has been carefully renovated into an award-winning hotel. With 9 well-designed rooms with beautiful views, the overnight stay includes return transfers from Marstrand by RIB, full board, champagne on arrival, guided tour of the island, access to the sauna and jacuzzi and picnic basket. For this and other options please ask for details.
