Gothenburg and West Sweden – Spring 2015

The latest selection of inspirational new holiday ideas, travel news and events in Gothenburg and West Sweden – including a city & countryside weekend escape, new biking and hiking packages, exciting new spring Shellfish Journeys and an overview of exciting news and events for the rest of 2015.

Spring holiday ideas:

City & Countryside weekend escape

Only time for a weekend to explore West Sweden this spring? Here’s the perfect combo, including both city and countryside. The trip commences in Fjällbacka – known for its quaint boathouses and stunning coastal villas – where you’ll stay at the charming Stora Hotellet Bryggan. The next day, you’ll experience a three-hour crayfish safari out at sea to blow away the cobwebs and then head to the bustling city of Gothenburg. Staying at the stylish Gothia Towers, enjoy half a day in this walking city, visiting the sights and enjoying the cultural, café and restaurant vibe. The weekend trip costs from £252 pp (3,200 SEK), two sharing, including two nights’ B&B, a crayfish safari, a light lunch and two dinners. Flights extra. Call Stora Hotellet Bryggan on +46 525 31003 (www.storahotelletbryggan.se).

Witness 10,000 dancing cranes

Witness the breathtaking display of 10,000 cranes dancing around Lake Hornborga (until mid-April). The birds dance as part of their mating ritual, flying in from Spain to their traditional breeding grounds. Stay nearby in Hotel Andrum’s tree-houses, Seventh Heaven and Andrum, with private balconies for star-gazing and breakfast with sparkling wine hoisted up in a large basket every morning. A one-night stay costs from £59 pp (750 SEK), two sharing. Call +46 10 2245010 (www.hornborga.com)

…and why not combine this with a tasting of delicious local cheeses?

Falbygdens Osteria combines a tour of Lake Hornborga’s dancing cranes with a tour of the renowned cheese region of Falbygden in Västergötland. For more than five generations, Falbygdens Osteria has been passionate about good quality cheese. After both tours, the restaurant will serve a delicious cheese buffet, and a ‘Cheese Host’ will also be at hand to teach guests all there is to know about the local cheeses, as well as cheeses from other parts of the world. The package costs from £31 pp (395 SEK) and includes guided tours, all transport, tasting sessions and the cheese buffet. Available for stays between now and 19 April. Call +46 515 717230 (www.falbygdensosteria.se).

A short break in Gothenburg and her archipelago – from £758 pp with Sunvil Discovery

There are few cities in the world enjoying a natural island playground on their doorstep. Gothenburg is one of the lucky ones, boasting an archipelago of some 8,000 islands, the closest within just 20 minutes of the city centre. This five-night itinerary offers time to experience the cultural attractions and shopping opportunities of Gothenburg, staying at the stylish Hotel Vanilla in the heart of the city. Then set off by tram to the charming Styrsö Skäret Guest House on the scenic island of Styrsö, to experience the region’s woodland, rocky granite coastline, pretty fishing villages and sailing harbours. Five nights’ B&B cost from £804 pp (10,223 SEK), two sharing, including flights (Heathrow), private transfers and a 48-hour Gothenburg Pass. Call Sunvil Discovery on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk/discovery).

Culinary News:

Six Michelin star restaurants now in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is now home to six Michelin star restaurants, with the latest additions being KOKA and SK Mat & Människor:

In February 2014, Björn Persson closed the former restaurant Kock & Vin, and replaced it with KOKA, which is less formal, but still offers guests an impressive gourmet experience. In November 2014, KOKA was awarded the accolade of ‘Restaurant of the Year’.

SK Mat & Människor was opened in April 2014. In November 2014, the architectural award Guldstolen was presented to the restaurant for its interior design.

Nordic Championships in Oyster Opening, 1 – 2 May

Spring in West Sweden marks the arrival of the oyster season, when the delicacies are at their most divine, thanks to the cold, fresh coastal waters. It’s also time for the Nordic Championships in Oyster Opening (1 – 2 May), held in Grebbestad, where 90% of Sweden’s oysters grow (90 minutes’ drive north of Gothenburg). Watch contestants race to shuck 30 oysters at impressive speeds and present them in the most attractive way.

World of Coffee Exhibition – Gothenburg
From 16 – 18 June, Gothenburg will host the World of Coffee exhibition where baristas, coffee roasters, coffee producers and companies from around the world will come to Gothenburg to showcase the latest trends, innovations and products in the coffee business. It will include five competitions, one of which is the World Coffee Roasting Championship.

Spring Shellfish Journeys for 2015:

Mussels

Mussels in West Sweden literally burst with flavour in the spring thanks to the cooler coastal waters, which allow them to grow slowly. Set off on a mussel expedition in Ljungskile (an hour’s drive north of Gothenburg) and visit the local mussel bank with knowledgeable local skippers to see how the delicacies are harvested. Tuck into a delicious pot of fresh mussels, cooked over an open fire in salty seawater and white wine. The trip costs from £214 pp (2,720 SEK), two sharing, including a mussel expedition, lunch, B&B at the Taste of West Sweden-accredited guesthouse Villa Sjötorp and a spectacular shellfish dinner. Call Villa Sjötorp hotel and restaurant on +46 522 20174 (www.villasjotorp.se).

Oysters

Perfect your oyster-opening skills in the fishing village of Grebbestad, the home of Sweden’s oysters and host to the Nordic Championships in Oyster Opening (1-2 May 2015). Everts Sjöbod offers oyster safaris at a wonderfully-restored 19^th century boathouse, which features a natural oyster bed beneath. Learn how to gather and shuck the oysters and then taste the delicacies with Grebbestad’s own beer, Carnegie Porter. A two-hour oyster safari costs £75 (954 SEK)  pp. Everts Sjöbod has also expanded its on-site accommodation, opening three new incredibly quaint boathouses in March this year. Each boathouse features two double rooms with kitchen and bathroom facilities, and treats guests to soothing ocean views. The B&B at the new boathouses costs from £63 (790 SEK) pp (two sharing) including breakfast. Call Everts Sjöbod on +46 525 14242, www.evertssjobod.se.

Outdoor Spring packages for 2015:

NEW: Hiking trail through Nordens Ark

The Ecopark trail runs through Nordens Ark zoo, Bohuslän, where conservationists are working on one of the largest projects in the area: restoring the landscape to the way it looked during the 1700s and 1800s. Get a true flavour of the region’s diverse nature, from exposed rocky outcrops and rich, flowering meadows to lush stream valleys. Stay at Nordens Ark Hotel which is perfectly situated near to the trail and the zoo’s animals. The hiking trail package costs £127 (1,615 SEK) pp (two sharing) including B&B at Nordens Ark Hotel, entrance to Nordens Ark with a map, a lunch to take on the trail and a delicious cold supper with coffee and cake. Call Nordens Ark on +46 523 79590 (www.nordensark.se).

NEW: Biking and hiking along the Göta Canal

The Göta Canal offers fantastic hiking and biking opportunities. This three-day package commences with a leisurely walk in the afternoon along the Cultural Path in the Norrqvarn region. A delicious dinner is then provided at Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference.  The following morning, after a buffet breakfast, it’s time for the 9km self-guided hike along the Göta Canal where guests will pass beautiful historic sites, locks and old lock guard huts. Lunch is provided at Restaurang Kajutan in Sjötorp, where there are also charming museums, shops and cafés to explore. Bikes are then provided for a leisurely ride back to Norrqvarn, where another delicious dinner awaits. The package costs £173 pp (2,200 SEK), two sharing, and includes two nights’ B&B at Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference, two dinners, one lunch at Restaurang Kajutan, the self-guided hike and one day’s bike hire. Call Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference on +46 501 50770 (www.norrqvarn.se).

NEW: Paddling with Nautopp in Lysekil

Sweden’s west coast offers fantastic opportunities for sea kayaking in the spring. It’s deserted, peaceful and simply breath-taking. Birds and seals are braver when the waters are deserted, too – you may even be lucky enough to witness a curious seal swim right up to your kayak! There’s no need to worry about the cold either, as a dry suit and all the relevant kit is provided. No previous experience is necessary – if you’ve never been paddling before, you’ll be paired up with someone in a double kayak. Two nights’ B&B at the Strand hostel (part of Strandflickorna Hotel) costs from £139 pp (1,768 SEK), two sharing, including a day’s guided kayaking trip, all equipment and clothing. Lunch and dinner not included. Call Nautopp on 0046 523 29200 (www.nautopp.com).

Other events, openings and news for the rest of 2015:

June:

100 year anniversary of Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman – the legendary Hollywood actress who was a frequent visitor to Fjällbacka (from 1958 to 1982) – would have turned 100 this year and, to celebrate this milestone, there will be numerous events and exhibitions taking place throughout West Sweden.  One particular exhibition will be ‘The rise and fall of Ingrid Bergman. And rise’, in Strandverket Art Museum on the car-free island of Marstrand. Running from 6 June – 27 September, it will showcase her life´s work and accomplishments.

Volvo Ocean Race final port – Gothenburg

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s premier offshore race, held every three years. The competitors will race through eleven ports in eleven different countries and will cover a total of 38,739 nautical miles. After sailing around the world for over six months, the international sailing competition will reach the final port, Gothenburg, on 27 June. The race will conclude with an In-Port Race in the entrance to Gothenburg’s harbour, giving everyone a ringside view of the final sprint. There will be numerous celebrations and events taking place for the race – find out more here.

Midsummer Eve, 19 June

Take part in a very Swedish tradition by marking the arrival of summer on Midsummer Eve with these packages. After the country’s dark winters, this National Day is much celebrated, with Midsummer Eve being one of the lightest days of the year. Maypoles are raised everywhere – in villages, in cities and at famous landmarks, such as Läckö Castle, which sees thousands of visitors gather on its lawns every Midsummer Eve. At each celebration throughout the country, everyone tucks into a traditional Midsummer feast, including pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, soured cream and red onion – as well as fresh strawberries and a great deal of schnapps! Another tradition sees girls putting flowers in their hair and placing seven different flowers under their pillow, in the hope that they’ll dream about their future spouse.

August:

Dalsland Canoe Marathon, 8 August

Take on the challenge of the annual Dalsland Canoe Marathon, Sweden’s largest canoe event, on Saturday 8 August. Glide along the 55km route, crossing sparkling lakes and waterways; all ages and abilities can take part. Registration costs from £55 pp (700 SEK) for adults and £16 pp (200 SEK) for juniors (12 – 18 year olds).

Way Out West music festival, 13 – 15 August

Some of the biggest names in music will once again take to the stage at one of Europe’s leading festivals – Way Out West – held in Gothenburg’s centrally-located Slottskogen Park. The line-up includes Florence and The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Alt-J, Beck, Patti Smith, Bell & Sebastian and The War On Drugs, with more A-list acts to be added. The eco-certified festival also sees eclectic ‘Stay Out West’ performances at clubs and culture hubs around the city. A three-day festival ticket costs £153 pp (1,946 SEK), including access to all Stay Out West gigs. Visit http://wayoutwest.se/.

September onwards:

Hike or run West Sweden’s Bohuslän coast – from £142 with Icebug Xperience

The Icebug Xperience (4 – 6 September) is a three-day 80km outdoor expedition in the stunning region of Smögen in Bohuslän, West Sweden. You can chose either to walk or run along a scenic path, weaving through sparkling pink granite rocks, whilst experiencing fantastic views of the North Sea horizon. The challenge is for all abilities, and competitors can stop for lunch, enjoy delicious locally-produced food in the evening and stay at charming accommodation along the way. The race is split into three stages and guests can choose between three packages, ranging from £142 pp (1,595 SEK) to £491 pp (5,495 SEK). Flights extra. Call Icebug Xperience on 00 46 031 81 70 90 (www.icebugx.com).

West Sweden’s famous Shellfish Journey will once again take centre stage this autumn. The lobster premier kicks off on the first Monday after 20 September every year – so this year it’s 21 September. Set out to sea on lobster safaris to haul up the pots of black gold with the help of an expert local fisherman. Treat yourself to a unique culinary weekend this autumn at Grand Hotel Marstrand.  Set out to sea with a local fisherman on a lobster safari and then indulge in an exquisite four-course lobster supper, perhaps after relaxing in the hotel’s soothing spa. This trip costs £210 pp (2,665 SEK), two sharing, including overnight B&B at Grand Hotel Marstrand, a three hour lobster safari (including use of equipment, coffee and refreshments) and a five-course lobster supper. Call Grand Hotel Marstrand on +46 303 60322 (www.grandmarstrand.se).

Embrace the dark Scandinavian nights with Lights in Alingsås, 25 September – 1 November
Witness the magical extravaganza Lights in Alingsås, less than an hour’s drive from Gothenburg. International designers come together every year to create this colourful, cutting-edge outdoor exhibition of lights, with around 70,000 visitors. Take part in classes such as garden light arranging, night photography and glass art, and enjoy the Swedish tradition of ‘fika’ – a coffee, pastry treat and a good gossip – at some of the city’s wonderful independent café shops. Visit www.lightsinalingsas.se/en.

New Halloween attraction at Liseberg Amusement park, Gothenburg

On 24 October, Sweden’s largest amusement park, Liseberg, opens its gates to a new Halloween-themed attraction. The park will be open for nine days and will be filled with witches, ghosts and scary fun for all the family. For more information, visit www.liseberg.com/halloween. The Amusement park is traditionally known for its annual Christmas market, decorated with five million twinkling lights and some 700 Christmas trees.

For more information about visiting West Sweden and Gothenburg, go to www.westsweden.com and www.gothenburg.com.

For an insider’s guide to events and experiences in West Sweden, follow the latest blogs at www.explorewestsweden.com.

Connect with West Sweden and Gothenburg on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GothenburgWestSweden) and Twitter www.twitter.com/westswedentb).

Holidays to West Sweden are available through numerous specialist tour operators, including Best Served Scandinavia, Black Tomato, Discover the World, Inntravel, Nature Travels, Off The Map Travel, Original Travel, Seasoned Travel, Simply Sweden, Sunvil Discovery and Taber Holidays.

West Sweden can be reached by a short (two-hour) direct flight to Gothenburg with British Airways (Heathrow), Ryanair (Stansted and Edinburgh), SAS (Heathrow), Norwegian (Gatwick), British Airways/Sun-Air of Scandinavia (Manchester) and bmi regional (Birmingham).

Press: For more information on West Sweden, including press trip opportunities and high-res photography, please contact Rebecca Milne at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email r.milne@travelpr.co.uk.