West Sweden unveils nature-first, family travel experiences for 2026

Few outdoor destinations in northern Europe are as accessible, or as rewarding for families, as West Sweden. Anchored by the relaxed coastal city of Gothenburg, this diverse region offers a landscape of striking contrasts and effortless exploration.

Travel north along the dramatic Bohuslän coast, where smooth granite cliffs meet a glittering archipelago of more than 8,000 islands, or head inland to the quiet countryside of Dalsland, where mirror-calm lakes and deep forests invite adventure at a slower pace. With short flights* and travel distances, year-round outdoor infrastructure and nature always close by, West Sweden is safe, clean and easy for families to explore wild coastal seascapes, peaceful lakes and forest trails all within a single trip.

Central to the family experience is Sweden’s Right of Public Access, Allemansrätten, which enables families to walk, cycle, paddle, swim and camp in nature provided they follow the principles “do not disturb, do not destroy” and “leave nothing but footprints”. It’s a wholesome premise: picking berries and mushrooms, pitching a tent for a night and travelling across uncultivated land are all permitted, provided you respect homes, farmland and wildlife.

Paddle, pedal and explore
Across the region, activities are built around discovery rather than structured entertainment. At Billingen, part of the UNESCO-designated Platåbergens Geopark, children can follow a forest troll trail, cycle marked MTB routes and use open-air cooking areas set among serene pine woodland. For gentle, largely traffic-free cycling stretches, you can follow the historic Göta Canal, where families ride alongside water and boats rather than roads.

In Dalsland, calm lakes and quiet gravel tracks allow families to paddle and cycle at their own pace. Dalslands Aktiviteter offers a huge range of activities from gold panning to pole jumping, and family packages that combine canoeing on calm lakes, easy hiking, cycling and outdoor cooking. Other guided trips include exciting shipwreck explorations on Lake Vänern with Naven Experience.

On the scenic Bohuslän coast, it’s possible to kayak between smooth granite islands, swim from sun-warmed rocks and stop to cook lunch outdoors. Skärgårdsidyllen organises guided family kayaking tours in Grebbestad within the spectacular Kosterhavet Marine National Park and Upplevelsebolaget offers seal paddling day trips and a two-day “Night in the Wild” experience combining kayaking, outdoor cooking and wild camping on an island.

Car-free islands and coastal life
A defining feature of West Sweden is the number of inhabited, yet car-free islands. Ferries run throughout the year to the spectacular Koster, Dyrön and Vrångö islands, where daily life moves slowly and children roam freely between swimming spots.

Families can also take seal safaris near Lysekil or hop between villages by public ferry. Overnight stays include traditional boathouses at Kajkanten Vrångö and Hönö Sjöbodar placing visitors directly within harbour communities.

Unusual, family-oriented places to stay
Countryside stays geared up for families include the rural Toric Farmlodge and Kroppefjäll B&B – both beside notable hiking routes – while the coast offers well-appointed cabins at Lagunen Camping & Stugor and Daftö, and comfortable family rooms at Tanumstrand SPA & Resort near pretty Fjällbacka with its colourful wooden houses.

In Gothenburg, the stylish, family-friendly Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel complete with indoor slide and pony carousel, connects directly to Scandinavia’s largest amusement park and is designed around multi-bed family rooms.

For something quirkier, Wrågården offers accommodation inside a life-sized wooden moose (pictured), adding a distinctive rural stay to an outdoor-focused itinerary. A wider range of unusual family accommodation can be found here.

Wrågården Photo Credit: Jonas Ingman

Culture and learning beyond the outdoors
Outdoor exploration can be complemented by short cultural stops suited to mixed ages. Havets Hus aquarium introduces marine life from the Skagerrak, while Nordens Ark wildlife park focuses on endangered Nordic species with large, natural enclosures. The Vitlycke museum presents Bronze Age rock carvings in an accessible setting, and the Nordic watercolour museum and Pilane sculpture park combine art with stunning coastal scenery.

Historic sites such as Bohus Fortress and Carlsten Fortress add context without requiring long detours, fitting easily between beach, forest and island experiences.

Tour operator packages
A seven-day Family Great Outdoors Adventure with Regent Holidays combines Gothenburg attractions with kayaking, hiking and lake activities across the region. From £1,215 pp excluding flights.

Stubborn Mule Travel’s NEW 10-day Gothenburg and Coastal Sweden family itinerary combines archipelago boat trips, kayaking, cycling and time in Gothenburg, designed specifically for independent families seeking active exploration. From £1,740 pp excluding flights.

*Flying time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from London to Gothenburg Landvetter airport with Ryanair, British Airways or Norwegian Airlines.

For more information and family travel inspiration, visit www.westsweden.com/en/family/.

For press information, lead-in prices and packages, or interview requests, please contact Sarah Belcher (s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk) or Julia Farish (j.farish@travelpr.co.uk) at Travel PR (020 8891 4440).