Sweden : Secret Archipelago

All along West Sweden's sunny coastline you’ll be treated to beautiful views, stunning nature, picture-postcard towns and villages. The ambience here is laid back and relaxed - locals and visitors alike, people watch and take their time when alfresco dining – after all, the delicious seafood and excellent cuisine deserves to be savoured!

This trip begins and ends in Gothenburg. Full of character and with a 'small and friendly' feel, this is a compact city easily explored, generally at a leisurely pace, strolling or perhaps by tram. Superbly located where the Gota River flows out into the Kattegatt Sea, Sweden’s second city has a rich maritime history as well as a more contemporary reputation as a cultural venue. It frequently hosts major international events, especially during the summer months and there are countless restaurants, several Michelin starred, ready to tempt you with all manner of gastronomic sensations.

Along the coastline, which stretches from Gothenburg all the way to the Norwegian border, sits the Western Archipelago, a spectacular seascape of around 8,000 islands, islets, skerries and rocky outcrops. After time in the city, head north to Stromstad, glimpsing some of the delightful places where you’ll be staying on your return journey. 

From Stromstad, you can visit Koster via a 40 minute ferry, site of Sweden’s first marine national park. The car-free north and south islands are a delight to explore, either on foot or by bicycle, which are available to rent. Both islands offer a variety of landscape: heather-clad moors, brushwood, forests, fields and numerous golden sandy beaches as well as plenty of wonderful views. These islands, the most westerly populated in Sweden and boasting more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the country, are dotted with idyllic hamlets, a variety of places to eat and visit, including local handicraft and art shops.

For some ancient art, you might like to view the petroglyphs or rock carvings at Tanumshede, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along a 25km stretch, a former fjord coastline from the Bronze Age, there are around 3000 carvings.

Spend some time in Fjallbacka or the nearby Weather Islands. Fjallbacka is a small fishing village with colourful clapboard houses nestled at the base of granite cliffs. It is home to Swedish best-selling crime author Camilla Lackberg. However, the village has a square named after its most famous resident, Ingrid Bergmen. The Stockholm-born Hollywood actress had her summerhouse in Fjallbacka and because her love for the place was so strong, chose to have her ashes scattered at sea here.

The Weather Islands (Vaderoarna) are easily accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Fjallbacka and are well worth a day trip. Made up of hundreds of small islands and inlets, the area boasts one of the warmest and windiest climates in Sweden and is a great place to blow away the cobwebs! With lush vegetation, a dramatic coastline, boardwalks and picturesque houses on stilts over the sea, no wonder it is a place beloved of photographers, painters and those who enjoy swimming, diving and fishing. Here we recommend taking an optional excursion by 'rib' – a rigid hulled inflatable boat, to further appreciate the wonderful views and sparkling waters.

The final two nights of this holiday are spent at Lysekil, an attractive seaside resort, located at the tip of a peninsula. Here you’ll find a fascinating Museum of Marine Life, complete with an 8m long underwater tunnel for observing some of the inhabitants. Lysekil also has an interesting collection of ornate nineteenth century 'Hansel & Gretel' houses, a reminder of the days when the rich folk came here to ‘take the waters’.

Please note depending on your flight time you may have the opportunity on your last day to visit Gunnebo House, one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Sweden, before heading to the airport. This elegant historical house has three beautifully kept gardens and is located just south of Gothenburg.