Looking for things to do in the beautiful Archipelago? Here are some of our favorites:
1. An Authentic Swedish Midsummer
Join locals to cast out winter and welcome summer in Sweden: dance around the maypole, wear flowers in your hair, taste fresh herring, sip snaps, and play traditional midsummer games. Everyone leaves Sweden’s cities and head for the countryside. Midsummer is the magical and romantic holiday with ancient roots. According to legend, young women should pick seven types of flowers, place them under their pillows to insure that their future husbands appear in their dreams.
2. Two-wheelers Take to the Archipelago
Bicycle your way from one pedestrian island to another along what CNN dubs one of the last beautiful wilderness areas. Easy-to-book packages provide accommodations, meals along the way with bike rentals. The new package around the island of Orust rides from coast to coast with stops for nibbles and a stay at the stylish Lådfabrikens Bed &Breakfast and Slussen Pensionat.
3. Take Time to Smell the Roses
Set in the heart of town is The Garden Society of Gothenburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved 19th century parks. Its world-class rose garden boasts some 4,000 roses representing 1,900 varieties all on display. The Palm House that dates back to 1878, is a glass palace housing exotic plants in a Mediterranean climate. This attraction has garnered three stars in the Le Guide Michelin. Stop in the Rose Café for a coffee or lunch right next to the Rose Garden.
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4. Trace Bronze Age Rock Carvings at Tanum World
Designated a UNESCO site, Tanum World lists more than 510 rock carving sites, which come alive with the aid of a guide from the Vitlycke Museum. Tanum World is set just 15 minutes from the charming town Fjällbacka – hometown of crime author Camilla Läckberg and summer place of the legendary actress Ingrid Bergman.
http://www.vastsverige.com/en/
5. Cozy Coffee in Haga
Today Gothenburg’s oldest suburb has emerged into a picturesque downtown neighborhood of specialty shops, boutiques, antique shops and second-hand stores in a colorful pastiche. Pedestrian-only cobbled streets and well-preserved so called governor houses recreate an atmosphere of gentile times. Sweden’s coffee culture is genuine and Haga is best known for its distinctivec afes such as the Café Husaren that creates the world’s largest cinnamon bun! http://www.goteborg.com/en/Do/
6. Seafood Safaris in Bohuslän
The seafood in West Sweden is the best in the world because of the salty, clean, mineral-rich and cold water, so they grow slowly and get a lot of taste. Rather than just order your fish, join local fishermen to catch, cook and savor your bounty in Bohuslän.
Continue your safari along the coast tasting mussels, oysters, lobster, crayfish, shrimp and staying in cozy island hotels. New this year is the Smögens hafvsbad, a package that includes a visit to Smögen’s fish auction, crayfish safari, dinner and spa. http://www.vastsverige.com/en/
7. Walk the Pedestrian Islands of the Archipelago
Bohuslän alone counts some 9,000 islands stretching from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border, many of which are car-free, small fishing communities with smooth granite rocks. Here are two favorites:
Vrångö
As the southernmost inhabited island in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago, Vrångö has 400 inhabitants; during summer that population soars. Completely car-free, Vrångö is famous for its fine sandy beaches that locals rate as the archipelago’s best island for swimming. Large parts of the island are part of a nature reserve with groomed walking trails. Stop in to an archipelago café, pass the marina, fishing dock, and fish shops. Take the tram from the center of Gothenburg and then transfer to the ferry to reach the idyllic Vrångö.
http://www.goteborg.com/en/Do/
Marstrand
Just 45 minutes north of Gothenburg, Marstrand is dotted with colorful archipelago houses “guarded” by the mighty 17th century Carlsten Fortress that took a band of thieves and prisoners 200 years to build. Do visit the historic lighthouse and Pater Noster. Marstrand remains a favorite haunt for celebrities and the Swedish royal family. There is ample shopping, dining and accommodations such as the Marstrand Sea Hotel.
Stop at Berg’s café and pastry shop for ice cream while children fish for crabs. A well-marked footpath circles the island. Marstrand is also a popular stop for sailors and there you’ll find great shopping and many nice rerstaurants and bars. http://www.vastsverige.com/en/
8. For a stunning sunset over the sea …
Tullhuset is the obvious choice. Housed in a former the customs house, this is a seafood restaurant located at the tip of Hönö Klåva- a port in Gothenburg’s northern archipelago. Dine on fish and seafood served with an unparalleled view over the VINGA lighthouse, the famous landmark on Gothenburg’s most western island. Opt for a summer boat trip from Hönö Klåva to the lighthouse. http://www.tullhuset.se/en/
