Top 6 ways to explore West Sweden and Gothenburg

Port Buzz: Cruise tips for those visiting West Sweden and Gothenburg

There are a couple cruise options for visitors calling on Gothenburg, Sweden, which is Sweden’s second largest city – and the largest port in Scandinavia. The first option is a port of call from cruise lines like Princess Cruises on their Baltic and Scandinavian cruise itineraries, or a person could visit West Sweden as a pre or post cruise option from Stockholm, Sweden.

Gotenburg is a city of water. A lot of the activities available are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to keep active. Gotenburg is often cited as the gateway to the archipelagoes and fishing villages of Sweden’s West Coast.

Top 6 Tips for those looking for activities in West Sweden and Gothenburg provided by VisitSweden.

1. Bike along the Göta Kanal

Göta kanal is one of Sweden’s largest tourist attractions and connects Stockholm with Gothenburg. The channel is 190,5 km long, was build 1832 and passes through Sweden’s two largest lakes and 58 locks. There are several ways to experience Göta Kanal, if you don’t want to go by boat then biking and hiking is very popular! There are several places to rent bikes along the channel, as well as several cozy cafés, restaurants and accommodation. Another great thing to do is to order a picnic basket from Norrqvarn and make a pit stop along the way.

Norrqvarn offers a nice biking package:

http://www.vastsverige.com/en/products/115362/Cykel-och-hotellpaket-Norrqvarn-Gota-kanal/

2. Food Walk in Gothenburg

Try a food walk in central Gothenburg! During 3 hours you get the chance to dine through the city’s hidden gems as well as classics such as Feskekôrka and Stora Saluhallen. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore parts of the city that you can’t find on your own! There are a variety of food experiences available – everything from chocolate to herring – and there is also some history involved.

The walk starts at 1 PM and you meet at the Center for Tourism at Kungsportsplatsen. The tour includes a 3 hour guided food walk in central Gothenburg, tastings at selected restaurants, cafés and stores. A bottle of water (50 cl) is included.

http://www.matvandringen.se/en-GB

3. Kayak in West Sweden

Paddling is one of the best ways to explore Sweden’s captivating coastline.There are no strong currents or tidal waters and the water is warm during the summer and early fall. Paddling for all levels of experience is available – calm, sheltered waters for people who have never tried kayaking before, and exposed deep-sea stretches for the more experienced adventurist.

Choose from self-guided or expert-led guided kayak trips, each featuring top quality accommodations, delicious cuisine and soothing spa visits. Or, why not get even closer to nature by wild camping along the way instead? Many of the islands have BBQ stations, allowing kayakers to cook-up a hearty meal. And with no shortage of islands to choose from, paddlers very often get to camp on their own private island.

Popular kayaking locations include the idyllic Koster Islands – set in Kosterhavet Marine National Park as well as the Fjällbacka archipelago, one of the region’s most sheltered settings. Other highlights include The Weather Islands, where kayakers will often spot seal colonies, as well as the pretty islands of Orust and Tjörn

The region consists of thousands of lakes, channels and a unique archipelago with 8000 islands. Versatile water is a great resource when kayaking!

kayaking: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/Paddling-in-West-Sweden/articles/Wonderful-waterways/

Kayaking on your own – the region has several renters.

Kayaking with a guide – there are daily excursions in the archipelago

Kayak packages – book a convenient package with a guide, local food and accommodation

http://www.vastsverige.com/en/Paddling-in-West-Sweden/

4. Gothenburgs new arena

On July 10th Gothenburg will have one of Europe’s finest multi-sport facilities, with everything from a ski track, indoor soccer field and hotel. It’s a gigantic investment of about 90 million SEK. On the 45 300 property there will be two sport facilities, life-size indoor soccer field, cafés, elementary school, high school, gym, hotel, restaurants and a 1200-meter long ski track open all year round. Everything is spread out on 7 floors. The hotel Kviberg Part Hotel & Konferens has 121 rooms, a restaurant and two bars as well as conference rooms. Several rooms are family friendly with four beds. What is truly unique with the arena is the Skidome, an indoor ski facility with a 1200-meter track. There will be three parallel tracks – two traditional ones and one for skate. The temperature will be at a constant 2-4 minus degrees Celsius all year round. You will also be able to rent skis and there will be ski gear on sale. At Fred’s Ski Lodge you can have a Swedish ”fika” or enjoy a lunch with a nice view over the arena through a glassed screen. Nordic Wellness, who runs the Skidome, also offers workout classes, childcare, two jacuzzis, steam sauna and massage.

http://www.sodexomeetings.se/kvibergpark/en/

5. Seafood Safari

In Bohuslän you will find the best shellfish in the world! Namely because here they grow slowly in cold, clean and mineral rich water which gives them a salty and fresh taste. Take the chance and experience a seafood safari where you go out with local fishermen, fish fresh shellfish that you prepare and cook and then spend the night comfortably. Experience fishing oysters, clams, shrimp, crayfish and lobster: http://www.vastsverige.com/en/Shellfishjourney/

6. Bike with HillSide Cycling

Experience the ultimate mountain biking in Delsjöns nature reserve, only a short distance from Gothenburg. The paths are in perfect condition and are among the best Sweden has to offer. Hillside Cycling will guide you to the best places, whether you are experienced or a beginner. You can also rent your bike at Hillside Cycling. They offer a half-day guide with afternoon tea and smoothies (4 hours), or a full day including a picnic lunch, afternoon tea and smoothies – everything organic and homemade. If you’re in it for the win they even offer a full week of mountain biking!

http://www.hillsidecycling.com/home

Official tourism sites: