Sweden
Gothenburg & Coastal Sweden
Discover the delights of rural Sweden and slow the pace of life down on this idyllic self-drive family holiday to western Sweden. Combine the wonderfully picturesque laid-back city of Gothenburg with time on the coast for kayaking, cycling on traffic-free islands and crab-fishing. Then head inland to meet moose and beavers, enjoy some self-guided hiking and dine out around the fire before returning to Gothenburg for more city-based fun.
Food is a highlight throughout – from the traditional Swedish ‘fika’ (coffee and pastry) to the constant flow of mouth-watering seafood. In early summer, there are long days under the Midnight Sun. In late summer, there is the chance of witnessing the magical Northern Lights. Perfect for all ages, this is particularly well suited for younger families due to the short distances involved, easy activities and family-friendly accommodation.
Highlights
Explore Gothenburg
Kayak the Grebbestad Archipelago
Cycle the traffic-free Koster islands
Crab fishing boat adventure
Meet the moose of Dalslands
Open fire dining
Fika and fish at the seaside
10 days from £1,740 pp
Plus international flights from £200
A 10-day summer holiday in Sweden for a family of four usually costs from £6,960 plus flights based on good mid-range accommodation.
Gothenburg & Coastal Sweden day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Gothenburg
Välkommen! Welcome to Sweden! When you arrive, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this beautiful city. Gothenburg is a very easy city to explore with plenty of family-friendly activities on offer.
Hop on a sightseeing Paddan boat cruise and drift through the canals or rent a bike and head off on a self-guided cycling tour (no hills!). There are world-class amusement parks, including the famed Liseberg, and lots of fascinating museums, including the World of Volvo.
Swedes tend to dine early, so this evening give the children their first introduction to Swedish cuisine at Saluhallen food market and head to bed, ready for your self-drive adventure tomorrow.
Day 2, Gothenburg – Grebbestad
It is time to hit the road! Collect your hire car and head off to the coast. Stop at Nordens Ark, a private non-profit foundation that works to give endangered animals a future (including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger), before driving out to the picturesque fishing village and island of Smogen, famed for its unbelievably fresh shrimps.
Continue up the coast to Kungsklyftan and the panoramic view from Vetteberget with its unique archipelago of islands and islets. End the day at the charming seaside town of Grebbestad. This is the harbour for most of the fishing fleet for West Sweden so you can enjoy an endless smorgasbord of fresh fish.
Day 3, Grebbestad Archipelago Kayaking
Enjoy a guided kayak tour in one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, offering safe, sheltered waters. This is a fantastic way to experience Swedish nature at its best as you paddle between islands and skerries (small islets or reefs).
Take a break on an island, where you can enjoy a traditional fika. The rest of the day is free to explore the local beaches and cliff walks, the nature reserves of Tjurpannan or stroll in the village with its cute souvenir shops – do not miss out on fika from the wonderful local bakery.
Day 4, Kosterhavets National Park
Time to explore this idyllic archipelago by bike. Drive to Strömstad and take the ferry to the car-free islands of Koster, a collection of picturesque fishing villages, natural landscapes, and Sweden’s sunniest region! On arrival at Ekenäs harbour, we recommend visiting the Naturum Visitor Centre at the entrance to the Marine National Park, where you can learn about the area from park rangers.
Pick up your bikes at Kostercykeln and head off to explore the islands on two wheels. Sweden is well known for its stress-free, friendly and safe environments, and this is a wonderful area to unwind in. In a typically leisurely fashion, after your ride, you will be able to leave your bikes at one of the many harbours, catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive back to Grebbestad.
Day 5, Grebbestad Crab Fishing
Today is the chance to try your hand at a truly traditional Swedish coastal experience – crab fishing! This is a genuine and exciting adventure in a small boat, which takes you close to the island and islets. Besides crabs, you will have the chance to spot starfish, seabirds and perhaps even a seal or minke whale.
Of course, the trip includes the traditional ‘fika’ as well as cooking the ‘catch of the day’ for your lunch. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps visit the nearby picturesque village of Havstenssund. Or you could book a sauna and spa – the ultimate Scandinavian pastime.
Read More Day 6, Grebbestad – Dalslands Moose Park At Dalslands Aktiviteter, moose live much like wild animals do – the biggest difference is that the moose are really sociable and are happy to come and greet visitors, big and small! You will join the guided moose feeding and observe the herds of fallow deer and mouflon sheep present. Beaver safaris are also available here. Continue to Kroppefjäll for the evening. This evening you will cook your supper over an open fire in the “grillkåta”. Day 7, Dalslands Day 8, Dalslands – Gothenburg Days 9 and 10, Gothenburg Gothenburg’s proximity to the North Sea makes it a paradise for those who enjoy fish so you can continue the coastal theme of your holiday by visiting the Feskekörka fish market and indulging in one final seafood supper before heading home.
Drive inland to the Vitlycke Museum, the UNESCO World Heritage Bronze Age site of the rock carvings at Tanum. You will then drive to the Dalslands area, where there is the chance for first-hand contact with the king of the forest – the moose.
Dalslands is known as ‘Sweden in miniature’ and renowned for its variety of flora, fauna and geology – nature at its best. Pack a picnic and head off into the lush green forests following one of the many well-signed hiking trails. At Dals Rostock is the station house, which is built on a 1:2 scale based on the original building – the perfect size for younger children! Mellerud offers water-based fun for the whole family, and you can round off the day with a sauna and a refreshing dip in the lake. Followed by the traditional open fire supper.
Time to head south back to Gothenburg. Highly recommended en route is a stop at Musselbaren Lyckorna – but only if you like mussels. Here, you can not only gorge yourself on the delicious local delicacy (and sample their homemade schnapps and beer), but it is also possible to head out on a mussel expedition where you can harvest your own meal. A visit to the fascinating Nature Sculpture Park of Pilane, with its enormous outdoor stone carvings, rounds off your Swedish rural adventure before arriving back in Gothenburg.
Further time to enjoy this family-friendly city. Explore the charming neighbourhood of Haga, with its well-preserved wooden houses and packed with cafés and shops. How about Scandinavia’s longest and fastest rollercoaster, Helix, or the attraction Mechanica – spinning 360 degrees 30 metres up in the air? Or for those keen to continue the outdoors theme, there are the Botanical Gardens and Slottsskogen, one of Sweden’s oldest city parks.
Sweden in pictures
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