As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to West Sweden we've picked out a selection of local activities.
Whether you're looking to kayak around the many islands that sit just off the coast, hike your way through ancient forests or take part in an organised woodland adventure, West Sweden has something for you.
All throughout West Sweden there's the chance to take part in leisure activities of all types. The numerous lakes and networks of canals make for a fantastic place to canoe and kayak, while the acres of rolling hillsides and rugged coastline offer countless routes for walkers and hikers. What's more, you can delve into the forest and try your hand at everything from archery to scaling the treetops from the safety of a harness.
If this all sounds a little strenuous, why not spend the day relaxing on a traditional Swedish fishing boat while the skipper hunts for lobster or oysters, then return to the shore to feast on the catches of the day.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to West Sweden:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Activities in West Sweden
Lysekils Ostron Och Musslor
Calling all mussel and oyster fans! Join Signe aboard his fishing boat in Lysekil for a tour of a local mussel farm, where you’ll learn how the mussels are grown and harvested; help Signe collect some mussels to enjoy later. Then it’s off an oyster bed, one of the very few on Bohuslan on the northernmost part of the country’s west coast, where the famous and exclusive Ostrea Edulis oysters grow. You’ll pick some and learn about the oyster, before heading back to dry land to cook up a feast on the rocks. An unforgettable experience in a stunning marine environment. lysekilsostronomusslor.se/
Lobster Safari, Bohuslän
Nature's Best offer probably the least taxing activity on the list in Böhuslan. From the small fishing port of Grebbestad, guests board a traditional Swedish wooden boat called a 'Tuffa' (built in 1952 and licensed to carry 12 people) and head out with the skipper to find the perfect location for catching lobster. Guests are invited to get hands-on and help the skipper set the traps, but there's also the option to simply sit back and admire the west coast in all its glory. September the 20th marks the start of the lobster season and it can be quite a sight to catch the first of the boats racing off in search of the best spot. Brothers Lars and Peter Karlsson who operate the tours have lived in this area all their lives and are thus ideal local guides. They also identify sustainable fishing as one of their core ideals, making sure that the lobster are not over-fished. vastsverige.com/en/seafood-safaris/Seafood-safaris
Smögen Fishing Trips
This small operation runs fishing and boat trips from its base in the beautiful natural harbour of Smögen. There are various tours to choose from: go lobster fishing or crayfish fishing, before heading back with your catch and cook it up in the characterful boathouse. Alternatively, head out to the stunning Bohuslän archipelago and go bird and seal watching. They also run family fishing trips of 3 or 4 hours for the whole family to enjoy: youngsters will love pulling up the crab pots and catching mackerel, cod and pollock. smogensfisketurer.se/
Upplevelsebolaget
Explore craggy archipelagos and sheltered bays by kayak, clamber up awesome granite crags for fabulous views, or mountain bike through dense forest: however you choose to get your thrills and explore west Sweden’s sublime landscape, this professional outlet has it covered. With fifteen years’ experience, the friendly team run courses, team building exercises and guided and self-guided trips catering for the novice and experienced alike in and around Uddevalla, one of west Sweden’s most beautiful areas. The knowledgeable guides will give you a wildlife tour en route, too. upplevelsebolaget.com/
Kayaking in the Koster & Fjällbacka Archipelago
Ideal for novices and experienced paddlers alike, this 3 day guided kayaking trip with Nature Travels allows a unique look at the Koster and Fjällbacka Archipelago. The Koster Archipelago has more hours sunshine than any other location in Sweden, while the islands, rocks and skerries that make up the region have recently been designated Sweden's first Marine National Park. Because the network of Koster's islands is too complex for larger boats you'll have the area completely to yourselves, paddling at your leisure and pausing to admire the seals basking in the sun or the sight of Ursholmen lighthouse in the distance. You'll also explore the Fjällbacka Archipelago, on of the most sheltered areas of water in the region, meaning that even in windy conditions you can paddle through the inner channels, with your guide offering insight into the area's fascinating history. naturetravels.co.uk
Self-Guided Sea Kayaking, Bohuslän
Picture yourself paddling through calm waters, birds singing overhead and the Bohuslän archipelago stretching out in front of you. Kayaking in Bohuslän with Nature Travels combines elements of guided and self-guided trips - you'll receive only a map and a recommended route before setting out on your adventure. During the days you can negotiate the hundreds of islands that form the archipelago, while accommodation comes in the shape of remote campsites, some located on islands that are otherwise completely deserted. For those with kayaking experience, the guides can suggest a more challenging route. naturetravels.co.uk
Hiking in Kynnefjäll
This 4-day Nature Travels adventure holiday explores the Kynne Hills, Bohuslän's stunning section of forested hills and clear-water lakes. Comparable to the Taiga areas of northern Sweden, you'll cover between 17 and 20km per day, depending on the route. Some of the trails have been specially created by your hosts, and each morning you'll be given a new map and told the places of interest to look out for. The area is also rich in wildlife, and there's the chance to spot osprey overhead and listen out for the calls of the black-throated diver and golden plover. Take the days at your own pace, pausing to explore whatever you may find, with no definite itinerary to adhere to. The simple, 2-person cabin you'll use as your base has a fully-equipped kitchen as well as a wood-fired sauna and a private lake that's perfect for soothing your aching muscles. Evenings can be spent barbequeing your dinner over the open fire, relaxing next to the lake and gazing up at the starry skies. naturetravels.co.uk
Upplevelsebolaget
Explore craggy archipelagos and sheltered bays by kayak, clamber up awesome granite crags for fabulous views, or mountain bike through dense forest: however you choose to get your thrills and explore west Sweden’s sublime landscape, this professional outlet has it covered. With fifteen years’ experience, the friendly team run courses, team building exercises and guided and self-guided trips catering for the novice and experienced alike in and around Uddevalla, one of west Sweden’s most beautiful areas. The knowledgeable guides will give you a wildlife tour en route, too. upplevelsebolaget.com
Kust Event
This high-end outfit organises group trips and tailor-made tours of the archipelagos and marine national parks of Hvaler and Koster/Stromstad. Whether you want to learn about the history of the area and the archipelagos, go diving, indulge in a day of seafood and champagne or simply absorb the magical surroundings at your own pace, Kust Event will have a tour suited to you. Enjoy snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, barbeques on the beach at lunchtime, and captivating history lessons from this friendly, knowledgeable team. They can even cater for weddings and other organised events. Boats leave daily throughout the year. kustevent.com/sv/
Tipi Adventure in Dalsland
This is the ultimate Swedish wilderness experience. The 4 day adventure with Nature Travels combines aspects of canoeing and kayaking, abseiling and the traditional 'Tre-kamp' competition that consists of axe-throwing, archery and air-rifle target shooting. After each adventure-filled day you'll be able to relax in a spacious tipi, cooking your own food over an open fire, plus there's also unlimited use of a rowing boat that can be used to catch fish on the lake. You'll also be able to test your nerves against Sweden's longest zip-line (220m through the treetops) and get up close and personal with the 'King of the Forest' at Dalsland's Moose Park. naturetravels.co.uk
