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Green Travel Guide to West Sweden
From the wonderful islands off the west coast, to Dalsland’s abundance of tranquil lakes and ancient forests in the north, Västra Götaland (West Sweden) is the perfect destination for enjoying the great outdoors.
Days spent sea kayaking in the Fjällbacka and Koster Archipelago, or hunting for lobster on the Skagerrak strait, can be ended with an evening sampling the region’s internationally renowned fresh seafood, and a stay in one of the many green and gorgeous hotels and B&Bs. An excellent network of buses, trains, bikes and trams means exploring this beautiful area couldn’t be easier.
From the Gothenburg Archipelago in the south to the Koster Islands in the north, Bohuslän offers wonderful kayaking. Photo: Lukasz Warzecha/Westsweden.com
Sustainable Holidays in West Sweden -
Foreword by the West Sweden Tourist Board
If you want to enjoy an exciting destination in a sustainable way we welcome you to explore West Sweden.
This region is a pioneer when it comes to green travelling and was the initiator of Swedish Welcome, which is a members organisation certifying accommodation and experiences. The certificate guarantees that the experience is professionally assessed from a guest perspective and enables confident choices for better experiences and sustainable development.
West Sweden has Swedish Welcome members offering a great variety of activities and accommodation. From lobster safaris and sea-kayaking along the Bohuslän coast, to castles, gardens and cosy B&B’s offering organic and local produce. Look for the smiling Swedish Welcome logo, symbolising good choices and happier guests!
Other symbols to look for when choosing accommodation are Green Key and Nordic Swan.
When you want to explore nature experiences have a look at the Swedish Ecotourism certified eco-activities called Nature's Best. Then, when you’re ready to savour the best local food, find your restaurant among “Taste of West Sweden”. All restaurants that are members of this scheme are working with the best local products. To travel throughout the whole of West Sweden you can plan your trip at Västtrafik (train, bus and tram).
Enjoy exploring West Sweden – the sustainable way.
What Green Traveller's writers discovered in West Sweden
Stay, Eat, See & Do
Our pick of places across West Sweden
Google Map Key:
Click on the coloured icons for more information about each listing
Green = Places to stay; Blue = Places to eat; Yellow = Attractions; Purple = Activities
Click on the square brackets top right of map to reveal expanded map
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Gothenburg has been crowned the Culinary Capital of Sweden 2012 in recognition of its top quality natural produce and use of local food suppliers across West Sweden.
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Centred around the car-free Koster Islands, Sweden’s first Marine National Park, Kosterhavet, contains the country’s highest marine biodiversity.
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Lake Hornborga is a bird-spotting paradise. Each Spring more than 10,000 crane dance by the lake, flying in from Spain to their traditional breeding ground.
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Lake Vänern is Sweden’s largest lake and the third biggest in Europe. Sweden’s lake district, Dalsland, boasts more lakes than any other province in Sweden.
Sustainable Tourism in West Sweden
Here's a video about West Sweden's joint initiative for sustainable tourism
The Icebug Experience
Here's a short introductory video to the Icebug Experience, a wonderful 3-day walking and running event held annually in early September along the beautiful rugged coastal landscape of Bohuslän, Gothenburg and West Sweden. It starts this Friday at Smögen.
Filmed and produced by Green Traveller Productions
Map of West Sweden
Map produced by Green Traveller. This map is an approximation to show the general whereabouts of the locations marked. Green Traveller has done its best to ensure the accuracy of all the information provided, however it can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any traveller as a result of information or advice contained in this guide.
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