Overview

Drive into the deep history of Sweden. This fly-drive holiday takes you from a castle on the shores of Lake Mälaren (close to Stockholm) to a 13th century convent in the historic town of Vadstena on Lake Vättern. Your final stop is a cosy hotel in the heart of the Bohuslän archipelago on Sweden's beautiful west coast.

Sundbyholms Slott
This castle dates back to 1639 and the reign of King Karl IX and is famous for the beautiful natural surroundings and Europe's most northern beech forest. The Viking town of Birka, Sweden's oldest town, is located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993.

Vadstena Kloster Hotel
Vadstena is a historic town full of Swedish culture on the shores of Lake Vättern, Sweden's 2nd largest lake. This hotel dates from 1350 when Saint Bridget founded her first monastery and some of the surviving buildings make up part of this hotel.

Villa Sjötorp
Villa Sjötorp is a cosy guest house During the long summer days you can try the famous swing in the garden at Villa Sjötorp or read a book while taking in the view across the Bohuslän archipelago.

This is an extremely flexible holiday and it is possible to add nights in Stockholm, Gothenburg and along the West Coast. The choice is yours!

 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1	Fly from UK to Stockholm
	Collect your hire car from the airport
	Drive to Sundbyholms Slott approx. 1hr45
	Check in
	Settle down for a 3 course evening meal
Day 2	Breakfast at your hotel
	A day at leisure to explore the Mälaren region
	Perhaps a boat trip on the lake,
	3 course evening meal served at Sundbyholms Slott
Day 3	Relaxing breakfast at your hotel
	Drive to Vadstena approx. 2hr30
	Check in to your room
	3 course evening meal
Day 4	Breakfast at your hotel
	A day at leisure to explore the historic town of Vadstena or some of the nature reserves
	3 course evening meal
Day 5	Relaxing breakfast at your hotel
	Drive to Villa Sjötorp approx. 3hr30
	Check in
	5 course evening meal
Day 6	Breakfast at your hotel
	Time to explore the Bohuslän archipelago
	5 course evening meal
Day 7	Breakfast at your hotel
	More time to experience West Sweden
	Drive to Gothenburg Airport approx. 1hr
	Drop hire car off at airport
	Flights back to UK

Accommodation

Sundbyholms Slott (Castle) - Eskilstuna

Sundbyholms Slott (Castle) is located just 1hr from Stockholm on the shores of Lake Mälaren and the nearest town (Eskilstuna) is just 12km away. The original castle was built in the 1640s by the admiral of the fleet. Explore Europe’s northern most beech forest or relax on Lake Mälaren’s longest natural sand beach. All meals are served in the castle where local produce is carefully selected and prepared by the castle’s chef. An impressive wine cellar guarantees the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Spoil yourself with an excellent menu and a wide selection of quality wines to complement your meal choice. The history and culture in this hotel is all about the castle.

Note: As with many castles and manor houses in Sweden the restaurant is located in the castle itself. The adjacent hotel building offers spacious, comfortable, modern rooms and suites.

Vadstena Klosterhotel - Vadstena

A unique hotel in one of Sweden’s oldest buildings just a short walk from the narrow historic alleys of Vadstena and on the shores of Sweden's second largest lake, Vättern. Vadstena Klosterhotellet is an imposing 13th century convent and the hotel is largely located in the same medieval buildings. The rooms retain many of their original features and the pupils of the Vadstena Academy often hold opera rehearsals, much to the delight of the guests. The medieval town of Hästholmen is just a short distance away.

Note: The standard rooms are located in the centre of Vadstena, approx 7-10 minutes walk from the main building. If you wish to upgrade to a room in the main building where the restaurant is located, please let us know.

Villa Sjötorp - Bohuslän Archipelago

Villa Sjötorp has just ten charming, traditional and individually decorated rooms with excellent personal service. During the long summer days, meals are served in the garden or on the terrace offering breathtaking views across an outstanding west coast archipelago. A path leads down to a small beach and at the centre of the garden is a large tree from which hangs a swing, that even the most grown up among you will not be able resist sitting on and soaking up the atmosphere. Villa Sjötorp is located in the heart of West Sweden's stunning coastline. Gothenburg is less than 60 minutes away. All the rooms are located in the main building. The restaurant is well known across the West Coast and is accredited by the Taste Of West Sweden guide.

 

Activities & Excursions

This is a very relaxing holiday, soaking up the Swedish lakeside and coastal scenery during the long summer days.

Here are some simple suggestions ...

Sundbyholms Slott
Local activities include cycle rental, fishing and Stockholm is easily reached by car or by train from Eskilstuna. Take a ride on horseback or have a picnic on a log raft. Take a walk through Europe’s most northern beech forest. Eskilstuna Zoo, Mälaren archipelago and glass-blowing are also local attractions. Visit the Viking town of Birka, Swe

Vadstena
Take the opportunity to visit St Birgitta's convent. Local activities include tennis, spectacular nature reserves, sailing and shopping! Linköping Aviation Museum is also close by. The cobbled streets of Vadstena and the lake provide some pleasant evening walks.

Villa Sjötorp
The garden swing is famous locally. You'll soon find out why! A myriad of islands and fjords are on the doorstep for you to explore along with small picturesque fishing villages and beaches. Close by you'll find Nordens Ark (home to Scandinavian animals) and the ancient rock carvings in Tanumshede. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to see the archipelago.

Dates

All year round but we recommend late May. June, July, August & early September

Prices

Prices from £1330 per person on a double / twin room

Supplements from
£240 single supplement

Upgrade to the main building from £40 per double / twin room per night

Price includes 
return flights from the UK
car rental (one way fee of 680sek is payable locally)
accommodation as detailed on a half board basis
all restaurants are set meals - please let us know any dietary requirements at time of booking

Gallery

Sundbyholms Slott

Vadstena Kloster Hotel

Villa Sjötorp - Bohuslän Archipelago

West Sweden & the Bohuslän Archipelago

Information

The main summer season is from mid-June to mid-August

Alternative hotels in the Bohuslän Archipelago