Island Hopping - West Sweden
With our intimate knowledge of West Sweden few companies are better placed to offer you such a flexible holiday in the area.
Overview
One of our guests stated that "the Swedish west coast is quite simply one of the most beautiful places on earth." We are inclined to agree.
Here at Simply Sweden we have intimate knowledge of this stunning area of natural beauty. We visit on a regular basis and keep up-to-date with what West Sweden has to offer. The west coast of Sweden is a popular summer destination for Swedes, Norwegians and Europeans alike. This captivating coastline is scattered with hundreds of barren islands, rocky inlets and picturesque fishing villages. With seafood in abundance, oysters, lobsters, crab, prawns and fish are served in gourmet dishes along the coast and crayfish are an August specialty.
This holiday has been designed to take you deep into the Bohuslän archipelago with the opportunity to thoroughly explore this unique coastline which keeps company with a plethora of wildlife. Don't forget your swimming costumes as you will be inundated with a limitless array of swimming spots, from rocky coves to sandy beaches.
The highlights of this holiday include the unique and very special Weather Islands. A true taste of Swedish culture on Sweden's most westerly islands. We can offer an extremely flexible holiday in West Sweden so do feel free to call us so we can discuss a tailor-made holiday to suit you.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day 1 | Fly from UK to Gothenburg |
| Collect your hire car from the airport | |
| Drive to Salt and Sill approx. 1hr15 | |
| Check in | |
| Settle down for a 3 course evening meal at Salt and Sill - the restaurant is popular with locals and tourists | |
| Day 2 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| A day at leisure to explore this stunning coastline | |
| 3 course evening meal at Salt and Sill | |
| Day 3 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| A morning at leisure and 1hr30 drive to Fjällbacka | |
| Park your car in Fjällbacka | |
| Approx 1pm boat transfer to the Weather Islands | |
| Check in & welcome sandwich | |
| Some time to explore this special location. A visit to the old pilot station is recommended | |
| 3 course evening meal on the Weather Islands | |
| Day 4 | Relaxing breakfast |
| Approx 1030 boat transfer back to Fjällbacka | |
| Time to explore Fjällbacka (we recommend lunch at Bryggan on the quay side) | |
| Approx 45min drive to Strömstad | |
| Park your car in Strömstad (small charge) | |
| Free bus to the harbour and ferry to the car free Koster Islands (small charge) | |
| Arrival at Ekenäs just 100m from your hotel | |
| Check in | |
| Time to explore this beautiful location | |
| Day 5 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| Time to explore this beautiful area - Sweden's first marine nature reserve | |
| Renting a bike is one of the best ways to get around | |
| We recommend a visit to Koster Trädgårdar for lunch! | |
| Time to explore this beautiful location | |
| Day 6 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| Ferry to Strömstad | |
| Collect your car and drive to Gothenburg Airport approx. 2hrs | |
| Afternoon flights back to UK |
Accommodation
Salt & Sill - Bohuslän Archipelago
Sweden's first floating hotel (opened 2008) is located on the island of Klädesholm (Herring Island), offering peaceful and picturesque views across the famous Bohuslän archipelago, just 45mins from Gothenburg. There are 23 rooms (including one suite) in six two-storey buildings on floating pontoons. The hotel has been built to complement the highly successful Salt & Sill restaurant, accredited by Taste of West Sweden. The hotel blends into the sea environment by creating a reef and haven for marine life to flourish underneath and around the pontoons supporting the hotel.
Weather Islands - Bohuslän Archipelago
One of Simply Sweden's favourites! Sweden's most westerly islands are rugged, raw and incredibly beautiful. Unprotected from nature’s elements, this collection of islands lies some ten nautical miles from the mainland. During the 18th and 19th centuries the need for greater safety at sea meant these inhospitable islands became home to an extended lighthouse and pilot service. In 1965 the lighthouse was fully automated and the pilots returned to the mainland. Today there is an excellent restaurant complemented by a comfortable guest house. There are no TVs in the bedrooms (just look out of the window!) and the showers and toilets are in the corridor. All rooms have a sea view. The only way to reach the islands is by a special boat service. Purchased in Northern Ireland the boats were brought back to Sweden across the North Sea. A sure sign that no matter what the weather you will always be able to reach the barren, rugged, dramatic Weather Islands. You will depart for the Weather Islands at 1pm. The journey takes approx. 20 minutes. You will be welcomed with a sandwich and warm drink and you will have time to explore this stunning location. An excellent three course evening meal (seafood related!) is served in the renowned restaurant.
Koster Hotel - Koster Islands
Stay on the car-free Koster Islands at the Koster Hotel and dive deep into this marine kaleidoscope. Park your car in, or catch the train to, Strömstad and take the passenger ferry to Sweden's most westerly populated islands just 100m from this coastal hotel. Attractions include a unique seaside location, beaches, rocky islands and of course the magic "Koster light", which has inspired many artists on the island. Renting a bike and a guided tour are strongly recommended so you can appreciate all that is surrounding you. The Koster Archipelago National Park was inaugurated in 2009 and the Koster Islands are now the site of Sweden’s first marine nature reserve. The Koster Hotel has an excellent restaurant, and the terrace offers stunning views across the Koster Fjord. During the summer months there is often a live band playing in the evenings. All suites and apartments offer unrivalled views across the fjord.
Alternative Accommodation
West Sweden - Tailor Made. You choose your hotels. We are here to offer our expert advice.
Activities & Excursions
This holiday is about enjoying the local scenery and culture. West Sweden has many attractions for you to choose from.
Salt and Sill
The restaurant at Salt and Sill is a particular point of interest. Take part in the traditional Swedish activity of schnapps tasting or indulge in a sauna on the world’s fastest sauna boat! The scenery around here is spectacular.
Weather Islands
The highlights of this location are the islands themselves and a walk to the old pilot station. We also enjoyed the boat trip from Fjällbacka to the Weather Islands. Indulge in the fresh seafood, and relax while taking in the view from the hot tub during the evening! Fjällbacka is also home to Camilla Läckberg, author of thrillers, based in the small coastal town.
Koster Islands
Take a guided walk / cycle ride with Steffan from the Koster Trädgård cafe / restaurant. Enjoy 'fika' at this cafe, rent a bike or walk and explore by yourself. Take a fishing or diving tour into the marine national park, seal spotting from a boat or relax on a beach under the warm summer sunshine. Rent a kayak and explore on your own or with a guide. Play boules or croquet next to the hotel. On the way to / from the Koster Islands you'll find Nordens Ark (home to Scandinavian animals) and the ancient rock carvings in Tanumshede.
Dates
Late May, June, July, August, September and October
(peak holiday season is mid-June to mid-August)
Prices
Prices from £1295 per person on a double / twin room
Supplements from
£295 single supplement
Price includes
return flights from the UK
car rental
accommodation as detailed above
half board at Salt and Sill and the Weather Islands
bed and breakfast at Hotel Koster
return boat transfer to Weather Islands
all restaurants are set meals - please let us know any dietary requirements at time of booking
Not included in the price: parking in Fjällbacka (some free spaces available) and Strömstad (approx. 50sek / £5 per day). The ferry to / from the Koster Islands (approx 70sek / £7 one way)
