On the water
West Sweden faces the water, and its twisting coastline and archipelago of more than 8,000 islands is the ideal jumping off point for numerous water-based activities.
Want to see wildlife? Sail out from Hönö and you’ll see a colony of more than 50 seals, basking on the rocks. Alternatively, sail over to the Weather Islands, Sweden’s most westerly, to swim in clear, brisk waters with their inquisitive heads emerging to check you out. If you’d rather get under those waves, head for Kosterhavet, Sweden’s first national marine park and home to Koster Fjord, a deep trench leading out to the even deeper Atlantic. Explore it from the front row on a guided kayak tour with the park’s rangers who’ll share their extensive knowledge marine life and the national park’s nature and history. A short break on one of the islands and a stop for fika make it a perfect way to explore the area.
Serious explorers could consider a three-day kayaking tour of the Weather Islands . An inn on the island of Storö is home for two nights, while the trip includes a tour of the picturesque town of Fjällbacka and paddling among the 365 islands of the archipelago where you’ll come across sandy coves, bobbing seals and all manner of birdlife, from black guillemots to little auks. Days are finished with a hearty meal, a sauna and maybe a few tall tales of kayaking prowess.
Very different waters are found inland, where the Dalsland Canal, Sweden’s biggest lake system, provides some of Europe’s finest canoeing waters and you can easily go self-guided, stopping off at the 120 campsites that line the glistening lakes and meandering canals. There are few places as unspoiled – you’ll hardly see anyone else around, and yes, that water surrounding you is drinkable.
The challenge:
Dalsland Canoe Marathon+, August 8
Sweden’s largest canoe marathon traverses four lakes over a 55km course. You’ll start at Laxsjön before continuing on to Svärdlång for a section close to land – look out for elk and moose. You’ll then enter Västra Silen, passing the lake church of Vårviks, before entering Lelång. Bengtsfors marina is the finish line and you’ll receive a medal here for your troubles. Elite canoeists finish in under five hours, others should expect to take a full day, with regular stops.
On dry land
If you’re a more of a landlubber can head to Ramsvikslandet Nature Reserve, the ‘kingdom of the rocks’, to ramble across the stunning Ice Age rock formations. Hear the waves lap the shore on a stay at a fisherman’s cabin as part of a walking tour package that includes breakfast, packed lunch, maps, dinner and an even a sauna to revive you after a day’s hiking.
Walkers are spoiled for attractions to visit in the area. Discover Bronze Age tombs, walk through the narrow geological attraction Hunnebo Klova, explore Gammelgården with its local history museum and stonemasonry or spend the day admiring the wildlife of Norden’s Ark, a not-for-profit animal sanctuary, where you can even catch staff feeding the zoo’s snow leopards or lemurs.
The challenge:
Icebug Experience, 4-6 September
This year sees the second Icebug Experience, a 75km walking/running event along the rugged coastline of Bohuslän. Spread over three days, you’ll travel 27km along narrow coastal paths, across beaches, into forests and through fishing villages on day one, cover 25km over red granite rocks to Smögen on day two and pass through ancient quarries on the final 22km on day three. You can also do the course at your own pace anytime during the summer and autumn. Whatever you choose all this will give you the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of lobster fishing at Sea Lodge, Smögen. Once on dry land enjoy your catch expertly cooked by the lodge’s chefs.
To find out more about West Sweden visit westsweden.com,
facebook.com/GothenburgWestSweden or @WestSwedenTB on Twitter.
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