Itinerary – The Adventurous Couple Package
– A Journey Through West Sweden’s Hidden Gems
Where sea meets forest, and adventure meets tranquillity.
Discover the best of West Sweden on a journey crafted for couples who seek both excitement and ease. From the vibrant streets of Gothenburg to the serene islands of Bohuslän and the deep forests of Dalsland, this itinerary blends local experiences, coastal charm and genuine hospitality. Paddle through quiet archipelagos, share a seafood feast straight from the sea, and fall asleep under starry skies in the heart of nature.
Guided by locals who call this region home, you’ll experience the real West Sweden — authentic, sustainable and full of heart.
Day 1 & 2, Welcome to Gothenburg – The Friendly Gateway to West Sweden (Sunday, Breakfast & Monday, Breakfast)
Välkommen! Welcome to Sweden’s west coast – and to Gothenburg. Explore the vibrant heart of Sweden’s west coast. Stroll along charming canals, visit the 19th-century Garden Society, and taste your way through the city’s famous food halls. With its blend of maritime heritage, creativity and world-class restaurants, Gothenburg is the perfect start to your West Swedish adventure.
Details:
On arrival, make your own way to your hotel — there are plenty of taxis waiting at the airport, or you can take the convenient Flygbussarna airport coach. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and discover the city at your own pace.
Gothenburg is wonderfully walkable and full of friendly experiences. It’s easy to explore central Gothenburg and there are plenty of fun to see and do. From the large market hall and shopping streets Kungsgatan, Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan to cafés and sights. Two suggestions in short distance walk from Hotel Eggers:
1. Step aboard the Paddan sightseeing boats in the centre of the city at Kungsportsplatsen. See the old moat and canals that date from the 17th century while learning about the history of Gothenburg’s construction and defense. During this tour you will pass by famous sights – the opera house, the famous fish market “Feskekörka”, green parks, the old ship yard areas and docks along the harbor. The guide on board will tell you about Gothenburg’s history, present time and sights along the route The first tour starts at 11:00 and takes 50 min.
Book your Paddan sightseeing tour here.
2. Stroll through The Garden Society of Gothenburg, Trädgårdsföreningen, 
today it is one of the best-preserved nineteenth-century parks in Europe, where rolling lawns, historic buildings and ornamental gardens featuring exotic and indigenous plants take you back to the golden age of horticulture.Here you can find thousands of roses, carpet beddings and lush woodlands. The palm house from 1878 houses exotic plants in a Mediterranean climate.
As locals, we know that food is part of the Gothenburg experience. For lunch, get introduced to Swedish flavours at the Saluhallen food market — from creamy seafood soups to cinnamon buns fresh from the oven.
Restaurant tips for the evening (pre-booking required)
There are actually quite a few Michelin, one star, restaurants in Gothenburg: Project, 28+, SK Mat & Människor, Koka and Signum (just outside town in Mölnlycke).
Tredje Långgatan
If you are looking for a more traditional Swedish kitchen try out Hemma hos in Haga for dishes like classic Swedish meatballs, Sjömagasinet at Klippan for seafood (take the tram, a voy or bike to get here), Human for New Nordic cooking, Familjen for nice food in a the good atmosphere or Gurras – the home for good food and drinks. Remember to book your table in advance, if you want to be sure to have a table in the restaurants above.
Have a good night sleep.
Overnight at Hotel Eggers
Day 3, Coastal Road Adventure – From Smögen to Fjällbacka and Grebbestad (Tuesday, Breakfast)
Collect your rental car and head north along one of Scandinavia’s most scenic coastlines. Colourful fishing villages, salty air and fresh-caught seafood await. Walk in Camilla Läckberg’s footsteps in Fjällbacka, enjoy a traditional fika by the sea, and settle into the cosy seaside town of Grebbestad — your home for the next few days.
Details:
After breakfast pick up your Hertz rental car by the Central station.
Your first stop is the charming island village of Smögen, famous for its colourful wooden boathouses and lively jetty. Take a stroll along Smögenbryggan (the jetty) and enjoy lunch at one of the small cafés serving the freshest seafood imaginable — the local shrimp are a true west coast delicacy.Further north, stretch your legs at Kungsklyftan in Fjällbacka and admire the panoramic view of the unique archipelago with all its islands, islets and skerries from from Vetteberget. Have a thrilling walk in the paths of famous Swedish author Camilla Läckberg. And don’t miss a traditional Swedish fika — coffee and cake or perhaps an ice cream — down by Fjällbacka’s picturesque harbour.End the day in the cosy seaside town of Grebbestad (around two hours from Gothenburg, excluding stops). This is one of the most important fishing harbours in West Sweden, so expect seafood on every menu — fresh, simple, and utterly delicious. In early summer, the long, light evenings let you enjoy the seaside atmosphere well into the night.
Live like a Swede
In the evening check in for three nights in Grebbestad at the choice of Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor depending on availability
Overnight at:
Skärgårdsidyllen’s Ocean View Cottage,
Everts Sjöbod,
Grebys Hotell
Rosenhill Bed&Breakfast or
TanumStrand.
Day 4, Kayaking the Bohuslän Archipelago – Nature’s Quiet Masterpiece (Wednesday, Breakfast)
Wake up to the scent of the sea and glide through calm, island-studded waters with a local guide from Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor. Stop for a fika on a deserted island, explore Grebbestad’s charming streets, or hike the rugged Tjurpannan nature reserve. End the day with a dinner of local flavours and a view of the setting sun.
Details:
Wake up to the salty air of the Bohuslän coast — today is all about exploring the archipelago from the water.
Together with an experienced local guide from Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor, set off on a guided kayaking tour through one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. The calm, sheltered waters around Grebbestad make this the perfect adventure. Paddle between small islands and skerries, spot seabirds, and stop on a quiet island for a traditional fika or light lunch.
The rest of the day is yours to explore. Wander through Grebbestad’s charming village streets, browse little souvenir shops, and make sure to stop for a treat at the beloved local bakery Sjögrens i Backen.
If you prefer to stretch your legs, the nearby nature reserves Tjurpannan and Veddö offer stunning walks — dramatic rocky coastlines, peaceful forests and endless sea views. Pick up picnic supplies from one of the local food shops before heading out. If you are in to Golf there is a choice of two golf courses – Fjällbacka Golfklubb and Mjölkeröd Golfklubb – just 20 minutes’ drive. Homepages only in swedish, but you can look at the pictures. If you like Trailrunning, try out the path of the trailrun “Bohusläns Bästa” i.e. “The best of Bohuslän” over harsh rocks along the sea from Havstenssund to Grebbestad, approx. 22 km or book a private Yoga session with Ingela at Skärgårdsidyllen. If you did not have time enough in Fjällbacka the previous day, you can easily go back for the afternoon. In the month of May – dinner is recommended at Mamsell in Fjällbacka, owned by swedish Michelin star chef Tomas Sjögren.
Overnight as above.
Day 5, A True West Coast Tradition – Crab Fishing and Coastal Life (Thursday, Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner)
Join a local fisherman for a hands-on crab-fishing adventure and discover the simple joy of life by the sea. After the catch, cook and share your meal outdoors — the Scandinavian way. Spend the rest of the day exploring hidden coves, relaxing in a seaside sauna, or enjoying a well-earned dinner at one of Grebbestad’s beloved restaurants.
Details:
Today brings a true West Swedish tradition — crab fishing!
Head out with a local fisherman for a two-hour trip along the rocky coast and its maze of islands. You’ll learn how to bait and pull up crab pots, and you might even spot starfish, seabirds or the occasional seal. This is a hands-on adventure — and, of course, there’s a fika included on board.
For lunch or dinner you will join crab cooking and have a feast in the outdoor.
Depening if you had crab for lunch or dinner – we highly recommended our favourite restaurant Telegrafen in Grebbestad for lunch or dinner.
Spend the rest of the day as you please. You could visit the nearby picture-perfect village of Havstenssund, known for its pretty houses and calm atmosphere, or relax in a seaside sauna — the perfect Scandinavian ritual after days outdoors.
Overnight as above.
Day 6, Inland Journey – Meeting the King of the Forest in Dalsland (Friday, Breakfast, Dinner)
Leave the coast behind and travel into the deep, green heart of West Sweden. Visit the Bronze Age rock carvings at Vitlycke and continue to Dalsland, where you’ll meet the majestic moose — the King of the Forest. End the day at Upperud 9:9, a beautifully restored granary turned lakeside retreat, and enjoy a locally inspired dinner under the stars.
Details:
After breakfast, it’s time to leave the coast behind and head inland. Just ten minutes away you’ll find the Vitlycke Museum, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Bronze Age rock carvings and life in prehistoric Sweden.
Continue towards the Dalsland region (around 1 hour’s drive) — a land of deep forests, glittering lakes and abundant wildlife. Here, at Dalslands Aktiviteter, you’ll meet the majestic moose, known in Sweden as “the King of the Forest”. These sociable animals live freely within a vast natural reserve and are happy to greet visitors of all ages. Join a guided feeding and learn more about their behaviour and habitat. You may also spot fallow deer or mouflon sheep — and if you have time, you can even join a beaver safari.
Take the detour to Grön Ko for lunch, where they serve (& sell)
local food like gem sausages, but also a beautiful selection of swedish handicraft and genuine souvenirs at the railway station at Värmlandsbro/Säffle.
Take the opportunity for a quick stop at the Aqueduct in Håverud, where hundreds of thousands of visitors every year come to the to see this spectacular intersection of road, rail and waterway. The aqueduct in Håverud is one of the most popular attractions in Dalsland and is a piece of history that is best seen on site.
There are plenty of aqueducts in the world, but most of them are constructed with Roman stone arches or with cast iron troughs as superstructures. The aqueduct in Håverud is made of riveted sheets of steel and is one of a kind. What makes the site even more impressive is the fact that both a rail and a road bridge pass over the aqueduct.
Your journey continues to Upperud 9:9 where you will stay for two nights, a peaceful area surrounded by lakes and forest (about 1 hour). This evening, you’ll be served a simple and rustic dinner made with local ingredients in the evening. Do not hesitate to get a stroll after dinner, since on clear late-summer nights, this region offers an amazing star gazing, far from city lights and noise.
Overnight at Upperud 9:9
Day 7 – Sweden in Miniature – Hiking, Lakes and Local Flavours (Saturday, Breakfast, Picnic lunch and dinner)
Dalsland is a landscape of shimmering lakes, forests and quiet trails. Spend the day hiking, canoeing or biking — or simply relax by the water. After a picnic lunch in nature, unwind in the sauna followed by a refreshing lake swim, before another delicious dinner made with love and local ingredients.
Details:
Dalsland is often called “Sweden in miniature” — and you’ll soon see why. With its mix of forests, lakes, meadows and hills, it’s a paradise for outdoor-loving people.
After breakfast, pack your picnic and head out to explore.
There are countless well-marked hiking trails nearby, so do like the ancient pilgrims, Hike in the deep green forest in beautiful Dalsland. You can also enjoy a swim, rent a Canoe for a self-guided tour on the lake or go on a Gravel biking tour with our local guide Erik, before ending the day the Swedish way: with a Sauna and a Refreshing dip in the lake. Dinner tonight is again cooked with love and local products in harmony with the season. — simple, local, and delicious.
Overnight as above.
Day 8 – From Wildlife to Art – Nordens Ark & the Nordic Watercolour Museum and Farewell West Sweden – Until Next Time (Sunday, Breakfast)
On your final day, visit Nordens Ark to learn about Sweden’s efforts to protect endangered species. Continue south to the Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skärhamn and the Sculpture Park Pilane, where contemporary art meets wild coastal scenery. Enjoy a last seaside lunch before returning to Gothenburg — filled with memories of adventure, calm and connection.
Details:
After breakfast take a drive to Nordens Ark a private non-profit foundation that works to give endangered animals a future and you can learn more about the important work for the biologic diversity. Do not miss out the farm Lantgården in the park where you are able to meet the most common animals you will find on a Swedish farm. You can meet as many as 80 of the world’s endangered species at Nordens Ark. At Lantgården you can get up close to Nordic country breeds. The animal park is one of rural Bohuslän’s most popular tourist destinations with its beautiful countryside and the opportunity of seeing animals such as the wolf, the snow leopard and the Amur tiger.
After spending the morning at the Nordens Ark park and if you love mussels the way we do, have lunch at Musselbaren Ljungkile. Or make your way to the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet (open 11-4 pm) and have lunch in the village Skärhamn. In the scenically situated museum you will find pieces of art from some of the most famous Nordic contemporary painters such as Elsa Beskow, Anders Zorn and Lars Lerin. Take the detour to the Nature Sculpture Park of Pilane with its giganormous installations in the outdoors, before heading back to Gothenburg to enjoy the afternoon in the city and take the airplane back from the airport, where you can drop of the car.
Prices 2026:
Prices start from 2 600 EUR/person and vary depending on your travel dates, preferences, number of travellers and availability.
Condition – At least 2 persons. Shared double room.
Included – 8 days
- Accommodation as listed (subject to availability) – 7 nights on hotels/cabin
(Gothenburg 2 nights, Grebbestad 3 nights, Dalsland 2 nights) - Car hire from Day 3-8, i.e 6 days (a credit card is mandatory) Eco-friendly plug-in
- 7 Breakfast
- 2 Lunch (1 Outdoor crab lunch/dinner in Grebbestad, 1 Picnic lunch “to go” on hike in Dalsland)
- 2 Dinners in Dalsland
Activities as per the itinerary including:
- 1 Guided kayaking archipelago tour in Grebbestad
- 1 Crab fishing tour
- 1 Self-guided car tour along the coastal road with the possibility to visit no less than 7 picturesque and typical Bohuslän fishing villages along the road
- 1 Self-guided Pilgrim Walk
- 1 Sauna with cold baths in Dalsland
- 1 Entrance Nordens Ark (open in the period of Easter until October – )
- 1 Entrance Vitlycke Museeum (when open)
- 1 Entrance Moose park inc guided moose feeding
- 1 Entrance Nordiska Akvarellmuseet
- 1 Entrance Pilane Sculpture Park (open from around mid May until end of September)
- 1 English and/or french speaking guide, available to assist you in case of emergency in West Sweden
Add- on
- Guided biking tour in Dalsland
- Canoe rental in Dalsland
- Singel room
Excludes
- Meals not listed above
- Fuel and credit card deposit on collection of hire car
- Any additional excursions, tours and entrance fees
- International airfare
- Airport bus
- Train ticket
- Bicycle, Voy or Tram
- Tips (normally no tipping, but it is very much appricated)
- Drinks
- Early or late check in at hotels
- Travel insurance (which is mandatory)
If this is what you are looking for – send us your requested travel dates, number of travellers and any special interests, and we’ll build a detailed itinerary and quote within 48 hours – info@skargardsidyllen.se