Itinerary – The Family Package – with an outdoor flavour
Day 1, Welcome to Gothenburg – The Friendly Gateway to West Sweden
Välkommen! Welcome to Sweden’s west coast — and to Gothenburg, a city that’s easy to love and even easier to explore.
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 family-friendly experiences. Take a Paddan sightseeing boat through the canals, rent bikes and enjoy the city’s flat cycling paths, or spend the afternoon at Liseberg, one of Europe’s most beloved amusement parks. Science-minded explorers will love Universeum, the Nordic region’s largest science centre, while art and photography fans shouldn’t miss the Hasselblad Centre. And of course — step inside the new World of Volvo, a celebration of Swedish innovation and design.
As locals, we know that food is part of the Gothenburg experience. For late lunch, introduce the family to Swedish flavours at the Saluhallen food market — from creamy seafood soups to cinnamon buns fresh from the oven.
Overnight Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel.
Day 2, Coastal Road Adventure – From Nordens Ark and Smögen to Fjällbacka and Grebbestad (Breakfast)
Time to hit the road and head north along Sweden’s spectacular west coast! Collect your hire car and enjoy the scenic drive — but be sure to make a few stops along the way.
Your first stop is Nordens Ark, a beautifully run wildlife park dedicated to endangered species such as the snow leopard and Siberian tiger. Do not miss out the barn, wich is a thrill for the whole family where you will meet all traditional animals you will find on a swedish farm! Continue towards 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 from Vetteberget. 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.
Overnight at a traditional seaside cottage such as the Eco House or the Grebys Hotell.
Day 3, Kayaking the Bohuslän Archipelago – Nature’s Quiet Masterpiece
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 family adventure. Paddle between small islands and skerries, spot seabirds and seals, 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.
(Please note: minimum age for kayaking is usually 8 years, but younger children may join depending on ability.)
Overnight as above.
Day 4, Exploring Sweden’s first marine nationalpark – Kosterhavets National Park
This morning, drive about 30 minutes north to Strömstad, park your car, and hop on the ferry to the car-free Koster Islands — Sweden’s first Marine National Park and the sunniest spot in the country!
On arrival at Ekenäs harbour, visit Naturum, the visitor centre where friendly park rangers share insights about the local marine life. Then pick up your bikes from Kostercykeln and set off to explore the islands at your own pace.
Cycle between charming fishing villages, sandy beaches and peaceful nature trails — there’s no rush, just the sound of the sea and the cry of gulls. Stop for lunch at Kläpphagen or Kosters Rökeri, both local favourites known for their fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
Return by ferry to Strömstad and drive back to Grebbestad. End the day with dinner at Telegrafen, a restaurant loved by locals for its warm welcome and excellent coastal cooking made by love with local ingredients in season.
(Ferry tickets to the Koster Islands are not included; approx. 624 SEK, payable by card or cash.)
Overnight as above.
Day 5, A True West Coast Tradition – Crab Fishing and Coastal Life
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, family-friendly adventure — and, of course, there’s a fika included on board.
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 (Dinner)
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.
Your journey continues to Kroppefjäll, a peaceful area surrounded by lakes and forest (about 1 hour). This evening, you’ll prepare your dinner over an open fire in a traditional grillkåta — a cosy wooden hut used for outdoor cooking. On clear late-summer nights, this region offers star gazing, far from city lights and noise.
Overnight at Kroppefjäll guesthouse.
Day 7, Sweden in Miniature – Hiking, Lakes and Local Flavours (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner)
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 families.
After breakfast, pack your picnic and head out to explore.
There are countless well-marked hiking trails nearby, including Doktor Saedén’s Walk, a century-old loop that passes scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks. Don’t miss Brattås, a stunning lookout point with sweeping views of the surrounding forest.
For younger adventurers, a visit to Dals Rostock’s miniature station house — a 1:2 scale replica of the original building — is always a hit. You can also enjoy a swim or rent a canoe in nearby Mellerud, before ending the day the Swedish way: with a sauna and a refreshing dip in the lake. Dinner tonight is again cooked over an open fire — simple, local, and delicious.
Overnight as above.
Day 8, Coastal Flavours and Creative Encounters on the Way Back to the City (Breakfast)
After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to journey back towards Gothenburg (around 2 hours).
On the way, we recommend a stop at Musselbaren Lyckorna, a must for seafood lovers. Here you can feast on locally harvested mussels, try their homemade schnapps or beer — or, for an unforgettable experience, join a mussel safari and collect your own catch (pre-booking essential).
Another worthwhile stop is the Pilane Nature Sculpture Park, an extraordinary open-air art space where monumental sculptures are set amidst grazing sheep and ancient burial grounds — a blend of art, history and nature that feels uniquely Swedish.
Arrive back in Gothenburg in the afternoon, return your rental car, and check in at your city hotel for a well-earned rest.
Overnight at Gothia Towers.
Day 9, A Taste of Gothenburg: Culture, Flavours and City Charm (Breakfast)
Your final full day in Sweden is yours to enjoy.
Explore Haga, one of Gothenburg’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, where cobbled streets are lined with wooden houses, cosy cafés and small boutiques. Don’t miss the enormous cinnamon buns at Café Husaren!
For thrill-seekers, Liseberg awaits with record-breaking rides like Helix and Mechanica. For something calmer, wander through the Botanical Gardens or Slottsskogen, a lush park where you might spot moose and seals right in the city.
Seafood lovers can’t leave Gothenburg without visiting the Feskekôrka fish market — a temple of fresh catch from the North Sea. Celebrate your final evening with a memorable dinner featuring the coast’s finest flavours.
Overnight as above.
Day 10, Farewell West Sweden – Until Next Time (Breakfast)
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you leave with salty hair, happy hearts — and memories of the West Swedish coast that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Prices 2026:
Prices start from 5 650 EUR for a family of four and vary depending on your travel dates, preferences, how many travellers and availability.
Condition – 2 adults + 2 children max 14 years. Shared room.
Includes
- Accommodation as listed (subject to availability)
- Car hire from Day 2-8 (a credit card is mandatory)
- Activities as per the itinerary including:
- Entrance to Nordens Ark
- Entrance to Vitlycke Museum
- Entrance to Dalslands Moose Park inc guided feeding
- Entrance to Pilane Nature Sculpture Park
- Guided family kayak tour inc fika
- Guided crab fishing tour inc outdoor “catch of the day” lunch
- Rental of bikes on the islands of Koster
- Meals as listed above
- 24 hour emergency assistance in both Sweden and UK
Excludes
- Meals not listed above
- Fuel and credit card deposit on collection of hire car
- Any additional excursions, tours and entrance fees
- International airfare
- Tips (advice will be given on who to tip, and how much to tip)
- 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