"Medieval Fortress Fun Take the bus to Kungälv and walk up to Bohus Fortress (Bohus Fästning), which has guarded the northern entrance to Gothenburg at the Nordre River since 1308. During the summer lots of medieval-style activities take place, like sword fighting, archery, and “knight school” for children. Don’t go back to Gothenburg until you have taken a walk along Västra gatan, a charming street with old wooden houses. Maybe stop for fika , too."

"Go on an Island Tour Marstrand is an easy, one-hour trip from Gothenburg via public transportation and the island and town of the same name really has it all, from fascinatinghistory, breathtaking scenery, beautiful architecture toexcellent food and shopping. Founded by the Norwegians in the 14th century, ruled by the Danes for 300 years, and finally Swedish took over as a result of the Treaty at Roskilde in 1658. Marstrand became a wealthy, prosperous town, regarded as a playground for the rich and powerful and theharbor promenadewasthe place to see and be seen. Today, a must-visit is theStrandverket, a contemporary art gallery, featuringphotography and sculpture.A walking path around the island takes about an hour and offers great opportunities for a dip in the cold sea."

"Find Hollywood Glamor in West Sweden Ingrid Bergman had a typical Swedish summer house just outside the small villageof Fjällbacka. and it’s easy to understand why she fell in love with this particular spot on the west coast. Fjällbacka has taken it’s name from the high cliffs just behind (and within) the village ( fjäll means mountain), and the houses seem to be squeezed in between the rocks. This used to be a fishing village, but the townis well-known now for the The Fjällbacka Murders , a best-selling series of mystery novels by Camilla Läckberg that were turned into a Swedish television series. Noirish thrillers aside, it'sanultimate summer resort withseasiderestaurants, beaches andtheVäderöarna islands off the coast."

"Sustainability on an Island Garden The beautiful Koster Islands are Sweden's most westerly populated islands with only around 300 year-round inhabitantsand almost nocar traffic. Sustainability and ecology are key values here and visitorsflock to the islands’ sunny climate and natural attractions. The surrounding archipelago, with its seal colonies, skerries, and rocky isles, is a unique environmental treasure. The islands’ focus on sustainability and local traditions is especially evident at KosterGardenson South Koster, operated by a collective of environmentalists dedicated to inspiring its visitors toward a more sustainable lifestyle. The prize-winning restaurant was built with materials such as straw and earth and is open year-round, serving lunch and fika (coffee break) from the best ingredients available from the garden and sea. Guided tours are arranged onfoot, by bike, or kayak."

"Roam a Remote Island On this small islandbetween the island of Marstrand in the south and island of Tjörn in the north, the houses seem tocling tightly to the rock. Åstol was a major fishing community up until the 1970’s, but has since then struggled. Take a walk around this remoteisland, and then settle down for a meal of smoked shrimp at Åstols Rökeri on the inlet. From there you have a great view over the harbor, and watch the incoming boats navigatethe rocks just outside the harbor and find their way in todock. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live musicat the Rökeri."

"Go Island Hopping The Bohuslän archipelago has a harsh kind of beauty that can be enjoyed in many ways. One of the best, of course, being a journey by boat along the coast trying to find one’s own special paradise. Will it be the glamorous Marstrand, the charming Käringön or the lush, green Orust? There are several boat companies that sail along the coast, so with a bit of planning you can go from Gothenburg in the south to Strömstad in the north. You can also buy a prearranged package, complete with overnight stays and activitiesalong the route. If you want to bring a bike so you cancycle on the islands, be sure tocheck if bikes are allowed on boardand on the islands."

"Go on a Seaweed Safari What happens when two librarians fall in love and decide it’s to do something else in life? Linnèa Sjögren and Jonas Petterson wanted to spend more time outdoors and explore their interest in the wild, Swedish seaweed as culinary raw material,so they openedCatxalot in Havstenssund.Catxalot organizes seaweed workshops, seaweed safaris, cooking courses for both professionals and interested amateurs, and has in just a few years, gained a reputation onthe Swedish culinary scene. Joint them for an interesting day by (and in) the sea to learn more about the different kind of seaweed that grow on the coast, and finish the day by cooking dinner, with dishes like salmon, salad or chocolate cake all made with— you guessed it — seaweed"

"into the Deep Blue Sea In a province with a long coastline and long-standing fishing tradition, spending the day deep seafishing is a great way tofeel like a real “bohuslänning” – a local resident of Bohuslän. All along the coast you find tour operators who offer a range of charters from, family-friendly three hour tours to customizeditineraries.You'll fish forwhatever is in season: in summer, it's cod, mackerel or crayfish while autumnis lobster season. Remember to bring warm clothes— the winds can be strong, even a warm day."

"The isolated, car-freeisland of Käringön is a 40-minuteferry ride fromOrust, and has less than100 full-time residents who stay year round, even through the long winter. But it's a different story in the summer. In the 19th century, the middle classes in Sweden became enamored with the benefits of fresh sea air and started flocking to the small islands along the coast. Today about athousand visitors arrive daily by ferry or private boat to enjoy the island's relaxed vibe. Come for alunch of fresh-caught seafood at Petersons Krog or watch children on the pier trying to catch the little crabs crawling through the seaweed down below.In the cold weather,visitors can takea lobster fishing tour or sample fresh oysters atthe Käringö oyster bar, which also has a hot tub that seats six."