The fabulous West Coast Archipelago
From central Gothenburg, the fabulous seascape of the Western Archipelago, with its peerless isle world of dramatic barren grey skerries shifting in trademark pink nuances, is easily accessible.
The archipelago is a paradise for boaters who come from all around Northern Europe throughout the summer season. For the boatless there are many attractive options for everything from day excursions to longer cruises and island hopping. A ten-minute tram ride from downtown Gothenburg, there are plenty of good swimming and sunbathing spots, where the smooth granite drops gracefully into the water, in typical west coast fashion. You can usually find your very own secluded nook.
Or if you want to venture further afield, take a ferry out to any of the many scenic and idyllic islands, such as Styrsö, Brännö, Donsö or Vinga, where you´ll find cosy restaurants, inns and hostels, and plenty of pristine maritime wilderness and breathtaking scenery. An entire wonderful island world awaits you, offering endless free and natural luxuries such as sun-heated cliffs, salty swims, sea breezes, crab fishing and the smell of fresh seaweed.
For a complete archipelago experience in true Gothenburg fashion, start the day by going to the Feskekörka fish market in the morning, to pick up a few bags of freshly boiled shrimp for a picnic, then set out into the magnificent archipelago to enjoy these priceless pleasures in the full!
Winds are formed where you least expect them. Even for the experienced amateur sailor, sailing in Swedish waters takes on a whole new and unexpected meaning. Not only because of the varied coastlines around Sweden, but also due to the large lakes which have excellent water for sailing by pleasure boat.
The long coastlines in the east, south and west of southern Sweden, and on the islands of Gotland and Öland, offer constantly changing scenic panoramas, with a multitude of picturesque fishing villages, coast towns, beach resorts and secluded getaways in splendid settings.