Top ten things to do in West Sweden

What with Wallander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Let the Right One In, Sweden is having a moment right now, and about time. This is one of the world's most beautiful countries with miles and miles of beaches, islands and striking countryside. And with Goteburg, the gateway to West Sweden, less than two hours from the UK, maybe it's time for a visit… Here are top ten reasons why.

Hopping with a new coastal cruise - The Bohuslän coast consists of more than 8,000 beautiful islands and, from June, the first stretch of a new coastal cruise will be launched. With coach connections from Gothenburg, Kulturbatarna's full-board trips run from Ellös and Fjällbacka including visits to traditional fishing communities, a passage through Soten Canal, a morning swim and seaside dining and hotel accommodation. In 2011, it will be possible to island-hop all the way from Gothenburg in the south to Strömstad, next to Sweden's first marine nation al park, in the north.

Mountain bike contest, 8 May - Mountain bike orienteering, also known as MTB-O, will be the latest star attraction in the Dalsland wilderness area with a new event being held for the first time on 8 May. The start, finish and map changes for the 40km course will take place in Bengtsfors, two hours from Gothenburg. The annual event is being run by the organisers of the popular Dalsland Canoe Marathon.

Wild walking - Edsleskogs Wärdshus, a new walking centre with a hotel and restaurant which offers hiking packages, has opened in Dalsland. The centre enables visitors to access a range of excellent trails and cultural attractions, complete with ready-made day packs and maps, including the Pilgrim's Trail. Packages are also available through Nature Travels.

Romantic breaks - A new wedding theme has been developed for Läckö Castle's Kitchen Garden in tribute to Sweden's future queen, Crown Princess Victoria, who marries Daniel Westling on 19 June. Available to hire for couples looking to tie the knot in the grounds of the fairytale Baroque castle, the idea for the ‘ultimate wedding scene' has been put together by designer Simon Irvine and the West Sweden Tourist Board.

Tree house highlife - With towers and pinnacles like a fairytale castle, new tree house accommodation is set to open this summer. Named Seventh Heaven and built in a large oak tree, it will be the latest addition to the popular tree house hotel at Islanna Café & Lantkok, Ugglum. A large balcony enables guests to sleep under the stars in they wish, hear the sounds of the forest and perhaps see an elk.

Kosterhavet experiences - A range of new packages enabling visitors to experience Kosterhavet, Sweden's new and first marine national park, are available to book at www.westsweden.com. They include a kayaking weekend among the islands; a seal safari; a beach-based guided tour of Kosterhavet's marine life; an exploration of South Koster island by bike; and a day-long walk from meadows to cliffs to beaches.

Oyster opening - Chefs from across the Nordic region will battle it out to become the speediest opener during the popular, annual Nordic Oyster Opening Championships in Grebbestad, on 1 May. As part of a number of activities celebrating the special mollusc, besides watching the opening action visitors can join oyster safaris to taste oysters straight from the sea and experience how the delicacy is harvested.

Grand Prix first - The Swedish Grand Prix of power boating, the first event of its kind to be held in Sweden, will take place at Uddevalla, 6-8 August. The Class 1 Offshore World Cup competition will bring the heavyweights of the power boating world to the Swedish west coast, an hour north of Gothenburg. Exhilarating entertainment for all the family.

Tipi adventure - If you have a head for heights and a heart for new challenges try Nature Travels' Tipi Adventure. Sleeping on a bed of fir twigs covered by reindeer skins in a traditional Swedish tipi by night, during the day you'll tackle activities including Sweden's longest zip-line, a 220m ride through the treetops; river kayaking through the forest; and a moose safari to meet the ‘King of the Forest'. Four days cost £695 per family or group (up to six people).

Sights by train - Stinsen Sightseeing, a new train for visitors, will take its first trip around Gothenburg on 30 April. The train will connect the new Gothenburg Wheel and the East Indiaman ship while travelling past sights such the Feskekörka ‘fish church'. Available as part of the Gothenburg Pass - giving access to the city's top attractions and bookable online at www.goteborg.com - the 35-minute journey comes with English commentary and hop-on/hop-off alternatives. The seasonal service runs until 3 October.

For more information about West Sweden and Gothenburg go to www.westsweden.se and www.goteborg.com.

5 May 2010