Holiday apartment in Västra Götaland: Kosterhavet, nature and culture

Västra Götaland combines expansive natural landscapes with impressive traces of history. Around 1,000 kilometres of pilgrimage trails lead through the region’s landscapes. In addition, there are more than 500 nature reserves and other protected areas, allowing visitors to experience coasts, islands, lakes and cultural landscapes in many different forms.

Nature

The maritime character is particularly striking in Kosterhavet National Park. It is Sweden’s first marine national park and protects a species-rich marine and archipelago landscape. There are around 12,000 species in total. The main entrance is located at Naturum at Ekenäs brygga on South Koster. Kosterbåtarna operate year-round from Strömstad to the national park; the crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. All entrances to the national park are accessible to wheelchair users, and all except the entrance at Naturum can also be reached by car.

Historical lighthouses from the late 19th century stand on Ursholmen in Kosterhavet. The former lighthouse keepers’ houses and storage sheds have also been preserved. Two snorkelling trails, each around 200 metres long, lie in the water: one at Rörvik on South Koster and one in Hasslebukten on Saltö. The underwater snorkelling trail on Saltö is approximately 200 metres long, lies at a depth of 1 to 1.5 metres and runs underwater past eight information boards. A bus operated by the public transport company Västtrafik runs from Strömstad to Tjärnö; the Lovéncentret stop is located directly beside the bridge to Saltö.

The Nord-Långö and Hällsöarna nature reserve comprises the three islands of Nord-Långö, Nord-Hällsö and South Hällsö, as well as the surrounding sea. There are bathing beaches and opportunities for hiking. The hiking trail on Nord-Långö runs around the northern half of the island, across rocky terrain, through woodland and down to bathing coves. Ramsvikslandet features a different type of landscape: extensive rocky areas meet heathland, wet heath, meadows and deciduous woodland. The area is easily accessible and can be explored on foot; designated bathing spots include Haby Bay and Tryggö. The coastal meadows and shallow bays serve as resting and breeding grounds for wading birds.

Fields, pastures, clearance cairns and stone walls shape the vibrant cultural landscape of the Logården nature reserve. Several easily walkable paths provide access to the area. The marked trails are 2 kilometres long in total and include rest areas, birdwatching towers and viewing platforms. Lake Östen near Logården is protected as one of Sweden’s most important bird lakes and is covered by the Ramsar Convention.

Trails and water

The region can also be experienced on two wheels along clearly defined routes. The Göta Canal Cycle Route is a 220-kilometre national cycling route. One endpoint is located near Sjötorp or Mariestad on Lake Vänern. The cycle route is classified according to quality criteria for national cycling routes for leisure and tourism.

Culture and history

The rock carvings of Tanum are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their depictions of people, animals, weapons and boats show the life and beliefs of the Bronze Age. The World Heritage Site includes more than 600 known sites and has the highest density of such rock panels in Northern Europe.

Läckö Castle is located on Kållandsö in Västergötland, on a peninsula in the Eken archipelago of Lake Vänern. In the Middle Ages, the castle belonged to the bishops of Skara. Guided tours are offered at Varnhem Abbey Church during the tourist season, and outside this period by arrangement. The Rosenstigen trail near Varnhem is approximately 2 kilometres long and passes limestone steps and an old stone bridge.

Forsviks bruk is a 600-year-old industrial setting with historic buildings and exhibitions about metalworking, technology and life in a works community. Today, Forsviks bruk is a living museum with visits, exhibitions, guided tours, courses and training, as well as music and theatre. At Naturum Hornborgasjön, there are informative guided tours and several activities for children.

Other places

Other places in Västra Götaland: Lycke, Lilla Edet, Svenljunga, Lidköping, Ale, Göteborg, Tanum, Mariestad.

Borås, Sotenäs, Kungälv, Nödinge-Nol, Töreboda, Ulricehamn, Alingsås, Tranemo.

Dals-Ed, Bengtsfors, Dals Rostock, Färgelanda, Munkedal, Åmål, Lysekil, Gråbo.

Uddevalla, Härryda, Gothenburg, Hålta, Istorp, Strömstad, Tjörn, Tvärred.

Bollebygd, Trollhättan, Vänersborg, Herrljunga, Karlsborg, Tibro, Falköping, Hjo.

Grästorp, Gullspång, Götene, Lerum, Vara, Skövde, Svaneholm, Tidaholm.

Vårgårda, Orust, Öckerö, Stenungsund, Västerlanda, Skara, Månstad, Essunga.

Sunnersberg, Mölndal, Mark, Mellerud, Partille, Kareby, Fristad, Jordal.

Dängevik, Färdsle.

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