West Sweden by rail: 4 incredible pit stops on a train journey through West Sweden

If you wanted to sum up West Sweden in just one word – apart from ‘natural’ – it would be ‘sustainable’. The region is leading the way when it comes to greener travel, from its Stepping up Sustainability initiative, which aims to reduce impact on the environment and encourage off-season visits, amongst other things, and its main city, Gothenburg, ranked most sustainable destination in the world for the sixth time. Minimise your carbon footprint and explore it by train with these four incredible stops. 

1. Start in Gothenburg

West Sweden’s biggest city – and second only to Stockholm – is full of fascinating sights and experiences. All can be visited in an eco-friendly way: 97% of its public transport runs on renewable energy, 95% of its hotels are eco-certified, and there is a low-emission zone in the centre. Cycling and walking are encouraged, and there are parks aplenty. This year, on the 4 June, Gothenburg turns 400 years old. Time your visit for the celebratory festival which runs from June 2-5, which will involve music, food and fun. Parts of the city itself will become an open exhibition, with the Prototyping Gothenburg initiative focusing on urban regeneration. Amusement park Liseberg turns 100, as do the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Gotesburg Kunsthall, and the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens, which is adding a new garden to celebrate. Don’t miss the newly-renovated Maritime Museum and Aquarium, a unique collection of ships, boats and barges reflecting Gothenburg’s port history, with six new exhibitions. Another exciting opening is Wisdome, a spherical wooden building on top of the Universeum science centre which will showcase dramatic visualisations of concepts like space travel. Summer also sees the opening of three public pools on the river Göta älv in the Jublieumsparken.

2. Strömstad and Kosterhavet National park

Seeing more of the region beyond Gothenburg is easy: let someone else do the hard work, and go by train. Head from the city on a relaxing, three-hour journey up the coast to Strömstad, a coastal town in the Bohuslän province which is also the gateway to Kosterhavet National Park. From Strömstad, you can take a boat tour around the Bohuslän archipelago (stroll around the nature reserves on Rossö and Saltö islands), go cycling on South Koster, visit the Stone Age settlement of Blomsholm or just explore the pretty town itself, with its harbour and fishing cottages. However, Kosterhavet is a big draw; Sweden’s first, and only, national marine park, one of the country’s only two known coral reefs exist here, and it’s home to around 12,000 animal and plant species, half of which live under water. Covering 400 sq km, you can dive or snorkel to see its underwater life. Porpoises are occasional visitors and you might spot common seals basking on some of the park’s small islands. Orientate yourself at main entrance, naturum Kosterhavet, where you’ll find info, maps, an interactive exhibition, and information on how to book a guided paddling tour. 

3. Lidköping and Kinnekulle

A 90-minute train journey from Gothenburg takes you to Lidköping, a charming little town located by Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake. It’s full of historic and interesting buildings, many made from wood, including the striking Gamla Radhuset, or old town hall, with its distinctive clocktower. Also worth seeing are nearby Läckö Castle (voted Sweden’s most beautiful) and the collection of 300 year old porcelain at Rörstrand Museum, located within Rorstrand’s old factory, which gave Lidköping its nickname of ‘Porcelain City’. Then continue round the lake via Kinnekullebanan, voted Sweden’s most scenic train journey, and walk some stages on the Biosphere trail in parts of Sweden’s first UNESCO listed Geopark. Don't miss Kinnekulle, in the Platåbergens Geopark. Composed of multiple layers of different rock, this 306m-high plateau mountain creates the habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including orchids and wild garlic. Another, perhaps surprising, attraction is Stora Stenbrottet, or ‘grand quarry’. Known as the mini Grand Canyon, and 40m deep, it’s composed of many layers of limestone, the lowest dating back 400 million years. The area is also full of hiking and biking trails, while you’ll also spot medieval churches, manor houses and country estates along the way.

4. Alingsås and the Gotaleden trail

A mere 40 minute train ride from Gothenburg is the captivating town of Alingsås, also known as the fika capital of Sweden. Many of its old wooden buildings have been preserved, with ornate houses lining the town’s narrow cobbled streets, and a patisserie or bakery on almost every corner. The Lillån river runs through it, and in the pedestrian-friendly centre you’ll find many charming courtyards and unique shops to visit. Fika is the Swedish tradition of taking a break for coffee and, often, a cake or bun, usually with friends. Alingsås’ cafe culture grew out of its textile industry, with increasingly large groups of workers gathering regularly for coffee. Today, there are around thirty cafes, the oldest dating back to the late 19th century. Work off all those cinnamon buns with a stint or two walking on the Gotaleden trail, which runs between Gothenburg and Alingsås. Covering a total of 71km, there are train stations close to each of its nine stages. Depending on which ones you choose, you’ll pass through fields, pine forests, lake shorelines and historic former industrial sites.

Feeling inspired? 

It's easy to take the sustainable route in West Sweden with a great network of trains and buses. Book your dream visit to West Sweden by talking to a tour operator, or head to the official West Sweden website for more information.

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