Begin with two nights in Gothenburg; despite its compact size, Michelin Stars adorn the walls of six of its restaurants and a delightful canal-lined centre hosts beauty both neoclassical and botanical. From here, you’ll drive on to Fjällbacka, a charming fishing village and the setting for Camilla Lackberg's famous crime novels. Using its brightly coloured houses as your base for two nights, you’ll drive up the coast to Grebbestad, whose seabed produces 90% of all Sweden’s oysters. Of course, no trip would be complete without an included tasting.
West Coast Seafood Safari, Sweden
Day by day itinerary
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Days 1-2 » Gothenburg
Arrive in Gothenburg and make your way to your city centre hotel. Draken was formally the hub for culture, dance and entertainment. It has now been reborn as a house of experiences. On the ground floor, you can experience the unique dining concept at Heurlins restaurant or enjoy stunning views of the Gothenburg skyline on the 33rd floor brasserie. Try the wonderful rooftop bar and terrace one floor up in this artsy – and quintessentially Scandi –vibe property. Spend your time in the city wandering its cobbled streets and quaint canals. The latter are best explored on a kayak tour, a truly unique way of seeing the sights. With Sweden enjoying something of a foodie revival, the café culture and markets are particularly good too, as are Sweden’s largest botanic gardens. For further respite, consider taking a ferry out to one of the city’s surrounding islands that make up its wild archipelago. Here, ambling walks present panoramic sea views. Return to the world’s largest floating ship museum, made of 20 historical crafts that track Gothenburg’s maritime history from fishing boats to firefighting ships.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Draken
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Fjällbacka
After breakfast, collect your hire car and drive the scenic two hours to Fjällbacka, stopping along the way at some of the charming seaside settlements that characterise this region. The island of Tjörn or the pretty coastal village of Lysekil make ideal stops for lunch. After your trip, check in to your characterful accommodation – Hotellet Bryggan. Originally owned by a ship’s captain, its rooms are themed on historic destinations from around the world; think Moroccan bathrooms and French boudoir luxury. Then, spend some time acquainting yourself with the town itself. The red-painted, broken roof architecture evident throughout is distinctly Swedish, as are the cottages that date back through the centuries. Take it all in with both clifftop paths and the town’s 19th century church, enjoying stunning coastal views along the way. Given Fjällbacka’s location, you won’t be surprised to learn that the seafood here is excellent.
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Fjällbacka
Today you’ll drive the short distance up the coast to Grebbestad where you’ll join an oyster safari. Boarding a beautiful blonde-timber fishing vessel, you’ll cruise through the austere, cragged beauty of the archipelago as you learn how the oysters are drawn up from the bed before having a go at shucking them yourself. Your tastings will be paired with seaweed crackers, elderflower juice and dark oyster-flavoured stout. It’s no surprise that such specimens find their way into the top kitchens around Europe. Alternatively, if you're travelling between mid-September and early December, you can enjoy a lobster safari. If you’ve time, we also recommend a boat trip out to the nearby Weather Islands, Sweden’s most exotic and westerly. Here, wood-fired saunas and hot tubs along with coastal walks and ocean swims are suffixed by just-caught seafood meals. Following your activities, make the short drive back to Fjällbacka.
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Day 5 » Departure
Return your hire car to Gothenburg Airport in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
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