February 22 – 24, A Passion for Food exhibition, Gothenburg
A date for the diary for any foodie is the Passion for Food exhibition held in the gastronomic city of Gothenburg. The exhibition enables visitors to Taste the West of Sweden by showcasing the region’s best food producers and restaurants. Buy top-quality produce, try taster platters and get tips from Gothenburg’s star chefs.
April 19, Oyster Festival, Grebbestad
West Sweden produces some of the world’s finest oysters and the Oyster Festival is dedicated to celebrating the delicacy. Oyster openers battle it out in the Nordic Championships and the whole family can get acquainted with this sough-after shellfish through opening, picking and boat trip activities.
June 20, Midsummer’s Eve
One of the most popular holidays in Sweden, it’s a celebration of summer and the long, light nights. Take part in traditional celebrations at the fairytale Lacko Castle, Rococo-style manor house Naas Castle and at Tradgardsforeningen, Gothenburg’s Horticultural Society Gardens.
June 28 – September 28, Gardens of Gothenburg
This international garden exhibition takes place at four beautiful venues in and around the city: Trädgårdsföreningen Horticultural Society Gardens, Göteborg Botanical garden, Gunnebo House and Gardens and Liseberg amusement park. Leading Swedish as well as international landscape architects and garden designers will participate.
June 30 – 6 July, GKSS March Cup Sweden, Marstrand Island
West Sweden’s Bohuslan coast is a paradise for sailors and some 100,000 visitors throng the cliffs and quaysides of Marstrand to follow the gripping match races which attract sailing competitors from the Olympics, World and European Championships and America’s Cup. www.gkss.se
July 5 – 13, Hova Jousting Week, Hova
A jousting festival with plenty of family activities is part of a medieval week at Hova, celebrating a famous battle. See the biggest medieval parade in the Norse countries as villages turn out in costume. There is also a medieval playground called ‘Barnens Riddarland’ for the little knights and princesses. www.riddarveckan.com
August 7 – 9, Way Out West music festival, Gothenburg
The music festival that started in 2007 is back with another line-up of international names planned to get the city rocking. The festival takes place at Slottskogen City Park, central Gothenburg (www.wayoutwest.se).
September 22 – April 2008, Lobster Season
The much anticipated lobster season gets underway heralding the start of lobster suppers at restaurants across West Sweden, the sale of a special beer to complement the feast and lobster safari trips for visitors to catch, cook and eat the lobsters themselves.
November 16 – December 23, A Gothenburg Christmas
Preparations are already underway to make the 2008 Christmas experience in Gothenburg the best ever. Light displays and shows, traditional Christmas markets, ice skating, seasonal food including the julbord buffet, St Lucia Day and church concerts make Christmas in Gothenburg magical.
Direct flights to Gothenburg are available with Ryanair from London Stansted, Glasgow Prestwick and Dublin, with SAS from London Heathrow and with City Airline from Manchester and Birmingham.
For more information about events, activities and accommodation in West Sweden visit :
