Thorskog Castle
This 'fairytale 'castle, built in 1892 and situated by the Göta river just 30 minutes north of Gothenburg, is surrounded by grounds landscaped in the English country house style. Here you will find peace, supreme comfort and personal attention in opulent, historic surroundings. The cuisine is first rate, and the 'royal supper', announced by the chef, is served in the Squire's Dining Hall or in the Floral Room. Several golf courses nearby.
Bjertorp Castle
Bjertorp Castle is a genuine art nouveau palace with elegant interiors and is one of Sweden's last grand private palaces. The chefs are well-known for using local products and the palace even has its own herb garden. The three-course menu changes daily. Bjertorp is situated in an agricultural landscape with hills and deep forests, offering peaceful walks and cycling. There are many small lakes in the surrounding area, ideal for swimming, fishing and canoeing.
Läckö Castle and the Vänern archipelago
The impressive 13th century Baroque castle of Läckö is located by Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern. In the cellar vaults of the castle is the popular restaurant, Fataburen. In summer there are daily guided tours of the castle and, in the late summer, there are special evenings of romantic music, poetry and food in the garden. There are exhibitions and all manner of concerts in summer, including the popular Läckö Castle Opera Festival.
The charming boat - M/S Magnus Gabriel – departs from the nearby jetty for a tour in the Vänen archipelago, including a stop at Spiken fishing village at Kållandsö. Fresh fish from Lake Vänern is on sale in many of the small stalls or ‘sjöbodar’. Restaurant Sjöboden is situated in Spiken harbour. Specialities of the restaurant include fish from lake Vänern brught direct from local fishing boats and prepared in traditional as well as creative new ways. There is also an excellent beach close to the castle and opportunities to rent boats and canoes to explore the archipelago.
Knistad Manor
Knistad Manor, built in 1778, is beautifully situated between lakes Vänern and Vättern, approximately 10 km outside Skövde. The restaurant, housed in an 18th century manor house with an ancient heritage, serves everything from simple open sandwiches to gourmet meals of several courses. The kitchen uses only the freshest raw ingredients to create dishes from all corners of the world. Knistad has 79 rooms in separate buildings set among the grounds. Surrounding the hotel is an 18-hole private golf course. Nearby is Lake Horborgasjön, one of the most important bird habitats in Europe. The area is steeped in heritage, including such sites as 12th century Varnhem Monastery.
