Established in 1998, Västra Götaland County is one of Sweden’s youngest provinces and sprawls between Lake Vänern, Lake Vättern and the Kattegat Strait along the country’s border with Norway. It encompasses the historic provinces of Västergötland, Bohuslän and Dalsland, with a diversity of landscapes, lively cities and friendly towns among its attractions.
Things to do in Västra Götaland
Whether you want to explore the family-friendly attractions of Gothenburg or escape to the bird-filled shores of Lake Hornborga, Västra Götaland County is one of Sweden’s most fascinating regions.
Sightsee in Gothenburg. Largely built in the 17th century as a trading post, Gothenburg is a vibrant city on Sweden’s west coast. It is traversed by canals and leafy boulevards lined with alfresco cafes and boutiques, while brick warehouses cluster in the cobblestone streets of Haga. Admire the Nordic artwork on display at Gothenburg Museum of Art and tour the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden before experiencing the roller coasters and rides of Liseberg.
Tour Läckö Castle. Perched on the southern shore of Lake Vänern is Läckö Castle, a 13th-century fortification furnished as it appeared during the Baroque period. In addition to its 17th-century cabinets, it features beautiful ceiling and wall frescoes. Läckö Castle regularly hosts art exhibitions curated by the National Museum of Fine Arts and presents an annual opera production in its inner courtyard.
Birdwatch on the shores of Lake Hornborga. Created around 10,000 years ago, Lake Hornborga is one of Sweden’s most famous birdwatching destinations and attracts thousands of dancing cranes each spring. Visit Naturum Hornborgasjön to learn about the lake’s resident birdlife before exploring along the nature reserve’s trails. In addition to European green woodpeckers and Eurasian coots, you can also spot great egrets and northern lapwings.
Getting around Västra Götaland
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is the main aviation gateway to Västra Götaland County and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from cities throughout Sweden to the Gothenburg Central railway station and buses travel to smaller towns and villages. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.