Active holidays in West Sweden I Active Scandinavia

West Sweden - an outdoor paradise

Baltic Sea, archipelago islands and fresh fish

West Sweden, also known as Västra Götaland, is a real paradise for outdoor fans. No matter whether you focus on activities such as cycling, hiking or stand up paddling or if you are interested in museums, world cultural heritage and nature reserves - you will find it here. Another highlight is the cuisine. The region is very well-known for its fish and delicious seafood, but those with a sweet tooth can also draw on numerous resources here. The density of cafés and restaurants is unbeatable and the offer is plentiful. The focus is always on local and sustainably produced food. So it is hardly surprising that West Sweden is also very popular with the locals. Join us on one of our active tours in West Sweden and convince yourself of the beauty and diversity of the region!

Sweden's first national cycle path

The Kattegattleden takes you about 395 km along the west coast from Helsingborg to Gothenburg. Tho who want, can also start in Malmö. The route along the Baltic Sea with its wonderful sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking views is very popular with our bike guests. You cycle on paved bike and gravel paths, and the route is also perfectly signposted. In the end, Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, awaits you with lots of sights, great restaurants and beautiful archipelago islands. Our tip: add extra nights to have enough time to explore everything!

Helsingborg - Gothenburg

Our classic tour and part of our portfolio since the beginning. Getting to Helsingborg is easy by car, train or plane. Bike the Kattegat route in eight days and six stages.

Malmö - Gothenburg

If you also want to see Malmö, Sweden's third largest city, we recommend our extended option. Arrival every Friday from mid-May to mid-September.

Halmstad - Gothenburg

For those who don't have that much time. Our shortened version starts in Halmstad, halfway between Malmö and Gothenburg. The idyllic small town can be easily reached by Öresundståg (train from Copenhagen Airport) or by car. Our tip: Parking here is a lot cheaper than in Malmö or Helsingborg.

Interesting facts about the Kattegat route:

was inaugurated in 2015
has a total length of ca. 390 km
was named Europe's cycle route of the year in 2018
the route can be cycled in both directions, we recommend cycling from south to north, the chance of tail wind is higher, they say
every stage can also be covered by train, especially useful if weather doesn't play along

Daily stages and kilometers:

Malmö - Helsingborg: ca. 75 km
Helsingborg - Ängelholm: ca. 60 km
Ängelholm - Halmstad: ca. 95 km, with shortcut approx. 65 km
Halmstad - Falkenberg: ca. 60 km
Falkenberg - Varberg: ca. 40 km
Varberg - Kungsbacka: ca. 75 km, with shortcut ca. 60 km
Kungsbacka - Gothenburg: ca. 65 km, with shortcut ca. 40 km

Level of difficulty: medium

If you cycle the entire route, you can expect daily stages of up to 100 km, therefore a certain basic level of fitness is needed. Of course, as with all of our trips, there is also the option of booking an electric bike. In addition, we have worked out shortcuts for longer stages; detailed information can be found in our travel documents. With a few exceptions, the route is basically flat, the most strenuous tour is the cycling stage from Ängelholm to Båstad. Here you have to overcome a few meters in altitude, this section can however also be covered by train.

Altitude profile

Found your dream holiday? Contact us in case of questions!

Teamet på Active Scandinavia

Hiking without luggage along the Götaleden

The Götaleden has a length of approx. 70 km and leads from Gothenburg to Alingsås. On the first stage, nature reserve of Delsjön is on the program. Quite a few lakes are awaiting you along the way, perfect for a cool refreshment. Furthermore, the view from the Getryggen plateau is breathtaking! On the way to Alingsås there are many nice places to stop for a break and historically interesting places. The long-distance hiking trail can be hiked in four days with public transportation in-between.

Tip! On our Göteborg based in one hotel trip you hike the first stage of Götaleden, you cycle along the Kattegat route and explore the southern and northern archipelago islands.

Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

Our favourite spots in West Sweden

Sofiero Castle with a beautiful park near Helsingborg: an absolute highlight not only for garden lovers! The park was named the most beautiful park in Europe in 2010.
Restaurant Bjäre Fisk & Skaldjur: the dishes are particularly tasty, especially due to the nice location in Magnarp harbor. In addition to a delicious selection of fresh fish, there are many other delicacies, there is something for everyone!
Hotel Tylösand: Roxette fans watch out - none other than Per Gessle himself is the owner of this gem with grreat location directly at the beach, just outside Halmstad. The basement houses a fascinating museum with many highlights from the Roxette era, while the rest of the hotel also features great paintings and works of art.

Naturum Kosterhavet with Sculpture Park: the national park is home to around 12,000 animals and plants over an area of around 400 km2, both above and below water.
Maritiman: the floating museum in the port of Gothenburg houses a large number of ships and boats and gives great insights into the maritime life of different eras.
Café Brogyllen, Västra Hamngatan in Gothenburg: Coffee house culture at its best, the Swedish way! Enjoy your coffee together with a pastry or cake, delicious!
the archipelago islands of Gothenburg: the idyllic islands close to the city are best explored by bike along its car-free roads.

The Kattegat route for families

Shorter daily tours, a rest day in-between and time for activities are awaiting you on our cycling holiday for families along the Kattegat route. Our highlights:

Kullaberg nature reserve with caves, hiking trails, interactive visitor center and saltwater aquarium
Halmstad with numerous possibilities for activities - whether the rest day is used for swimming, a round of stand up paddling or surfing course is entirely up to you
the fortress in Varberg with the Bockstensmann, the "Ötzi of Sweden"
the car-free islands in the southern archipelago of Gothenburg