Vastra Gotaland County

Västra Götaland County combines the urban energy of Gothenburg with the rugged beauty of the Bohuslän archipelago and historic sites. Visitors can explore art museums, ride roller coasters, see Bronze Age rock carvings and feast on fresh seafood.

Reasons to Visit

• Wander Gothenburg’s canals, museums and lively café culture
• Visit Liseberg amusement park for thrill rides and seasonal events
• Explore the Bohuslän archipelago by kayak or ferry, hopping between colourful fishing villages
• See the UNESCO-listed Bronze Age rock carvings at Tanum, which includes over 600 carving sites with diverse motifs【833138624579837†L29-L35】
• Hike up Kinnekulle table mountain or visit Läckö Castle on Lake Vänern

Things to Avoid

• Driving in Gothenburg’s Low Emission Zone without understanding restrictions
• Touching or walking on the Tanum rock carvings; always follow marked paths
• Underestimating the wind and waves when kayaking in the archipelago

Local Transportation Tips

Gothenburg has an excellent tram network and bike-sharing scheme. Trains and buses connect to smaller towns, while ferries and guided tours explore the archipelago. Rental cars offer flexibility for inland castles and mountains.

Travel Etiquette

• Queue politely for trams and ferries
• Respect quiet hours on islands and in residential areas
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Leave no trace when hiking or kayaking

Did You Know?

• Bohuslän’s coast has thousands of smooth granite islands formed by glacial action
• Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus as Sweden’s gateway to the west
• Tanum’s rock carvings date back to the Nordic Bronze Age (1700-500 BC) and depict ships, hunters and animals【833138624579837†L29-L35】

Cool Stats

• Gothenburg’s Liseberg amusement park draws around 3 million visitors annually
• Tanum World Heritage Site spans approximately 41 square kilometres with over 600 carving sites
• The county’s coastline extends over 3,000 kilometres including fjords and islands

Recommended Age Group

Västra Götaland County is most suitable for Kids, Teens, Adults and Seniors looking for a blend of culture, adventure and nature.

• Babies (0-2 years) – Not recommended: busy cities, boats and uneven paths can be tough for infants
• Kids (3-12 years) – Highly recommended: amusement parks and beaches delight children
• Teens (13-19 years) – Highly recommended: outdoor adventures and city culture engage teens
• Adults (20-64 years) – Highly recommended: diverse attractions from art museums to kayak tours
• Seniors (65+ years) – Recommended: accessible museums, boat trips and historic sites are enjoyable with care

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Gothenburg’s trams and buses have low floors, but some old stops lack ramps
• Ferries have accessibility options but check routes for lifts
• Trails near Tanum carvings can be uneven; some viewing platforms are accessible
• Museums and castles offer lifts and wheelchairs on request