West Sweden Tourist Board has outlined a packed programme of openings and experiences for 2026, spanning new hotels, major cultural moments and expanded outdoor routes across Gothenburg and the wider West Sweden region.
Sustainability remains a central theme, underpinning developments across accommodation, culture and nature-based tourism.
New places to stay
Among the most anticipated openings is Strana on the island of Orust, which will expand its boutique waterfront offering with 19 new seaside houses in summer 2026, complementing its existing Ocean Spa. Close to Gothenburg, Hällsnäs Hotel & Restaurant adds 32 new rooms opening in February, including four lake-facing suites with private saunas. Its restaurant, Signum, received two Michelin stars in late 2025, further strengthening the region’s culinary credentials.
In the forests south of Gothenburg, Hyssna Forest Resort introduces two architect-designed cabins — The Ranger’s Cabin and The Skyland Cabin — aimed at travellers seeking low-impact, design-led stays in nature. Meanwhile, Anfasteröd Gårdsvik will debut a new bar overlooking Ljungskile and three additional glamping tents in June, expanding its affordable nature-based accommodation.
Urban travellers are also catered for, with Strawberry’s Quality Hotel The Book opening in central Gothenburg in June. The 215-room design hotel sits beside Liseberg and the new World of Volvo, reinforcing the city’s appeal for both leisure and business travellers.
Cultural events and anniversaries
West Sweden’s cultural calendar for 2026 is equally strong. September marks the return of Smögen Island of Light (4–13 September), transforming the coastline into an open-air light-art exhibition. On Tjörn, Pilane Sculpture Park celebrates its 20th anniversary, with works by British sculptor Tony Cragg on display from mid-May to 27 September.
The Bohuslän Chamber Music Festival (25–28 June) returns with nine concerts staged across islands and coastal towns, opening at Stora Teatern with a performance featuring John Malkovich. In Lidköping, the Rörstrand Museum marks the 300th anniversary of the Rörstrand porcelain brand alongside its own 50th birthday, with a programme of special exhibitions. Elsewhere, Svenstorp Art Centre will showcase the work of Swedish photographer Erik Johansson, while Borås continues to build on its reputation for design, innovation and street art.
New hiking and cycling routes
Outdoor tourism also sees significant expansion in 2026. Launching in summer, the Pilgrim Path Läckö–Hjo is a 155km hiking route linking Läckö Castle with the timber town of Hjo, passing landmarks including Skara Cathedral, Varnhem Abbey and the Hornborga Nature Reserve.
Cyclists will welcome the opening of Ljungleden in spring — a new 170km route connecting Gothenburg with Falköping and linking the Kattegattleden and Ätradalsleden. The trail combines urban riding, cultural heritage sites and rural West Sweden scenery. For gravel biking enthusiasts, Dalsland remains a standout destination, offering more than 850 kilometres of gravel tracks.
Food, family and sustainability
West Sweden continues to position itself as a family-friendly and food-focused destination. Attractions range from wildlife conservation at Nordens Ark to marine life experiences at Havets Hus, alongside hands-on learning at Universeum and the Nordic Watercolour Museum.
The region’s food culture remains anchored in cold-water seafood, including Grebbestad oysters, blue mussels and vendace roe from Lake Vänern, complemented by artisanal cheeses and climate-conscious inland produce. Seasonal seafood experiences peak in spring and autumn, while destination dining continues to develop at venues such as Billingehus’s restaurant Urtid.
Further details on accommodation, attractions and activities across Gothenburg and West Sweden can be found at westsweden.com.