Things to know before visiting West Sweden

West Sweden is known for its vast nature reserves, charming harbor towns and beautiful archipelagos, but there’s definitely more than what you’ll find in a quick google search!

I’m lucky enough to live about 20 minutes from the Norwegian border, and there are some cool sites to see a bit that way, too, so this guide will be a mix of places to visit in both countries!

Best time to visit Sweden in general?:

Most will tell you that summer is the best time, and they’re not wrong. But as someone who hates crowds and tries to avoid high season in general, I’d say coming in May or even as late as October is still worth it! I love shoulder season - just before summertime when flowers are starting to bloom again and the days are getting longer.. it’s magical! I also love early fall (September-October) when all the leaves are changing. Christmas season is fun for all the cozy markets, but it’s very dark, so be prepared!

Best way to get around?:

By car is definitely the easiest way (you can rent a car in most big cities), but public transportation is great here, too. You could easily take a Flixbuss from Oslo airport all the way into Gothenburg if you wanted to, and there is also a train that can get you there, too (with a few bus changes, depending).

I highly recommend downloading the app Västtrafik to your phone which is the easiest way to plan your transportation. From there you can order bus or train tickets and use the map.

Do you need to carry cash?

Sweden has become a cashless country in recent years, meaning you won’t be able to use cash while shopping at stores or eating in cafes. However, you can still use it in the supermarkets here! Carrying some around isn’t a bad thing to do, but not totally necessary either.

Do you need to know Swedish for visiting?

Most Swedes can speak, and LOVE to, speak English and will be excited to practice their English every chance they get. In all of the big cities, most people speak English and you can easily get by with it. In smaller towns you will find less people speaking it regularly, and elderly people tend to not speak it at all (thinking of my mother in law here), but you can definitely get by!

Some helpful phrases:

Hej = Hello

Nej = No

Tack = Thanks

Tack så mycket = Thanks so much

Hejdå (hey-doh-a) = Goodbye