Gothenburg and West highlights 2007 JANUARY- Film Festival largest amusement park, open on 28 April. Drawing three Picture yourself at the pictures - The curtain is raised on million visitors a year, the park’s attractions include one of the 30th Gothenburg International Film Festival on January the most thrilling roller-coasters in Europe, while this year’s 26 when 115,000 people are expected to go goggle-eyed dizzying new ride is the Screaming Swing, accelerating you for this silver-screen spectacular. Some 450 films from 60 to 80km/h. countries around the world will be aired at cinemas across the city centre. Taking place until 5 February, the event MAY includes seminars, film club evenings and concerts. Celebrate the ‘King of Plants’ Carl Von Linnaeus A piece of will be blooming in London when FEBRUARY - A Valentine’s Day vacation The Linnaeus Garden goes on show at the Chelsea Flower Give your partner a Valentine’s Day with a touch of Show, which takes place during 22-26 May, to celebrate the Swedish style on 14 February. Enjoy a bite-sized city 300th birthday of ‘King of the Plants’ Carl von Linnaeus. The break to Gothenburg and savour romantic meals at its Swedish genius invented the plant classification system still chic restaurants - be sure to try West Sweden’s legendary in use today and there will be a host of excursions in his seafood. Linger over coffee in Avenyn’s cafes and take in famous footsteps around Gothenburg and West Sweden. the beautiful surroundings while exploring this coastal city. Eastern promise in West Sweden MARCH - High-flyers gather for the crane dance Make Gothenburg your port of call to see the iconic Witness the arrival of spring with a spectacular natural Swedish vessel, the East Indiaman Gotheborg; a meticulous show – put on every year by the ‘dancing cranes’. About reconstruction of an 18th century sailing ship which returns 10,000 birds, travelling north from Spain, stop off at Lake to Gothenburg from its voyage to China. The East Indiaman Hornborga, in Västergotland, to perform the Crane Dance at will call in on London in May before it gets to Gothenburg. their traditional breeding grounds. Watch them bow, hop, jig and flap before the ‘big lift’ as they all take off together JUNE - Midsummer magic at dusk – an awesome sight. Midsummer Eve is a magical time and one of the most popular holidays in Sweden. Take to the countryside APRIL - Open up to the possibilities of shellfish at to experience the parties and traditions, on 22 June, the Oyster Festival celebrating the long, light nights at this time of year. This West Sweden produces some of the world’s finest oysters is a real opportunity to see Swedish customs in action as and a weekend Oyster Festival, held 20-22 April, is dancers circle a wooden pole, which is dressed in birch dedicated to celebrating this delicacy in Grebbestad, two leaves and flowers, to accordion and violin music. Marinated hours north of Gothenburg. Oyster-openers battle it out in herring, fresh boiled potatoes, sour cream and chives are the Nordic Championships and the whole family can get some of the treats served up. acquainted with this sought-after shellfish through opening, picking and boat trip activities. Oyster-lovers can even 175 years is not just water under the bridge treat themselves to oysters and champagne in a heated, – Göta Canal anniversary seawater tub at the Oyster bar on Kärringö island. One of Sweden’s biggest – and longest – landmarks celebrates its 175th anniversary on 28 June. The unveiling A ticket to ride for the whole family at of a monument by artist Bengt Olsson will kick-off the Family fun abounds in Gothenburg and it’s taken to another celebrations at Sjötorp, in homage to the longevity of the level when the rolling rides at Liseberg, Scandinavia’s Göta Canal, the historical waterway with 58 locks between Gothenburg and Stockholm. A big art event means you can’t on 24 September and Sweden’s west coast transforms into miss the canal – a ‘red package’ from Visions by the Water a huge seafood party. Accompany an expert lobster-catcher will audibly and visibly move along it. Follow the canal’s for half a day to pull up the lobster pots and tuck in to your path during your holiday by walking, cycling, canoeing or self-sought catch back at your hotel. taking a steamship. OCTOBER - Attracted to the light JULY - Eat like a King in West Sweden If you’re switched on by lighting then a visit to the town Taste your way through this appetising region by discovering of Alingsås, 30 minutes east of Gothenburg, is a must. a network of 30 restaurants – in some mouth-watering Between 28 September and 28 October the world’s leading locations. A Taste of West Sweden encompasses everything light designers light up public spaces with exciting exhibits from castles to small eateries far out in the archipelago, which can be viewed through nightly guided tours. Some all outside Gothenburg City, each using local products and 50,000 people were drawn to the event in 2006. offering superb quality cuisine. NOVEMBER - Gothenburg’s Marvellous Christmas Set your sails for the GKSS Match Cup Market opens at Liseberg The relaxing, peaceful Bohuslän Archipelago is irresistible Gothenburg’s Christmas Market is a cracker and it opens when experienced by boat. Sail from Gothenburg with a for weekend visits from mid-November – perfect for a friendly skipper guide before heading to Marstrand for the festive shopping foray. It offers 80 cabins and stalls selling GKSS Match Cup, during 2-8 July, which attracts competitors traditional and contemporary gifts and an atmosphere from the Olympics, World and European Championships. guaranteed to get visitors in the Christmas spirit.

AUGUST - Dalsland Canoe Marathon DECEMBER - Fairytale festivities - St Lucia Day Paddle-power your way through glacial lakes and past Christmas Capital Gothenburg - Christmas market stands, deep forests in Sweden’s toughest canoe race. The 34-mile concerts, Christmas buffets, St Lucia and millions of Dalsland Canoeing Marathon takes place on 11 August lights! Sweden provides the perfect backdrop for fairytale and is rounded-off with a crayfish party, fireworks and a festivities during Advent. St Lucia Day, on 13 December, is plentiful supply of schnapps. the highlight and closes with the longest night of the year. As part of the tradition, girls across the country are chosen A cultural feast to represent Lucia, Queen of Light, and deliver coffee, cat- Gothenburg Cultural Festival is the number one attraction shaped buns (lussekatter) and glögg. during a week in mid-August, pulling in one million visitors. The city is buzzing as the festival takes over with a staggering 600 programmes, including 200 free music performances. Avenyn, the central harbour and Trädgårdsföreningen Park, WEST SWEDEN TOURIST BOARD including a children’s festival, come alive with outdoor GÖTEBORG & CO stages.

SEPTEMBER www.west-sweden.com A safari with a different set of claws www.goteborg.com Lobster-lovers have the chance to get active and indulge their passion with a lobster safari. The lobster season starts WEST SWEDEN TOURIST BOARD GÖTEBORG & CO

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