Climate-smart holidays - West Sweden's new concept
West Sweden is focusing on offering trips with the lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions. To show that people can travel climate-smart without compromising on comfort, the Tourist Board and five tourism businesses have developed package trips that have very small carbon footprints. Accommodation is in unique buildings like glass cabins and tiny houses, visitors are encouraged to travel by train and can be picked up at the station in electric cars for the last stretch. Food served during the trip is high quality and locally sourced. The CO2 for the journey and accommodation can be calculated so it is clear to guests what the climate impact of their trip will be.
Five climate-smart accommodations are all presented further below in this newsletter.
*This is a comparison of kg CO2-eq emissions per person between different travel destinations. The calculations are based on a return journey from London by air to Gran Canaria or Bangkok, and by train to West Sweden.
Architect-designed hermit cottages at Swedish Country Living
Swedish Country Living is a family business in Köpmannebro, Dalsland, approximately 140 kilometres north of Gothenburg. These architect-designed hermit cottages have no electricity or running water but are still luxurious. The cottages are built using architectural salvage and natural materials from the site, such as sheep’s wool and wood, and are furnished with classic Scandinavian design. Each cabin has a private bathroom with underfloor heating, shower, and toilet in a separate building, where a circular water purification system returns the water to nature.
There are plenty of hiking trails to explore and use of a canoe or kayak is included when staying in one of the hermit cottages. The lake is enticingly close to the cabins and irresistible for a refreshing morning or evening dip. This is a wonderful place for just being in the moment.
In the forest just outside Hjo, 180 km east of Gothenburg, is family-run INFOREST. Their four Tiny Houses are completely self-sufficient and everything is built using sustainable materials. The tranquil setting is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and recharge your batteries.
Hiking, forest walks, and seasonal mushroom picking can all be enjoyed. Bicycles are available for hire with good cycling trails in the surrounding forest.
The Erikson family has lived on this idyllic farm in Västergötland for four generations. About 130 km east of Gothenburg and far out in the middle of a beautiful forest, staying in one of their glass cabins is about as close to nature as you can get. The farm was built at the end of the 18th century and in addition to the glass cabins, there is a sourdough bakery and licensed café.
There are two kayaks and two SUPs for use on the lake that can be reached by a short walk from the glass cabins. Winding forest trails and gravel roads are perfect for an easy walk, a run, or a longer hike. A wood fired hot tub can be booked for an additional fee, and bookings for Glashus Sjön include access to a private wood fired sauna.
Lugnåsberget Ekohotell is a small family owned guest house in Lugnåsberget just south of Mariestad and about 170 km northeast of Gothenburg. Lugnåsberget is part of two UNESCO areas; Vänerskärgården Biosphere Reserve with Kinnekulle, and the Platåbergen Geopark.
There are several hiking trails such as the Stenhuggarstigen, a marked path of about 6 km with information about the mountain’s history. The Biosfärleden is a marked trail between Läckö and Mariestad that passes the eco-hotel, and there are marked trails in the nature reserves at Qvarnstensgruvan and Vristulven. It is a great area for cycling, with a 7 km route along the Vänerleden national cycle path. For canoeing in Vristulven, a canoe can be taken to the lake with an electric car. After all this activity, guests can relax in the wood fired sauna.
Dalslands Aktiviteter is a family run business in Dalsland, with a large range of nature based activities. You'll stay in one of four glass cabins overlooking Lake Iväg, where you can drift off to sleep between the stars and their reflection in the shimmering lake.
Hiking along the nearby trails, canoeing, fishing, or exploring the lake with the rowing boat can all be enjoyed. Additional activities can be booked, like exploring Dalsland from horseback or learning something new on a guided Bush Craft walk, where you'll cook outdoors.
If you want to know more about the Climate-smart holidays concept, please contact Marie Linde, Vice CEO, marie.linde@vastsverige.com.
If you want to discuss a press visit or need more material for publication, please contact Ann-Charlotte Carlsson Chevrier, Chief Marketing Officer, ann-charlotte.carlsson@vastsverige.com
