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| From 4 to 13 September 2026, Smögen becomes a stage for light art, where installations interact with the sea and granite landscape of Bohuslän. |
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The festival brings together Swedish and international artists, with works presented along the Smögen boardwalk, in the harbour, and across the rocky shoreline.
Participating artists in 2026 include world-renowned digital artist Miguel Chevalier (France), creating a new site-specific audiovisual work, alongside Craig Morrison (UK), Andrew Scott (England), Eric Langendoen (The Netherlands), and Illuminos (UK), whose installations range from immersive and interactive pieces to works staged on the open water.
With its focus on art, light, nature and sustainability, the festival has quickly established itself as one of Sweden’s most distinctive cultural events. A key collaboration is with the Sotenäs Marine Recycling Center, which recovers ghost nets, discarded fishing gear, and ocean plastics that are reused in several of the light installations.
Located around 140 km north of Gothenburg, Smögen is a well-known coastal destination where the festival contributes to more sustainable tourism. Taking place in early September, the festival plays an important role in extending the tourism season, supporting local hotels and restaurants with a powerful reason to visit beyond the summer peak.
Images from previous editions of Island of Light Smögen
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| Swedish duo First Aid Kit celebrate over 15 years and five albums, following international success. |
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On 29–30 September, sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg will take the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, joined by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra – Sweden’s National Orchestra, founded in 1905 and based at Gothenburg Concert Hall on Götaplatsen.
The programme features songs from the album Stay Gold in new symphonic arrangements, conducted by Erik Arvinder.
(Photo: Olof Grind, Ola Kjelbye) |
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| In 2026, Rörstrand marks 300 years of design excellence, while the Rörstrand Museum in Lidköping celebrates its 50th anniversary – together forming a rare double jubilee. |
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Founded in 1726, Rörstrand is Europe’s oldest porcelain brand and one of Sweden’s most enduring symbols of craftsmanship and design.
The milestone is marked by a major exhibition at the Rörstrand Museum, alongside a year-long programme of events exploring design, craft and cultural heritage. Visitors can join guided tours, take part in the grand birthday celebrations on 13 June, and experience special events throughout the year.
A jubilee exhibition opens on 13 June, featuring early decorative work with the graceful blue floral patterns of early decorative artists alongside modern classics and contemporary interpretations.
At nearby Läckö Castle on Kållandsö, around 25 km from Lidköping, a parallel exhibition places Rörstrand’s legacy in a broader historical context, offering a wider perspective on three centuries of Swedish design. Lidköping is easily reached by train from Gothenburg.
More information on the Anniversary |
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| Date: 15 April, 10:00–11:00 CET |
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International tour operators are invited to a webinar exploring how culture across West Sweden has evolved into distinctive, bookable experiences aligned with international travel seasons and interests.
The session presents destinations such as Tjörn – Island of Art, where contemporary art meets fishing villages and the Bohuslän coastline; Borås, a city built on textile innovation and now known as the City of Art with a dynamic street art scene; and Skara, one of Sweden’s oldest cultural landscapes, where historic sites, museums and art collections are integrated into the visitor experience.
Through short films and conversations with local experts, participants will gain insights into how destinations and tourism businesses collaborate to create authentic, accessible cultural experiences ready for international markets. The webinar will be held in English.
Register by: 14 April. Participation is free of charge
Previous webinars have covered everything from hike & bike and West Sweden for families to local food and gastronomy - find them here. |
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The Dutch tour operator BBI Travel has launched a new family-focused self-drive itinerary in West Sweden, combining city experiences with nature and outdoor activities.
The journey begins in Gothenburg, where attractions such as Liseberg and Universeum offer fun for all ages. It continues to the Bohuslän coast with a stay at TanumStrand in Grebbestad, before heading inland to Kronocamping in Lidköping, beautifully situated by Lake Vänern – Sweden’s largest lake.
The itinerary highlights West Sweden as a diverse and family-friendly destination, where coast, countryside and city experiences come together. |
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The Austrian tour operator Columbus has launched a new family-friendly itinerary in West Sweden, combining Gothenburg’s city life with outdoor adventures on the Billingen plateau and along the Bohuslän coast.
With children in focus, the programme includes mountain biking, kayaking and a visit to Nordens Ark, showcasing West Sweden as a diverse and family-friendly destination where coast and countryside meet.
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| A few weeks ago, the first crane of the season arrived at Lake Hornborga, one of Europe’s most important wetlands. |
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Today, cranes gather here in large numbers, creating one of Sweden’s most iconic spring experiences.
The cranes remain until mid to late April before continuing north to their breeding grounds. Around 120 km east of Gothenburg, Lake Hornborga is a worthwhile destination throughout the year, attracting tens of thousands of birds.
The surrounding area is rich in history and culture. Visitors can hike sections of the Pilgrim Trail and explore Varnhem Abbey – one of Sweden’s most significant medieval sites. Up-to-date information on when and where to experience the crane dance is available on the local website. |
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Easter marks the arrival of spring in Sweden, with colourful traditions such as children dressing up as “Easter witches” (påskkärringar), painting eggs, and enjoying the traditional Easter buffet of herring and seasonal dishes.
In Gothenburg, the holiday brings a mix of cultural highlights and spring experiences with activities taking place across the city, including family-friendly experiences at Liseberg and Universeum, to nature in bloom at the Botanical Gardens and nearby archipelago.
GLAD PÅSK! |
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