Travel story: Exploring Sweden's West Coast

City tour to start — three days in Copenhagen

Before Verena and I hop on our bikes, we soak in the relaxed vibe of Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, after our arrival. We visit the famous Little Mermaid statue, stroll through the colorful streets of Nyhavn, savor the excellent food, and let ourselves be inspired by the Scandinavian lifestyle. A special highlight to kick things off is an excursion to Helsingør by train. The bike ride back along the coast is not only a visual delight but also the perfect way to begin the upcoming stages of our cycling adventure.

The next day, we really get going! We cross the spectacular Öresund Bridge by train, moving from Denmark into Sweden, and continue on to Halmstad, the starting point of our bike journey. The weather is typical for the north — a bit windy and cloudy — but our excitement for the days ahead remains undiminished.

Halmstad – Falkenberg: Sandy Beaches, Windmills, and Coastal Breeze

We pedal down to the fine sandy beach of Tylösand and follow the Kattegattleden, which leads us along well-marked paths close to the coast. There’s plenty of wind, but also beautiful stretches with flat rocks perfect for exploring. I especially love the quaint little windmills in Särdal — so typically Swedish, almost charmingly kitschy. Just before Falkenberg, a brief rain shower catches us by surprise. But as soon as we arrive, the cozy brick hotel Hamngatan, nestled right on the river, welcomes us warmly. Its inviting atmosphere quickly makes us forget about the rain.

Rental bike on the cycle path in front of a flowering meadow and red wooden house in Särdal

Cyclist on a rock in Stora Skär gazing into the distance

Falkenberg – Varberg: Surf vibes & postcard-perfect Scandinavian scenes

We continue northward, facing a bit of headwind. In Olofsbo, we watch kiters and surfers, soak up the maritime vibe, and ride through little seaside communities where Stockholders probably spend their summers. No cafés in sight, so we keep going along the coastal path, flanked by lush green meadows and the deep blue sparkle of the sea. Fluffy white clouds drift across the sky. We take a well-earned lunch break at a cozy harbor restaurant in Träslövsläge — like something out of a storybook.

It’s just a short ride to Varberg, so we take it easy and roll into this charming little town at a relaxed pace. Just outside the center, right on the coast, lies our destination: Varbergs Kusthotell — a seaside gem that leaves nothing to be desired.

Red Swedish house by the wayside - cyclists on the road in Falkenberg

Bike break at the harbour restaurant in Träslövsläge

Cyclist on the coastal cycle path in Varberg

Beach break in Falkenberg, active holidaymaker enjoys time out by the sea

Varberg – Kungsbacka: Between Shifting Skies and Quiet Coastal Moments

The day begins with a mix of sun and rain. We take cover in the occasional bus stop shelter to avoid getting soaked during passing showers. But it’s exactly this changing weather that gives our bike journey its unique charm. Clouds drift across the sea, the wind tousles our hair, and every now and then the sun breaks through to warm our skin, and in the middle of it all, we keep pedaling through Sweden’s peaceful countryside.

When we arrive in Kungsbacka, a lovely town square greets us, and we wrap up the day with a fantastic dinner at Restaurant Algot.

Rest by the sea, cycling break on a bench in Stråvalla

Rental bike in front of the farmhouse in Guttared

Shop window with crab sandwiches in Kungsbacka

Kungsbacka – Gothenburg:Island Magic to End the Journey

Our final day brings everything you picture when you think of Sweden: a stunning archipelago coastline with smooth granite rocks, colorful beach huts, and sweeping views of the sea.

The vacation homes grow more elegant, the surroundings more urban — Gothenburg is getting closer. Even the short stretches through industrial areas can’t dampen our spirits. The final approach into the city, along a coastal inlet, is varied and surprisingly green.

To wrap up our self-guided cycling tour, Gothenburg welcomes us with its vibrant urban flair, cultural diversity, and culinary delights that will stay with us long after the journey ends.