Kungälv in Bohuslan Coast

If you're pressed for time, at least see Kungälv, 17km (11 miles) north of Gothenburg by bus no. 301, 302, 303, or 330 from the Central Station. We recommend it as a day trip, not necessarily as an overnight venture.

The 1,000-year-old town of Kungälv, known by the Vikings as Kongahälla, has a panoramic position by the river of Nordre Älv. The well-preserved old town consists of Gamla torget (the old square), a parish church, and the cobbled streets of Östra gatan and Vastra gatan, where you'll find wooden houses built centuries ago. An island in the river, Fästningsholmen, is an idyllic spot for a picnic.

On the E6 highway lie the ruins of the 14th-century Bohus Fästning (Bohus castle and fortress), Fästningsholmen (tel. 0303/156-62). This bastion played a leading role in the battles among Sweden, Norway, and Denmark to establish supremacy. Bohus Fästning was built by order of Norway's King Haakon V on Norwegian territory; after being ceded to Sweden in 1658, it was used as a prison. Climb the tower known as Fars Hatt ("Father's Hat") for the most panoramic view of the coast. Hours of operation are from May 1 to August 31 daily 10am to 7pm; from September 1 to September 30 daily 11am to 5pm; closed off season. Admission is 45SEK ($9/£4.50) for adults; 25SEK ($5/£2.50) for children 7 to 16, students, and seniors; and free for ages under 7.