I want to find an island or coastal area to chill out for a week in between traveling around Scandanavian countries. Northwest coast of Sweden seems great to me.

Can't help you with Northwest Coast, but a great island spot would be the walled village of Visby on Gotland Island. You can get a ferry from just above Kalmer (fantastic castle) and leave by fast ferry to Stockholm if you choose. Visby is very medieval, has a pretty, fun waterfront scene, great restaurants, beautiful seaviews and is wonderful for biking (on the Island outside of the Village) Visby was one of the highlights of our Scandinavian Trip last year.

Hi Jim,<BR>I'm from Gothenburg. When are you planning to go here, during winter, summer or..?<BR>I good website to start with is http.//www.smorgasbord.se<BR>

Ollie - we are going in late July, thanks for the help.

Sweden does not have a northwest coast.<BR><BR>If you want isolation try Aland, aboput half way from Stockholm to Turku in the Gulf of Bothnia. There is hardly anything there. It is actually in Finland but everybody speaks Swedish; one of those things.

Hi,<BR>I suppose you mean the north Westcoast of Sweden, Bohusl&auml;n or...?<BR>Bohusl&auml;n is very nice during summer.<BR>If you have more questions about the Westcoast, I will try to answer.

Ollie - Yes the Bohuslan area is where we are looking to be in late July. What do you think is best - Smogen, Lysekil, or where would you suggest for about five days. Thanks.

I've been to Smogen many times. It's a wonderful spot for relaxing and seeing some of the most beautiful sailboats I've ever seen. Even if you don't stay there it's a "must" to visit.<BR>Have fun.

Topping for Burt

Message: The Swedish West Coast between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border is very beautiful. I guess it has a lot in common with the coast of Maine, with granite rocks and lobsterfishing. It´s very popular in summer, but the season is short - from mid-June to mid-August. Don´t miss the wooden towns of Fj&auml;llbacka and Grebbestad. More information at www.norrabohuslan.com and www.vastsverige.com