The guide to outings outside Gothenburg

Marstrand has been ranked as Sweden's most beautiful spot by various travel magazines. The little island, around an hour north of Gothenburg, has something for everyone, from walking trails and bathing spots to smart restaurants, pubs and history. The island's landmark is the iconic Carlstens fortress, and brave souls can spend the night in former soldiers' barracks inside the fortress. Naturally, there's plenty of local seafood to enjoy at popular hangouts such as Marstrands Wärdshus and Restaurang Grand Tenan.

This little town, some 30km from Gothenburg, has become something of a foodie destination. Garveriet i Floda, which serves honest, locally-produced food in fascinating culturally historical surroundings, is the main draw for many. Nearby you'll find Jernbruket Vedgrill & Öl, where food cooked over an open fire takes centre stage. Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful walking trails in the area; start from Lerum and walk along the river to Floda, where you can stop off for a great meal.

Varberg is a coastal gem where everything is within reach - and it only takes 40 minutes by train to get there from Gothenburg. Explore the town's magnificent bathing house, long white sandy beaches and picturesque cobbled streets. Varberg is also known for its numerous spa facilities. If you're interested in history, check out Varberg fortress and The Bocksten Man, the remains of a medieval man's body found in a local bog.

In 2018, the prestigious White Guide restaurant guide awarded the entire town of Falkenberg their "Worth a detour" prize - an award normally given to an individual restaurant. But Falkenberg is a truly unique food destination, and well worth a detour for true foodies. This little coastal town is close to the famous pizzeria Lilla Napoli and farm-to-plate experience Skrea Matbruk. A visit to kilometre-long sandy beach Skrea strand is a must - on a hot day it's easy to imagine you've ended up much further south than just an hour's train journey from Gothenburg.

Visiting Nääs is a way to get away from it all without having to travel particularly far. Stay the night, relax in the spa and enjoy delicious food and beautiful views in what used to be a cotton mill. You can also visit for the day and visit the small shops, bakery and restaurant and take a dip in the lake. The old factory setting, together with the lake, greenery and meadows, make for a unique place for recreation, just half an hour from the city.

Tjörn gives a taste of the very best Bohuslän has to offer just an hour from Gothenburg. On the southern side of the island is the little archipelago community Skärhamnm where you can combine bathing from the rocks with shopping and culture - it's home to the Nordic Watercolour Museum. When it comes to food, drinks and accommodation there's plenty to choose from, all with an idyllic island vibe. On the other side of Tjörn you'll find Björholmen Marina & Hotell in a quiet fishing village. Stay at the hotel, tuck into the seafood menu or enjoy a glass of wine on the jetty.

Do you fancy visiting a castle, but don't feel like travelling further than Mölndal? Well luckily merchant John Hall built one just there in the 18th century. Go on wonderful walks in the beautifully-kept park and castle gardens. These include a kitchen garden, where the castle restaurant grow and harvest their own vegetables and herbs. There's also an elegant orangery and animals including horses, sheep and hens. The castle gives guided tours and arranges theatrical and musical performances.