Gay Travel Guide to West Sweden – Out Magazine

West Sweden

Gothenburg may not offer the grandeur of Stockholm, but what this seafaring city lacks in pomp it compensates for in charm, from its many parks and gardens — there are 274 square meters of green space for every citizen — to its queer-friendly vibe: For West Pride, the city is decorated annually with 1,000 rainbow flags that flap and flutter high over churches, schools, and government buildings.

It’s also a dining mecca, with its Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Sjömagasinet, housed in a 1775 wooden structure on the waterfront, and Norda Bar & Grill in the Clarion Hotel, a major supporter of 2018 EuroPride, which takes place this summer in Stockholm and Gothenburg over two separate weeks (July 27-August 5 in Stockholm, and August 14-19 in Gothenburg). There’s plenty to keep you occupied in this cheery northern metropolis, but you’d be denying yourself one of life’s great pleasures if you didn’t use it as nature intended: as a stepping stone for a trip up Sweden’s bewitching West Coast.

First though, do as the natives do, and make time for a fortifying fika in Gothenburg. There’s no shortage of choices to enjoy a strong coffee and pastry, but on a sunny morning, sitting in the courtyard outside Da Matteo (Magasinsgatan 17) is heaven. The strong, ethically-sourced coffee pairs equisitely with the caramom buns baked on the premises. At weekends, a spread (shown above) of breads, jellies, and cheese is laid out for customers to craft their own feast. Sated and caffeinated, you are ready to start your west coast adventure.

By Aaron Hicklin – Full Story at Out Magazine

Sweden Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Gothenburg, Sweden – Curve Magazine

Lesbian Gothenburg

Everybody’s heard of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, but fewer people have heard of its West Coast cousin, Gothenburg—or Goteborg as it is called by locals. This small-sized city sits on a prized piece of coastline that offers a working port and extends north and south into vacation-worthy coastal escapes.

At its heart, Gothenburg offers the cultural delights of a metropolis combined with the green space of parks, the tranquility of canals, and the accessibility and livability that eludes bigger cities. Some years ago, Gothenburg was a working class and sometimes homophobic port city. Today it is a bustling and creative city with a Brooklyn vibe—and the kind of place that hangs out 1,000 rainbow flags during Pride.

Where to Stay

The Clarion Hotel Post is a contemporary design hotel located in central Gothenburg, in a refurbishment of a somewhat monolithic edifice that was once the old Main Post Office from the 1920s. The Swedes are very good at architectural renovation of civic buildings, and Clarion Post is no exception, boasting 500 rooms, many with sweeping city views, excellent amenities including rooftop pool, an innovative spa, free Wi-Fi, and excellent restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The Clarion Post is your hipster home away from home, and walking distance from everything you’ll need to see. As one of the Nordic Choice hotels, it combines the best of Scandinavian history with contemporary urban aesthetic and all the comforts of home—don’t miss the buffet breakfast which offers a true Swedish smorgasbord each morning. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during Pride (the second week of June) or EuroPride 2018, expect the property to be decked out with rainbow flags and queer festive attire.

This year, the hotel turned over its retro-chic, pink velvet Bon Bon Bar to the girls’ Pride dance club night, Lesbian Take Over, starring DJ Gunn. See images from the night here.

By Merryn Johns – Full Story at SOURCE

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Gay Gothenburg, Sweden

Gay Gothenburg Image by Beatrice Tornros[/caption] Myself and another LGBT journalists were graciously invited by Visit Sweden to attend their West Pride festival, and see how just how different gay life is for the Scandinavians in the welcoming city of Gothenburg. Travelling to Gay Gothenburg It’s 8:30 in the morning, and after two days of less-than-fortuitous encounters with trains, tubes and buses, I am well and truly sick of London transport and ready to get the hell out of this city… At least for a little bit. Sat at Gatwick Airport after clearing security, I get a few moments to sit and watch the melee of stag and hen dos downing glasses of wine before scurrying off to catch their flights to Ibiza, Prague, etc. Classy as ever England, let’s go see how the Swedish do things. My flight was delayed, but then this is Gatwick so it’s no big surprise, but before long I am jetting out on Norwegian Airlines to the second largest city in Sweden.

By Nick Baker – Full Story at The Gay UK

Sweden Gay Travel Resources

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Foodie Fun in Gothenburg, West Sweden

Gothenburg for Foodies The beautiful West Sweden, with Gothenburg as its gateway, is emerging as a hotspot for all things food. It’s gaining an international culinary reputation as the foodie capital of Scandinavia because of its passionate local producers, imaginative chefs and bounty of organic, natural produce. The west coast’s shellfish, in particular its lobster and oysters, are among the best in the world. Visitors can partake in hands-on trips to learn about the West Coast’s seafood, joining local fishermen for unforgettable catch-and-cook experiences. Further inland, the forests also provide a variety of game. Other districts are known for producing fine cheeses. Meanwhile, the fertile agricultural land is ideal for growing fresh produce and raising animals in the best organic tradition.

Full Story at Gay Star News

Sweden Gay Travel Resources

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