Sweden/Norway

[bonniejoy03]

Might do the overseas delivery for a Volvo in Sweden.....anyone visited Gothenburg or Oslo? Any suggestions or opinions for the region? I have been to Stockholm and Copenhagen but never Norway. (ps-Gothenburg is where the overseas program originates.)

[LL_Travelfan]

Dear bonniejoy03,
I know they are still doing the overseas delivery program for the Volvos, but is it still viable with the Euro being so high? What time of the year are you thinking of taking possession of a new Volvo in Gothenburg?
After picking up your new Volvo at Gothenburg, Drive to Kalmar, a medieval walled city with a moated castle and cobblestone streets. Head north across one of the longest bridges in Europe to the island of Oland, dotted with windmills, farms, grazing sheep, and the ruins of Borgholm Castle, which dates to the 1300s.
In winter, steer your new Volvo further north to the world-famous Icehotel and snuggle under animal skin blankets before or after dogsledding or cross-country skiing.
Picking up a new car in Europe is lots of fun. We have done it a while back picking up a new VW Jetta, but that was when the European exchange rate was a lot more favorable.

[LL_Travelfan]

Dear bonniejoy03,
I know they are still doing the European Delivery Program of a new Volvo in Gothenburg, however is it still viable with the Euro being so high? What time of the year are you thinking of taking possession of your new Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden?

Once you pick up your new Volvo in Gothenburg, drive to Kalmar, a medieval walled city with a moated castle and cobblestone streets. Head north across one of the longest bridges in Europe to the island of Oland, dotted with windmills, farms, grazing sheep, and the ruins of Borgholm Castle, which dates to the 1300s.
In winter, steer your new Volvo further north to the world-famous Icehotel and snuggle under animal skin blankets before or after dogsledding or cross-country skiing.
I know picking up a new car in Europe gives you quite a thrill, giving you free wheels while taking a European vacation and bringing back a great souvenir that will last for many, many years!
We have done it, picking up a new VW Jetta, but then the European Exchange Rate was still way below than what it is today.
Good luck and have fun!
Kind Regards,

[bonniejoy03]

Hi L...I think the euro vs the dollar isn't as bad as it has been. They will also throw in two nights and air!! We were planning to go June/July. I know it is the height of tourism but it fits our schedule at that time. How far is Kalmar from Gothenberg? Any other recommendations? We plan to leave the car at the port and fly/train also....

[LL_Travelfan]

Bonniejoy,
You are right, the Euro is vs the dollar isn't as bad anymore as it has been. Current exchange rate is about 1 euro costs about 1.29 dollars. Two nights and air for two will go a long way for the exchange rate. Kalmar is about 290 km from Gothenberg.
Kalmar, chief town of the county of Kalmar in southeastern Sweden, lies on the Kalmarsund, which separates the island of Öland from the mainland. Thanks to this favorable location, there was already a trading post here in Viking times.

Fortified in the 11th century as a coastal stronghold against Denmark, Kalmar became a member of the Hanseatic League. In 1397 the Union of Kalmar, under which Denmark, Sweden and Norway were united in a single kingdom under Eric of Pomerania, was signed here. The Union remained in force until 1523.

During the 16th century Kalmar, with its strong fortifications, was one of the most important towns in Sweden. From the 18th century the population of Kalmar became mainly occupied in craft production, trade and seafaring. The town's modern industries include engineering and motor vehicles (Volvo branch factory).

Kalmar is a university town, home of the Kalmar Cathedral from 1702 and a main route to the island of Öland, over the Öland Bridge.

Since you are picking up the car in Gothenburg, I am sure you will want to visit Gothenburg.
Göteborg - the Swedish name of Gothenburg - Sweden’s second largest city, is undergoing a transformation from industrial seaport to contemporary cultural and international sports venue. With the addition of the Gothenburg Opera in 1994 and a revamping of some of the city’s museums, its cultural landscape is also changing – all for the better.

Perhaps the most surprising change in Gothenburg is in its restaurants and other eateries. The city has gained an international reputation for innovative cuisine using local produce, mainly north Atlantic fish and shellfish. Gothenburg boasts several Michelin Guide restaurants which should not be missed when you visit.

Gothenburg is a gateway to the Western Archipelago, with its peerless isles and barren grey skerries and they are easily accessible by boat from the city.

[bonniejoy03]

Thanks L. Yes, we will be staying in Gothenberg for 3 nights. Sounds like a great place. We were thinking of heading south to Bastad. There is a major tennis tournament there in July....might be interesting and a neat seaside town. Still investigating and working with the Volvo travel folks. They will pay air and three nights hotel..weo!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi L. Started to research Kalmar and the Oland Island. Oland Island is on the Baltic...it looks great...sounds like it is the place where Swedish royalty spends the summer. Can you recommend any places to stay? I have a whole list from apartments to castles but not sure location on the island....any feedback? Thanks!

[chernuchin]

I've been to Gothenburg and Bastad and really loved Bastad in the summer. I was there this summer for the annual summer tournament and it was wonderful. Gothenburg was nice, but not as pretty or action packed as Stockholm, which you said you've already visited. You only need one or two days there (max). Copenhagen is a very short drive away and it is a lovely city -- actually it's one of my favorite places in Europe. Why not consider a drive to Copenhagen for 3-4 days. Also, it's a bit far, but Visby is also a lovely island to visit, if you have time, you could add it on and take a car ferry.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi C. Thank you VERY much for your information. Can you offer any suggestions for places to visit in the Gotheburg area? We would love to go to some of the islands off the coast. Any suggestions for trips, restaurants, sights? Bastad is a big tennis area so I think we will take the train there. We have cut the trip short and now will only be staying in the Gburg area. We tried to stay in Copenhagen for one night but there must be some major activity going on because almost every hotel is booked. Thanks for your help!

[LL_Travelfan]

Hi bonniejoy03,
How are you coming with your Scandinavian trip?