The region of Västra Götaland stretches along the Swedish west coast from Gothenburg to Strömstad. Via the Göta River, you can reach Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern, and furthest to the east, you are met by the western shore of Lake Vättern. The coastlines have long provided foundations for fishing, shipyards, trade, and stone industry. Gothenburg is Sweden’s foremost maritime city, with the Göta River valley serving as a gateway to the North Sea.