For many, the West Coast of Sweden is it. Much more dramatic, and, for Brits at least, closer and easier to reach than the eastern coast, the barren rocky islands, the pretty white painted villages and the numerous harbours make this area the one to aim for. Against that, it has to be said, it is busier, somewhat smaller and with fewer distinct routes than the 'other side'. At the height of the summer it becomes almost unpleasant. Go a few weeks either side of high season though, and you have the place to yourself.
Weather wise, its less predictable than the east. The run of Atlantic depressions tend to pass over the area on their way north and there is seldom the kind of 'blocking high' you get in July over the Eastern Baltic.
For a Brit, the odd thing is the number of red ensigns. The entire place is full of Norwegians sailing south for cheap (well comparatively) food and booze. Swedes are almost guests in their own country.
The area starts immediately north of Göteborg, and the southern part includes the yachting centres of Marstrand and Smögen. There is a lovely trip north via Fjällbacka and the heart of the Archipelago until you reach the 'ultimate' destinations of the Koster islands. Twenty miles north of that and you are in Norway.
The two main islands Orust and Töjrn can be circumnavigated, an interesting trip providing you don't pick the day of the 'round the islands' race.
Marinas abound. Unlike the Eastern coast, most mooring in harbours is by fixed line to the quay, or bows-to with a stern anchor. There are plenty of nature harbours too, although the practice of mooring 'alongside' a rock still seems strange.
The descriptions here merely scratch the surface of what is really a very interesting area. See the resources for more details.
