Sustainable and Comfortable: Environmentally Friendly Adventure Shuttle 'Last Mile Car' Unlocks Hidden Gems in West Sweden
Sista-milen-bilen, taking you to your visitor experiences. Photo: we-are-alfred.imgix.net/taxi-lidkoping
The "Sista-Milen-Bilen" (English: the "the last mile car") travels between all experiences and destinations in the West Sweden area of Läckö-Kinnekulle.
In the countryside around the region, there are hundreds of tourist destinations, accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and attractions that are usually inaccessible without a car. The tourism department in Västra Skaraborg wants to change that so that more people can experience everything the destinations has to offer. Many visitors also want a more sustainable way to travel. "We need to find new solutions that meet our requirements so that the tourism industry can continue to develop and remain accessible to our visitors in the future," says Anna Ohlin Ek, Managing Director of Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle.
Anna goes on to explain, “We´´´ re very much planning to continue this valuable service into 2024. However, we will first analyse this year before developing the service further, so watch this space!“ One of this year´s goals has been to gather further evidence and information that would enable the service to grow and move forward“.
By the way, the Läckö-Kinnekulle region is part of not one, but two UNESCO recognised areas. Platåbergens Geopark became Sweden's first UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022, and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Vänerskärgården with Kinnekulle has been an active and inspiring model for sustainable development since 2010.
One of the most visited destinations in West Sweden is located in Läckö-Kinnekulle. Läckö Castle has even been named the most beautiful castle in Sweden. The castle´s 700-year-old history, well-preserved baroque halls and idyllic surroundings make the castle a unique experience. It also offers concerts, operas, guided tours, and many other activities for young and old. And while you're there: Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset is located about 300 meters from Läckö Castle and is a good starting point for the Vänerskärgården archipelago nature reserve. Before visiting the area, learn more about the animals and plants, geology and cultural history that have made it what it is today. For friends of Swedish fika, a visit to Helleki's garden café is a must! Hellekis Manor is without a doubt one of the biggest attractions for Kinnekulle visitors - its history dates back several hundred years. Embark on a journey through time, let your gaze wander over exquisite antiques then, afterwards let it all soak in with fika, a cup of coffee and a slice or two of homemade cake, at the in-house café. All situated in one (according to the owner) of the most beautiful places in Sweden, amid a sea of green wild garlic, in a glass house with hundred-year-old vines and a view of Lake Vänern; the in-house pantry takes its inspiration from around the world.
Hällekis Garden Café and Kitchen. Photo: Monika Manowska/Westsweden.com (Download)
On the road in the region for the second year in a row
Together with Taxi-Lidköping, the tourism department in Västra Skaraborg has developed the concept "Sista-Milen-Bilen". So successful, the service is in its second year, with plans for a third. "Our goal is to develop a long-term sustainable business model so that visitors can easily experience everything our environment has to offer," says Anna Ohlin Ek. "Our best tip for travelling sustainably in the area is to combine regular public transport and other mobility solutions such as rental bikes, electric scooters and the 'Sista-Milen-Bilen'. All stops are listed on the ´Sista-milen-bilen´ booking site (vastsverige.com, so far only in Swedish) or they can be viewed online in the map view: Hållplatser sista-milen-bilen - Google My Maps. It should be easy to experience the destination," concludes Anna Ohlin Ek.
How does the "Sista-Milen-Bilen" work?
The "Sista-Milen-Bilen" is an on-demand car or minibus that adapts its route depending on when and where people want to go sightseeing. You book your place online via the Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle website. On the way out or back make stops at destinations such as overnight accommodation, restaurants, visitor attractions or other experiences outside the urban areas around Lidköping, Götene, Skara and Vara, to which regular public transport does not provide access. The "Sista-Milen-Bilen" starts in June and can be booked between 10:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs throughout July and August. The cost per person and route is 95 SEK (approx. $9/£7).
In detail, this is how it works:
- Select the date and period of the trip, online.
- Set the start and destination points of the trip.
- If you are planning to travel with your dog, children, or collapsible wheelchairs/walkers, this can be selected as an option.
- Payment is made directly at the time of booking, SEK 95 per person.
- After completing the booking, you will receive a digital receipt and booking confirmation. As soon as Taxi Lidköping has confirmed the booking, you will receive another message.
- 1-2 hours before the booked time, the taxi will call to confirm the exact pick-up time.
- A taxi will come and pick up the visitor(s) and take them to their destination (you will be contacted in case of delay).
- Please note that first and foremost, if they are available, buses or trains should be the preferred mode of transport, and then "Sista-Milen-Bilen" for further transport to or from the chosen destination.
- The booking of the vehicle must be made at least 3 hours in advance.
- It is not possible to book an exact time, but only at half-hour intervals (e.g., 10:30-11:00, 12:00-12:30).
- Before departure you will receive an exact time confirmation. This serves to enable possible carpooling between travellers and to promote sustainability.
Map with all places to visit
Information about the region