Getting to Trollhattan

Arrival, not just with a Saab ...

Update December 2013

If you come by ferry to Malmö or over the Öresund bridge to Sweden, then the way first leads to the north in the direction of Gothenburg.

So that the journey is not too long, we recommend a stopover. At the exit 49 near Heberg and half way there is the Laxbutiken as a recommendable stop. Fresh, delicious salmon is offered reasonably priced, Norway is around the corner. The restaurant is bright, friendly and the food just typically Swedish. A menu for foreign visitors is available at the cash desk.

Welcome to Sweden: Delicious salmon in lax butiken
Welcome to Sweden: Delicious salmon in lax butiken

You can't go wrong if you order the menu of the day - which of course is always a salmon variation. So strengthened, we then set off for Gothenburg.

Landvetter Airport
Landvetter Airport

Arrival via Landvetter Airport

From my home base, it is only a short hop to Gothenburg via Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Airport. Flight time is less than 2 hours and Landvetter is a small, manageable airport. The approach over Gothenburg and the picturesque coast is worth more than just a look and is a nice introduction to the beauty of the Scandinavian country.

There is really something going on in Landvetter only during the peak season, otherwise it is a charming airport with the advantage of short distances. The usual car rental companies are opposite the terminal, and the only weak point of getting there by plane is that there are no Saab rental cars. But that can change!

Exit with the Schwedenfaehre Kiel
Exit with the Schwedenfaehre Kiel

Arrival by ferry via Kiel

Another alternative is the ride with the Sweden ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg. You sleep on board and arrive relaxed in Sweden. No matter which route you choose, in the middle of the Volvo city of Gothenburg you drive on the way towards Trollhättan past the old Saab transmission plant.

Former Saab gearbox Gothenburg 2011
Former Saab gearbox Gothenburg 2011

This piece of Saab history is still standing in the middle of Volvo city. 2011 still had Saab advertising on the roof, although the building had been empty for a long time.

Former Saab gearbox 2012
Former Saab gearbox 2012

Meanwhile, the property is sold and will probably fall 2014 finally the wrecking ball. A new hotel building is to be built on the site.

Former Saab transmission plant December 2013
Former Saab transmission plant December 2013

Almost free travel to Trollhättan ...

In Gothenburg you have the choice, the journey over the scenic E45, the Inlandsvägento continue or to choose the somewhat more bland and longer route via the E6 to Uddevalla.

For the E45, the lights are now almost on “free run”. As part of the “Trollhättan Package”, the Swedes blasted their way through the rocky ground for the 4-lane expansion of the European route, built new stations and expanded the tracks to double lane towards Trollhättan. These investments, which were still decided in GM's time, were intended to keep Trollhättan interesting for investors. Except for a small section you now have free travel and save a lot of travel time. Unfortunately, the attraction of the route was somewhat reduced by the new expansion, but you can't have everything.

Regardless of whether you choose the E6 or E45 route ... those passing through, who always head north in Gothenburg, i.e. Oslo, can easily get through Sweden's second largest city.

If you choose to travel via Uddevalla, you can also make a stopover with a laxbutik. What is especially recommended if you have arrived by plane and want to forget the on-board tasting as soon as possible. The restaurant in Ljungskile is clearly visible from the highway and is located on a small lake. In summer you can start on the terrace with a good salmon menu style authentic in the Swedish holiday.

On the way to Trollhättan you can visit the Saab specialists speed Parts in Uddevalla, where there was a small Volvo assembly plant until summer 2013, which is now history. Speedparts has accessories for our brand that do not exist in Germany. Since shipping to Germany is quite expensive, it is recommended. From Uddevalla the E44 is well developed, you meet the E45 again and you are quickly in Trollhättan. With every kilometer in the direction of Trollhättan, the Saab density increases significantly.

Text: tom@saabblog.net

Pictures: saabblog.net