Explore Beautiful Islands in Western Sweden

Discover the Bohuslän Coast: A Guide to West Sweden’s Hidden Gems

If you want to vacation like the Swedish locals (and you do – they’ve made it an art), consider exploring Sweden’s west coast. As island-hopping goes, the Stockholm archipelago gets all the love from the travel brochures, but few places on earth can match the weatherbeaten beauty of the Bohuslän Coast outside Gothenburg.

About 8,000 granite islands make up the West Sweden archipelago, which stretches all the way north of Gothenburg to the Norwegian border. The landscape of Bohuslän is a combination of smooth grey (and sometimes pink) rocks and colourful fishing villages caught between sky and sea.

Activities include:

  • Lounging around on sun-warmed flat rocks.
  • Indulging in the region’s incredible seafood.
  • Swimming in the pristine sea.
  • Strolling narrow streets among rickety wooden buildings.
  • Cycling gentle island paths.

Marstrand

The usual first stop heading north up the coast is chic, sophisticated Marstrand, a yachting paradise that hosts several major sailing championships each year. It’s played many roles over the years: fortress against the Danes, capital of the herring industry, and a destination for the aristocracy who came to soak in its bathhouses. Today, it’s an idyllic place for a day trip full of shopping, dining, and relaxation. An express bus goes frequently from Gothenburg’s bus station to the ferry dock.

The Marstrand ferry brings numerous sun-seekers, arriving in just five minutes at the town center. However, finding solitude is easy here. Just discover the footpath (‘naturstig’) that leads from Carlstens fortress and circles the rocky edges of the island. You’ll encounter tiny bathing nooks, sunning rocks, and a lighthouse along the way. If you stay overnight, venture out at dawn for a traditional ‘morning dip’ in the sea.

Åstol and Dyrön

Åstol and Dyrön, two car-free islands just off Tjörn, provide another glimpse of life on a tiny, remote Swedish island. The main draw for visitors to Åstol, once known for its vibrant fishing industry, is its smokehouse and summertime restaurant, Åstols Rökeri, where you can enjoy a meal or pick up a variety of local fish. The agricultural island of Dyrön boasts an adorable harbour, good walking trails, a sauna, and excellent views of nearby islands, including Åstol and even the fortress atop Marstrand.

Both islands are accessible by passenger ferry from the harbour in Rönnäng. There’s also a ferry operated by Västtrafik that runs from Rökann, which is reachable by train/bus from Gothenburg.

Klädesholmen

The ‘herring island’ of Klädesholmen, located at the far south corner of Tjörn and reachable via a bridge, is one of the west coast’s most picturesque spots. Once home to 30 herring processing factories, only a handful remain today. A small herring museum explains Sweden’s enduring love for this cherished fish. Klädesholmen also boasts Sweden’s first ‘floating hotel,’ Salt & Sill.

Akvarell Museum Tjorn
Nordiska Akvarellmuseet in Tjörn © Becky Ohlsen / iBestTravel

Tjörn

A large bridge swoops from Stenungsund (on the Swedish mainland) to the island of Tjörn, attracting artists with its striking landscapes and cutting-edge watercolour museum. Sailors are equally drawn here, especially during the Tjörn Runt sailing competition held each August. Skärhamn, the main settlement on the island, has become a significant destination thanks to the superb Nordiska Akvarellmuseet, a sleek waterside building housing changing exhibits by regional and international artists. The five ultra-modern cubes right over the water serve as guest studios, ideal for inspiration.

The Tjörn-Express bus runs up to six times on weekdays from Gothenburg’s bus terminal to Tjörn, stopping at Skärhamn, Klädesholmen, and Rönnäng.

Mollösund

Charming Mollösund, located on the southwest edge of the island of Orust, is the oldest fishing village on the Bohuslän coast. With a picturesque harbour and several scenic walking paths, it offers a delightful atmosphere. You can drive there or take the Orustexpressen bus that operates frequently on weekdays from Gothenburg via Henån. Additionally, ferry trips are available by Gunnans Båtturer from Marstrand, which continue to Tjörn after a stop in Mollösund.

Käringön

Accessible by passenger ferry from the village of Tuvesvik on Orust, car-free Käringön is intertwined with nature trails and swimming areas, boasting kid-friendly spots, a bathhouse with distinct sunbathing zones for men and women on the island’s south side, and a nude beach toward the southwest. Inhabited since the 1590s, Käringön has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, making it easy to find excellent places to eat and stay. The town features numerous pristine historic houses to admire.

In summer, Käringön functions as a vital hub for ferry traffic throughout the archipelago. Ferries from here connect to Tuvesvik, Klädesholmen, Marstrand, Lysekil, and Uddevalla.

Colorful fishing huts at water
Smögen © Johner Images / Getty Images

Smögen

A still-working fishing village that looks ideal for Instagram, Smögen features a lively boardwalk, a morning fish auction, and a variety of excellent seafood options. Its renowned boardwalk, Smögenbryggan, stretches about 1km long and hosts a variety of picture-perfect scenes, making it a significant summertime attraction. Smögen is connected to the mainland by a bridge. From here, you can also take a ferry to Hållö, a nature preserve perfect for birdwatching, complete with a lighthouse and youth hostel.

Koster Islands

From Strömstad’s north harbour, boats head to the beautiful Koster Islands every 30 minutes from July to mid-August, with less frequent service at other times. The tiny North Koster is hilly and offers excellent beaches, while the larger South Koster is flatter, making it perfect for cycling. You’ll find bike-rental facilities, restaurants, and two expansive beaches at Rörvik and Kilesand. Additionally, Sweden’s national marine park, Kosterhavet National Park, is located here, protecting 12,000 species of marine life and the largest seal colonies in Sweden.

Getting Around

If you have a vehicle, you can drive to most of the islands mentioned. If not, the public transport service (Västtrafik) offers a comprehensive bus and ferry network across the archipelago. Planning to visit several islands? A Västtrafik card is your best option. One- and three-day visitor cards are available, or for longer stays, a 30-day card.

Buses frequently operate from Gothenburg, departing from Nils Ericsson bus terminal to most archipelago destinations. Express buses travel hourly to the Marstrand ferry stop (approximately one hour journey for 68kr) and almost as frequently to key points in Orust and Tjörn (transferring in Stenungsund). You can find schedules, tickets, and additional information at the terminal.

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