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    Smögen

    Sweden

    Smögen

    CityNatureBeachCulinaryCultureFor Families

    Smögen, located in the municipality of Sotenäs, is one of the most famous and frequently visited fishing villages on Sweden's west coast.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Bohuslän Skerries Coast
    9. Smögen
    Smögen, located in the municipality of Sotenäs, is one of the most famous and frequently visited fishing villages on Sweden's west coast. In summer, the approximately one-kilometre-long Smögenbryggan is bustling with activity; in the off-season and shoulder season, the place is quieter. Smoothly polished granite rocks, archipelago islands, and a long fishing tradition characterize the scenery.

    Sights in Smögen

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Smögenbryggan

    Smögenbryggan is the heart of Smögen: a wooden pier about one kilometre long along the harbour, lined with colourful boathouses, which now house shops, cafés, and restaurants. It is considered Sweden's most visited pier, and in summer, it's accordingly bustling. Boats also depart from the pier for Hållö.
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    2Smögen Fiskauktion

    The Smögen Fish Auction was founded in 1919; the current hall dates from 1961. Online auctions started in 2005, with buyers bidding from across Europe. On site, you can visit the fish hall and watch boats land their catch, usually weekdays around 8 AM, occasionally at other times.
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    3Hållö Fyr

    The Hållö lighthouse, commissioned Nov 1, 1842, is Bohuslän's oldest. The island is a nature reserve, with granite slabs smoothed by the ice sheet and glacial potholes, one about four meters deep. In summer, the Hållö ferry departs approx. every half hour from Smögenbryggan, a 10-minute crossing. In summer, lighthouse tours are given.
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    4Utsiktsplats Vallevik

    From the viewpoint at Vallevik, west of Smögen, you gaze across the rocky coast, the offshore skerries, and the open Skagerrak. The short path leads over granite rocks, and Vallevik's swimming spot is close by. In the evenings, the mood is especially beautiful at sunset.
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    City walks in Smögen

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Smögen: Fish Auction, Smögenbryggan and Vallevik

    You start at the Fish Auction, one of Sweden's few fish markets, and follow the approximately 600-meter-long wooden boardwalk Smögenbryggan. After that, you go to Vallevik bathing spot and return via Smögen Church.

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    Stops (4)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    Göteborgs Fiskekrogen Smögen

    Direkt an der Smögenbryggan gelegen, bietet dir Göteborgs Fiskekrogen Smögen frische Meeresfrüchte und Fischspezialitäten in entspannter, maritimer Atmosphäre. Hier kannst du den Fährverkehr und das bunte Treiben beobachten, während du Klassiker wie Garnelensandwiches oder frisch gegrillten Fisch genießt. Ein echtes Muss für Liebhaber von Seafood!
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    Pelles Rökeri

    Wenn du Smögen besuchst, darf ein Abstecher zu Pelles Rökeri nicht fehlen. Dieses charmante Restaurant ist bekannt für seine hausgemachten, geräucherten Fischspezialitäten, die du oft direkt an der Theke oder in ihrem gemütlichen Restaurant genießen kannst. Perfekt für ein ungezwungenes Mittagessen oder einen Snack mit authentischem Geschmack der Westküste.
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    Smögens Hafvsbad

    Für ein gehobeneres kulinarisches Erlebnis empfiehlt sich das Restaurant im Smögens Hafvsbad. Hier erwartet dich eine elegante Atmosphäre und eine Küche, die sich auf lokale, saisonale Zutaten konzentriert, oft mit einem modernen Twist. Lass dich von kreativen Gerichten und einer erstklassigen Weinauswahl verwöhnen – ideal für einen besonderen Abend.
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    Hamnen 4

    Ebenfalls direkt an der Smögenbryggan gelegen, bietet dir Hamnen 4 eine entspannte Umgebung mit Fokus auf frische Meeresfrüchte und schwedische Klassiker. Hier kannst du das bunte Treiben des Hafens beobachten, während du leckere Gerichte genießt – von traditionellen Fischplatten bis hin zu modernen Kreationen. Die ungezwungene Atmosphäre lädt zum Verweilen ein.
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    Smögen's cultural heritage

    Centuries of FishingFishermen were already using Smögen's sheltered harbour by the mid-16th century. The fish auction was established in 1919, initially for herring and mackerel, and from 1939 also for shellfish. The current auction hall dates from 1961, and since 2005, auctions have been conducted online with buyers from all over Europe.Boathouses and Wooden ArchitectureAlong Smögenbryggan stand brightly painted boathouses and former fishermen's huts, which today house shops, cafés, and restaurants. In the alleys behind them, white and colourful wooden houses dominate the scene, typical of the fishing villages of Bohuslän.SeafoodSmögen sees itself as the capital of shellfish, particularly famous for its Smögen prawns. The strong connection to the sea continues to shape its cuisine and daily life to this day.

    Exploring Locally

    On Foot and by BikeSmögen is compact and best explored on foot or by bike, especially along the Smögenbryggan.BusRegional buses from Västtrafik connect Smögen with Kungshamn and the surrounding areas. Tickets and timetables can be found in the Västtrafik app.BoatsFrom Smögenbryggan, boats depart in summer to destinations like Hållö and Kungshamn. Water taxis are available; outside the season, it's best to book them in advance.

    Accommodations in Smögen

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      • 1Smögenbryggan3 days
      • 2Smögen Fiskauktion4 days
      • 3Hållö Fyr5 days
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    Nearby

    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    The Bohuslän archipelago coast north of Gothenburg is characterized by reddish, smoothly polished granite rocks and fishing villages. Far to the north lie the Koster Islands in Kosterhavet, which was established in 2009 as Sweden's first marine national park. Further south, Marstrand with Carlsten Fortress and Smögen with Smögenbryggan and its colourful boathouses are worthwhile. The region is known for seafood; a lobster or crab safari offers insight into fishing. Midsummer is suitable for island hopping, autumn for quieter days.
    Fjällbacka

    Fjällbacka

    Fjällbacka is a small fishing village in the municipality of Tanum in northern Bohuslän. Red and white wooden houses stand at the foot of the steep Vetteberget, with the archipelago in front. Today, the village is primarily known as the home and setting for Camilla Läckberg's crime novels, and for its connection to actress Ingrid Bergman.
    West Coast (Västkusten)

    West Coast (Västkusten)

    Sweden's west coast, Västkusten, stretches from Halland in the south, with sandy beaches like Tylösand, to Bohuslän's archipelago coast in the north. Characterized by smooth granite cliffs, thousands of islands, and fishing villages like Smögen and Fjällbacka. The region is known for seafood and water sports, with Gothenburg as its center.
    Marstrand

    Marstrand

    Marstrand is a small island town north of Gothenburg, characterized by its maritime history and Carlsten Fortress. You reach the car-free island of Marstrandsön from Koön via a ferry that runs 24/7 and takes only about two minutes. The Carlsten Fortress, once a defensive fortification and prison, towers over the town and offers expansive views of the archipelago. Well-preserved wooden houses line the streets of the old town, and the harbour is a renowned sailing centre. In the 18th century, Marstrand was a free port, and in the 19th century, it became a popular seaside resort. Outside the peak season in July, it is significantly quieter. An approximately 5 km circular path leads around the island, past cliffs and swimming spots.
    Trollhättan

    Trollhättan

    Trollhättan on the Göta älv is an industrial city where hydropower and canal construction shape the cityscape. Here you'll find the Trollhätte Falls, the locks of the Trollhätte Canal, and evidence of an industrial history ranging from hydropower to car manufacturing at Saab.

    Sources & method

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