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    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    Sweden

    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    RegionCulture

    The Bohuslän archipelago coast north of Gothenburg is characterized by reddish, smoothly polished granite rocks and fishing villages.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. West Coast (Västkusten)
    9. 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.
    The Bohuslän Archipelago Coast in western Sweden is characterized by smoothly sculpted granite rocks and thousands of islands and skerries. Here lie fishing villages like Smögen with its long wooden pier and Fjällbacka, known as the setting for Camilla Läckberg's crime novels. Marstrand, with Carlsten Fortress, is culturally significant. The region is ideal for kayaking, sailing, and hiking on coastal trails with views of the Skagerrak. Gastronomically, Bohuslän is famous for seafood, especially lobster, oysters, and shrimp. For water sports, summer from June to August is the best time; for a quieter exploration, early autumn.
    Fjällbacka

    Place 1 of 3

    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.

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    Smögen

    Place 2 of 3

    Smögen

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

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    Marstrand

    Place 3 of 3

    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.

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    Sights in Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Norra Buskärs brygga

    The Norra Buskärs brygga is a jetty on the island of Norra Buskär, west of Kungshamn in the municipality of Sotenäs. From here, you'll see the outer archipelago and the open sea. The island is only accessible by boat; check connections in advance.
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    Kung Tryggves grav

    Kung Tryggves grav is a large burial mound on the summit of the island of Tryggö in Ramsvikslandet. The name stems from a legend linking it to the Norwegian King Tryggve Olafsson; this is unconfirmed, as the mound is believed to be significantly older, likely from the Bronze Age. From the car park at Nötö, it's about 2 km; the final stretch involves wading through a shallow sound at appropriate water levels. Sturdy shoes and sandals for the water are advisable.
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    Smögenbryggan

    The **Smögenbryggan** is one of Sweden's most famous wooden piers and the pulsating heart of the fishing village of Smögen on the Bohuslän archipelago coast. Historically, this long boardwalk was the central hub for fishing and the maritime industry, significantly shaping the village's development. Today, along its approximately 600-meter length, countless colorful boathouses line it, transformed into small shops, galleries, and restaurants. Here you'll find a diverse selection of fresh seafood, local handicrafts, and regional specialties.Strolling along the Bryggan, you'll experience its unique atmosphere, shaped by a blend of traditional fishing village and vibrant summer destination. Its characteristic boathouses, often built on stilts and painted in bright colors, are a popular photo opportunity and reflect its maritime history. *Our Tip:* Visit Smögenbryggan early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility before the tourist rush and observe the fishermen at work. For undisturbed photos of the colorful row of houses, a stroll on the opposite side of the canal or a short boat trip is recommended.
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    Slätte hälla

    Slätte hälla is a rocky area on the coast of Sotenäs. As in many places in Bohuslän, smoothly polished granite surfaces define the landscape here. Get information on access and special features locally or at the Sotenäs Tourist Office.
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    Essen & Trinken

    Thai Ja Smögen

    Restaurant in Hamngatan 6.
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    Restaurang Fregatten

    Restaurant in Varvsgatan 9E.
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    1

    Thai Restaurant Prästgården

    Restaurant in Kyrkogatan 36.
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    Brs Lilla Hörna

    Restaurant in Fiskhamnsgatan 33.
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    UMI Smögen

    Restaurant in Nordmanshuvudet 1.
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    Bohuslän's cultural and historical profile

    Bronze AgeThe history of the Bohuslän coast dates back to the Bronze Age. Numerous rock carvings, such as those at Tanum, and burial mounds like Kung Tryggves grav on Tryggö attest to this.Herring and Fishing VillagesIn several periods, herring fishing shaped the economy and led to the growth of many of today's fishing villages. Typical are wooden houses, often painted red or white, on foundations of local granite, as well as the sjöbodar, boathouses directly on the water.Life with the SeaLocal traditions still revolve around the sea and fishing, which is reflected in the way of life and cuisine.

    Exploring Locally

    Bus and FerryA network of buses and archipelago ferries run by Västtrafik forms the backbone of local transport. Timetables and tickets can be found in the Västtrafik To Go app. Ferry times vary by season, so check them before each journey.Bike and On FootOn the islands and in the coastal towns, you can get around well by bike or on foot; most places are compact.TaxiTaxis are available, but outside larger towns, they are expensive and should be pre-booked.

    Round trips through this region

    West Coast Road Trip

    West Coast Road Trip

    The route leads from Malmö and Helsingborg in Skåne up the west coast: via Halmstad and Varberg with their sandy beaches to Göteborg and further into the Bohuslän archipelago to Smögen and Fjällbacka. The E6 connects all locations, and the stages usually take less than two hours. In summer, the fish restaurants and bathing spots are open all day.

    16 Days
    7 stops

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    Smögen

    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.
    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.
    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.
    Vänersborg

    Vänersborg

    Vänersborg is situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Vänern, where the Göta älv begins its journey to the West Coast. The nickname "Lilla Paris" was given to the town at the end of the 19th century by the poet Birger Sjöberg, who was born here. Today, the small town combines administrative history, an unusual museum, and lakeside paths.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI