Marstrand and Carlsten’s Fortress

The island of King Oscar II has been a summertime gathering place for boaters and party lovers since the 19th century, but its greatest charm is probably the beautiful wooden architecture of the town. 

              
The Grand Hotel Marstrand and the Societetshuset (the Society House) are classic meeting places, for locals and visitors alike. Grand Hotel Marstrand was built at the turn of the last century to provide the high society with accommodation which they felt was in accordance with their standing. Today the hotel has been renovated but the old charm and the grand architecture has been retained. It features 22 rooms of which 16 are doubles and on the ground floor is the well-known Restaurang Tenan.

Carlsten’s Fortress has a colourful history. In 1658 King Carl X Gustaf ordered the construction of a fortress at the top of Marstrand island. It would take 202 years to complete, but then it was considered one of Europe's strongest maritime defence facilities. Today the fortress has guided tours, which are conducted in a number of languages. You can also have a conference there, enjoy a theme or a banquet dinner or even stay the night in the fortress’ own hotel. Marstrand is about 45 km northwest of Göteborg.
   
    
As Marstrand island is traffic free, those arriving in cars or buses have to take the ferry from Koön island to Marstrand. Koön island is just 100-150 metres east of Marstrand and the crossing takes a few minutes.