Road trip to gardens in Bohuslän

In this article leafy green surroundings are combined with culinary experiences. You’ll find carefully chosen gardens, and accommodation with restaurants that are members of A Taste of West Sweden – a network showcasing local ingredients, passionate chefs and seasonal flavours from the region. 

3 garden stops in southern Bohuslän

In southern Bohuslän, on the larger islands of Tjörn and Orust, you’ll find four floral destinations with lovely places to fika, inspiring gardens, farm shops and nurseries. 

Start the day at Sundsby Säteri on Tjörn

Begin at beautiful Sundsby Säteri, a manor whose roots date back to the 16th century, with grounds that were developed into the current park at the end of the 19th century. 

Open grassed areas, fruit trees, perennial borders and a kitchen garden are all connected via seashell paths. The park is open to the public and offers both walking trails and summer activities like guided tours, food markets and garden workshops.

Don’t miss! Do take a detour to Pilane Sculpture Park’s garden, where the permanent work ’The Walled Garden – Hortus Conclusus’ by Sofia Olofsson, created in 2024, offers a unique spot for stillness and reflection.

 

The trip continues to Orust and Tavlebords Honungsgård

The next stop is Tavlebords Honey Farm, with the interaction between bees and flowers at its heart. Here you can stroll around the Bee Garden, test your knowledge in a Bee Quiz, peep into the show hives and buy honey, beeswax candles and other bee products in the farm shop. In summer fika is served in the cafe, and there’s accommodation in the unique Beehive pod or one of the two family rooms for anyone wanting to stay longer. 

Stop at Orust Handelsträdgård

The last place to visit is Orust Handelsträdgård, which has attracted visitors since the 1950s. Summer flowers and top quality vegetables are grown here and you’ll also find a pelargonium exhibition and an inspiring show garden. 

Just next door is Fröken Trulls, a combined cafe, restaurant and antique shop and Qvist & Löf Diversehandel, with home furnishing and crafts, both well worth a visit. 

 
Check in by the sea at Lådfabriken

On Orust’s west coast there’s a friendly B&B - Lådfabriken - with colourful décor and a creative atmosphere, housed in what used to be a fish box factory. Dinners made from local ingredients, inspired by the sea, are served here. 

 
Stay an extra night along the coast

If you’re travelling between south and north Bohuslän then don’t miss to spend a night or two at Everts Sjöbod. A cosy accommodation by the sea, with a hot tub, seafood, and a lovely seaside feeling. 

4 garden stops in northern Bohuslän

It’s time to head further north and explore the area around Strömstad and the Koster Islands. Four gardens await, each with their own character, history and lush atmosphere. 

A green oasis in the middle of Strömstad

The first garden stop in northern Bohuslän takes you to Strömsdalen, a leafy park in a pretty valley, just a short walk from the centre of Strömstad. A stream winds between flower beds, past a red Japanese bridge and down into a tranquil pond. 

Surrounded by the typical Bohus granite rocks of the region, the park offers both botanical diversity and a peaceful atmosphere, with flowers from early spring to late summer. 

Thoughtful garden life in Fjälla

20 minutes north of Strömstad lies Fjälla Garden, a green oasis with great biodiversity. You’ll find inspiration here to grow, eat and enjoy the good life in a more sustainable way. Their watchwords are sustainable, fun and edible. In the little farm shop you can buy organically grown seasonal flowers and beautiful ceramics made on site.   

Discover Hilma’s Alaska in Strömstad’s archipelago  

On the island of Nord Långö lies Hilma’s Alaska, a unique rock and flower garden created in 1920 by Hilma Svedal, a fisherman’s daughter and gold prospector who built her life’s work with shells and stones from the archipelago. 

The garden flowers beautifully in summer, but is atmospheric all year round. In summer you can get there with M/S Sara from Norra Hamnen (the north harbour) in Strömstad (approx. 20 min). Here you can walk, swim, fika and explore a place where history and nature meet. 

An organic garden on the Koster islands 

Our last garden recommendation in northern Bohuslän can be found in the middle of Sweden’s first marine national park. On South Koster lies Kosters Trädgårdar, a place where growing, creativity and sustainable lifestyle come together. 

Vegetables are grown here in mulched beds, and the area has been developed with a mixture of forest garden, fruit trees and perennials. From 2024 the business has focused on events and courses for people wanting to live a greener life. 

Coastal stays with bold, fiery flavours

Stay over at Kläpphagen, close to nature accommodation with suites, glamping tents and a farmhouse. The restaurant offers dishes made with local ingredients prepared over an open fire.