The fishing village of Spiken
Kållandsö

Spiken Fishing Harbour – A Summer Gem by Lake Vänern

Spiken's freshwater fishing harbour is one of Europe's largest. During the summer, it becomes a vibrant hub filled with tourists and locals. Here, you'll find a delightful mix of handicrafts, local delicacies, and freshly smoked fish.

In the summer, Spiken buzzes with activity as tourists mingle with the fishermen who work here. The smokehouses operate at full capacity, offering freshly smoked fish, freshwater catches, processed products, delicacies, and our exquisite vendace roe.

Restaurants and Cafés

Spiken offers several high-quality restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a fish platter, salmon pizza, or other dishes right by the water, accompanied by the gentle lapping of Lake Vänern's waves. For those looking to take a break and soak in the atmosphere, ice cream, coffee, and other treats are readily available.

• Restaurant Sjöboden is a White Guide-recommended establishment serving top-notch dishes made from local ingredients. Here, you can savour fish and seafood, as well as organic beverage options, all while enjoying views of the harbour's boats.

• Spikens Brygga offers freshly smoked fish, zander fish & chips, salads, and stone-baked pizzas. Dining is available on the jetty with beautiful water views.

• Spikuddens Rökeri, located at the far end of the harbour, features a diverse menu including smash burgers, kebab dishes, and an ice cream bar. You can choose to sit in the enclosed dining area or out on the jetty.

• Spikens Glasscafé & Servicebutik is a café where you can enjoy ice cream and pastries with a view of the harbour. Additionally, there's an unmanned service shop open around the clock.

Local Crafts and Delicacies

Within the harbour area, you'll find a wide range of local artisans. Offerings include everything from rag rugs, clothing, and ceramics to jewellery, art, skincare products, and homemade spice blends. The genuine craftsmanship adds a unique charm to the area and is a popular attraction for visitors.

• KB Fisk provides fresh and freshly smoked fish from Lake Vänern, available for takeaway or to enjoy on-site.

• Artibus in Spiken specializes in traditional Swedish crafts with a modern twist, offering high-quality handmade items.

Activities

In summer you can play a round of mini golf. Numerous boat tours also depart from the fishing village of Spiken. Take a look here! In autumn when the vendace fishing is under way you can join a special guided tour, including the extraction of the roe.

If you have your own boat, you can launch it from Spiken. Fishing from the beach or a boat is an excellent relaxing activity. Fishing is free provided you are using sport-fishing equipment.

Fishing in Spiken and Lake Vänern

Spiken is one of the most active fishing areas in Lake Vänern. Of the lake's approximately 60 professional fishermen, 13 operate here. They catch zander, burbot, pike, perch, vendace, trout, and salmon. Zander is particularly sought after and commands the highest market value. While some of the catch is sold at the fish auction in Gothenburg, the majority remains in Spiken, sold smoked, as delicacies, or as fillings in baguettes.

Origin of the Name – Why is it Called Spiken?

The name "Spiken" is believed to have several possible origins. According to local historian Tage Petursson, who grew up on Djurö and now resides in Lidköping, the name may refer to the narrow point where the village is situated. This is supported by older maps from the 18th century that label the area as "Spikudden."

There's also a local tradition about Anders Spik, a potter who worked at Läckö Castle and lived in the last cottage by the lake. He passed away in 1772, and it's speculated that the place was named after him. The house Sjödalen, where Bloms Lanthandel operated between 1915 and 1945, was later built on the same spot.

Thus, both natural features and personal history may have contributed to the naming of Spiken.

Parking

Spiken Fishing Harbour offers several parking options for both cars and motorhomes. It's recommended to arrive early during peak season to secure a parking spot.