Hönö – a heavenly spot on Sweden’s west coast

Food and shopping in Hönö Klåva

If you want to experience the real archipelago, then Hönö is the right place to go. It’s one of the largest islands in Gothenburg’s archipelago and lies just north of the city. The area around the harbour on Hönö is called Klåva, and is the central hub on the island, busy all year round, with shops, restaurants, sightseeing tour boats and accommodation. Have a dip in the sea by the lighthouse, fish for crabs from the jetty or go for a walk along the quayside.

Discover Hönö on two wheels

Like on many of the islands in Gothenburg’s archipelago, a bike is the best way to go exploring. If you don’t already have one with you then hire one at Paolos Cykel. There are many lovely roads to cycle along and you can easily extend your tour further to the islands of Öckerö and Hälsö.

Read more: Here’s an easy island hopping cycling tour of the northern islands in Gothenburg’s archipelago.

Guided archipelago tours, seal safaris and tours to Vinga Lighthouse

If you want to take it a bit easier you can go harbour seal watching among the rocks and skerries, or visit Sweden’s most famous lighthouse, Vinga. The island is one of Gothenburg’s most westerly spots and Vinga Lighthouse towers 29 metres above the sea. It’s a place that has long been of great importance to shipping in Gothenburg. Go on a guided history of the archipelago tour with seal safari, and visit Vinga with Hönö Båtturer who also provide regular ferry services to the island on their boat Silvana.

Vinga is of course also perfect for sunbathing, swimming and lovely walks.

Did you know that the popular troubadour, author and composer Evert Taube grew up on Vinga? He was born in 1890 and is well known for his many and much loved songs.

You can also enjoy fishing trips out to sea. There’s plenty of crab, mackerel, and lobster in these waters. Travel with Marine Event on their ultra-modern catamaran or Kastor Boat Trips charming fishing boats.

Are you interested in how people went fishing in the past, or about its history? Then a visit to Fiskemuseet fishing museum is a must. Here you can find out about the equipment which was used, how the industry developed and gaze out to sea from the lookout tower, all the way to Vinga.

Read more: Fishing experiences on Hönö

Three tips for anyone wanting a different experience on Hönö!

1. Ersdalen nature reserve

The Ersdalen Nature Reserve is on the north side of the island. This area is characterised by an unusually varied scenery with rocky and sandy beaches, and shallow sea bays – as well as fantastic conditions for climbing in the form of bouldering. Many think that this is one of the best places in West Sweden for bouldering.

2. Bake Hönökaka bread

You might have seen Hönökaka bread in the shops during your visit to Sweden. This popular traditional flatbread, named after the island where it is made, is a favourite of many Swedes. You can have a go at baking your own Hönökaka over an open woodfired oven at Havskatten.

3. Meet a Local

Would you like to explore Hönö with someone who lives there and knows it well? Then why not meet up with Sarah. She’ll take you out on shorter or longer walks and show you her favourite spots. Read more about Sarah and all the other locals on Meet The Locals.

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Eat in one of the archipelago’s nicest venues

In Hönö Klåva you’ll find the restaurant and shop Lilling Cottage – one of the cosiest spots in the archipelago. The restaurant serves seasonal food that both tastes and looks good. Enjoy lunch, Sunday brunch or a fantastic Friday pizza on the veranda overlooking the harbour, or in the cosy furnished conservatory. In the shop you can buy beautiful flowers and plants as well as lovely home accessories. 

Another restaurant worth a visit is Tullhuset, where the sea is your nearest neighbour, and you can enjoy everything from flavourful fish soups and fresh shellfish to classic fish dishes.

On the quayside lies Franses, with salt sprayed dishes in a rustic pub setting. Dogs are also catered for here, with everything from small snacks to large bones and dog beer. Enjoy a glass of wine in front of the open fire or why not try one of the over 50 types of beer, and admire the sea view, while you breathe in the smell of tar and salty sea, just like the seine maker in Frans’s day. Don’t miss the roof terrace with a view you can never see enough of.

At restaurant Klova Hamnkrog you can enjoy great food in a beautiful setting by the sea. There’s something for all tastes here. On the menu you’ll find both fish and shellfish, as well as meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

You’ll find even more cafes and restaurants on Hönö, some of which are open all year round.

If you want to stay the night

If you want to extend your visit there are several options. Havskatten in Hönö Röd harbour is a hotel and hostel right next to the sea, with spacious rooms and a shared kitchen. You can relax in their sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. A few kilometres from Hönö you’ll find Nimbus Öckerö and cosy Bed & Bike Öckerö. On the islands there are ten lovely pitches by the sea, if you want to bring a mobile home to one of the guest harbours. In Hönö Klåva you can stay the night at Skärgårdshotellet Hönö.

Next to Gothenburg

There’s a whole lot to discover in Gothenburg. And there’s even more to explore outside the city. All you have to do is ride just a few stops beyond the city limits to enjoy some really memorable experiences. 

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