Genuine West Swedish coastal life - Southern Bohuslän

The southern part of the Swedish west coast offers beautiful coastal landscapes, art experiences and friendly accommodation. The sea is of course always on your doorstep here – making its mark on both food experiences and sights.

 

Day 1:

Start in Ljungskile/Lyckorna

Begin your journey by checking in at Villa Sjötorp. This beautiful old house built in 1901 is now an eco hotel with an organic restaurant. It’s adorned with eye catching ornamental woodwork, pretty ceramic stoves and a fantastic view. This will be your base for exploring Ljungskile and Lyckorna.

Nearest stop: Anfasteröd

Ljungskile in its heyday was a popular spa and health resort. The weather here was said to be balmy. The town hugs the sides of the bay, flanked by the mighty Bredfjället highlands. Have a walk along the shore between the town and the hamlet of Lyckorna, where we suggest you stop for lunch. In Klocktornet, which used to be the office where visitors to the spa booked in, you’ll now find  Musselbaren, where you can eat a lunch made from the freshest blue mussels with classic accompaniments. Want to make your experience extra special? Go on a mussel expedition and have a go at harvesting this delicious mollusc.

Nearest stop: Lyckorna

After lunch continue on to Kärrstegens gård, where you can shop for clothes, interior décor and flowers or enjoy afternoon tea in their café. Dinner will be back at Villa Sjötorp where you can expect a menu with ingredients from the farm, forest, sea and lake, supplied by small scale producers in the area.

Nearest stop: Ljungskile rastplats

Day 2:

Travel on to Orust

Continue your journey on to the island of Orust, where you can experience the tranquility of the Bohuslän countryside in a beautiful archipelago setting. Around the island are many pretty seaside villages with little islands nearby.

Lådfabriken is an individual and colourful B&B overflowing with creativity and design. The building which used to be a fish box factory making wooden boats and fish boxes for local fishermen, has been turned into very unique accommodation. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset and the dinner, showcasing the best local fish and shellfish. 

Nearest stop: Edshultshall norra

At Tavlebord Honey Farm you can learn all about bees, have a fika or lunch, mooch around the farm shop – and even stay in a beehive. If you decide to stay at Hotell Strana instead, you can check into its seaside house far out on the rocks with its own jetty and hire the floating sauna.

Nearest stops: Tavlebord and Hälleviksstrand södra

Another option is to book in at a time honoured Orust classic - Slussens Pensionat, fuelled by a love of live music, food and socialising, has been called the Swedish music hotel. On the menu, local produce provides the focus for clean and exciting flavours, prepared simply with an elegant touch, accompanied by a great selection  of organic and natural wines.

Nearest stop: Slussen

From Tuvesvik, right on the edge of Orust’s west coast, the passenger ferry to the island of Käringön leaves. You can stay on the island, at Lotshotellet Käringön and Hotell Käringön.

Nearest stop: Tuvesvik

Day 3:

Cross over to the island of Tjörn

Today you’ll travel over the Skåpesund bridge to Tjörn, an island awash with world class art. It’s well worth stopping along the way at Sundsby säteri for a walk, fika and a look round the little craft shops. In Skärhamn you’ll find the Nordic Watercolour Museum, a unique place for art based around water, pigment and paper, with both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions in a beauiful building on the shoreline. Eat lunch in Vatten, the restaurant and café in the same building.  

Nearest stops: Sundsby korsväg and Skärhamn town square

A short distance from the Nordic Watercolour Museum lies Skulptur i Pilane. Every summer giant outdoor sculptures created by internationally renowned artists are exhibited here, in a beautiful  setting with stone age remains and grazing sheep. You might even decide you want to cycle the short distance to it from Skärhamn, to really drink in the stunning scenery. And why not take the ferry from Rönnäng out to the car free islands of Dyrön or Åstol for lunch at Trålverket or Åstols rökeri?

 Check in at Salt & Sill or Björholmens Marina. 

Salt & Sill on Klädesholmen is in actual fact a floating hotel, where you can eat fish, shellfish and of course the restaurant’s speciality – the Herring Platter. It’s no coincidence that herring is served here because the fishing village of Klädesholmen has been the centre of herring production in West Sweden for hundreds of years. Would you rather have sourdough pizza? Then head to Lottas Bak & Form, a short distance away.

Nearest stop: Klädesholmen östra

Another option is to stay at Björholmens Hotel & Marina, surrounded by the Stigfjorden nature reserve with long rocky islands, coastal meadows and fertile valleys where everything– the smells, flavours and activities - is shaped by the sea. An obvious choice is to enjoy the wood fired sauna on the jetty overlooking the harbour and the sea.

Nearest stop: Björholmen

Day 4:

 Carry on to Marstrand

Marstrand stretches over two islands, Koön and Marstrandsön.  It’s a short ferry ride over the sound to get there, and you’ll be welcomed by a bustling historic town, with narrow lanes, a sea view wherever you turn and crowning it all, the spectacular Carlsten Fortress. Dating back to the 17^th century, its most famous prisoner was the master thief Lasse-Maja who was jailed there for 27 years. Its an exciting place with lots to discover. Take the opportunity to have a walk around the island as well, pausing furthest out by Skallen lighthouse to see where the Skagerak and Kattegatt seas meet.

If you feel like something sweet when you get back to the harbour we recommend a visit to Bergs konditori. It’s a classic patisserie with a long history. In the past the premises have housed both a bank and an officers mess. It’s also said that Nobel prize winning author Selma Lagerlöf sat and wrote her Marstrand set novel “The Treasure” there.

Check in to your accommodation

At Marstrands kurhotell you can experience the atmosphere of a 19^th century health resort, and let body and soul unwind. The Grand Hotell Marstrand also oozes tradition and history, with a popular restaurant, while Marstrands Havshotell on Koön is a more modern hotel with spa and training facilities, as well as a quayside restaurant which gets the evening sun and has a magical view of the harbour and Marstrand island. A lovely end to your journey!

Nearest stop: Marstrands färjeläge