Photographer: Jonas Ingman

Skärhamn
Tjörn

An Artistic Coastal Town Where Past and Present Converge

A Picturesque Coastal Town Where History Blends with the Present In Skärhamn on Tjörn, history seamlessly intertwines with the contemporary. This forward-thinking cultural hub hosts international contemporary art alongside the maritime and fishing traditions, all in the embrace of the untouched grandeur of nature, the sea, and the cliffs.

Acclaimed Guest Harbor

Just a short one-hour drive from Gothenburg, you'll find the coastal town of Skärhamn on Tjörn, surrounded by a landscape rich in experiences. If you arrive by boat, the church is the first thing you'll see, majestically overlooking the red and white archipelago houses in the harbor area. The well-equipped guest harbor offers high-quality services, and the promenade along the salt-sprayed piers and boathouses leads you into the town. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the two-masted M/S Atene if she's docked.

The Global Stage for Exhibitions

Skärhamn is perhaps best known for its cultural experiences. The Nordic Watercolor Museum serves as a hub for international contemporary artists working with watercolor techniques. Situated in the southern harbor of Skärhamn, the museum has welcomed over two million visitors since its opening in 2000. Artists like Salvador Dali, Lars Lerin, Elsa Beskow, and Anders Zorn have contributed works that have put the museum on the art map. After exploring one of the exhibitions, you can try your hand at watercolor painting in the open art studio – or even book a three-day course led by a professional artist.

Family visiting Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skärhamn

Fotograf: Jonas Ingman

Not far from Skärhamn, you'll find Skulptur i Pilane, where sculptures are exhibited during the summer months – some in colossal sizes – created by world-renowned artists. Pilane is considered one of Europe's most beautiful sculpture parks. The Nordic Watercolor Museum and Pilane are part of the concept - Tjörn - Island of Art.

Paddle, bike, hike and swim

The beautiful archipelago nature around Skärhamn invites the whole family to hiking and cycling adventures. Green signs guide you along winding trails, seaside meadows, and lush forest sections. Feel free to pack a picnic basket and swimwear if the weather allows.

Right next to the Nordic Watercolor Museum is the family-friendly Gråskär beach. Here, you'll find a lovely sandy beach, cliffs, a bathing pier, a diving tower, a beach volleyball court, and spacious grassy areas. Diving towers and diving boards are also available at Tubbeviken in Skärhamn and Stockevik's beach a bit south of Skärhamn.

Fotograf: Anna Hållams

Stay in the heart of nature

A 20-minute walk from the center of Skärhamn, you'll find Rovor & Rum B&B, where you can stay in a rural setting in the beautiful Toftenäs nature reserve. The old farm building has been converted into a large apartment with three bedrooms and a sleeping loft. In the area, there are plenty of natural bathing spots, as well as walking trails with meadows, stone walls, and grazing animals.

You can also check in at Hav & Logi, just south of Skärhamn. Choose from spacious architect-designed family houses, a cozy hostel, and a modern campsite. The Nordic Watercolor Museum also offers five guest studios, perfect for those seeking simpler accommodation surrounded by beautiful paintings.

Once Sweden's largest home port for herring fishing

The name Skärhamn first appeared in writing in 1727, but the early inhabitants of the area had settled along the coast on the land known as Tubberöd long before that. Skärhamn's primary livelihood at that time was fishing, with herring being especially significant for the town's development. This period is known in Bohuslän as the "great herring period" because the availability of herring seemed unlimited. However, the herring disappeared, but it returned at the end of the 19th century, and that's when herring processing plants and salteries regained importance for the town. During the first half of the 20th century, Skärhamn was Sweden's largest home port for smaller cargo ships.