Ljungskile - a part of Uddevalla
Ljungskile has a past as a seaside – and health spa resort. The climate, it was said when it began, was balsamic. It was the mixture of pine forest, sea air and the protected location that was unique. And even though the days of hospitality belong to a bygone era, one can only agree; there is something with Ljungskile.
With the mighty Bredfjället in the background, the charming little community Ljungskile expands along the bay. The word kile actually means bay, and ljung was once the name of the parish. Ljungskile has a sheltered position in the strait between Orust and the mainland. Many go to Ljungskile to enjoy swimming, boating and hiking, just as the visitors did in the late 18thcentury when Lyckorna was a popular bath and health spa resort. The summer guests came here to socialize and refresh themselves with hot and cold baths. They were attracted to the "balsamic climate" which was believed to be due to the mix of pine forest and sea air. The cold bath house and several of the beautiful summer villas from the 19th century are still there. And even though the days of hospitality belong to a bygone era, one can only agree; There is something with Ljungskile.
The taste of Lyckorna
Lyckorna in Ljungskile is another historic seaside resort, founded in 1877 by grocer Robert MacFie. MacFie migrated to Sweden from Scotland after discovering the charm of Lyckorna. Here, prominent summer guests spent time at the heated sea bath house, the cold sea bath house and in the beautiful summer residences. Lyckorna’s old clock tower, which used to be the registration office when the resort guests arrived, today it houses the mussel bar Musselbaren where you can enjoy the freshest blue mussels you can imagine, with classic accompaniments. It is definitely one of Bohuslän’s best gourmet experiences. A bit further up, Lyckorna boasts a fairy-tale like summer residence from the turn of the 19thcentury – Villa Sjötorp, a hotel with a famous restaurant. It serves the best food and drink in the area, as evidenced by its inclusion in culinary guides White Guide and Sveriges Bästa Bord (Sweden’s Best Tables).
Hiking with silver splash
Bredfjället rises majestically over Ljungskile. A hundred meters above sea level, a hilly blueberry-lush forest landscape springs out. There are popular fishing lakes and amazing hiking trails through the mighty coniferous and leaf forests. The trails also run through old farming landscapes, where there are trails from old farm. If you follow Tjöstelserödsbäcken from Skarsjöarna, you will reach Silverfallet, a fifteen meter high waterfall near the outlet from Lilla Skarsjön. Take care to listen to the birdsong from osprey, pearl owl or three-toe woodpecker. These are just some of the birds that breed here.
The little extra
If you fancy a coffee and a cake, a spot of lunch or some shopping, there are some really nice pearls in Ljungskile. Locally-produced delicious lunches and homemade pastries are served at Café Flora, located in a beautiful old-fashioned magazine in Ljungskile's centre. Here you can also taste organic springflower drink and ice-cold beer from the local microbrewery. Wall to wall is the trendy interior shop, Sprudla, which also sells clothes. Also be sure to visit Kärrstegens Gård at Ljungskilevikens beach. It features a charming décor, a deli shop and a cozy café.
