Coastal destinations West Coast

Coastal destinations on the West Coast is a must if you want to go on a holiday full of surprises and originality? Here are some appreciated coastal destinations on the Swedish West Coast which have plenty of local character and culture.

If you like swimming, chilling by the water or the water view, then you wouldn’t be disappointed. These places are slowly gaining popularity amongst international travel enthusiasts, so be sure to try out some experiences/activities close to the water before everybody else!

The Swedish West Coast (Västkusten)

The Swedish West Coast refers to the coastline of the Sveriges västkust which emcompasses the water areas Skagerrak and Kattegat. 

Your roundtrip along the Swedish West Coast will take you through several regions and nature sites in the counties of Bohuslän, Västergötland ( Skaraborg), Halland and the northeastern part of Skåne. At the border town of Svinesund ( Norway) you have reached the most northern part of the Swedish West Coast. 

Along the west coast you have several nature reserves, outdoor recreational swimming areas and beaches, cosy fishing communities, chic coastal towns and islands.

If you are looking for nice beaches and ocean resorts south of Gothenburg , you will find them on the coast of Halland in south Sweden. There are also sandy beaches and nice swimming spots in Kattegatt. Only 1 hour south of Gothenburg by car. From summer destination Falkenberg you will find a scenic route towards Halmstad.

Outdoor bathhouses with sauna and opportunity to dip in the cold sea

Take a dip in the cold Swedish sea water to relive stress and feel your body suddenly become awake! Then head to the sauna and enjoy as the relaxing warmth fills your body.  To take a dip in the sea is also a popular all year round activity.

Open-air bath houses, saunas and pools

• Since the summer of 2015, the people of Gothenburg can swim in a pool located just across the river from the city centre at the former old ship building industry area “Frihamnen”. A great experience . Firstly , the water is cleaned entirely without chlorine and the pool is developed to be socially and ecologically sustainable. Secondly, here you can try a Swedish Sauna, right in the city centre.
• In Saltholmen, only 30 minutes by tram from the Gothenburg city center, there is a popular outdoor open-air bath house and hub for people on their way to the islands. For example, from Saltholmen you can  take ferries to the Gothenburg archipelago.
• In Varberg, 1 hour south of Gotenburg,  there is a traditional outdoor bathhouse (Info in Swedish).  A piece of the Swedish open-air-bath heritage. For example, the bathhouse is a rather big building and a bit off shore, so you need to cross a long bridge.  It offers the opportunity for “fika” (Snack break).

Coastal destinations: Islands, towns and villages

Coastal towns have something for everyone. Anything from swimming, kayaking and sunbathing to shopping, delicious food, and local arts. If you’re looking for places to travel to on your next holiday, you should definitely consider these charming coastal towns and villages.

These coastal towns and villages are charming, full of history, beautiful shores, and there are many things to do.  

Set your GPS on the island of Hälsö, The island of Rörö, the coastal village of Bohus- Malmön and the Marina in the village of Väjern.  Take a ferry to Åstolor make a stop at Skaftö. The West coast archipelago offers  cosy guest harbours hosting  boule courts, restaurants and cafés.  

Islands close to Gothenburg

In the South Gothenburg Archipelago you have several islands to choose from. Great way to start your archipelago vacation on the west coast of Sweden. From Saltholmen you can take a ferry to several of the islands.

The islands of Galterö and Vargö have great nature with secluded places to swim, fish and great hiking.  There are ferries to Vargö which is an island with a long marine history as well as being a destination for locals since the 19th century. Galterön however, has no populace and to reach this island take a boat to Bränno ( the stop Rödsten) and walk over a small stone bridge to reach the island.

The Islands of the West Coast north of Gothenburg

Skaftö, an island with its own film history, The in Sweden and Norway, popular series Saltön was made at locations of Grundsund och Fiskebäckskil.

Åstol – in the middle of the ocean you can visit this island. No cars allowed. You can take a ferry from Rönnäng (Tjörn) . 

Hälsö is an island with lovely nature and walks. This beautiful nature site is situated in the northern part of the Gothenburg archipelago. Apart from boule you can also enjoy good food or a  coffee break in the harbour. On the northern part of the island, Stuvö, there is a mountain with an exceptional nature view over the northern islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. You can see as far as the Marstrand’s fortress. If you enjoy paddling you have great paddling waters on the western side of  Hälsö. 

Rörö is the northernmost island of  the Gothenburg archipelago with  sandy beaches, a marina with sport facilities, cafés and restaurants.  

On the beautiful rocky island of Bohus-Malmön you have  fantastic swimming. Here you can find  secluded little bays , sandy lagoons and crystal-clear turquoise water. Great hiking on the trail Soteleden. The island has a history of stone cutting, the pink Bohus granite, going back to the end of the 1800s the first cobblestone was cut. The quarry and many stone objects remain. 

 In Väjern a small fishing community just north of Kungshamn in Bohuslän you can find a small marina where the locals meet-up, in the summer months, to enjoy a flea market or to play boule on one of the three pitches available.

Mainland Coastal towns and campings

A 50 minutes car drive to the north of Gothenburg and you will reach Marstrand, a beautiful coastal town. If you go along the coast line towards Strömstad, you will find several small and quaint villages such as Hamburgsund , Grebbestad and Orust. See map

Nature reserves and trekking

There are many nature reserves nearby for you to hike in. The terrains are easy going and you can choose different trail length according to your liking.

Nature reserves are protected by the government and other agencies, so the landscape is untouched making it the most natural place in the world.

Nature reserves on the Swedish West coast 

Bohuslän, north of Gothenburg 

• Tjurpannan in the municipality of Tanum. This nature site is a must if you like the force of nature. The landscape consists of marshes, rocky peeble beaches and moorlands
• Kynnefjäll nature reserve in the municipality of in Tanum, a plateau area surrounded lakes 
• With a ferry from Strömstad you will reach the islands of South Koster and North Koster and the Kosterhavet National Park. 
• Rörö, an island mentioned above. The island has beautiful nature reserve with is great for hiking  over heathlands, cobblestone fields and has a rich flora.

Halland, south of Gothenburg

• The nature reserve  Vendelsöarna, islands that are part of the municipality of  Varberg in Halland . You can reach the island with ferry from Stavder
• 30 minutes by car towards south of Gothenburg, you will find the municipality of Kungsbacka with many nature reserves, including a marine nature reserve.

Unique coastal experience: Beer tasting

If you are looking for a more structured unique experience, then check out farms with a beer brewery offering beer tasting.  For their beer tasting visitors, they can also offer overnight parking (Usually one motorhome at a time). It is a very romantic activity that couples can enjoy!

If you want to join a beer brewery event and is looking for places to park your motorhome, then head to Falkenberg close by the harbour that receives motorhomes for overnight parking.

For more information and pictures visit their website (Info in Swedish) or their Facebook page, Agerör Henriksgård.

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