Explore the Bohuslän Coast: Hidden Gems, Fishing Villages & Outdoor Adventures

The Bohuslän Coast, stretching along Sweden’s western shoreline from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border, is one of Scandinavia’s best-kept travel secrets. Famous for its rugged granite cliffs, idyllic fishing villages, seafood delicacies, and thousands of islands, the Bohuslän archipelago is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking peaceful Nordic charm.
 

Far from the bustle of big cities, this stretch of coastline offers raw beauty, maritime heritage, and endless outdoor activities, from island hopping and kayaking to hiking and fresh seafood feasts by the water.

📍 Where is the Bohuslän Coast?

The Bohuslän region is located in Västra Götaland County, along the western coast of Sweden. It begins just north of Gothenburg and extends up to Strömstad, near the Norwegian border.

Total Coastline: ~280 km

Archipelago Islands: Over 8,000

Main Towns: Smögen, Fjällbacka, Lysekil, Grebbestad, Kungshamn, Strömstad

Nearest Major City: Gothenburg (Göteborg)

🧭 Highlights of the Bohuslän Coast

1. Smögen

Known for its colorful boathouses and bustling Smögenbryggan boardwalk, Smögen is the most famous destination on the coast. Enjoy boutique shopping, seafood restaurants, and kayaking along scenic inlets.

2. Fjällbacka

A picturesque fishing village made globally famous by crime novelist Camilla Läckberg. Take a boat to the nearby Väderöarna (Weather Islands) or hike up Kungsklyftan for panoramic views.

3. Lysekil

A family-friendly seaside town known for its proximity to the Stångehuvud Nature Reserve—a granite landscape by the sea perfect for photography and walks.

4. Grebbestad

A hub for Swedish oysters, Grebbestad is a culinary and natural gem. Take a seafood safari or enjoy a sunset cruise.

5. Koster Islands (Kosterhavet National Park)

Sweden’s first marine national park, this island group offers car-free landscapes, biking, kayaking, and marine biodiversity in abundance.

🚣‍♀️ Things to Do on the Bohuslän Coast

🛶 1. Kayaking the Archipelago

Explore narrow sea channels, sheltered bays, and countless islets. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available in most towns, with routes suitable for beginners and experts.

🐚 2. Seafood Safaris

Join a boat trip to catch and learn about local delicacies like:

Crayfish

Shrimp

Mussels

Oysters

These are usually followed by a dockside feast or open-air cooking session.

🥾 3. Hiking Trails

Some of Sweden’s best coastal hikes are found in Bohuslän:

Kuststigen (The Coastal Path) – A long-distance trail with scenic sea views.

Ramsvikslandet Nature Reserve – Known for dramatic granite formations and open landscapes.

Nordens Ark Nature Trails – Family-friendly walks with opportunities to spot wildlife.

🌅 4. Island Hopping

Hop between the archipelago’s islands by boat or ferry. Many are uninhabited, while others like Tjörn, Orust, and Dyrön offer cottages, seafood cafés, and quiet beaches.

🧖‍♀️ 5. Seaside Spas

Relax at some of Sweden’s most scenic spas:

Vann Spa Hotel (Brastad)

Strömstad Spa & Resort

Salt & Sill Floating Hotel & Spa (Klädesholmen)

🍽️ Culinary Delights: Seafood of Bohuslän

The Bohuslän Coast is Sweden’s seafood capital. Cold, clean waters make the shellfish especially flavorful. Look out for dishes featuring:

West Coast mussels (blåmusslor)

Langoustines (havskräftor)

Crayfish (kräftor) – Especially during August’s famous crayfish parties.

Grebbestad oysters

Smoked mackerel and herring

Visit during the Shellfish Journey (Skaldjursresan) event in autumn for seafood safaris and culinary festivals across the coast.

🛍️ Where to Shop

Local arts and crafts are prominent along the coast. Popular souvenirs and goods include:

Handmade ceramics

Marine-themed home décor

Locally made jams and sea salt

Wool clothing from Bohus Stickning (traditional knitting)

Markets in places like Hunnebostrand and Strömstad sell seasonal and local produce.

🛏️ Where to Stay on the Bohuslän Coast

Whether you're after seaside luxury or charming simplicity, there are options for every traveler.

Hotels:

Salt & Sill – Sweden’s first floating hotel, offering stunning sunsets.

Gullmarsstrand Hotel (Fiskebäckskil) – Perfect for a romantic coastal getaway.

Bryggan Fjällbacka – Stylish hotel with harbor views.

Guesthouses & Hostels:

Sea Lodge Smögen – Affordable with a maritime feel.

STF Kustnära Vandrarhem – Swedish Tourist Association hostel near Lysekil.

Camping & Cabins:

Campgrounds and cabins dot the coastline, ideal for families or travelers seeking budget-friendly stays close to nature.

🚗 Getting to the Bohuslän Coast

By Car:

From Gothenburg, drive north along the E6 highway. Smaller scenic coastal roads like Road 162 or 171 offer slower but more scenic routes.

By Train/Bus:

Trains run from Gothenburg to Uddevalla, Strömstad, and other towns.

Buses connect most towns in Bohuslän, but schedules may be limited on weekends.

By Boat:

Archipelago ferries and summer boat services allow for coastal and island exploration. Visit Västtrafik.se for public transport info.

📅 Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore the Bohuslän Coast is from May to September, when the weather is warmest and activities like kayaking and seafood tours are in full swing.

Seasonal Guide:

Spring (April–May): Quieter, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.

Summer (June–August): Peak season with festivals, swimming, seafood safaris.

Autumn (September–October): Great for oysters, crayfish, and fall colors.

Winter: Peaceful but limited activities—ideal for spa retreats.

📸 Top Instagrammable Spots

Smögen boardwalk & colorful boathouses

View from Kungsklyftan in Fjällbacka

Sunset over Ramsvikslandet

Stångehuvud cliffs near Lysekil

Floating hotel Salt & Sill

🎉 Events & Festivals

Crayfish Parties (August) – Traditional food and music.

Seafood Journey (Autumn) – Culinary experiences across Bohuslän.

Lysekil Women’s Match (July) – International sailing competition.

Art Walks & Summer Exhibitions – Held in towns like Skärhamn and Hunnebostrand.

💡 Travel Tips for Visiting the Bohuslän Coast

Book accommodations early in summer—it’s a popular vacation spot.

Dress in layers—coastal weather can change quickly.

Try public saunas on the islands.

Bring water shoes if you plan to swim—many beaches are rocky.

Download ferry schedules ahead of time, especially for island trips.

🧭 Nearby Attractions

Marstrand Island – Historic fortress and sailing haven.

Nordens Ark – Wildlife park with endangered Nordic species.

Tjörn and Pilane Sculpture Park – Modern art meets nature.

Gothenburg – Perfect starting or ending point for your coastal adventure.

🏁 Final Thoughts: The Bohuslän Coast is Sweden’s Coastal Treasure

With its crystalline waters, granite cliffs, salty sea breeze, and charming villages, the Bohuslän Coast is a Nordic paradise waiting to be explored. It offers slow travel at its finest—an escape from busy cities into nature’s embrace, where seafood, stories, and seascapes come together.

Whether you're kayaking between islands, savoring oysters on a pier, or watching the sunset over red boathouses, the Bohuslän Coast captures the heart of Sweden’s maritime spirit. Add it to your travel list—you won’t regret it.