Out in the archipelago there are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year. Did you know that the Gothenburg archipelago is usually divided into the southern and northern islands? The southern islands can be reached via the ferry terminals at Saltholmen or Stenpiren, while the northern islands are accessed from Lilla Varholmen.
Swimming and sauna
The Gothenburg archipelago offers almost endless opportunities for swimming. No matter which island you are on, cliffs, beaches and sheltered bays are never far away. When the summer season is over, the brave take a winter dip, perhaps combined with a warming sauna. Here are a few highlights to discover.
The southern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago
Swimming spots
On Vrångö there are many gems when it comes to swimming spots. For those with small children, Nötholmen is a great option thanks to its shallow sandy beach and large grassy areas.
On Styrsö you will find Utterviksbadet with its own small islet. Do you prefer not to walk too far? Just 300 metres from the ferry terminal is Styrsö Bratten, where you can swim from both the beach and a jetty.
If you are on Brännö, head to Ramsdalsbadet. Here you will find both cliffs and a sandy beach, and you can swim from jetties surrounded by protective rocks.
Sauna
In Vrångö harbour you will find Kajkanten. Here there is a bookable floating relaxation raft with a wood fired sauna, hot tub and bathing ladder for sea swimming all year round. Perfect if you are a slightly larger group.
On Styrsö you will find Kusthotellet, with both a heated outdoor pool and sauna, open all year round.
The northern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago
Swimming spots
On the northern islands there are 13 municipal swimming spots. On Hönö, within walking distance from Hönö Klåva harbour, you will find the popular swimming area Hästen. There is a sandy beach and cliffs, floating jetties and an accessible toilet.
For the active visitor, Hjälviks swimming area on Öckerö is recommended. There is also a volleyball court, ramp and accessible toilet.
Out on Hyppeln you will find Strandtången swimming area, a shallow sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. There is also a toilet and floating jetty.
On the neighbouring island Källö Knippla lies Tranbärsviken swimming area, with cliffs, a small sandy beach, diving tower and outdoor gym.
If you are visiting Björkö, head to Klarvik swimming area. Here you’ll find a combination of cliffs, grass and sand, and there are both floating jetties and a ramp.
Furthest north on the island of Rörö there are several bays with beautiful sandy beaches located one after another within walking distance from the harbour. Here you will also find Gula skären swimming area, an idyllic spot with sandy beach, jetty and dry toilet.
Sauna
Fancy a sauna with sea views? On Öckerö you will find the bookable sauna Nimbus overlooking the sea, as well as a wood fired sauna in the harbour where the proceeds go to Världens Barn.
If you are on Hönö, you can instead enjoy a sauna at Havskatten hotel and hostel. On the small island of Långholmen just outside Hönö, you can book both a party venue and a sauna for up to 12 people.
Would you like views towards the Vinga lighthouse? Then book the sauna on Fotö, located at the far end of Ussholmen, with incredible views over skerries and sea.
If you want to try a hot tub sauna with sea views, head to the guest harbour on Hyppeln. During summer there is also a freshwater shower on the jetty.
Hiking and cycling
The Gothenburg Archipelago Trail
For those who truly want to discover the Gothenburg archipelago and its distinctive nature, there is the Archipelago Trail. The trail combines breathtaking views with moderately challenging hiking across just over 35 km, divided into three stages over Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö and Hälsö, and two circular routes on Knippla and Hyppeln. Bus stops are located along the entire trail. You can choose to walk parts of the trail, a few kilometres at a time, or complete a longer distance. Along the route there are attractions, swimming spots, restaurants and accommodation.
Hitta ut
Would you like to explore nature in the Gothenburg archipelago while getting some exercise? Then take part in Hitta Ut, a fun form of orienteering where you search for checkpoints on several of the islands. The activity is free, open around the clock and suitable for everyone. Pick up a map at Gothenburg Visitor Centre, Infopoints in the archipelago or via the Hitta Ut app. New checkpoints are usually released around Easter and remain in place for the rest of the year.
Nature areas and viewpoints
The southern islands
Large parts of Vrångö are a nature reserve, with lovely walking trails. Tärnstigen is a shorter, accessible path suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Birdwatchers are drawn here thanks to the rich wildlife and plant life. For views over the archipelago, head up to Vrångö pilot lookout where you can gaze out across the islands.
Speaking of views, at Brännö’s highest point, the old pilot lookout on the hill, you can see Vinga and the entrance to Gothenburg. From Brännö you can walk across a narrow land bridge to the fantastic nature reserve on Galterö, home to rich birdlife and beautiful nature.
From Styrsö’s highest point, Stora Rös, you can enjoy sweeping views over the entire archipelago. From here you can follow nature trails to Brännholmsviken and Styrsö Skäret. A bridge with a walking and cycling path connects Styrsö to Donsö. On Donsö there are several trails with beautiful views and picnic spots. You will find lovely nature at the northern tip of the island and at the southern end.
The northen islands
The Ersdalen nature reserve on western Hönö is popular among bouldering enthusiasts. Many of the cliffs are beautifully located right by the water and offer a truly special atmosphere. You do not need to be a climbing expert to enjoy it here, exploring the area is an experience in itself. At the top of Rö berget you have panoramic views over the archipelago.
Rörö Nature Reserve, with its trails, glacial ridges and open landscapes, makes for a spectacular nature experience. Here you will find grazing sheep and horses. Close to the ferry terminal there is a restaurant, café and grocery store where you can buy your own picnic supplies.
Björkö offers unspoilt nature with open landscapes, grazing animals and flowering meadows. Large parts of the island are undeveloped and there are many walking areas to explore.
Rent a bike
If you would like to experience the archipelago by bike, there are several operators renting bicycles. On the southern islands you can rent a bike from Popsicle on Donsö and Aroniagården on Brännö. Please note that bikes are limited and demand can be high, especially during the summer season.
On the northern islands you can rent bikes from operators such as Nimbus on Öckerö, Paolos cykel on Hönö and Hönö Sjöbodar.
Paddling
Paddling a kayak or canoe is the perfect way to experience the Gothenburg archipelago, offering everything from calm and peaceful tours on a still day to more challenging paddling when the frost bites your cheeks. It is easy to pull in by a beach or cliff for a fika break.
Seal safari, boat tours and fishing
Would you like to head even further out to sea? Join a seal safari and watch grey seals sunbathing on the rocks, or try your luck fishing for crab, mackerel and lobster. Looking for something unique? Join Algblomman, which offers sustainable nature experiences.
From Hönö Klåva in the northern archipelago, boat tours depart to Vinga, the childhood island of Evert Taube, with its iconic lighthouse. From Vrångö in the southern archipelago, you can join various fishing tours via Kajkanten.
Learn to bake the historic and well-known bread from Hönö
The island of Hönö is known not only for its beautiful nature and lively harbour. The classic flatbread Hönökaka has been baked and eaten by fishermen in Bohuslän for generations, and since 1934 it has been produced on a larger scale by Åkes, which has now opened Hönökakans hus in the family company’s original premises on Hönö. Here you can also buy a classic Hönökaka to take home
For a truly unique experience, you can learn to bake the classic Hönökaka at Havskatten on Hönö. A fun activity for families or groups of friends that takes about two hours. Here you bake the traditional bread in an open wood fired oven.
Dance at the jetty
On one of the southern islands, Brännö, dances are organised at Brännö brygga during the summer season. Dancing has been held here for more than a hundred years, a true archipelago classic. The dance takes place every Thursday, and from Stenpiren in central Gothenburg you can take the ferry M S Kungsö to and from the dance on Brännö. For more information and timetables, visit Styrsöbolaget.
Practical information
Would you like to know how to get to the different islands, where to eat, have a coffee and find accommodation by the sea? Read the main guide to the Gothenburg archipelago. For more information about what applies when you are out in nature, see information about the Right of Public Access.
