The islands in the northern part of the archipelago offer a wide range of restaurants, accomodations and activities. You will find bigger islands with grocery stores and all amenities, as well as smaller islands, perfect for a cosy getaway. You can reach the ten inhabited islands by car, bus or bike from road 155 in the direction of Hisingen/Öckerö via the ferry stop Lilla Varholmen. The ferry is free of charge. You can also get a ferry from Stenpiren travel centre in the city to Hönö Klåva at certain periods throughout the year.
Eat and enjoy coffee and sweet treats in the Gothenburg archipelago. Everything from fish and seafood restaurants to charming cafés with sea views awaits.
Discover the lovely charm and tranquility of Gothenburg’s archipelago and live as close to the sea as possible. From picturesque cottages near the quayside, to modern hotels with fantastic seafood restaurants.
Archipelago island
Björkö
Björkö is one of the larger islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. There are restaurants, B&B, child-friendly swimming spots and a guest harbour. The harbour area includes several restaurants and the island’s own craft brewery Barlind Beer.
Archipelago island
Fotö
Fotö is a true summer island. Make sure to stop by Café Boa or Holmboms Ark for coffee and a sweet treat with views of the sea and passing boats. A bridge connects Fotö to Hönö, making it easy to reach the island by car if you prefer. The Gothenburg Archipelago Trail, which stretches from the Hönö ferry terminal to Hälsö, loops around Fotö and offers a scenic and peaceful walking experience. Read more about the Gothenburg Archipelago Trail here. Down by the harbour, you’ll also find a bookable seaside sauna with views of the Vinga lighthouse on the horizon.
Archipelago island
Grötö
Grötö is a serene and car-free island with only about 100 residents year-round, which makes Grötö the island of tranquillity. There are no cars and to get to the island you first go to Björkö and then hop on the ferry from there.
Archipelago island
Hyppeln
Hyppeln is also known as “the mackerel paradise” and is located the northern part of the Gothenburg archipelago. Here you can walk on the trail along the water and get an unbeatable view of the sea. Take the opportunity to visit the “giant head” which is a high steep hill where you get a nice view of the Carlsten Fortress on Marstrand. And nowadays, a circular trail around the island is included in the Gothenburg Archipelago Trail, which is also part of the long-distance hiking route Kuststigen.
Archipelago island
Hälsö
Hälsö is situated in the northern part of the archipelago and offers nice harbour walks along small and winding roads. There are also ancient remains on the island, mainly stone circles from temporary fishing camps. On the northern part of the island there are good fishing opportunities.
Archipelago island
Hönö
Hönö is the most populated island in the northen archipelago. The island offers a lively year-round community with restaurants, cafés, hotels and shops. In the northwest lies Ersdalen Nature Reserve, a dramatic rocky landscape ideal for both hiking and bouldering. In Hönö Klåva, the island’s main harbour and centre, you’ll find waterfront cafés and restaurants with sunny terraces. This is also where boat tours depart, including Kastor Boat Trips, offering seal safaris, crab fishing and excursions to Vinga, the childhood island of Evert Taube.
Archipelago island
Kalvsund
Kalvsund is a small, car-free island with a lot of character. It’s located between the islands Björkö and Öckeröa and at the centre of the island rises “Båken”, the old “lightless lighthouse” that gives the island its famous silhouette.
Archipelago island
Källö-Knippla
Källö-Knippla is a picturesque island, with a popular guest harbour and a lovely hiking trail. The island was once two islands, Källö and Knippla, but today they’re connected and considered one island. You can explore Knippla on a scenic four-kilometre walk, which is now part of the Gothenburg Archipelago Trail, itself a section of the Coastal Path.
Archipelago island
Rörö
Rörö is located at the northern end of the Gothenburg archipelago. The island’s beautiful nature reserves invite you to walk along their trails. Rörö is a well-known destination for nature lovers and bird watchers, as the nature of the island is unique with almost completely treeless moorland.
Archipelago island
Öckerö
Öckerö is the main island of the northern part of the archipelago (it’s also the name of the municipality of all the 10 islands in the northern part). It has accommodations, a pharmacy, a post office and a grocery store. The nature on the island invites you to take beautiful walks in the lush greenery by the water. There are also plenty of swimming spots.