This car-free archipelago island, officially named Stora Knarrholmen, was originally a recreational retreat for workers at the Götaverken shipyard. The island was donated to the yard’s trade unions, which in the 1940s developed it with holiday cottages, a restaurant, and a village shop for shipyard workers and their families to enjoy.
Today the various accommodations are privately owned, and the island is open for everyone to visit.
Beaches and swimming
Knarrholmen offers several lovely swimming spots and smooth archipelago cliffs perfect for relaxing. Near the ferry terminal, there’s a family-friendly beach with piers and a diving tower. In summer, you can also play padel in a truly unique archipelago setting.
Restaurant and accommodation
Also close to the ferry stop is Restaurant Knarrholmen, serving weekly menus made with locally sourced and organic ingredients. The restaurant also offers small-scale accommodation for up to 14 guests in seven rooms, along with a wood-fired hot tub just steps from the sea.
Getting to Knarrholmen
You can reach Knarrholmen by ferry from Saltholmen. Tickets cost the same as regular public transport fares in Gothenburg, more information is found in our guide Getting to the Gothenburg archipelago. Please note that services to Knarrholmen are limited during the winter season. For current timetables, visit styrsobolaget.se or plan your journey at vasttrafik.se.