The southern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago are car free and offer everything from quaint villages to uninhabitated islands. The islands are easy to reach by public transport ferrys from Saltholmen ferry boat terminal or Stenpirent travel centre.

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Getting to the Gothenburg archipelago

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Eat and fika in the Gothenburg archipelago

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Guide: Hotels in the Gothenburg archipelago

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Gems in the Gothenburg archipelago

Asperö

If you get the ferry from Saltholmen, Asperö is the first stop, and if you’re after a truly idyllic archipelago island you don’t have to go any further. There are many great swimming spots which makes Asperö perfect for a quick visit on a sunny day.

Place

Archipelago island

Asperö

Brännö

Brännö was made famous through the songs of Lasse Dahlqvist but the island has more to offer than dancing on the pier. Experience great swimming spots, wonderful nature and cosy cafés and restaurants. If you’ve got the time, cross the small bridge to neighbouring island Galterö, and enjoy the uninhibited island and its nature reserve.

Place

Archipelago island

Brännö

Place

Inn and guesthouse

Brännö Värdshus & Pensionat Baggen

Place

Restaurant and café

Brännö Varv

Donsö

Donsö is one of the major islands in the southern part and one of Sweden’s most important ports. The island has a number of restaurants, cafés and accommodations. Climb to the top of the hill Radarberget for a great view of the archipelago.

Archipelago island

Hotel and restaurant

Café in the archipelago

Popsicle Donsö

Place

Kayak rental

Donsö Sea Kayak

Knarrholmen

The small island Knarrholmen has been an idyllic summer resort for many Gothenburgers during the last 70 years. Originally the island was donated to the yard Götaverken’s workers and the island was built with small summer homes. On Knarrholmen there are many fine beaches and rocks to relax on.

Place

Archipelago island

Knarrholmen

Kårholmen och Sjumansholmen

Kårholmen and Sjumansholmen are small islands in the southern part of the archipelago. The two islands were founded by political labour organizations and are recreational islands with a limited number of trips by ferries.

Place

Archipelago islands

Kårholmen and Sjumansholmen

Köpstadsö

Köpstadsö is located in the southern part of the archipelago, also called Kössö. It’s the smallest island in the archipelago with around 100 full-time residents. During the summer, that number rises considerably up to 300 residents. The island consists of narrow, winding alleys and the only allowed vehicle is the wheelbarrow.

Place

Archipelago island

Köpstadsö

Stora Förö

Stora Förö is a quiet island, mostly populated with houses from the 1930s. Just as the islands Knarrholmen, Sjumansholmen and Kårholmen the island is mainly visited by those who have holiday homes on the island. Therefore the ferry traffic isn’t as frequent to these islands.

Place

Archipelago island

Stora Förö

Styrsö

Styrsö is the main hub of the southern islands. Here you can find a post office, shops, cafés, guesthouses and restaurants. There are plenty of places to swim, from child-friendly sandy beaches, to piers and flat cliffs. There are also great fishing spots on the south side of the island.

Place

Archipelago island

Styrsö

Place

Restaurant in the archipelago

Café Öbergska

Place

Bed and Breakfast

Styrsö Tången Bed & Breakfast

Vinga

Vinga is Gothenburg’s most westerly point. The childhood home of Swedish music legend Evert Taube and well worth a visit for its stunning nature. The island is well worth a daytrip but is not part of the regular public transport system. Instead you can get here through boat tours by several different operators from the island of Hönö.

Place

Archipelago island

Vinga

Vrångö

Vrångö is the southernmost island of the Gothenburg archipelago. Around 380 people live there the whole year round. On the island you’ll find a post office, shops, restaurants and accommodation. The island is most famous for its beautiful nature reserves and excellent sandy beaches.

Archipelago island

Boat-house hotel

Restaurant

Hamnkrogen Lotsen Fiskeboa Vrångö

Stora Holms Säteri

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