Smooth granite islands, cold-water seafood and a coast that Swedes keep for themselves.
Bohuslän runs north from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border: bare granite worn smooth by ice, fishing villages painted in ochre and white, and an archipelago that is Sweden’s own summer country, and not an international destination.
Gothenburg anchors it with a strong restaurant culture built on North Sea shellfish — langoustine, oyster and the cold-water prawn. Oyster and lobster safaris with local fishermen are the most direct way into it.
Small island hotels, restored bathhouses and coastal spa properties along the Bohuslän shore.
Oyster and lobster safaris with fishermen, sea kayaking between islands and cold-water bathing traditions.
Sweden’s best seafood, straight off the boats — Gothenburg kitchens and island inns both.
Direct European flights to Gothenburg, three hours by rail from Stockholm, and a short drive to the coast.
Islands opening, water still cold and the coast almost empty before the Swedish holidays.
Warm enough to swim, every island inn open — and the weeks when Sweden itself is on the coast.
Lobster season opens, the crowds are gone and the seafood is at its best.
May — June: Early Summer. Islands opening, water still cold and the coast almost empty before the Swedish holidays. July — August: High Summer. Warm enough to swim, every island inn open — and the weeks when Sweden itself is on the coast. September: Shellfish Season. Lobster season opens, the crowds are gone and the seafood is at its best.
We suggest 3 nights. 3 nights: A Gothenburg night and two on the islands, with an oyster safari and kayaking between them. 6 nights: The west coast paired with Stockholm and its archipelago — the two sides of Swedish summer.
Gothenburg (GOT). Direct European flights to Gothenburg, three hours by rail from Stockholm, and a short drive to the coast.
Seafood · Islands · Summer. Smooth granite islands, cold-water seafood and a coast that Swedes keep for themselves.