This captivating coastline is scattered with hundreds of barren islands, rocky inlets and picturesque fishing villages. With the abundance of seafood - oysters, lobsters and fish are served in gourmet dishes along the coast and crayfish are an August specialty.
This island hopping tour has been designed to take you deep into the Bohuslän Archipelago with the opportunity to thoroughly explore this unique coastline. Don't forget your swimming costumes as you will be inundated with a vast array of swimming spots, from rocky inlets to sandy beaches.
The West Coast of Sweden is a popular summer destination for Swedes, Norwegians and Europeans alike. Our island hopping tour takes you to popular sailing locations such as Marstrand & Smögen, but also more remote locations such as the Weather Islands and Koster Islands.
Book / Enquire about this holiday
What do you need to do?
- Make arrangements to arrive in Gothenburg on day 1. Local airports are Gothenburg Landvetter or Gothenburg City Airport. Rental car can be collected from airport or city centre location.
- Make arrangements to depart from Gothenburg on day 7. Rental car can be dropped off at airport or city centre location
Itinerary
Days 1 to 3 - Marstrand / Koön
The Islands of Koön and Marstrand are located just 45mins from Gothenburg. Koön is connected to the mainland by a bridge, however Marstrand is a car free island connected by a regular cable ferry across Marstrand Harbour. You will stay at the new Marstrands Havshotell (Sea Hotel) on Koön in the harbour area. The suites offer sea views.
Marstrand has been fought over for centuries by the Swedes, Norwegians and the Danish. The peace treaty signed in 1658 finally made Marstrand Swedish. It is home to beautiful houses, an impressive fortress and cozy cafes Local activities include boat & fishing trips, sailing, quay side bars & restaurants and great walks. Marstrand is a place for pleasure, a place to love for its culture, history, beauty and legends.
Days 3 to 5 - Klädesholmen
Sweden's first floating hotel (opened 2008) is located on the island of Klädesholem (Herring Island), offering peaceful and picturesque views across the famous Bohuslän Archipelago, just 45mins from Gothenburg. There are 23 rooms (including one suite) in six two-storey buildings on floating pontoons. The hotel has been built to complement the highly successful Salt & Sill restaurant, accredited by Taste of West Sweden. The hotel will blend into the sea environment by creating a reef and haven for marine life to flourish underneath and around the pontoons supporting the hotel.
Days 5 to 6 - The Weather Islands
Sweden's most westerly islands are rugged, raw and incredibly beautiful. Unprotected from natures elements this collection of islands lie some 10 nautical miles from the mainland. During the 18th and 19th centuries the need for greater safety at sea meant these inhospitable islands became home to an extended lighthouse and pilot service. In 1965 the lighthouse was fully automated and the pilots returned to the main land. Today there is an excellent restaurant complemented by a comfortable guest house. There are no TVs in the bedrooms (just look out of the window!) and the showers & toilets are in the corridor. All rooms have a sea view. The only way to reach the islands is by a special boat service. Purchased in Northern Ireland the boats were brought back to Sweden across the North Sea. A sure sign that no matter what the weather you will always be able to reach the barren, rugged, dramatic Weather Islands. You will depart for the Weather Islands at 1pm. The journey takes approx. 20mins. You will be welcomed with a sandwich and warm drink and you will have time to to explore this stunning location. A walk to the old pilots station is recommended. An excellent 3 course evening meal (based around sea food) is served in the renowned restaurant. If you would prefer to spend just a few hours on the Weather Islands then we recommend Storahotellet in Fjällbacka.
Days 6 to 8 - Koster Islands
Stay on the car free Koster islands at the Sydkoster Hotel Ekenäs and dive deep into this marine kaleidoscope. Park your car in, or catch the train to Strömstad and take the passenger ferry to Sweden's most westerly populated islands, terminating just 100m from this coastal hotel. Attractions include a unique seaside location, beaches, rocky islands and of course the magic "Koster light", which has inspired many artists on the island. Renting a bike and a guided tour are strongly recommended so you can appreciate all that is surrounding you. In 2009 the Koster Archipelago National Park was inaugurated and the Koster islands is now preserved as a spectacular marine nature reserve.
Price from 12495 SEK per person peak season (May, June, July, Aug & Sep)
Price from
11325 SEK per person off peak season
Book / Enquire about this holiday
We may be able to arrange flights to / from Gothenburg - please ask. Price based on 2 adults and includes car rental, accommodation as details above, bed and breakfast at all locations except The Weather Islands which is on a half board basis. Return boat transfer to Weather Islands included. The ferry to the Koster Islands is not included as there are regular services and this gives you the freedom to choose the time. This costs approx. 120 SEK per person for a return journey.
