CAR-FREE ISLANDS to long for

The islands of the Bohuslän archipelago all have their own character. Its residents have lived a hard life at times, sometimes isolated and vulnerable, surrounded by the ocean that gives and takes. Today, these car-free islands offer space to breathe and natural experiences within easy reach by regular ferries all year.

From Tuvesvik on Orust it takes 10 minutes to get to Gullholmen and Härmanö. One part is the most densely built of any island in Sweden, with a large amount of fishing cottages and boat houses. The other part is Härmanö, one of Bohuslän’s largest nature reserves with beautiful hiking trails, beaches, moors, meadows and barren rocks. On the island you will find restaurants, a grocery store, a harbour, facilities for conferences and rental cabins with sauna and minigolf. There are also a few museums if you are looking for history and culture. Don’t miss the newly opened Grindebacken Strandhak inside the nature reserve.

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The car-free island Käringön is far out at sea, and you can get there by taking the ferry from Tuvesvik on Orust. After a beautiful boat ride, you’ll be greeted by an island jammed with lovely little wooden houses. On the island there are several cafés, restaurants, an oyster bar, a fish monger, shops, a harbour, an hotel, conference facilities and a hostel. To stroll through the small alleys is like taking a stroll back in time, and as soon as you have left the buzzing harbour, you’ll find silence and peace in nature.

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A short ferry ride from Koön’s ferry station takes you to Marstrand. The ferry is operated by Kungälvs Kommun and you can buy tickets via marstrandsfarja.se. You can also buy your ticket at the ferry station, and it is valid both there and back. On Marstrand you can stroll along the quay and explore the cosy cobbled streets with all their old Victorian houses. Don’t miss Carlstens Fortress on the top of the island. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés here, and several hiking trails with magnificent locations right by Skallens lighthouse, where the two oceans Skagerrak and Kattegat meet.

From the jetty in the old fishing village Kyrkesund you can cross the strait and get to Härön in a couple of minutes. The eastern side of the island is most inhabited and here you will find Magasinet Härön – a hotel and restaurant by the sea. The island has amazing and varied nature with a reserve and hiking trails – heaven for anyone interested in flora and fauna. Take the hiking trail to the south side of the island, down to Holmudden, where you’ll get a view out of the ordinary.

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Lilla Brattön is a gem in Hakefjorden, right outside Stenungsund. It’s a cosy and green little holiday island with cottages, a restaurant, jetties and diving towers. In summertime you can get to the island from Almön on Tjörn with the ferry M/S Granita. Tickets are bought onboard.

WWW.GRANITA.SE

Åstol is the unique little rock island with a great mishmash of white wooden houses on it, an almighty sight rising from the sea. You get to the island by ferry from Rönnängs brygga. You’ll be met by a horseshoe shaped harbour, tiny little winding roads and a little lush green park in the middle of the island. By Klockareudden you can go swimming in a natural saltwater pool with a slide and sandy floor. On the island you can find a restaurant, a smokery, café, art gallery, grocery store and museum

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From Rönnängs Brygga on Tjörn and from Rökan close to Marstrand you can hop on the ferry to Dyrön. The little green island with its varied and dramatic landscape has a lot to offer all year around. Go for a swim, have a sauna in Dyröbastun, hike on Dyröleden, visit the waffle café during the winter months, fika, enjoy good food, look out for the wild mufflon sheep, find rare plants, or just enjoy the magnificent views. The island has both accommodation and conference facilities.

361 from Rönnängs brygga to Dyrön Norra 326 from Rökan to Dyrön Södra

Tips!During the summer months, there are several ferry routes to choose from for the ultimate island-hopping experience. Keep in mind that the wait might be long, make sure to be there in good time.