FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hi everyone!

This summer I had the pleasure of exploring Sweden’s West Coast. I’ll discuss this stunning area and share my experience from a four-night stay in the charming town of Bovallstrand. My family and I also visited some other beautiful coastline towns during the day!

The West Coast of Sweden

My last visit to the West Coast was about ten years ago, so it was wonderful to explore it again with a fresh perspective.

Sweden’s West Coast is a picturesque region in the west, famous for its dramatic coastline of granite rocks and the vast Bohuslän archipelago. This archipelago stretches from the city of Gothemburg in the south to the Norwegian border in the north. Bohuslän is a popular destination not just for tourists, but also for the local inhabitants, thanks to its unique combination of beautiful nature, a rich cultural heritage, lovely fishing villages and delicious fresh seafood!

A taste of the West Coast

Speaking of food, I had a nice experience during my visit! The charming coastal towns we explored were filled with delicious things to eat, especially seafood. In fact, the food on Sweden’s West Coast is famous for its high-quality, fresh ingredients like prawns, lobsters, and different fish species. One of my absolute favourite delights was the local smoked shrimp—it was so delicious!

Charming small coastal Towns

Now, let’s talk about some of the small lovely towns I had the pleasure of visiting!

Bovallstrand

I’m so glad we decided to stay in Bovallstrand. We rented a charming house there and spent four nights. My family and I were visiting during the mid-August low season, which made our stay much more peaceful!

I loved taking refreshing swims there—the morning light shimmering on the water was particularly beautiful—and enjoyed peaceful walks around the village, and eating the area’s specialities. On our last evening, we had a delicious meal at Torgboden restaurang—it’s truly a nice place that I highly recommend if you ever visit the village! Another highlight was the sunsets, which were so incredibly beautiful. I could even admire them right from our lodging!

Smögen

The day after arriving in Bovallstrand, we took a short drive to Smögen, another picturesque town that’s a very popular destination.

Smögen is known for its picturesque harbour and vibrant atmosphere. In fact, what makes Smögen so unique is its famous long wooden pier called smögenbryggan. This boardwalk is almost a kilometer long, lined with shops and restaurants. The Smögenbryggan leads to a stunning, picturesque spot with colourful fishing huts, nestled among the rocks. This vibrant place is one of the most photographed spots on the West coast, and for good reason!

Hunnebostrand

Another picturesque village I enjoyed visiting was Hunnebostrand, known for its granite quarries and maritime history.

First, we explored its sculpture park, a fascinating outdoor art museum where sculptures are beautifully integrated into the breathtaking natural scenery!

Afterward, we had lunch at Henrik Olssons Fiskaffär, where I enjoyed a delicious plate of local sea crayfish and shrimp! Eating outside with the sea view in front of me made the meal even more special.

Fjällbacka

Last but not least, on the final day of our trip, my family and I visited the charming town of Fjällbacka.

You can climb to scenic viewpoints in Fjällbacka, by hiking to the top of Vetteberget, a rocky hill that overlooks the coastal town and its surrounding archipelago.

We had a nice lunch at Bryggan Fjällbacka which I highly recommend, especially during warm seasons when you can sit outside on their lovely terrace, taking in the beauty around you!

It’s also worth noting that Fjällbacka is the setting for the internationally renowned crime novels of Swedish writer Camilla Läckberg, adding a layer of literary intrigue to this picturesque seaside town.

Final thoughts

My stay on the West Coast was positively beautiful. From my point of view, it felt good to stay in a house and take day trips. This gave us the freedom to explore different towns while also having a comfortable and peaceful home base.

By staying so close to the sea, it was easy to go for a spontaneous swim, rather than having to drive somewhere just to take a dip.

For all that I’ve seen of the West Coast, it was truly a beautiful vacation. If you ever plan a trip to Sweden, this is a stunning area that I highly recommend you explore!

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