Herring, history and shellfish safaris
Herring is so big on the West Coast that the folks here celebrate ‘the Day of the Herring’ on June 6. Join them for a bit of feasting and raise a glass to this mainstay of the picturesque fishing villages here. Check out famed Klädesholmen and Swedish floating favourite, waterfront restaurant, Salt & Sill. Join the local fishermen on a seafood safari for lobster, oysters and mussels.
Islands, islands and more islands
Sweden’s most westerly islands, the aptly named Väderöarna Islands (The Weather Islands), are kayaking heaven for seafood lovers.
At Käringön Island you’ll find quaint red fishing sheds, tiny outhouses and gardens that haven’t changed since the 19th century.
Celebrity hangout
Marstrand is an absolute must-see – a Swedish playground for royalty and celebrities that boasts a rich and intriguing history. Here you can enjoy the impressive views across the archipelago from Carlsten’s Fortress.
National Marine Park
Then there’s Sweden’s first national marine park, Kosterhavet, centred on the car-free Koster Islands with its unique coastline of beaches and rocky islands. And visit Åstol Island, just off Tjörn, for its freshly smoked seafood.
Pretty-as-a-picture fishing villages
The kooky, quaint, fishing villages are well worth a visit here. Grebbestad is where 90% of Sweden’s oysters originate, need we say more? It is also home to Everts Sjöbod, a restored 19th century boathouse where eco-friendly seafood safaris and tasting sessions are on the menu.
Coastal crime novels
For a novel crime-scene setting, visit the dream-like fishing village of Fjällbacka, made-famous as the setting for Camilla Läckberg’s crime novels.
Lysekil is a great place to base yourself for further island exploration, including the island of Skaftö where you’ll find Fiskebäckskil and Grundsund. Do not miss these adorable, postcard-pretty villages of red wooden houses set on the water’s edge. The islands also offer several nature reserves with walking paths and cycling trails.