Holiday apartment in Sotenäs: Coast, islands and culture

Sotenäs can be discovered through distinctive coastal landscapes, islands and vibrant culture. Bua hed, one of the best-preserved coastal heaths in Bohuslän, offers several beautiful beaches for swimming among rocky outcrops along the shore. From the heights, the view stretches far across the fjord landscape – a characteristic introduction to a region where nature experiences, history and maritime impressions lie closely side by side.

Coast and landscape

Ramsvikslandet combines extensive rocky areas with heathland, wet heaths, meadows and deciduous woodland. In this landscape, glacial formations such as roche moutonnée, potholes, glacial striations and gneiss hollows can be seen. Ramsvikslandet is easily accessible and easy to explore on foot; swimming spots include Haby Bay and Tryggö, among others.

Hållö also has its own distinctive character: The island is a pinkish granite formation and lies ten minutes by boat from Smögen. At Marmorbassängen, there are smooth rock ledges and a bathing ladder leading down to the clear, turquoise-blue water.

Trails and nature

Sotenäs offers coastal hikes along beautiful trails through varied natural surroundings. A wonderful hiking route extends across the entire municipality, from Bovallstrand in the north to Kungshamn and Smögen in the south. Those exploring the landscape by mountain bike can take MTB route #H4, a 28-kilometre trail with 456 metres of elevation gain, rated as moderate to difficult. It connects Hunnebostrand and Bovallstrand via challenging trails and minor roads, passing salty swimming spots along the way.

In the vicinity of the zoological park on the grounds of Åby Säteri, Ekoparken is an ongoing project in a forest and cultural landscape area. Around 300 hectares of land are being restored. The zoological park itself, Nordens Ark at Åbyfjord, is home to around 60 animal species, including Amur tigers, red pandas, turtles and Nordic livestock breeds. A complete tour of Nordens Ark covers approximately 4.5 kilometres and usually takes about three hours if you want to visit all the animals and areas.

Culture and history

At Gammelgården, you can walk among historic buildings from the 18th century and discover objects from times gone by. The building that now houses the Gammelgården Museum was erected here in 1739. Gammelgården also includes one of Sweden’s oldest surviving boathouses, which was partly built from driftwood from shipwrecks.

Hållö Lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper’s house are open daily in summer from Midsummer until mid-August. On site, there are guided tours as well as exhibitions and information about Hållö, its history, geology, flora and fauna. Directly by the sea in Hunnebostrand, you can also view a series of stone sculptures free of charge.

Island of Light, an international light art festival, creates a special connection between the landscape and contemporary art. The stark natural surroundings and modern technology come together in creative forms; the festival can be experienced from both the sea and the land.

Water experiences and local delights

Cruises on the M/S Soten have been a classic of Sweden’s west coast since 1935. The cruises offer a West Swedish buffet and entertaining guided tours combining interesting facts, stories and anecdotes. In Kungshamn, you can watch the baking at the Hamnbageriet café; the bakery also occasionally offers baking courses.

Practical information

The Sotenäs tourist information service is available digitally throughout the year by email and telephone. At the InfoPoints, you can find the visitor magazine Smögen&, maps, local information and assistance with simple questions.

For further discoveries: Bovallstrand, Hovenäset, Hunnebostrand, Kungshamn, Smögen, Bohus-Malmön.

For more destinations in the surrounding area: Åmål, Färgelanda.

To the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.