West Sweden - Island walking & the Weather Islands - 9 days
On this self guided walking holiday, you’ll get to experience the beautiful islands, holiday and fishing villages on Sweden’s west coast on foot. You’ll also spend an unforgettable day and night at remote and lovely Weather Islands, or Väderöarna as it is called in Swedish.
The region called Bohuslän offers an unique archipelago with hundreds of islands, picturesque fisherman villages, granite rock beaches as well as small sandy beaches. You’ll visit different regions on the coast and end up visiting the town of Gothenburg.
Your adventure starts at historical Marstrand, which nowadays is a popular small summer island. In this area you’ll have a few days walking on different islands, all with unique experiences. After this you’ll continue to the larger island Tjörn, where you’ll visit & walk the unique Sculptures at Pilane, in the nature alongside grazing sheep and Iron Age stone circles. The tour continues further north to Ramsvik Nature Reserve, Bohus Malmön, and the lively fishing port of Smögen. Your next stay will be at rugged and remote Weather Islands, and a visit in Fjällbacka before the tour will end up in Gothenburg, where you can spend a free day and night to stroll the charming areas and enjoy the city.
This tour is perfect as a Drive & Hike. Either we book a rental car for you, or you arrange your own transportation. Although we recommend the tour as a Drive & Hike, it can also be done with local transportation.
We grade this trip as easy, since the walks are quite short in km. However, you’ll walk on trails, granite rocks, etc. where some parts can be a bit technical.
Make sure to bring your swimming gear. Hopefully the ocean is warm enough, and if not you’ll stay at some accommodations with outdoor hot tubs and saunas.
Anything else?
We- EverTrek have our office in Gothenburg, and during the summer we move parts of our office to Bohuslän, so we are local based and we love to spend time on the islands and trails of Bohuslän!
| Day 1: Arrival to Marstrand | Day 2: Walk Marstrand & Koön |
| Day 3: Walk Dyrön | Day 4: Transport to Tjörn - art walk at Pilane |
| Day 5: Transport to Bohus Malmön - walk Bohus Malmön | Day 6: Walk Ramsvik Nature Reserve |
| Day 7: Transport to Weather Islands & explore | Day 8: Visit Fjällbacka & Travel to Gothenburg |
| Day 9: Tour ends after breakfast |
-
Day 1: Arrival to Marstrand
Today you'll arrive to charming Marstrand which is spread over the two islands, Marstrand and Koön. Your accommodation is located by the sea on Koön.
-
Day 2: Walk Marstrand & Koön
Today you can choose to walk either Marstrand, or both Marstrand and Koön. Take the ferry (2 minutes ferry) just outside from your hotel to Marstrand. The beautiful coastal trail around the island is 5 km, so you also have time to visit the village and Carlstens Fortress. Then take the ferry back to Koön and enjoy an 8 km nice trail, over granit rock, stairs, and wooden footbridges.
Marstrand walk: 4,5 km, 1,5 h, +75 m, -75 m
Koön walk: 7,5 km, 2 h, +150 m, -150 m -
Day 3: Walk Dyrön
Today you'll take the bus or car (5 minutes) to the Ferry. A 30 minutes scenic Ferry ride takes you to Dyrön south harbour. The hike around the picturesque island Dyrön offers stunning panorama views, small beaches, mouflon sheep, and much more! The path is built by the locals "the blue men" and it takes you over rocks, stairs, and a small forest. Hint! Pre book the sauna with a sea view.
5 km, 2 h, +135 m, - 135 m -
Day 4: Transport to Tjörn - art walk at Pilane
Today you head for the bigger island Tjörn, where you'll have several options. Walk the small island Härön, visit & walk the totally unique Sculptures at Pilane, in the nature alongside grazing sheep and Iron Age stone circles. Want more art? Visit the Nordic Watercolour museum at small village of Skärhamn. You'll end the day at your very charming seaside accommodation. Take a relaxing evening and use the hotels small sauna with a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Härön walk: 3-6 km, 1-2 h, +50-100 m, - 50-100 m.
Pilane walk: Km, h, & elevation depending on how you walk. -
Day 5: Transport to Bohus Malmön - walk Bohus Malmön
After breakfast you'll drive to Bohus Malmön, famous for its Bohus Granite, and the stonemasons who used to work here. Pick up your packed lunch at the guesthouse and head out for a walk around this fantastic island. Hopefully the weather allows you to swim at one of the beaches. Depending on your choice of accommodation you'll either stay at the guest house on Bohus Malmön, or you'll continue to Smögen and the 4 star hotel.
Walk Bohus Malmön: 12,2 km, 2,5-3 h, +180 m, -180 m. -
Day 6: Walk Ramsvik Nature Reserve
A short drive or bus ride, takes you to the fantastic rugged Nature Reserve of island Ramsvik. Here you'll experience birdlife, a diverse flora, and off-course panoramic views! After the hike, you have a short drive or bus ride to the lively village of Smögen with its famous "Smögenbryggan" which is a 600 m long boardwalk with reastaurants, cafés, shops, and boats.
Walk Ramsvik: 16 km, 4 h, + 200 m, - 200 m -
Day 7: Transport to Weather Islands & explore
After breakfast you'll drive to Hamburgsund, from where you'll have 40 minutes boat ride out to the most western point of the archipelago, to the magical Weather Islands. You'll check in to the small guest house, have lunch, and then explore the island on foot on a short trail. In the late afternoon/ evening you must enjoy the sauna and the two outdoor hot tubs filled with heated sea water. Your visit at the unique Väderöarna/ Weather Islands will for sure be the highlight of your stay in Sweden!
-
Day 8: Visit Fjällbacka & Travel to Gothenburg
After breakfast the boat will take you back to Hamburgsund. Before you go to Gothenburg, you should pay a visit to small and very nice village of Fjällbacka. Hike upp the ravine "Kungsklyftan" to the top of Vetteberget, a 74 m high granite cliff, and from here you'll get amazing views of Fjällbacka and the ocean. Fjällbacka is today also known for the Fjällbacka Murder book series by author Camilla Läckberg. Some real fans of the books come to Sweden only to visit Fjällbacka, and take a guided tours of the Fjällbacka murders.
(Optional night in Fjällbacka is possible).
After the visit you'll drive to Gothenburg, about 2 hours. In Gothenburg you can spend time strolling the city to our recommended areas, and if you have time enough you can walk Änggårdens Nature reserve and visit the Botanic Garden, both located just a 15-20 minutes tram ride from the city center. -
Day 9: Tour ends after breakfast
Check out after breakfast, and go to the train station or airport for onward travel.
If you want optional nights in Gothenburg, off-course we'll help you to book.
Price per person in EUR
9 days/ 8 nights, comfort version
| Period | Double Room - shared bed | Twin Room - separate beds |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-05-01 t.o.m. 2020-05-31 | 1060 | 1060 |
| 2020-06-01 t.o.m. 2020-06-30 | 1120 | 1120 |
| 2020-07-01 t.o.m. 2020-07-31 | 1260 | 1260 |
| 2020-08-01 t.o.m. 2020-08-31 | 1210 | 1210 |
| 2020-09-01 t.o.m. 2020-09-20 | 1060 | 1060 |
9 days/ 8 nights, superior version
| Period | Double Room - shared bed | Twin Room - separate beds |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-05-01 t.o.m. 2020-05-31 | 1160 | 1160 |
| 2020-06-01 t.o.m. 2020-06-30 | 1220 | 1220 |
| 2020-07-01 t.o.m. 2020-07-31 | 1500 | 1500 |
| 2020-08-01 t.o.m. 2020-08-31 | 1500 | 1500 |
| 2020-09-01 t.o.m. 2020-09-20 | 1160 | 1160 |
Included in the prices
- Accommodation including breakfast
- Tour map and detailed information in English, German, Swedish (1 per room)
- Dinner two evenings (1 x three meal course excl. drinks, 1 x two meal course excl. drinks)
- Two pic nic lunches
- One lunch at Weather Islands
- Boat transportation to/ from Weather Islands
- GPX files for navigation in mobile app or your own gps
- 24 h service hotline
Not included in the price:
- Meals
- Luggage transfers
- Local transportation
- Car rental
- Other not mentioned in included
Car rental
You can either book your own rental car, or we can do it for you. You’ll pick up the car at the airport, or at the train station if you arrive by train.
- Price for a standard medium size car for this tour is 270 EUR.
Extra nights (per person including breakfast)
- Marstrand DBL: 80 EUR
- Gothenburg DBL: 80 EUR
Transfers
You can easily take the airport bus, buses and trains at good prices. Although, if you want private transfer, we are happy to help you. Private transfers (price per car max 4 persons)
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport – Gothenburg: 70 EUR
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport – Marstrand: 150 EUR
Child reduction
- Up til 5 years of age: 75%
- From 6 – 13 years of age: 50%
- From 14 – 17 years of age: 25%
- Child reductions available when sharing room with 2 adults.
Accommodations
Comfort version: Accommodation in a mix of 4* and 3* star hotels, and a charming family run guest house.
> Start any day of the week
Superior version: Accommodation in 4* star hotels. Last night in Gothenburg in a 3* star hotel.
> Start day/ arrival day= Wednesdays only
Comfort version
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 2 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 3 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 4 | Tjörn | Hotell **** |
| Night 5 | Bohus Malmön | Guest House ** |
| Night 6 | Bohus Malmön | Guest House ** |
| Night 7 | Weather Islands | Guest House ** |
| Night 8 | Gothenburg | Hotell *** |
Superior version
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 2 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 3 | Marstrand | Hotell **** |
| Night 4 | Tjörn | Hotell **** |
| Night 5 | Smögen | Hotell **** |
| Night 6 | Smögen | Hotell **** |
| Night 7 | Weather Islands | Guest house ** |
| Night 8 | Gothenburg | Hotell *** |
Accommodations
Marstrand: Marstrands Havshotell ****
Tjörn: Björholmens Marina ****
Bohus Malmön: Bohus Malmöns Pensionat **
Smögen: Smögens Havsbad ****
Weather Islands: Väderöarnas värdshus **
Gothenburg: Comfort Hotel Gothenburg ***
Note! These are hotels we normally use, but you might be accommodated in other hotels depending on availability.
Getting here
Gothenburg
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is about 20 km southeast of downtown and is served by both domestic and international flights.
Drive from the airport to Marstrand takes about 1-1,5 hours depending on traffic.
Airport coaches go to the Nils Ericson Terminal by Gothenburg Central Station.
Copenhagen
You can also fly to Copenhagen and catch a train to Gothenburg. Train between the airport and Gothenburg run regularly and takes 3h 30 minutes.
Drive from Copenhagen to Marstrand takes about 4 hours.
Stockholm
You can also fly to Stockholm and catch a train to Gothenburg. Train between Stockholm city and Gothenburg run regularly and takes 3 hours.
Privat transfers from airport or train station to you first accommodation/ from your last accommodation is not included. It can be booked, however, we recommend local transportation, that runs regularly.
Private transfers (price per car max 4 persons)
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport – Gothenburg: 70 EUR
Gothenburg Landvetter Airport – Marstrand: 150 EUR
From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Marstrand
The airport coaches are called Flygbussarna, and they run regularly and takes about 30 minutes to the Nils Ericson Terminal by Gothenburg Central Station.
From Nils Ericsson Terminalen you’ll take the bus to Marstrand. Bus takes about 1 hour.
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| Day 1: Arrival to Marstrand | Day 2: Walk Marstrand & Koön |
| Day 3: Walk Dyrön | Day 4: Transport to Tjörn - art walk at Pilane |
| Day 5: Transport to Bohus Malmön - walk Bohus Malmön | Day 6: Walk Ramsvik Nature Reserve |
| Day 7: Transport to Weather Islands & explore | Day 8: Visit Fjällbacka & Travel to Gothenburg |
| Day 9: Tour ends after breakfast |
-
Day 1: Arrival to Marstrand
Today you'll arrive to charming Marstrand which is spread over the two islands, Marstrand and Koön. Your accommodation is located by the sea on Koön.
-
Day 2: Walk Marstrand & Koön
Today you can choose to walk either Marstrand, or both Marstrand and Koön. Take the ferry (2 minutes ferry) just outside from your hotel to Marstrand. The beautiful coastal trail around the island is 5 km, so you also have time to visit the village and Carlstens Fortress. Then take the ferry back to Koön and enjoy an 8 km nice trail, over granit rock, stairs, and wooden footbridges.
Marstrand walk: 4,5 km, 1,5 h, +75 m, -75 m
Koön walk: 7,5 km, 2 h, +150 m, -150 m -
Day 3: Walk Dyrön
Today you'll take the bus or car (5 minutes) to the Ferry. A 30 minutes scenic Ferry ride takes you to Dyrön south harbour. The hike around the picturesque island Dyrön offers stunning panorama views, small beaches, mouflon sheep, and much more! The path is built by the locals "the blue men" and it takes you over rocks, stairs, and a small forest. Hint! Pre book the sauna with a sea view.
5 km, 2 h, +135 m, - 135 m -
Day 4: Transport to Tjörn - art walk at Pilane
Today you head for the bigger island Tjörn, where you'll have several options. Walk the small island Härön, visit & walk the totally unique Sculptures at Pilane, in the nature alongside grazing sheep and Iron Age stone circles. Want more art? Visit the Nordic Watercolour museum at small village of Skärhamn. You'll end the day at your very charming seaside accommodation. Take a relaxing evening and use the hotels small sauna with a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Härön walk: 3-6 km, 1-2 h, +50-100 m, - 50-100 m.
Pilane walk: Km, h, & elevation depending on how you walk. -
Day 5: Transport to Bohus Malmön - walk Bohus Malmön
After breakfast you'll drive to Bohus Malmön, famous for its Bohus Granite, and the stonemasons who used to work here. Pick up your packed lunch at the guesthouse and head out for a walk around this fantastic island. Hopefully the weather allows you to swim at one of the beaches. Depending on your choice of accommodation you'll either stay at the guest house on Bohus Malmön, or you'll continue to Smögen and the 4 star hotel.
Walk Bohus Malmön: 12,2 km, 2,5-3 h, +180 m, -180 m. -
Day 6: Walk Ramsvik Nature Reserve
A short drive or bus ride, takes you to the fantastic rugged Nature Reserve of island Ramsvik. Here you'll experience birdlife, a diverse flora, and off-course panoramic views! After the hike, you have a short drive or bus ride to the lively village of Smögen with its famous "Smögenbryggan" which is a 600 m long boardwalk with reastaurants, cafés, shops, and boats.
Walk Ramsvik: 16 km, 4 h, + 200 m, - 200 m -
Day 7: Transport to Weather Islands & explore
After breakfast you'll drive to Hamburgsund, from where you'll have 40 minutes boat ride out to the most western point of the archipelago, to the magical Weather Islands. You'll check in to the small guest house, have lunch, and then explore the island on foot on a short trail. In the late afternoon/ evening you must enjoy the sauna and the two outdoor hot tubs filled with heated sea water. Your visit at the unique Väderöarna/ Weather Islands will for sure be the highlight of your stay in Sweden!
-
Day 8: Visit Fjällbacka & Travel to Gothenburg
After breakfast the boat will take you back to Hamburgsund. Before you go to Gothenburg, you should pay a visit to small and very nice village of Fjällbacka. Hike upp the ravine "Kungsklyftan" to the top of Vetteberget, a 74 m high granite cliff, and from here you'll get amazing views of Fjällbacka and the ocean. Fjällbacka is today also known for the Fjällbacka Murder book series by author Camilla Läckberg. Some real fans of the books come to Sweden only to visit Fjällbacka, and take a guided tours of the Fjällbacka murders.
(Optional night in Fjällbacka is possible).
After the visit you'll drive to Gothenburg, about 2 hours. In Gothenburg you can spend time strolling the city to our recommended areas, and if you have time enough you can walk Änggårdens Nature reserve and visit the Botanic Garden, both located just a 15-20 minutes tram ride from the city center. -
Day 9: Tour ends after breakfast
Check out after breakfast, and go to the train station or airport for onward travel.
If you want optional nights in Gothenburg, off-course we'll help you to book.