Summer’s here at last and for many of us this means holidays and precious time to spend with friends and family. And just like last summer, more and more people are opting to staycation in Sweden. There’s such a lot for tourists and local people to see and do in Gothenburg and the archipelago. We’ve listed 6 excursions by boat to some of the gems of the archipelago. Choose the excursion that appeals to you the most – you may even have time to enjoy several of our suggestions this summer. At the end of this post, you’ll find a map showing the exact locations of all our tips.
The Vinga lighthouse is situated in the outer archipelago on Gothenburg’s most westerly point. You can take the M/S Michael Bellman archipelago boat there, which departs from Lilla Bommen. The on-board guide tells you all about the places and sights you pass on the voyage to Vinga. The sea air may whet your appetite, so it’s a good idea to preorder your lunch – a classic shrimp open sandwich with ecolabel shrimp and the best views.
Once the boat docks at Vinga, you get free time to explore the island. Did you know that popular artist, author and composer Evert Taube lived on this island as a child? You can visit his childhood home, which is now a museum. We recommend taking a look at the old lighthouse, sitting on the rocks, taking a dip and enjoying the beautiful scenery before the boat returns home.
Price: SEK 285/person – this includes guide commentary and round-trip boat journey
SEK 435/person – this includes a shrimp open sandwich, guide commentary and round-trip boat journey
Book: Prebook for a guaranteed place on board the boat trip to Vinga
Want to know more about and experience the Gothenburg archipelago? In that case, the Archipelago Tour with Lunch is the perfect choice. From Lilla Bommen, through the Port of Gothenburg, past New Älvsborg Fortress and on towards the islands in the southern archipelago – you enjoy beautiful views and interesting guide commentary. You can also book your tour to include lunch. Eat a delicious meal in the elegant dining room aboard the M/S St Erik or M/S Göteborg. You can choose between a fish, meat or vegetarian dish.
Price: SEK 330/person – this includes guided boat tour
SEK 410/person – this includes guided boat tour and today’s special lunch
Book: Prebook for a guaranteed place on board the Archipelago Tour with guide
Did you know that this summer you can take a ferry straight from Stenpiren out to Nya Varvet? The Nya Varvet ferry is a former Djurgården ferry brought here from Stockholm. The trip is completely free and there are daily shuttle services from lunchtime to evening. When you get to Nya Varvet, you can eat at one of its pleasant restaurants and take a stroll along one of the waterside paths.
Two restaurants worth a visit are the Dockyard Hotel and the summer restaurant Campus Park & Bar at Reveljen.
Price: Free ferry
Book: Book a table at the Dockyard Hotel or Campus Park & Bar
For many people, a visit to the sailing town of Marstrand is a must every summer. Treat yourself to an all-day guided cruise aboard the classic M/S Göteborg from Lilla Bommen to Marstrand via the archipelago island of Källö-Knippla. You have the option of joining a guided walk on both Källö-Knippa and Marstrand. Throughout the day, the crew aboard the boat provide you with the best service and take very good care of you. On the way to Marstrand, you’ll be served the classic Swedish seven sorts of cakes, as well as coffee or tea. After the stop at Marstrand, you enjoy a four-course dinner composed by restaurateur Lotta Bäckström. A luxurious all-day cruise where you can experience Gothenburg’s fantastic archipelago and eat gourmet food – quite simply the best day ever!
Price: SEK 1,045/person – this includes round-trip boat tour, refreshments and a four-course dinner
Book: Prebook for a guaranteed place on board for the all-day cruise to Marstrand
A four-hour guided boat tour around Hisingen is perfect if you want a scenic cruise featuring lush meadows, places of cultural significance, typical West Coast rocky cliffs and a busy port. Sit back and enjoy Göta Älv, the winding Nordre Älv, Björköfjorden and the entrance to the Port of Gothenburg! You can either book a table in the on-board dining room and order from the à la carte menu or order something from the bar menu. A cold beer and Bellman shrimp sandwich are highly recommended!
Price: SEK 260/person – this includes a four-hour guided boat tour
SEK 720/person – this includes a four-hour guided boat tour and a two-course dinner
Book: Prebook for a guaranteed place on board for the Tour of Hisingen
The Galterö Nature Reserve is situated to the west of Brännö in the Gothenburg archipelago. Many people come here for sunbathing and swimming, hiking and birdwatching. This undeveloped island is a fantastic place for visitors to mingle with grazing sheep and nesting birds. The seashore meadows and pastures are a habitat for a variety of vascular plants, mushrooms, butterflies and other insects, so please treat nature with the utmost respect. The easiest way to get to Galterö is to take the Styrsöbolaget boat from Saltholmen, get off at Brännö Rödsten, and then walk the final distance to the “Türks Bro” stone bridge.
Price: Västtrafik cards and tickets for Zone A are valid for journeys by boat in the southern archipelago.
Book: Tickets can be purchased at the Saltholmen terminal or in the card readers when boarding.
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