Best Day Trips from Gothenburg

Gothenburg is not only a vibrant city but also the perfect starting point to explore the diverse landscapes of the Swedish west coast. Within an hour or two, you can reach picturesque fishing villages, car-free islands, and historic sites that tell the story of how Gothenburg once began. Whether you prefer the rugged cliffs of Bohuslän or the sandy shores of Halland, these day trips offer a perfect escape from the urban pulse.

The picturesque island of Åstol – A car-free gem in Bohuslän

If you visit Gothenburg and want to make a day trip to Bohuslän, the island of Åstol is a highly recommended destination. This small and picturesque skerry island is very typical for the Bohuslän coast. It is situated between the island of Marstrand in the south and the island of Tjörn in the north.

On Åstol, you will find a busy natural harbour, a café, a child-friendly bathing place, and the well-known restaurant Åstols Rökeri, which features its own smokery, bar, and shop. I highly recommend picking up some smoked prawns, freshly baked bread, and their signature dip sauces for a picnic on the rocks. Finding a spot on the warm granite, watching the boats navigate the Kattegat and Skagerrak, is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Åstol is entirely car-free, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors. You can reach the island via a passenger ferry from Rönnäng on the tip of Tjörn. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

Getting there from Gothenburg takes about 50 minutes by car to Rönnäng. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service from the Nils Ericson bus terminal at Gothenburg Central Station to Rönnäng. Please note that parking in Rönnäng can be difficult during high season; it is often better to use the large parking lot at the entrance of the village and walk about 20 minutes to the harbour. If you wish to stay longer, the nearest hotel can be found in Rönnäng, just a short walk from the ferry terminal.

Fiskebäckskil – Elegance on the island of Skaftö

Fiskebäckskil

Further north, about 90 minutes from Gothenburg, lies Fiskebäckskil. This former fishing village on the island of Skaftö has evolved into one of the most elegant summer destinations in Sweden. Walking through the narrow alleys lined with captain’s houses and blooming hollyhocks, you can feel the history of the 19th-century herring boom.

I’ve attended several conferences at the Gullmarsstrand Hotel, which is as close to the water as you can get. The view of the sun setting over the Gullmarn fjord around 10:30 PM in June is simply breathtaking.

If you have extra time, take the passenger ferry over to Lysekil or drive five minutes south to Rågårdsvik – a tiny, quiet settlement that is as “Genuine Bohuslän” as it gets.

Rågårdsvik

Gottskär – A seaside resort in Halland

While many travelers instinctively head north, heading south of Gothenburg into the region of Halland is equally rewarding. The village of Gottskär on the Onsala peninsula is one of my favorite spots for a relaxed summer day.

Originally a busy fishing port, Gottskär is now a charming seaside resort within the Kungsbacka municipality. It’s perfect for families, offering a mix of smooth rocks for sunbathing, small cafés, and excellent ice cream stands. It only takes about 45 minutes to reach by car from Gothenburg.

One of my personal “insider tips” is to visit in late spring. I remember a trip in May where we skipped spring entirely – one week it was snowing, and the next we were in shorts with 25° C weather. There is something truly special about that first warm day of the year by the sea in Halland.

Lödöse – Gothenburg’s medieval predecessor

For those who want a break from the coast, a trip 40 km northeast of Gothenburg along the Göta Älv river to Lödöse is a must. Most people don’t realize that Lödöse was actually Gothenburg’s medieval predecessor and one of Sweden’s largest cities in the 14th century with about 2,000 inhabitants, serving as the country’s only port to the North Sea.

But why did such a powerful city disappear? Unlike many medieval towns destroyed by fire, Lödöse was defeated by the earth and politics. Due to post-glacial land rise, the Göta Älv river became too shallow for large ships, making the harbor unusable. Additionally, heavy customs duties imposed by Norway and Denmark at the Bohus Fortress further strangled the port’s trade.

In its heyday, Lödöse was a global hub. Not only was the Hanseatic League active here, but it was also a major pilgrim center. Travelers from all over Europe arrived in the harbor before trekking to Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral, Skara, or Vadstena.

Today, the modern Lödöse Museum tells this dramatic story. Archaeologists have found over 500,000 objects here, and the museum showcases everything from medieval coins to knight’s armor. A highlight of the exhibition is a detailed model showing how the medieval city was laid out. It illustrates how Lödöse was strategically built on an island, protected by the river and surrounding streams.

• Getting there: The museum is conveniently located right off the E45 motorway (exit 92, Lödöse), making it an easy 30-minute drive from Gothenburg.
• Expert tip: After exploring the museum, take a stroll through the medieval herb garden or walk a portion of the Lödöseleden pilgrimage path.
• Note: As of January 2024, entry to the museum is no longer free, as new fees have been introduced for all regional museums in Västra Götaland.

The city was situated on an island. The Göta Älv river is visible at the top of the image, with a large stream on both the right and left sides. Eventually, the population was moved closer to the sea to form “New Lödöse” – known today as the Gamlestaden district in Gothenburg.

Closer to home: The Gothenburg archipelago

If you don’t want to drive an hour but still crave the salt air, you are in luck. Gothenburg’s own archipelago is divided into two distinct parts, and both are easily accessible.

The southern archipelago: These islands are completely car-free and reachable by regular public transport ferries from Saltholmen and Stenpiren. My favorite is Vrångö for its nature paths and Brännö for its famous summer dances at the pier. It is the perfect place to experience the slow-paced island life without leaving the city limits. Read my guide to the southern Gothenburg archipelago here.

The northern archipelago: Islands like Hönö, Öckerö, and Fotö are connected by bridges and reached via a free car ferry from Lilla Varholmen. These islands have a more “working harbor” feel and offer fantastic shopping and dining in Klåva. Read more about the northern Gothenburg archipelago here.

Conclusion

All these destinations are within easy reach of Gothenburg and offer a unique perspective on the west coast’s culture and history. Most locations can be explored independently by car or public transport, and accommodation options are available if you decide to extend your stay in the region. While summer is the peak season, don’t overlook the “shoulder” months. Many coastal restaurants, like the one in Åstol and Fiskebäckskil, offer traditional Julbord (Christmas buffets) in November and December.

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