Sun, beaches and cliff swims: 12 must-do experiences on Sweden's west coast

What is it? A car-free island packed with attractions for food lovers, history buffs and anyone who enjoys archipelago life. You can reach the island aboard the Lasse Maja ferry in just two minutes from the Marstrand ferry terminal.

Why go? Once you've arrived on this small archipelago island, you can tuck into fish and chips or settle in at one of the seafood restaurants, order a cocktail and cool off with an ice cream. Soak up the sun on the smooth granite rocks, go for a swim, wander through beautiful natural surroundings and visit Carlsten Fortress. The fortress is more than 300 years old and was built to protect the island's settlement. The cobbled streets and Carlsten Fortress make Marstrand one of the west coast's most atmospheric islands. While you're there, you can solve a murder mystery, join a guided tour of the fortress, watch theatre performances or catch the annual Fortress Games, a historical family activity inspired by the island's past.

Time Out tip: Time your visit to coincide with a sailing weekend and watch world class racing. Or book an evening murder mystery or theatre performance to make the most of your day.

Address: Hamngatan 3, 442 67 Marstrand

What is it? An architect-designed museum on the waterfront, with part of the building extending out over the sea. It's a peaceful and inspiring place to experience both art and architecture.

Why go? You don't need to be an art expert to enjoy the Nordic Watercolour Museum. Water, pigment and paper take centre stage at this seaside museum, where every exhibition is carefully curated. During summer 2026, watercolours and drawings by Asger Jorn and Per Kirkeby are on display. The museum also houses a gallery featuring works by the much-loved artist Lars Lerin.

On Bockholmen, directly opposite the museum, you'll find guest studios available to rent if you'd like to create art in peaceful surroundings. The museum enjoys a beautiful setting by the harbour in Skärhamn.

Time Out tip: Stay for a meal at the waterfront restaurant, then take a refreshing swim from the jetty just outside.

Address: Södra Hamnen 6, 471 32 Skärhamn. You can find the summer programme here: https://www.akvarellmuseet.org/aktuellt/sommarprogram2024.

What is it? A 250-metre-long sandy beach with restaurants, mini golf and after beach. This beautiful, gently sloping beach sits on the Kattegat coast, around 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Falkenberg.

Why go? There's a reason Skrea Beach is Halland's most beloved seaside destination. The wide stretch of sand draws visitors in with salty swims, beach life, restaurants and activities from morning until evening. Hire a bike in central Falkenberg and you'll be here in just a few minutes.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the sunset over the Kattegat. Spend the day on the beach, enjoy a round of mini golf in the afternoon, then round things off with great food and drinks at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Address: Klittervägen, 311 42 Falkenberg

What is it? The ultimate beach resort. Located just west of Halmstad, Tylösand is one of the west coast's liveliest beach destinations during the summer.

Why go? Summer in Tylösand is something special. Every year, thousands of visitors come here to experience the classic Swedish summer atmosphere. Just a 20-minute bike ride or bus journey from central Halmstad brings you to this spectacular seaside destination. Expect a long sandy beach, a beach club, hotel, spa, restaurants and live music all summer long. Tylösand is one of Sweden's busiest summer event destinations, with an impressive line-up of well-known artists.

Time Out tip: Sometimes you want to be right in the middle of the action, so grab a spot just below Hotel Tylösand and enjoy everything the area has to offer. If you'd rather escape the crowds for a while, head a little further north or south along the beach for a quieter stretch.

Address: Tylöhusvägen 28, 302 73 Halmstad. See the summer programme.

What is it? Kungshamn is located on a peninsula north of Lysekil. It's a charming summer retreat where you can wander at your own pace, surrounded by picturesque buildings and beautiful coastal scenery.

Why go? Stroll through the narrow streets lined with pretty houses before continuing out onto the smooth granite rocks, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping sea views. Pack a picnic and enjoy a coffee at the top of the cliffs before climbing down for a swim in one of the sheltered coves. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants at Fröken Feldts Brygga, where Tant Anton is a particularly popular choice. If you're after souvenirs, you're sure to find something beautiful and unique in one of Kungshamn's charming boutiques. Huset Brevé on Terrassgatan is a personal favourite, offering everything from beautiful ceramics to stylish homeware.

Time Out tip: A small summer ferry runs between Smögen and Kungshamn, making it an easy way to visit two west coast favourites in a single day.

What is it? A lively harbour on the outer edge of the Skagerrak, with an iconic winding boardwalk lined with traditional fishermen's huts, seafood restaurants and a constant buzz of boats. Smögen is easily reached via the bridge from Kungshamn.

Why go? Feast on freshly caught prawns and seafood at one of Sweden's busiest waterfront promenades. Along the pier you'll find restaurants, cafés and shops selling everything from fashion and homeware to local delicacies. Wander past the colourful fishermen's huts, settle in at an outdoor terrace or continue out to the smooth granite rocks for a swim. Smögen also has plenty of campsites, hostels and guest harbours if you'd like to stay a little longer.

Time Out tip: Buy freshly boiled prawns straight from the fishmongers on the pier, then find a spot by the water for a classic west coast lunch overlooking the boats.

Address (Smögen bus station): Hamngatan 6, 456 51 Smögen

What is it? A paradise for herring lovers. Klädesholmen is a cosy little archipelago island about an hour from Gothenburg, affectionately known as 'the island of herring'.

Why go? Herring is a Swedish classic and the star of the traditional Midsummer buffet. If you're a fan of this salty pickled fish, Klädesholmen is an essential stop. Visit the herring museum Sillens Hus to discover how the herring industry shaped the island's history and development. You'll also find a herring factory and the restaurant Salt & Sill, which serves both classic and inventive pickled herring dishes. Expect sea breezes, smooth granite rocks, peaceful streets and plenty of new flavours to discover.

Time Out tip: Book a herring tasting at Sillens Hus and pick up your favourites in the adjoining shop. There's more to Klädesholmen than herring, too. Wander through the narrow lanes of this charming summer island before taking a swim at its inviting bathing spot.

Address (Sillens Hus): Strandgatan 12 B, Klädesholmen

What is it? Sweden's only marine national park, where the underwater world is every bit as spectacular as the archipelago above the surface. Ferries to South Koster and North Koster depart from Strömstad, with the journey taking between 30 and 60 minutes depending on which island you're visiting.

Why go? The Koster Islands are perfect if you're looking to slow the pace. Cows and sheep roam freely between the fields, sheltered swimming coves appear one after another and the sea is exceptionally clear. South Koster offers lush landscapes, sandy beaches and a wider choice of restaurants and places to stay, while North Koster is known for its dramatic shingle beaches, heathland and excellent hiking trails. The islands are also among the sunniest places in Sweden.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the underwater nature trail at Rörvik on South Koster. The snorkelling trail follows a blue line at a depth of 1.5 metres, with information boards along the route explaining the marine life beneath the surface. It's one of the easiest – and most enjoyable – ways to explore Sweden's only marine national park.

What is it? One of Bohuslän's best-loved fishing villages, known for its granite cliffs, colourful wooden houses and as the setting for Camilla Läckberg's crime novels.

Why go? Fjällbacka is the very picture of a Swedish summer by the sea. Spend your days swimming, catching crabs from the jetties, feasting on fresh seafood and browsing the small shops along the bustling harbour promenade. In the town square stands the statue of Ingrid Bergman, who spent many of her summers here. Just a short walk away rises the dramatic Kungsklyftan, also known as Hell's Gap, where scenes from Ronja the Robber's Daughter were filmed. If you're in the mood for a short hike, the panoramic view from Vetteberget is well worth the effort.

Time Out tip: Download the Läckberg map and follow in the footsteps of the novels' best-known locations. Finish your walk with the view from Vetteberget before settling down at one of the harbour's outdoor restaurants for a seafood lunch.

Address: Södra Hamngatan, 457 40 Fjällbacka. You can find the Läckberg map here: https://tanumturist.se/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lackberg_Kartan_2024.pdf.

What is it? A vast sculpture park set in spectacular natural surroundings, with breathtaking views across the Bohuslän coastline. Perched high on a hill in the middle of Tjörn, between Orust and the Bohuslän mainland, it showcases works by Swedish artists.

Why go? Pilane is one of Sweden's most spectacular sculpture parks. Whether you're an art enthusiast or not, it's hard not to be amazed by the creativity on display. The site is also home to 2,000-year-old burial grounds, making it a remarkable place where art and history meet. Walking the full sculpture trail takes around an hour at a leisurely pace.

Time Out tip: Pack a picnic and stay on the island after your art walk for a salty swim and an evening on the rocks. The cosy bathing spot at Linneviken is just a short drive or cycle away.

Address: Gravfält, 471 92 Klövedal

What is it? The finest example of British Arts and Crafts architecture in the Nordic region. Set on a peninsula just south of Kungsbacka, the castle feels more like the English countryside than Sweden. The grand building is surrounded by a nature reserve and award-winning gardens.

Why go? This is an ideal day trip for families, history lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful summer escape. Enjoy lunch or coffee at the idyllic Storstugan, surrounded by greenery beside the castle church on the Tjolöholm estate. You can explore the grounds at your own pace or join a guided tour of the castle. Inside you'll find beautifully painted ceilings, intricate wood carvings and exceptional craftsmanship. Afterwards, stroll through the blooming gardens before taking a swim at the beach just a few metres from the castle.

Time Out tip: Fancy finding out what it's like to live on a country estate? Spend the night in the historic cottages, beautifully furnished in charming turn-of-the-century style, where the estate's staff once lived. Wake up to freshly baked bread and waffles at Storstugan.

Address: Tjolöholm Castle, 439 74 Fjärås

What is it? A nature reserve on an island in Askim, just south of Gothenburg. The island is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. It feels like discovering your own hidden summer escape.

Why go? Here you'll find peaceful walking trails winding through beautiful natural surroundings. Meadows stretch out alongside the paths, where horses graze, adding to the area's idyllic charm. The crystal-clear water is perfect for salty swims and snorkelling on warm summer days. Pack a picnic, settle down on the smooth granite rocks and enjoy the tranquillity with the sea right beside you. It's hard to believe Gothenburg is only a short distance away from this lush and relaxing summer retreat.

Time Out tip: Bring your swimwear and walk all the way out to the outermost rocks to find your own secluded bathing cove in the evening sunshine.

Address: Brottkärrsvägen, 436 58 Hovås