Göteborgs Skärgårdsled, the Archipelago Trail

You know that you can experience Gothenburg’s archipelago on foot all year round, don’t you? There are always magnificent views to be found on the islands, whether you’re walking during summer or in the middle of winter.

The trail is part of the popular Kuststigen Coastal Path and is perfect for both day trips or as a multi-day hike with a picturesque overnight stay by the sea.

Which islands are part of Gothenburg’s Skärgårdsled?

During the hike you’ll explore the islands of Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö, Hälsö, Knippla and Hyppeln. You can read more about what distinguishes the six different islands below – and which beauty spots you shouldn’t miss.

1. Hönö

The first and parts of the second stage of Gothenburg’s Skärgårdsled take you on a lap of the island of Hönö, and the trail starts as soon as you step off the ferry there.

Explore the busy harbour of Hönö Klåva

Hönö Klåva, on the island’s south side, could easily be Gothenburg archipelago’s answer to the Smögen boardwalk, the classic honeypot further up the West Coast. On the quayside restaurants jostle for place alongside fish shops, boutiques and cafes - and it’s a setting for events and public gatherings all year round.

Enjoy fresh shellfish at restaurant Tullhuset, take a look in the Fiskemuséet Hönö fishing museum or have something nice to drink at Franses Skärgårdspub, while you watch the boat life from the outdoor seating area on the second floor. If you want to stay the night Skärgårdshotellet Hönö is a great alternative.

Scenic views at Jungfruviken and Ersdalen

Hönö is bookended by two lovely spots, Jungfruviken and Ersdalen. At the former you can stop for a picnic on the grass or have a barbecue, followed by a dip from the rocks. In Jungfruviken there is also an ancient stone monument, the Tryggeberg labyrinth.

Ersdalen is a nature reserve with smooth rocks and a rich flora and fauna. The area is also widely known as a popular site for bouldering or free climbing on the crags and rockfaces. If you want to know more about the area you can book a guided walk in Ersdalen with Walkers Naturturer.

On Hönö’s north side, where the bridge goes over to Öckerö, lies Hönö Sjöbodar, where you can book a private boathouse for the night. Very cosy! Havskattens Hotell & Vandrarhem is also situated right opposite.

Read more about Hönö

2. Fotö

The Skärgårdsleden makes a circuit of the island of Fotö, south of Hönö. A bridge takes you over to the island, which is nice and peaceful for most of the year. It’s only when the summer weather arrives that the island’s around 600 permanent residents are joined by holidaymakers from near and far.

Boat jetties and seaside villas

In the 17th century most of the houses on Fotö were concentrated around the harbour. Nowadays there are beautiful seaside villas more or less all over the island, although it’s still around the harbour that you’ll find most going on. There’s a harbour cafe, sauna, a long row of red fishermen’s huts and Hönö Båtturer, which among other things arranges boat trips out to Vinga.

Gaze out over Vinga Lighthouse

On Fotö’s west side you’ll find the Tån viewpoint, where you get a great view of Vinga Lighthouse. If you fancy a dip we recommend Vivik on the island’s east side, where there’s both a sandy beach and a swimming jetty.

3. Öckerö

Most of the houses on Öckerö are on the north side of the island, but the archipelago trail takes you along the western shore instead, where you’ll be met by scenic views, with lots of little coves surrounded by rocks.

Walk over dramatic rocks

Do you like scrambling around on the rocks by the sea as much as we do? Then the hike across Öckerö is perfect for you. The military fort on the shoreline below Jacobs Bratt, Hummerviken and the Skalkelikörka viewpoint are just some of the many lovely spots. You’ll also pass Rördammen, which is one of the largest wetland areas in the municipality.

Cool off in the sea

On Öckerö it’s not that hard to find your own private spot if you like swimming directly from the rocks. Just remember that it can be slippery, and sometimes difficult to get out of the water in some places. If you’d rather swim in a public swimming area, the ones at Saltar and Hjälvik are along the trail.

You can stay the night at Bed & Bike Öckerö, a cosy B&B situated not far from the other side of the bridge over from Hönö. There are also hotels and hostels on the east side of the island but that involves a short detour from the trail route.

Read more about Öckerö

4. Hälsö

The bridge over Tjolme sound takes you from Öckerö on to Hälsö, a charming archipelago island where little alleyways and seaside villas are sandwiched between smooth wave-worn rocky outcrops.

Stop for a swim and waffles

Tjolmens beach, one of the island’s most popular swimming areas, is on the right just after the bridge onto Hälsö. A short hop away is the harbour where you can stop for lunch or coffee and waffles.  

Get a glimpse of Marstrand in the distance

When you get to the north side of Hälsö there’s a circular trail over the rocks, with the sea as your constant companion. Keep an eye out for the Stuvö Vale viewpoint, you don’t want to miss that. If you look to the north you can see Marstrand and the Carlsten Fortress on the horizon.

Alongside the path there are lots of benches to stop and rest your legs, but if you’ve got any spare energy you can also take the opportunity to get a bit of extra training in. There are namely instructions for strength exercises suitable for both large and small walkers by the benches.

Read more about Hälsö

5. Knippla

The islands detailed above are linked by bridges, but the Gothenburg Skärgårdsled also continues on some of the northernmost islands, which you can reach by ferry from Burö, on Hälsö. The stage on Knippla (or Källö-Knippla as the island is also called) is a lovely loop.

One of the most populated islands in the archipelago

Knippla is one of the most densely populated islands in Gothenburg’s archipelago. As you approach on the ferry you’ll see typical west coast island houses lining up all the way from the shoreline to the middle of the island. The visitor marina is well used and down in the harbour area there are both shops and places to eat.

360 degree views

On the north side of the island you’ll walk past Röddeviga beach, which is a lovely little bay with a beautiful view to the west. Don’t miss the Wideringen viewpoint either, where you get a 360 degree view of the sea and surrounding islands. In several of Knippla’s little ponds, if you’re lucky, you might spot the common newt spawning.

6. Hyppeln

A circular walk takes you on a loop around Hyppeln, one of the Gothenburg Skärgårdsled’s northernmost and maybe most unspoilt islands. You’ll encounter a little seaside village here and a large dose of wild and beautiful archipelago nature.

A relatively unknown island

Hyppeln is, for many Gothenburgers and tourists alike, a comparatively unknown island, which makes it lovely and peaceful for those who actually make the effort to get there. Despite its small size it has both a shop and a restaurant which opens during the summer months.

An old military fort

The trail loops around more or less the whole island and is mostly along easily walked gravel surfaces, even if some parts are hillier. On the island’s highest point lies an old military weather station, called the Fort by locals. The trail however doesn’t go past the Fort, so you’ll have to make a slight detour if you have the energy for it.

Read more about Hyppeln

How long are the stages in the Gothenburg Skärgårdsled?

• Stage 1 Hönö/Fotö: 10 km
• Stage 2 Hönö/Öckerö: 9 km
• Stage 3 Öckerö/Hälsö: 9 km
• Circular walk on Knippla: 4 km
• Circular walk on Hyppeln: 3 km

How to get to Gothenburg’s Skärgårdsled

It’s easy to get to the islands by bus from Gothenburg, and takes just 1-2 hours depending on which island you’re aiming for. There are also free car ferries from Lilla Varholmen to Hönö, which take around 15 minutes. Choose which stage you want to start with and then search for your journey in Västtrafik’s travel planner.

We hope you’re feeling ready to head out on a walking tour in the archipelago. Each island has its own charm and as you’ll find out, there’s a lot to discover.