Island hopping in the Gothenburg Archipelago - Next to Gothenburg
Styrsö, Donsö, and Vrångö each offer their own version of archipelago life: hilltop views and narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses, working fishing harbours, car-free paths, swimming spots, cafés, and waterside restaurants. Regular ferries make it easy to visit one or several islands in a day, although staying overnight is a tempting way to slow things down.
Length of stay:
Day trip (but you can always book an overnight stay if you’d like to stay longer)
Recommended period:
If you prefer a quieter archipelago experience, we recommend visiting before or after the peak season (mid-July to early August).
Good to know:
Check opening hours before your visit.
Getting to the archipelago:
From central Gothenburg, buses and trams run to Saltholmen, where ferries depart for the archipelago islands. A limited number of ferry departures also operate year-round from Stenpiren in central Gothenburg, with more frequent services during the summer. Plan your journey using the Västtrafik To Go app or at vasttrafik.se, where you can also choose tickets such as single fares or travel passes valid for 1–3 days.
Your journey starts at Saltholmen
Take the tram from central Gothenburg to Saltholmen, the gateway to the city’s southern archipelago. From here, ferries weave between the islands, and all you need to do is choose where to step ashore first.
Make Styrsö your first stop
As the ferry pulls away from Saltholmen and heads south-west, wave goodbye to Gothenburg and city life for a while. You’ll pass a string of islands along the way, and the pleasure is that there is no single right itinerary.
Step ashore at Styrsö Bratten and follow the scenic path to Stora Rös, the island’s highest point. The route winds through charming lanes lined with seaside villas and traditional wooden houses before rewarding you with fabulous views across the archipelago.
Kusthotellet Styrsö is also here – an archipelago retreat where you can stop for something delicious to eat or check in for a relaxing stay beside the sea.
Continue to Donsö or Vrångö - or both
Discover Vrångö
If you choose Vrångö, begin with a walk from the ferry stop at Mittvik on the eastern side of the island. It takes only 10–15 minutes to cross to the old village and its larger, wonderfully picturesque harbour on the western side.
For an adventure on the water, hire a kayak from Kajkanten Vrångö and explore the island from the sea.
When hunger strikes, stop at Fiskeboa for a bag of fresh prawns. Eat them straight away on a nearby rock or find a table outside Hamnkrogen Lotsen. Whichever spot you choose, the sea view comes as part of the deal.
Explore the fishing village of Donsö
Donsö is a traditional fishing community where wooden houses and salt-weathered boathouses still cluster around the harbour. The island is car-free, making it easy to wander around in peace and enjoy the archipelago from viewpoints such as Stora Onseberget, Myrevale, and the lighthouse.
Depending on when you arrive, stop for lunch or afternoon fika at Popsicle Café. Set in the island’s old fire station, it is every bit as charming inside as it looks from the street. The menu covers lunch, sandwiches, homemade cakes, fika, ice cream, and excellent coffee. The difficult part isn’t deciding what to have, but what you can bear to miss out on.
Finish the day at Isbolaget at the end of Donsö harbour pier. Once an ice factory supplying the fishing boats, it has been transformed into a restaurant and hotel serving fresh fish and shellfish alongside dishes that make generous use of locally grown and seasonal ingredients.
When it’s time to head back
When you’re ready to return to the mainland, catch a ferry back to Saltholmen and let the tram carry you into the city again.
Or, if you’re not ready to leave quite yet, Kajkanten Vrångö offers accommodation in modern boathouses right beside the harbour. End the day with a session in the floating sauna – balm for tired legs after a day spent hopping between islands.
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Length of stay:
Day trip (but you can always book an overnight stay if you’d like to stay longer)
Recommended period:
If you prefer a quieter archipelago experience, we recommend visiting before or after the peak season (mid-July to early August).
Good to know:
Check opening hours before your visit.
Getting to the archipelago:
From central Gothenburg, buses and trams run to Saltholmen, where ferries depart for the archipelago islands. A limited number of ferry departures also operate year-round from Stenpiren in central Gothenburg, with more frequent services during the summer. Plan your journey using the Västtrafik To Go app or at vasttrafik.se, where you can also choose tickets such as single fares or travel passes valid for 1–3 days.