Straddling several islands on Sweden’s west coast, Smögen is a colourful seaside town that comes to life with visitors in the summer months. It’s clustered with traditional fishing cottages that have been transformed into boutiques and seafood restaurants while it’s also a gateway to the pink granite island of Hållö.
Things to do in Smögen
Famed for its colourful fishing cottages, Smögenbryggan is a photographer’s paradise and the first port of call for most visitors. Be sure to stroll along the Smögen Boardwalk, which is lined with souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. Smögen is particularly famed for its open-top shrimp sandwiches and hosts a lively fish market.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, you can take a dip at one of Smögen’s refreshing swimming spots, such as the rocky beach of Vallevik. Families can head to the small, sandy cove of Flöjten while those feeling more energetic can hike to the beach at Sandön. In the cooler months, be sure to book a sauna beside the jetty at Makrillsvikens for an authentic Swedish experience.
From Smögen, it’s just a short ferry ride to the island of Hållö, which is home to the oldest lighthouse in the province of Bohuslän. The island is famed for its smooth, granite outcrops created by ancient glaciers, as well as its giant “kettles” gouged out during the last ice age. You can swim in the turquoise waters of Marmorbassängen or head to Kålhälla where the lighthouse keepers once lived.
Getting around Smögen
Smögen is around 1.5 hours' drive from Gothenburg and two hours from Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Smögen and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the surrounding attractions.