Once an important shipbuilding and herring fishing hub, Uddevalla is a beautiful fjord-side town in Västra Götaland County. It has changed hands between Sweden and Norway several times throughout the centuries and is today renowned for having one of the largest shell banks in Europe.
Things to do in Uddevalla
Occupying three wooden buildings on the edge of Uddevalla’s town centre is the Bohuslän Museum, which showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Browse the recreational and fishing boats on display before admiring the changing contemporary exhibitions in the art gallery. In the playroom, kids can get behind the wheel of a steamer, while the on-site shop stocks an inspiring range of Swedish design products and foodstuffs.
For scenic views across Uddevalla’s fjord, head to the Strandpromenaden, a wooden boardwalk that has been built into the rocky coastline. If you’re visiting in the summer months, there are several places where you can take a dip, as well as a cafe selling ice creams. Adjacent to the Strandpromenaden is a recreational park with padel courts, a miniature golf course and a skate ramp.
History buffs can visit the Tureborg Castle, a medieval-style fortification built by the Swedish publisher Ture Malmgren in the early 20th century. It was inspired by the castles of the Rhine Valley and once hosted lavish feasts featuring roasted pigs and mead. From Tureborg Castle’s tower, you can enjoy sweeping views across Uddevalla.
Getting around Uddevalla
Uddevalla is around an hour’s drive from Gothenburg and 1.5 hours from Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Uddevalla Central and Uddevalla Östra railway stations and buses travel through the town. The centre of Uddevalla can easily be explored on foot.