Varberg is a breezy coastal city surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky bays. It’s popular with sunseekers and offers a string of beautiful beaches and a wooden bathhouse complete with sea pools and saunas. Step back in time at centuries-old Varberg Fortress and spot more than 150 bird species at Getterön Nature Reserve.
Things to do in Varberg
Varberg Fortress has been watching over the city since the 1200s and is one of the best-kept coastal strongholds in Sweden. Learn about the fortress’s turbulent past at the Hallands Historiska Museum and wander around the cobblestone courtyard. Climb up to the bastions for sweeping views over the harbour.
Soft sand and shallow water make Barnens Badstrand popular with families. The beach overlooks Kallbadhuset Karlshamn, a beautiful bathhouse complex where you can swim in outdoor sea pools, soak in wood-fired hot tubs and indulge in Swedish massages.
If you want to get rid of your tan lines, there are three clothing-optional beaches within a short walk of Varberg. Kärringhålan and Skarpe Nord are reserved for women, while Goda Hopp is for men. There’s no sand, so bring a towel to lay down on the smooth rocks. Just south of the city, Apelviken is a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Lessons are a great introduction to the exhilarating water sports, or you can also rent your own boards.
Getterön Nature Reserve is an easy day trip from Varberg and is one of the top birding destinations in Sweden. Hides and observation decks make it easy to tick off different species, including the little tern, pied avocet and black-tailed godwit.
Getting around Varberg
Varberg is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is a one-hour drive from Gothenburg and three hours from Copenhagen in Denmark. Trains run between Varberg and Gothenburg in 45 minutes. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is a one-hour drive away.