3 Best Places To Visit In Sweden's West Coast

Marstrand

Known as Sweden's sailing capital, Marstrand is a real pearl of the West Coast. Located where the archipelago ends, this island a perfect place for visitors to admire views of the open sea and the constant boat traffic passing by during nice summer days.

This lovely town is divided in two shores and there is no bridge. All traffic, as well as pedestrians, must take a short ferry ride to cross to the other side - which just adds even more to its charm.

Starting on the biggest island, visitors can enjoy views of the beautiful skyline across the water, with the Fortress standing tall at the island's highest point. The views from the marina are particularly striking, with the parked sailing boats serving as a perfect framing for the many pictures waiting to be taken.

View of Marstrand from across the water

The surrounding streets with its pastel colors make for the perfect way across the island and back to the waterline once again. From there it is possible to see the extraordinary boat traffic that constantly enters the narrow canal between the islands, with boats boasting Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or even German flags.

Views of Marstrand from across the water

After exploring this part of Marstrand, it's time to head to the ferry stop where everyone is waiting for the charming "Lasse Maja" ferry to come and pick them up. With a small ticket office by the ferry stop, it's extremely easy to buy the tickets and get going.

Across the water, the real fun begins. With charming cobblestone pedestrian streets and houses painted in pastel colors matching their lovely flowerbeds by the front doors and windows, this town is simply a fairytale sight. Street after street is simply a feast to the eyes.

The beautiful streets of Marstrand

After exploring the town's streets, make sure to head up to the Carlsten Fortress (Carlstens Fästning).

The fortress, which nowadays is Marstrand's main attraction, was built by King Carl X of Sweden. Thanks to the Treaty of Roskilde, in 1658, the province of Bohuslän was acquired, so there needed to be a fortress in order to protect it from hostile attacks. The place at the top of the town of Marstrand was chosen because of its privileged location and also thanks to one important detail: the town of Marstrand has a port which very rarely freezes over during winters, making it easy accessible.

Nowadays it is not only a place where visitors can learn more about Swedish History but also the best lookout point in the whole city, due to its altitude.

View of Marstrand from the cliffs at the back of the Fortress

Grundsund

I won't claim I have explored all the places worth visiting in the Swedish west coast, but from the places I did visit, Grundsund was my absolute favorite. It is not nearly as famous and popular as the main touristic tows, like Fjällbacka, but in my opinion it has way more charm and beauty.

When arriving in Grundsund, visitors will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the town's two shores - a view that can be seen from the bridge at Lönndalsvägen. With the picturesque wooden cabins built straight by the water and the boats constantly passing by, Grundsund truly looks like a postcard.

View from the bridge at Grundsund

With no major attractions to visit, no museums to go to and no streams of tourists queuing for the best photo spots, visiting Grundsund is all about admiring the charming surroundings and it truly feels like a hidden gem in Sweden's west coast.

Grundsund in Sweden's West Coast

Friendly people in Grundsund

Smögen

This small town in Sweden's west coast used to be a sleepy fishing town that pretty much no one knew about. The first time it was mentioned in Literature was during the 16th century. Nowadays it is one of the most popular places in the whole west coast, attracting countless tourists looking to see its colorful houses by the water.

The famous colorful houses of Smögen

Sweden's second largest fish market is located in Smögen, which means that there are plenty of fishermen heading to the small town after a hard day of work, to sell the fish they hopefully caught. That plus the constant sailing boat traffic and the many tour boats departing from the pier makes Smögen a truly dynamic place, especially during the summer months.

Boats in Smögen

If you want to see how the fishermen used to live in the now lively town of Smögen, head to Fiskarstugan (part of Smögens Hembygdsmuseum): a 19th century cabin which is decorated to look exactly how it would have looked back in the days when tourists were nowhere to be found and Smögen belonged just to the fishermen and their families.