Ramparts, colorful cottages, cobblestone lanes, and island hopping on Sweden’s West Coast were some highlights of Jerry’s trip to Marstrand, which is often called the most beautiful town in Sweden. Here’s what you should see and do on the archipelagos and islands there and why a week might not be enough to experience it all.
I woke up to a loud whistle at 7:00 am, wondering who was making such a racket outside my window. I quickly found out.
Initially, I wasn’t keen on going to Marstrand, a Swedish island known for its fortress and leisure boats, thinking it would be overcrowded with tourists, particularly in August. I was wrong.
Upon arrival, it was clear why they call it Fortress Island. The 17th-century Carlsten’s Fortress sits atop Marstrand, resembling a massive castle and overseeing the whole island. My wife and I looked at each other, both thinking, “This looks like a fun adventure.”
Marstrand is mostly for pedestrians; private cars are not allowed. There were some delivery vehicles, bikes, skateboards, and scooters, but that’s about it.
On our way to Marstrand from Gothenburg, we stopped in Kungälv to visit Systembolaget, the government-owned liquor store. You need to stock up there because it’s only open six days a week. Prices were reasonable, and we bought two cases of Australian Syrah, despite curious looks from other shoppers.
We also visited Maxi ICA supermarket in Kungälv for some supplies and a roasted chicken for dinner. This supermarket had almost everything, including lots of deli items and a bakery. Using handheld scanners was neat but sometimes confusing; we weren’t sure if we were paying correctly.
We booked our Marstrand stay through Booking.com, finding a small studio apartment at Villa Maritime Marstrand with a kitchenette. It was located right on the harbor, near the ferry landing, and had a lovely view.
We parked our rental car in Koon, took a quick ferry ride, and walked to our apartment. Though we worried we wouldn’t have enough to do for a week, we were both wrong.
After settling in, we opened a bottle of Syrah and reviewed some tourist information from Marstrand’s Tourist Information office by the ferry landing. The view from our window was so picturesque, we realized a week might not be enough time to explore everything.
First on our list was Carlsten’s Fortress. After a short uphill walk through cobblestone lanes, we reached the ramparts with views of the island, the mainland, and the North Sea. Admission was less than €10, and there was a delightful tearoom with sweet treats, teas, coffees, and wine.
Even without paying the entrance fee, you could explore much around the fortress. Senior rates often offer substantial discounts. The fortress, with its history of battles, being a prison, and possibly haunted, also became our go-to picnic spot during the week.
The main tourist promenade is along Hamngatan by the harbor. It’s great for strolling, shopping, and finding local artist creations, fresh produce, and fishmongers selling Norwegian salmon. For more supplies, a quick ferry trip back to Koon is an option, though there’s no Systembolaget there or on Marstrand.
Hamngatan also has an art museum in Sodra Strandverket and the large wooden palace built in 1887 by King Oscar II, both worth visiting. The island is filled with late 1800s and early 1900s wooden structures, making it feel like an open-air museum.
After exploring Marstrand, hiking around the island is a must. With well-marked trails offering sea views, rock formations, beaches, and even a lighthouse, a trail map from the Tourist Information office can be handy. Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are recommended.
For boating enthusiasts, there are various activities like island hopping tours, sailing lessons, and fishing. We rented kayaks and explored the Galgholmen Islands until rain forced us back ashore.
Self-catering was convenient and helped cut costs, but there are plenty of restaurant options too. Bergs Konditori on Hamngatan is great for fresh bread and sweets, and Arnell Pa Kajen offers delicious fish soup. In Koon, Hamnkrogen serves excellent fish pizza.
If you need to resupply at Maxi ICA supermarket or Systembolaget, Bohus Fortress in Kungälv is worth a stop with its stunning views and history.
The islands of Tjorn and Orust, just north of Marstrand, are ideal for day trips. Tjorn’s Nordic Watercolor Museum and Pilane Heritage Museum are must-sees, combining art with beautiful natural settings and ancient stone circles. Orust offers attractions like Haga Dolmen and the fishing village of Mollosund. Solegarden on the east side of Orust is great for homemade goodies and even offers rooms to rent.
Marstrand and the surrounding areas offer easy, relaxing travel with great rewards. Staying at Villa Maritime Marstrand comes with a special perk: a daily 7:00 am whistle alarm from the flag raiser, marking the start of another adventurous day.
Traveling to Sweden is straightforward, with flights by SAS, Norwegian, and Finnair. We flew into Gothenburg, rented a car, and drove to Marstrand. The roads in Sweden are in great condition, and the drinking and driving laws are strict. There are buses and ferries to Marstrand, but many arrive by private car or boat.
Getting to Marstrand requires taking a pedestrian ferry from Koon, where you park. The ferry runs frequently, cost about $2.25 round trip, and can be summoned even late at night with the press of a button.
Our week in Marstrand was unforgettable, filled with beautiful sights, delicious food, and the charming sound of that morning whistle.