Discover Öckerö: Coastal Trails, Nature and Culture

The nature trail on Öckerö is 4.6 kilometres long; the Göteborg Archipelago Trail stretches for 34 kilometres and is divided into five stages. Along the western edge of Öckerö, the long-distance trail passes several sea coves surrounded by cliffs. It also passes the military fort below Jacobs Bratt. The two trails therefore differ in both length and character: the nature trail is shorter, while the Skärgårdsled is a longer trail divided into stages.

Wetland and rugged coastal landscape

Rördammen is one of the largest wetlands in Öckerö Municipality and is known for its rich birdlife. Several picnic tables are located around the area. Those interested in birdwatching and wetlands will find a different landscape here than along the open coast. Its combination of natural surroundings and seating also makes Rördammen a place where you can plan a break during your stay.

Extensive fields of boulders define the landscape at Hummerviken and continue into the sea. The terrain is flat and barren, with sparse vegetation. This type of coast is markedly different from a wetland such as Rördammen: here, the focus is on rocks, boulders and the transition to the sea, rather than birdlife and picnic tables.

Church, historic farmsteads and exhibitions

The history and design of Mariakyrkan also offer a distinctive focus for an outing. The church on Öckerö was built as a wooden church around 1240. Its late Baroque ceiling paintings date from the late 18th century and are signed by Jean Lilliedal. The church and its paintings therefore belong to different periods: the church dates back to the Middle Ages, while the signed ceiling paintings were created several centuries later.

Several historic farmsteads with four residential buildings lie along Bygdevägen, next to Öckerö gamla kyrka. The Öckerö local heritage association maintains and brings this area to life. Öckerö Library also houses the Utställningshallen exhibition hall. It hosts exhibitions on a wide range of subjects, using diverse artistic techniques and forms of expression. Together, these places offer different ways to get to know Öckerö beyond its coastline: through architectural history, historic farmsteads and changing artistic themes.

Swimming spots and harbour life

Hjälviks badplats and Saltasvikens badplats are both on Öckerö. Saltasviken is a rocky bathing spot in a cove on the western side of the island. Its facilities include a concrete pier and ladders. Buoys mark the area where swimming is permitted.

The guest harbour is in the southwestern part of the fishing harbour. It has two floating pontoons, a quay for mooring alongside and space for about 30 boats. The harbour also has a bathing jetty with a sauna and an adjacent boules court. As harbour services and access information may change, check the latest guidance before visiting. Local fishermen sell cooked crayfish directly from their boats in the harbour; availability depends on the season and the catch.

Plan your routes and travel

Local bus routes 1 and 2 connect Fotö, Hönö, Öckerö and Hälsö. Ferry route 296, part of Västtrafik’s public transport network, runs between Öckerö, Framnäs on Björkö, Kalvsund and Grötö. The Hönöleden ferry runs between Lilla Varholmen and Hönö/Öckerö. The ferry route is 2,500 metres long, and the crossing takes twelve minutes. Check the latest timetables and service information before travelling.

When planning your trip, you can weigh up the different options: hiking a shorter route or a trail divided into several stages, enjoying nature and birdlife, visiting historic sites and exhibitions, or spending time at swimming spots. Harbour services and the seasonal crayfish offering may also be relevant to your trip. This lets you tailor your stay to the activities that interest you most on Öckerö.

Discover more destinations: Brännö, Kalvsund, Asperö, Hönö, Öckerö, Björkö, Källö-Knippla, Mariestad.

For the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.