Gullholmen: Lanes, Museums and Härmanö

Gullholmen is one of the most densely built-up coastal communities in Bohuslän; narrow passages and lanes wind between the houses down to the water. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Gullholmen, you can choose what to focus on based on whether you’re interested in the area’s history, its collections, or the trails and landscapes on Härmanö. The historic buildings, museum exhibits and church offer different ways to explore cultural history; on Härmanö, they are joined by a nature reserve and traces of settlement.

Houses and Building History

Stenstugan is one of the oldest houses on Gullholmen and is now a museum with old household items and furniture. The house was built in 1832. This makes it a different place to visit for a glimpse of earlier domestic and everyday life than the area’s art and natural history collections.

Gullholmen Church was completed in autumn 1799 on Lilla Hermanö, in a sheltered valley. Its altarpiece was installed in 1828 and was probably created by a Dutch artist. The dates mark two distinct stages in the church’s history: its completion and the later addition of the altarpiece.

At Skepparhuset, visitors can learn about the story of a family who lived there during Gullholmen’s heyday. An intact sailmaking workshop is also on display. It includes sails from Albert’s own cutters, Xantho and Harold. Family history and craftsmanship are presented together here, but the workshop should not be confused with a collection of paintings or a natural history museum.

Art and Collections

Gullholmen Art Museum displays works by around 70 artists, whose subjects have a special connection to Gullholmen. Through a selected collection of paintings, the museum aims to give future generations insight into artistic life on Gullholmen over a period of 100 years. Art enthusiasts can therefore enjoy a close look at the works on display within a broader historical context.

Gullholmen Nature and Bird Museum displays 150 birds, more than 10 mammals and several marine organisms. The two collections focus on different things: Gullholmen Art Museum is about paintings and artistic life on Gullholmen, while Gullholmen Nature and Bird Museum focuses on birdlife, mammals and marine organisms. This distinction can help you decide how to prioritise your visits based on your interests when planning your trip.

Härmanö: Landscapes and Trails

Härmanö Nature Reserve encompasses rocky cliffs, heathland, deciduous vegetation, meadows and pastures. These landscape types give an idea of the variety found within the protected area. Several trails and roads lead from Gullholmen to Härmanö. On Härmanö, a trail also leads to Skållehus, where settlement remains from the 16th century have been preserved. The landscape and historical traces are two distinct reasons to explore the island.

Some of the marked trails on Härmanö have been adapted for wheelchair users. The adaptations apply to some trails, not to all routes in general. If you need an accessible route, check before your visit which sections of trail will suit your plans.

Ferry Connections and Trip Planning

The ferry between Tuvesvik and Käringön stops year-round at the Gullholmen Hamnen and Gullholmen Piren landing stages. Check the timetable for your travel date so you can factor the connection into your plans. Together with the trails from Gullholmen to Härmanö, this makes for a clear distinction in planning: the ferry stops are named landing stages on Gullholmen, while the trails and roads describe the connection to Härmanö.

Discover more destinations: Stillingsön, Nosund, Svanesund, Hälleviksstrand, Henån, Varekil, Käringön, Svanvik.

For the broader travel overview: Orust.