Hovenäset: Coast, Culture and Hotels

Hovenäset combines a natural harbour entrance, a rocky coastline and a history of stoneworking. The entrance is sheltered from winds from every direction. If you’re looking for hotels in Hovenäset, your trip might focus on nature, local history or summer activities. The area’s distinctive features range from the Soteleden trail and the surroundings of Klevekilen to historic buildings, a chapel and a bathing area.

Harbour, hiking trail and coastal landscape

Hovenäset lies mainly along the northern part of the entrance to Klevekilen. The landscape around Hovenäset ranges from bare cliffs of red Bohus granite to lush wooded areas with footpaths. The nearly seven Swedish miles long Soteleden hiking trail runs through the area; its markers are blue and white.

The Klevekilen nature reserve lies between Väjern and Hovenäset, close to Hovenäset. It includes the bay and its shoreline. The coastline has a distinctive angular shape, formed by intersecting fault systems; peninsulas and projecting rocky cliffs define the shore. Nearby, at Slätten, there is also a protected occurrence of stromatolitic limestone, thought to have formed during the last glaciation. Thus, the area encompasses both the landforms of a protected coastal landscape and a geological site of special protection, representing distinct natural features.

Local history and buildings

From the mid-19th century until the 1920s, Hovenäset developed into an important centre for stoneworking. Several log houses along the southern access road and several timber-framed boathouses in the inner part of the bay at Kryssnäs are characteristic of the area. The Hovenäsbron bridge connects Hovenäset with Kungshamn.

The history of Kapellet på Näset begins in 1919. Since April 2022, the building has no longer been used as a consecrated church space; it is used for both non-religious and religious activities. Since 2017, the Hovenäset Image Archive has displayed its pictures at Kapellet på Näset several times a year; dates may vary. Some boathouses are also occasionally used in summer for flea markets and art or photography exhibitions. For specific courses, exhibitions or flea markets, it is advisable to check the relevant dates in advance.

Summer at Reso bathing area

At Reso bathing area, Hovenäsets Simskola offers swimming lessons every summer over several weeks. These include beginner courses, swimming badge tests and adult lessons, including front crawl. A jellyfish protection net is put up and taken down at the bathing area each year; it protects bathers from jellyfish stings. The lessons and the net are therefore two distinct aspects of the bathing area: a seasonal course programme and annual protection against jellyfish stings.

Boat berths and floating docks

The municipal boat berths comprise a total of 210 moorings in Hovenäset harbour and in Svineviken, where there are floating docks. If you’re planning to use a berth, check current availability and allocation.

Discover more destinations: Kungshamn, Bohus-Malmön, Bovallstrand, Hunnebostrand, Smögen

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