Discover Stenungsund: Nature, Coast and Culture

On Stenungsön, nature trails connect deep forests with coastal views. Around Stenungsund, lakes, distinctive landscapes and cultural attractions also offer different sides to a stay.

Forest and Coast on Stenungsön

In addition to Hawaii Beach, the Södra Stenungsön Nature Reserve includes several other swimming coves. A nature trail winds through a mixed coniferous forest in the reserve. Species-rich flora grows in places, especially along shallow shores and on nutrient-rich rocks influenced by seepage water. Parts of the area belong to the Natura 2000 site.

Hawaii havsbad offers sandy beaches, rocks and a jetty with a diving tower. There is also a large lawn for sunbathing and picnicking, barbecue areas and a playground. The same beach therefore features both open spaces and rocky stretches of coastline.

The nature trails also vary in length and route: the longer trail is 3.3 kilometres long and passes the Stora Huvudet viewpoint, above the road tunnel to the Tjörn Bridge. Another trail is about two kilometres long and circles an island that looks small at first glance. The points of interest give each route its own character, while their lengths make for a straightforward comparison.

Lakes, Forest and Hiking Routes

Gårdsjön is a clear-water lake of about 32 hectares. The circular trail around the lake is approximately six kilometres long. Two other trails of different lengths also lead through the area; information boards along the routes cover local research as well as the plants and animals found here. Unusual species occur in the area, including the osprey and the capercaillie.

Svartedalen is one of the largest continuous coniferous forest areas in western Sweden. Several owl species have territories there, and hazel grouse can also be spotted. Bottenstugan is the starting point for several hiking trails. Facilities there include parking, an information board, a toilet and three wind shelters with barbecue areas.

Stages 8 and 9 of the Bohusleden trail start or finish at Bottenstugan. Parts of stages 9 and 10 run through Stenungsund Municipality. Those interested in the Bohusleden can take information about the starting point and the stages into account together when planning their hike.

Börs Flåg offers a different kind of landscape: this 150-metre-high mountain is characterised by steep slopes, coniferous forest and farmland. From the summit, the view extends over Lake Hällungen and much of southern Bohuslän.

The Landscape and Birdlife of Ramsön

Ramsön has a unique, historic cultural landscape maintained by grazing sheep and cattle. The Ramsön Nature Reserve, which includes Keholmen, is home to breeding woodland and coastal birds, including a colony of up to 500 pairs of herring gulls. One important point for planning a visit: there are no regular boat services to the nature reserve.

History, Art and Creative Spaces

Stenunge by comprises the remains of a medieval village with two 18th-century timber-framed houses: Mariagården and Västergården. Mariagården was built towards the end of the 18th century, is a listed building and has been restored using traditional craft techniques. The building is about a 12-minute walk from Stenungsund railway station; parking is available next to the house. A reconstructed grain mill near Stenunge by can grind flour when there is enough water.

There are several ways to experience public art. Stenungsunds konststråk is a 1.5-kilometre art walk along the water. On Stenungsön, another cultural walk follows in the footsteps of the artists’ group Göteborgskoloristerna. A brochure allows you to explore the routes independently; signs are located at the Stenungsöns parkering car park and at Stenungsögård.

In central Stenungsund, a pedestrian tunnel contains a legal wall for free street art and graffiti. Anyone can express themselves artistically there, regardless of age or experience. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there from the Stenungsund vårdcentral bus stop and about 15 minutes from Stenungsund railway station; these times may vary slightly. Audio stories about sculptures and murals in the centre are also available through the Storyspot app. App availability and content may change.

At the Fregatten Cultural Centre, the art gallery hosts exhibitions by well-known and local artists. RUM1 is a creative workshop where you can make films, record music and create art. Along with nature and cultural walks, the options described also include exhibition visits and creative activities of your own.

Find Hotels Based on Your Travel Interests

Whether you want to focus your plans on forest trails and lakes, coastal landscapes, or art and local history, these different themes can give your trip its own focus. Tailor your hotel search to the experiences that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Svenshögen, Ucklum, Ödsmål, Spekeröd, Jörlanda, Stenungsund, Stora Höga, Bengtsfors.

Return to the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.