Fjällbacka – Granite, Swimming and the Archipelago

Fjällbacka offers a range of highlights for a stay: granite landscapes and views, swimming at Badholmen, archipelago transport and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fjällbacka, you can start by considering which themes will shape your trip. Places and activities range from Kungsklyftan and trails on Vetteberget to activities by boat, kayak or SUP.

Granite, Views and Swimming

Kungsklyftan, also known as Ramneklovan, is a 200-metre-long crevice in the granite between Great and Little Vetteberget. Scenes from “Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter” were filmed in the crevice, so if you know the film, you’ll also encounter one of its settings here.

Vetteberget is in the centre of Fjällbacka and can be reached via steps from Ingrid Bergman Square. From the highest point, the view stretches across the archipelago and the mainland. Vettebergsleden is a local circular trail that leads up Vetteberget and around the town. Trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

The Badholmen swimming spot is in the centre of Fjällbacka, near Vetteberget and Kungsklyftan. You can swim from the rocks, a diving board or a diving tower. Facilities may vary by season; if swimming is important to your plans, check conditions before your visit.

The Archipelago and Water Activities

The Hjärterön archipelago, including Korsön and smaller islands, lies off Fjällbacka. There are many sheltered anchorages and moorings for boats there. This part of planning your time in the archipelago is aimed at travellers with their own boat; access depends on whether you have a boat.

The Ingrid post boat, Västtrafik route 879, operates year-round in the Fjällbacka archipelago. It departs from the jetty at Ingrid Bergman Square. Check the current timetable before travelling.

At 2sea4u in Fjällbacka, you can rent kayaks and accessories. 2sea4u also offers guided tours on SUP boards and kayaks. Kayak rentals and guided tours may be seasonal; check the relevant offering in advance.

Local History, Art and Tradition

Fjällbacka Church stands on a rise and is clearly visible from the sea. In front of it is Pålarne, a sculpture standing five metres tall overall, which can be seen from both land and sea. The Bryggdans dance is still held in Fjällbacka in summer.

The residential building at Nestorsgården was built in 1849. Nestorsgården preserves local heritage objects relating to seafaring and fishing, agriculture, crafts and service occupations in the Fjällbacka area. The old lantern from the Väderöbod lighthouse is also kept there. The building, objects and lantern thus represent different aspects of local history.

A Story of Anchovies

Local food culture also has a history at sea. According to the accounts, herring—probably sprat—was caught in the waters off Fjällbacka. Seafarer Gustaf Andersson, who moved to the area in 1840, founded a herring business in 1842. A few years later, he began preserving herring with spices to make anchovies; this was the first anchovy production in Sweden. This sequence links the catch off Fjällbacka with an early Swedish anchovy production.

Discover more destinations: Kville, Flötenmarksen, Grebbestad, Kleva Västra, Tänum, Havstenssund, Lur, Rabbalshede.

For the full travel overview: Tanum.