Skärhamn: Maritime History, Art and Coast

Skärhamn brings together maritime history, art and walking routes through the town with attractions by the water. Places to visit include the Skärhamns sjöfartsmuseum in Cherlinska huset, the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet, the Skärhamnsvandringen and Gråskär badplats. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to different interests: from fishing and smaller cargo ships to exhibitions, events and outdoor activities.

Maritime history at Cherlinska huset

The Skärhamns sjöfartsmuseum has been housed in Cherlinska huset, one of Skärhamn’s oldest houses, since 1977. The association De seglade för Tjörn presents memories and documentation of the island’s maritime history through pictures, models, objects and documents. The different media offer different perspectives: models and objects are displayed alongside pictures and written records.

Historically, fishing—especially herring fishing—was Skärhamn’s main source of income and played an important role in the town’s development. In the first half of the 20th century, Skärhamn was Sweden’s largest home port for smaller cargo ships. Fishing and herring fishing on the one hand, and cargo shipping on the other, shed light on different aspects of the town’s maritime history.

The Skärhamnsvandringen starts at the “De seglade för Tjörn” seafarers’ monument in the harbour and includes the Sjöfartsmuseet, among other stops. Its route passes through the oldest part of town, climbs up to Hamneberget, continues around the hill and then returns through Skärhamn. The walk thus links the maritime monument and the museum with a route through older parts of town and up the hill.

Watercolour art and events

The Nordiska Akvarellmuseet in Skärhamn presents exhibitions from around the world. Visitors can spend some time painting in the open studio. The museum therefore combines exhibitions with an opportunity to get creative yourself. The events programme also includes concerts, stage performances, film screenings and lectures. Dates vary; check the dates for the event you are interested in before your trip.

If you are choosing between the two museums, their focus differs: the Sjöfartsmuseet centres on documentation of maritime history and historical materials. The Akvarellmuseum offers exhibitions from around the world, an open studio and a programme of stage, music and film events.

Swimming spot and routes between attractions

Gråskär badplats is next to the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet. There, a sandy beach and rocks meet a bathing jetty, a diving tower, a beach volleyball court and large grassy areas. The swimming spot adds a place by the water in its own right to a visit to the museum; its features range from the beach landscape to recreational and bathing facilities.

A signposted route connects the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet in Skärhamn with Skulptur i Pilane. You can cycle, run or walk along a winding route between the same destinations. The endpoints of the route are clearly named, as are the ways of getting there: cycling, running and walking are all options.

Harbour and finding your way around

Skärhamns Gästhamn is located in the centre of Skärhamn, close to shops, restaurants, a grocery store and the beach. The Tjörn Tourist Information Office in Skärhamn provides brochures and maps that can help you plan a visit. The two points of interest offer different kinds of orientation: the guest harbour is defined by its location in town, while the tourist information office provides materials for planning your visit.

Träbåtsfestivalen takes place every year on the first weekend in July in Skärhamn harbour. If the festival is the reason for your trip, include that weekend in your schedule and check the specific event dates. This recurring harbour event adds another cultural attraction to Skärhamn.

Discover more destinations: Rönnäng, Höviksnäs, Rörvik, Stora Dyrön, Klädesholmen, Hjälteby, Hakenäset, Viks Ödegärde

Go to the main travel overview: Tjörn.