Tjörn: Archipelago, Hiking Trails and Culture

The destination of Tjörn includes 1,546 islands and skerries, some of which are inhabited. Regular ferry services run to Dyrön, Åstol, Härön and Tjörnekalv. When planning your trip, you can organize excursions around your interests: hiking, art and history, or activities on the water. If you plan to visit islands, be sure to include the ferry timetables in your plans.

Islands, Landscapes and Hiking Trails

Tjörn has numerous hiking trails through varied landscapes, across islands, to viewpoints, through beech forests and along winding paths. On Dyrön, you can choose between two trails: the yellow circular trail is about 5 kilometres long, while the blue trail crosses the mountains and is 1.6 kilometres long. The trails therefore differ both in their routes and in length. Mouflons also roam freely on Dyrön.

Härön is characterized by bare rocky areas, farmland and meadows. The distinctive archipelago farming has created a landscape with great biodiversity. Some of the hiking trails pass through a nature reserve and offer several alternative routes. Another specific route is Säbyleden: it lies within the Breviks Kile and Säby Kile nature reserves and forms a circular trail starting at Säbygården. It passes through open countryside, pastures and woodland before reaching the old stone hut at Säby ö.

For a view to the west, Vetteberget is a prominent landmark: it is the highest mountain on Tjörn and offers views across the sea to the horizon. Near Sundsby, hiking trails pass through a beech forest, narrow passages and caves, with views over the Stigfjord along the way. Sundsby säteri’s park, hiking trails and grounds are open year-round.

Art, Archaeology and Maritime History

Pilane combines traces of Stone Age settlements and Iron Age graves with contemporary art. The 8-hectare natural and cultural landscape encompasses mountains, deep valleys, archaeological remains dating back thousands of years and art. Visible historical traces include around 90 stone circles, standing stones and stone settings from the Iron Age.

Several exhibitions featuring artists from around the world change each year at the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet. Beginners can try out watercolour techniques in the open studio. Those interested in maritime history can use the Skärhamnsvandringen as a guide: the route leads, among other places, to the Maritime Museum and then up Hamneberget, which offers panoramic views over Skärhamn. The museum is located in Cherlinska huset and presents Tjörn’s seafaring history through images, models, objects and documents.

Individual buildings and local histories also have their own distinctive stories. The 32-metre-high Pater Noster lighthouse was designed by Nils Gustav von Heidenstam and declared a state-listed building in 2015. Klädesholmen Museum “Sillebua” is dedicated to the history and development of Klädesholmen, particularly fish and herring processing from around 1860 to 1960. Guided tours about Elin Sundberg, the daughter of a gold prospector, are available at Villa Solfrid in Klövedal.

By Bike, on the Water and at the Beach

Tjörn has many car-free cycle paths and cycling routes to excursion destinations and cafés. Most surfaces are asphalt or fine gravel; bicycles can be rented in several places. When planning, you can also take the different path surfaces into account.

In Bleket, Kajaktiv Tjörn offers kayak rentals, guided paddling tours and kayaking courses. The “Paddla från Kajaktiv Tjörn” route is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers; beginners should paddle it in good weather. Blekets badplats is in the southwest of Tjörn and has a small sandy beach, rocks, a bathing jetty, a diving tower, a bathing platform and a toilet.

For a break with a local touch, Margaretas kök och skafferi serves food and fika in a historic säteri setting. The farm shop sells freshly baked bread, rolls and other locally produced delicacies.

Discover more destinations: Åstol, Klädesholmen, Myggenäs, Höviksnäs, Kyrkesund, Bleket, Klövedal, Rönnäng.

For the main travel overview: Tjörn.