What to do at Smögen

A tiny little island at the Swedish West Coast with 2000 inhabitants and thousands of tourists everyday at the peak season. Is there really anything to do there? Yes. I have a tendency to get easily bored but although it is a very small island there is a lot to do. Here I am listing my top things to do.

Smögenbryggan

You can’t go to Smögen without having a stroll at the famous Smögenbryggan. It is about 700 meters long and during the middle of the day it is very crowded. But it is a great spot for people watching, taking pictures and going to the cozy shops and buy local things. Or if you are up for running go there 8:30-9 in the morning and you will have the place for yourself.

Where to stay

There are a few hotels at the island and Smögen Havsbad is the largest one. Loads of visitors come for a day trip but honestly you miss out the best parts if you do so I would recommend staying overnight. There are a lot of B&Bs and private rentals which you can find at AirBnB. My heart is though with Smögensgästgifveri which was my mums childhood home and I have spent tens of summers at when growing up.

Eat and drink

Buy some crazy expensive but famous and tasteful seafood from one of the stores at the fish market. Gösta’s is one of the most famous places to buy fresh shrimps from. I guarantee that you never have had any better crayfish than the just cooked ones. One summer I actually worked at one of the seafood places which was quite a lot of fun. If you don’t wanna sit around at the fish market stalls the very best idea is to bring your food and go out to the cliffs at Valleviken. You can’t have a better view. Don’t forget to buy bread or tasteful buns from Skäret. Best bakery in Sweden if you ask me. If you like to go for an after beach you should visit Sea Lodge.

Cliff hiking

I love being outdoors and hiking is a favorite of mine. Especially on cliffs. I actually prefer doing it during the autumn when it is rainy and windy and you can see the waves. The smell of the ocean and the salty wind that makes you feel all salty is unbeatable. My best hike starts when you leave Smögenbryggan then you just keep on going under the bridge and continue to a trail called “Hästen” form where you could walk to Makrillviken and further over the cliffs all the way to ICA Ankaret nearby the bridge if you would like to.

Hållö

From the fish market you can spot a light house at one island. That is Hållö. A must visit if you are at Smögen. If you don’t have your own boat you can buy a ticket with Hållöfärjan and you will have a great day. Just remember to bring your own food and protection from the sun. Check out Liniztravel if you want to read more about this jewel. If you would like to stay over there is a hostel on the island and if you consider getting married there is a chapel with a fantastic view.

Sandö

One more outdoor adventure you need to try. That is hiking or running the trail at Sandö which is located nearby ICA Ankaret at the bridge. It is a 2K walk out to the end and it is one of my favorite running routes in the world. The view is unbeatable and worth taking a break when you reach the end just to enjoy the view and quietness. At Sandö you will also find one of the few (but small) sandy beaches at the island. That is a good spot for catching yelly fish.

Sunset watching

Sunsets. I am a big fan of sunsets and either having some food and drinks at the cliffs, take a swim or just watching the sun going down over the water is a must do while you are at Smögen. My favorite location for sunset watching is at Hasselösund where you get a lot of great views. There is also a great swimming spot with a trampoline.

What else?

Didn’t I said you can do loads of things at Smögen? in addition to what I just mentioned you can go on fishing tours, take a boat tour in Sotekanalen, go sailing, climbing, play minigolf, visit the famous bars, eat pastries at Skäret, kayaking, go fishing, scubadive and of course go swimming in the fresh and salty water. Just remember that if you want to bring your own alcohol, the closest Systembolag is located in Kungshamn. Any questions on Smögen? I am sure I can answer most of them. The small cute island is my second home or by heart my first.

/ Pernilla that already look forward to the next Smögen visit