When to Go to Smögen

If you're planning a trip to Smögen, you might be wondering what the best time to go is. Let me tell you, this island is beautiful all year round, but it's during the summer months that it really shines. From June to August, the population of Smögen explodes from 2,000 to 30,000 people! However, if you're thinking of visiting during the off-season, keep in mind that some restaurants and shops might be closed, and some attractions might have reduced hours. Nonetheless, Smögen is always worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Smögen

Pensionatet Bryggan - Has without any doubt, the best location in Smögen.

When it comes to accommodations, there are several options to choose from. Smögen Havsbad is the biggest hotel on the island, and there are also many B&Bs and private rentals available on Airbnb. But, for me, there's only one place to stay: Pensionatet Bryggan. This guest house holds a special place in my heart, as I stayed there as a child and recently returned for another visit. It boasts the best location in town, right in the center of the famous Smögenbryggan.

Smögenbryggan

Smögenbryggan, probably the most iconic pier in West Sweden, is definitely one of the most photographed places in the area, and for a good reason. The colorful fishing cottages create the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots. This bustling harbor is home to a few fantastic restaurants, boutique shops, and is a great place to spend a few hours just wandering around. In the summertime, it can get incredibly busy, with most visitors heading down here for lunch at the restaurants. But that's part of the charm, and the vibe is pure summer feeling! From here, there is a lovely walk around Smögen’s Fiskauktion, down to the rocks at Friluftsled Kleven.

Walk on the Smögen Boardwalk

If you're visiting Smögen, walking along the boardwalk is definitely a must-do. It's the heart of the town and you'll get to experience the hustle and bustle of the main tourist area. As you walk along the boardwalk, you'll pass by many souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. And during the summer, you'll see plenty of luxury boats, Norwegian flags, and stylish people wearing stripes. It's the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Take a Boat Ride to the Lighthouse Hållö

One of the must-do activities while in Smögen during the summer is taking a ferry ride on the 'Hållöfärjan' to visit Bohusläns oldest lighthouse located on the island of Hållö, which is just a short 10-minute ride away. This ferry departs from the harbour every 30 minutes and is definitely worth checking out! While you're there, you can take a refreshing swim at 'Marmorbassängen', go on a hiking tour, or simply admire the stunning rocky landscape that the West Coast is known for. If you're interested, you can find more information about this exciting adventure here.

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The Best Restaurants in Smögen

When in Smögen, the fresh seafood is a must-try! As a seafood lover, I can definitely say that an open-top shrimp sandwich, also known as a 'räckmacka', should be on your food bucket list. Be prepared to spend a little extra, but trust me, it’s worth it. Some of the best restaurants for seafood are only open during the summer season and have limited hours throughout the rest of the year. So, make sure to double-check their schedules before visiting to avoid disappointment.

• Göstas fisk och skaldjur
  This is the place to get your hands on a delicious shrimp sandwich and experience the authentic flavor of Smögen.
• Ocean Smögen
  If you're traveling with a group of picky eaters, don't worry - Ocean Smögen has got you covered! This spot offers a variety of options ranging from classic burgers and pasta to fresh seafood, making it a perfect spot for everyone. It's conveniently located just a few meters away from the iconic Smögen cottages, making it a great spot to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the town.

Things to Do in Smögen

Mackmyra Whiskey Tasting

I gotta admit, we’ve never tried this ourselves but it's on our list for the future! There's this little cave hidden behind the harbour called the Mackmyra Whiskey Cellar, where you can take part in a whiskey tasting and check out their stores. Sounds pretty cool, right? If you're interested, you can find all the information you need right here.

Kleven Hike

I absolutely love hiking and one of my favorite places to do it is on the cliffs near Smögen. There's something about the ocean breeze and the smell of the salty air that makes me feel alive! If you're up for a good hike, I highly recommend starting at Smögenbryggan and following the trail called "Hästen". This will take you all the way to Makrillviken and if you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on over the cliffs to ICA Ankaret nearby the bridge. Another great hike is "Kleven", which you can see in the picture below. Trust me, the views are absolutely breathtaking!

How to Get to Smögen

From Gothenburg to Smögen by car

I recommend taking the car as it's the easiest and fastest way to get there. It only takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and you'll cross the impressive 500-meter Smögen Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. Before you cross the bridge, make sure to stop at one of the parking areas and take some stunning pictures of the island's views.

Parking in Smögen can be quite expensive, especially near the popular Smögen Pier, where you'll pay up to SEK 50 per hour. To save some money, I suggest parking across the bridge and walking to the touristy areas, especially if you plan on spending the whole day in Smögen. My favorite parking spot is Sandöns Parking, which costs SEK 190 for 24 hours. But, if you're lucky, like I was, you might find a secret free parking spot, which is extremely rare in Smögen.

From Gothenburg to Smögen by bus

If you're not up for driving, no worries! You can still easily get from Gothenburg to Smögen by bus. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes with daily departures from Gothenburg Central Station to Smögen bus station. The most common route is taking the bus 841 and then changing to 860. The ticket costs SEK 102 for a one-way trip. It's a great option if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic ride.