When to Go to Lysekil

If you're looking for some quiet time and love seafood, plan your trip to Lysekil during late spring for delicious oysters and late September for tasty lobsters.

But if you want to experience the lively and fun atmosphere, plan your visit from June to August during the midsummer celebrations when locals and tourists flock to the town for sailing, kayaking, and yachting. Don't miss out on the festive ambiance and the chance to interact with the friendly Swedes!

Stay at Strandflickorna Hotel

I've got a great hotel recommendation for you. Strandflickorna is a gem of a hotel divided into three parts: Havshotellet, Husen vid Havet, and Strandvillan. But that's not all - next to the hotel, you can jump from the cliffs and sunbathe. And after a long day of swimming, make sure to check out the hotel restaurant, "Fröken Fridhem". Trust me, it's really cozy and perfectly placed in their backyard. The menu is filled with fresh seafood and classic Swedish west coast dishes like whitefish roe.

And don't forget to sip on a Gin & Tångic made with local seaweed gravel - it's a must-try!

Where to Swim in Lysekil

Don't miss out on the beautiful Pinneviksbadet beach! Just a short stroll away from Strandflickorna, this beach is perfect for both sandy beach lovers and those who prefer swimming from rocks. Plus, it's located right next to the stunning Stångehuvud nature reserve, so you'll get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hike to Stångehuvud Nature Reserve in Lysekil

Distance: 13 km
Hike duration: 4 hours
Getting here: In Lysekils is the bus stop Lysekil Södra Hamnen. In Skal is the bus stop Skal.
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Asphalt, gravel road, rocks
Elevation: 42 m
Known for: It's red Bohus granite.

Ready for some adventure? Lace up your hiking boots and join me on Kuststigen, a scenic trail that starts at Stångehuvud, a nature reserve since 1982 with the southernmost landlocked foothills of Bohus granite. This majestic granite, which formed about 920 million years ago, was once mined by quarrying companies during the 19th century. But now, it's a hiker's paradise with stunning views of the sea and plenty of rocks to sunbathe and swim from.

Just remember to bring good shoes, drinking water, a towel, and swimwear, as there are plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim break along the 12.5 km trail. And when you reach Skal, hop on the bus back to Lysekil or continue your Bohuslän adventure!

Where to Eat Local Fish and Seafood in Lysekil

Oh, I just have to tell you about Norra Hamnen 5! The view of the Västerhavet from the top floor is absolutely breathtaking. We rented bicycles to get there, but it was totally worth it.

Bengt's fish is a seafood heaven and their restaurant in the harbor is a must-visit. Don't be fooled by its modest appearance, their seafood is of the best quality we've had on our road trip along the west coast of Sweden. Our tip: get some "takeaway" seafood and enjoy it on the cliffs while watching the sunset.

And don't miss out on the floating Restaurant Pråmen in the southern harbor, it's another hidden gem in Lysekil!

Other Things to do in Lysekil

Are you ready to dive into the marine world? Then you have to check out "Havets Hus" - the neighbor of Strandflickorna! Here, you can explore the Scandinavian marine life up close and personal. Did you know that sharks and rays are born here and then released into the sea? And this year, something exciting is happening for the first time - the sharks are being equipped with transmitters to follow their path in the sea! These transmitters send out audio signals that can be picked up by receivers placed in and outside Gullmarsfjorden.

The goal of Havets Hus is to preserve life in the sea by educating people about different species and their significance, the biological diversity, and the threats that exist to the marine environment. It's a great opportunity to learn while having fun!

Getting to Lysekil

By car

Looking to travel to Lysekil by car? You have two options: road 162 or road 161. If you opt for the latter, you'll also get to enjoy a ride on the road ferry, which is free of charge!

Getting to Lysekil By boat

It is possible to arrive by a boat ride from Skaftö with the Carl Wilhelmsson, operated by Västtrafik. Not only can you enjoy a scenic journey across the water, but you can also bring your bicycle with you, making it easy to explore the town and its surroundings.

Getting to Lysekil By bus

There are plenty of buses that can get you to Lysekil! All of them are operated by Västtrafik, so you can expect a reliable and comfortable ride. If you're coming from Gothenburg, you'll want to hop on the express bus number 841. The journey takes around 2 hours, and it's a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views along the way.

Get Around in Lysekil

Lysekil is a charming town with narrow streets, making it perfect to explore on foot or by bicycle. Most of the streets have a speed limit of 30 km/h and some are even one-way, so it's best to ditch the car and enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride. But, if you prefer not to walk or bike, don't worry, Västtrafik operates a bus that circulates the city, making it easy to get around.