A Swedish coastal town with a 14th-century fortress, Bohus Fästning, overlooking the Nordre river. Small shops and cafes line the historic streets near the town square.
Kungälv sits where the Göta älv and Nordre älv rivers meet in Sweden’s Västra Götaland County. The massive Bohus Fortress, constructed in the 1300s, rises from a river island near the town center. Wooden houses from the 1800s fill the streets, and 20 nature reserves with trails surround the area. You can drive to Gothenburg in 20 minutes or reach Marstrand’s coast in half an hour. Local volleyball tournaments, riverside paths, and the aroma of vanilla from Brackboden bakery define daily life here.
Visit Bohus Fortress
Bohus Fortress, built from stone in the 14th century, occupies an island in the Göta älv river. Guides explain how Norwegian and Swedish forces clashed here during medieval wars. Explore dungeons, walk along defensive walls, and see the chapel where soldiers once prayed. From the tower’s top, you’ll see red rooftops in town and the point where the two rivers join. Between June and August, actors perform historical scenes and lead archery lessons on the grounds. Winter events include markets selling handmade crafts and evening tours lit by handheld lanterns.
Stroll by the Rivers and Explore Streets
In Kungälv’s center, low wooden buildings painted in muted tones line the streets, many from the 19th century. A paved path follows the Nordre älv river, where you can watch ferries and small boats glide past. Visit Brackboden bakery to try their vanilla-flavored biscuits or buy bread baked the same morning. Fru Snoosas Kafé, a cottage with checkered tablecloths, serves cinnamon buns and coffee on a garden patio. Walk northeast from here to Ytterby, where miners once extracted minerals used in discovering elements like yttrium.
Trails and Natural Areas
Twenty protected natural zones near Kungälv include Kärradal and Marstrandsson, with paths for walking or biking. Oak and pine trees shade picnic areas along the Göta älv, while the Kville River’s granite rocks draw those watching seabirds. Rent a kayak at the fortress dock to paddle along the river’s edge or try catching salmon in marked fishing spots. After snowfall, trails near Kareby village become routes for cross-country skiers. Pick up printed maps with trail distances at the tourist office on Stora Torget square.
Sports Events and Festivals
Kungälvs VBK volleyball team dominated Swedish leagues in the 1980s and 1990s, winning 12 titles. Catch their matches at the arena near Ytterby Station during the October-to-April season. IFK Kungälv’s football games take place at Skottborgs IP stadium, which hosts track competitions in July. Swim laps at the public pool on Älvsborgsvägen or let kids play in the shallow section. Every August, the Kungälv Market transforms the town center with vendors selling smoked fish, wool sweaters, and live folk music performances.
Nearby Destinations: Marstrand and Gothenburg
Marstrand, a 30-minute drive west, has Carlsten Fortress overlooking a harbor packed with sailing yachts. Take a ferry from Stenungsund, 10 minutes from Kungälv, to reach the island in 20 minutes. Drive south on the E6 highway to reach Gothenburg’s Universeum science museum or the Volvo Museum in 20 minutes. Trains from Ytterby Station connect to Gothenburg Central in 25 minutes or Uddevalla in 40 minutes. Return via coastal roads past Marstrand’s old customs port, where cliffs rise above traditional fishing huts.
Travel Tips
Get free maps and fortress entry prices at Kungälv’s tourist office. Buses run to Gothenburg every 15 minutes on weekdays via Västtrafik’s regional routes. Park near Stora Torget or the fortress, with electric car chargers along Kungsgatan street. Wear shoes with grip for slippery rocks or muddy trails in nature reserves. Restrooms are available at the train station and inside the fortress courtyard.
