This small Swedish coastal town sits on a rocky islet, with its wooden houses painted in bright colors. Streets wind between art galleries, while sailing boats dot the Bohuslän waters.
Marstrand, a small island town on Sweden's west coast, lies beneath Carlstens Fortress, a 17th-century stone stronghold. You'll find sailors practicing for Match Cup Sweden in the harbor, families swimming in granite-lined coves like Smugglarrännan, and hikers following coastal paths to Skallens lighthouse. An hour from Gothenburg, this car-free island maintains its royal resort atmosphere with its 1800s bathhouses - now converted into hotels - and the waterfront promenade lined with white wooden villas.
Getting to Marstrand
From Gothenburg, drive 50 minutes north along the Bohuslän coast, or take two buses: one to Ytterby Station and another to Marstrand ferry terminal. The ferry crosses to Marstrandsön island every 15-30 minutes during daytime, with reduced service at night. You can ring a bell at the dock for late-night crossings.
Exploring Carlstens Fortress
The stone fortress stands on the island's highest point, built from 1658 by Swedish prisoners. You can explore the dungeons where one in five prisoners died during winter, walk through the 300-meter tunnel system, and climb the round tower for views across the archipelago. The fortress opens daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with guided tours in English available twice daily during summer months.
Walking Routes Around Marstrand
A 5-kilometer coastal path circles Marstrandsön, taking you through Smugglarrännan (Smugglers' Gorge) and the pine forest known as Trollskogen. Stop at granite swimming spots along the way before reaching Skallens lighthouse. On neighboring Koön island, three marked trails of varying difficulty lead past rocky beaches and viewpoints overlooking the Pater Noster lighthouse and surrounding villages.
Maritime Culture and Activities
The harbor fills with 240 visiting boats during summer, reaching peak activity during Match Cup Sweden in July when sailing teams compete. Sign up for sailing lessons, join boat trips to nearby seal colonies, or go fishing for lobster, crab, and sea crayfish with local guides. At sunset, the waterfront promenade comes alive as boats return to the harbor.
Summer Life and Events
Between June and August, the island's population triples. The white wooden buildings along the harbor date from the 1820s-1890s, now housing seasonal cafes and restaurants that serve local specialties like oven-baked langoustine and shrimp sandwiches. The former royal bathhouses operate as hotels and spas, some with outdoor hot tubs facing the fortress and harbor.
