A calm, car-free island in Sweden's northern archipelago with granite cliffs and small fishing cottages. Local fishermen still bring in fresh seafood daily.
Rörö, the northernmost inhabited island in Öckerö Municipality, sits at the edge of Gothenburg’s archipelago. Walk across open moorlands marked by glacial potholes and granite boulders left by ancient ice sheets. Watch arctic terns and eiders nesting in protected areas near the shoreline. Rent a kayak at the marina to paddle past jagged cliffs or stop at sandy coves, then sit outside Röröboa Café och Restaurang with a scoop of their rhubarb sorbet. Around 280 people live here year-round, creating a quiet community that welcomes visitors during summer months. Rent a house near the water to hike trails, fish for mackerel, or play volleyball on the beach—a tradition since the 17th century.
Ice Age Landscapes and Birdwatching
Rörö’s western coast shows clear signs of glacial activity, with smooth granite boulders and circular potholes carved by melting ice. Protected moorlands stretch across the island, home to low heather and hardy grasses that survive the salty winds. Bring binoculars to spot oystercatchers nesting in rocky crevices during April and May. Five marked trails cross the island, including a 3-kilometer path leading from the harbor to a granite cliff popular for sunset views. The flat terrain lets you see across the archipelago, with no trees blocking sightlines to neighboring islands.
Kayaking, Swimming, and Fishing
Rent a kayak at the harbor to explore sheltered bays or paddle to uninhabited islands like Kalvsund. Swim off the east side’s sandy beaches or dive into deep water from smooth granite slabs on the west coast. Join a local fisherman to catch cod using traditional methods, cleaning your catch at public fish stations near the docks. Volleyball nets and petanque courts sit near the marina, free to use anytime. Check the community board for summer events like guided seaweed-foraging walks or small-boat races.
Self-Catering House Rentals
Three rental houses sit within a two-minute walk of the coast. A four-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette fits six people, located between the playground and a beach with calm swimming water. Weekly rates start at 5,000 SEK. For groups of up to eight, a five-bedroom house with a patio facing the marina costs 7,500–11,000 SEK weekly. A smaller three-bedroom cottage near the hiking trails charges 4,400–5,200 SEK per week. Book directly through each property’s website, as availability fills quickly from June to August.
Getting Around and Island Etiquette
Take the ferry from Gothenburg’s Saltholmen terminal; the 45-minute ride runs hourly in summer but less often from October to March. Park only in signed lots to avoid blocking tractors used by local farmers. Rörö’s Ica grocery store sells basics like bread and coffee, but bring specialty items like spices or gluten-free products from the mainland. Use portable grills for cooking outdoors—open fires require a permit from the municipality. Keep noise low after 10 PM, especially near houses.
Where to Eat and When to Visit
Röröboa Café och Restaurang serves shrimp sandwiches and cinnamon buns on a wooden deck facing the harbor. In July and August, they add daily specials like pan-fried perch caught that morning. Buy smoked mackerel or pickled herring from the fish shack by the marina for beach picnics. Visit between late May and early September for warm weather and all amenities, though April and October attract fewer visitors. Pack a windbreaker—even sunny days get chilly on the water.
