This coastal town in western Sweden has sandy beaches, a scenic archipelago, and a local art gallery. The area includes a petrochemical industry center and museum.
Stenungsund, a coastal town in western Sweden with around 10,000 residents, sits along the Skagerrak strait. You can watch sailing boats compete in the annual Tjörn Runt race, swim at Nösnäsbadet beach, or catch a theater performance at Kulturhuset Fregatten. What started as a summer vacation destination in the early 1900s has grown into an industrial center while maintaining its maritime character.
Maritime Activities and Recreation
Each year, the Tjörn Runt sailing competition fills Stenungsund's waters with dozens of boats racing along the coastline. You can learn to sail at the local sailing school, rent a boat for day trips, or join guided tours exploring the archipelago. During summer, swim at Nösnäsbadet or Stenungsbadet - both beaches have shallow, calm waters between the mainland and Tjörn island, making them suitable for families with children.
Cultural and Sports Activities
At Kulturhuset Fregatten, you can attend theater performances, browse art exhibitions, or participate in community events throughout the year. Stenungsund Arena houses an ice rink, swimming pool, and sports courts. Sign up for swimming classes, join public ice skating sessions, or watch local sports teams compete. The arena runs programs for all age groups year-round.
Industrial Development
Since the 1960s, chemical manufacturers have established Sweden's largest chemical industry cluster in Stenungsund. Companies produce plastics and basic chemicals in dedicated industrial zones north of the town center. This development has brought technical jobs and expertise to the region while keeping manufacturing separate from residential areas.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The Tjörn Bridge stretches across the water to connect Stenungsund with Tjörn island - you can spot its distinctive shape from many viewpoints in town. Buses run regularly between Stenungsund and Gothenburg, with trips taking about one hour. Note that after a 2023 landslide affected the E6 highway, repairs completed in July 2024 restored normal traffic flow.
Local Sports Scene
You can join or watch games at four main sports clubs: Stenungsunds IF, Stenungsunds FC, Stenungsunds IBK, and Stenungsund HF. These clubs focus on football and handball, with regular matches throughout their seasons. Children and teenagers can participate in youth programs, while adults can join recreational leagues or support local teams from the sidelines.
