Styrsö

Styrsö is a small island in Sweden's Gothenburg archipelago where about 1,400 residents live without cars, traveling by bike, moped, or on foot. You can visit four distinct villages, each with its own character, swim at family-friendly beaches like Uttervik with its underwater snorkeling track, or climb Stora Rös for views of the archipelago. The island's maritime history is visible in its wooden houses and local museum.

Ferry to Styrsö

You can reach Styrsö by taking a ferry from either central Gothenburg or Saltholmen. The journey from Saltholmen takes about 20 minutes. Ferries 281 and 282 run regularly to Styrsö Bratten, on the east side of the island. You can bring your bicycle on the ferry at no extra cost, which is convenient for exploring the island.

Four Distinct Villages

Styrsö consists of four small communities, each with its own character. Byn, the oldest village, has a church dating back to 1752 and features old farms and cultivated land. Styrsö Tången is a traditional fishing village with tightly packed buildings and winding narrow roads. In Halsvik, you'll see well-maintained houses that once belonged to sea captains. Bratten became a summer destination in the late 19th century and maintains its holiday atmosphere. As you walk through these villages, you'll experience different aspects of the island's history and way of life.

Exploring Styrsö's Nature

The landscape of Styrsö varies, with barren areas in the west and wooded sections between Skäret and Bratten. You can take one of three main paths that circle the island, ranging from 2.6 km to 5.2 km in length. For the best views, climb to Stora Rös, the highest point on the island. From here, you can see the entire archipelago, the entrance to Gothenburg harbor, and on clear days, you might even spot the coast of Denmark.

Swimming and Beaches

Styrsö has several spots for swimming, catering to different preferences. Uttervik in the north-west has a long sandy beach with a jetty extending to a smaller island. It's also home to an underwater snorkeling track. For those who prefer grass to sand, there's a spot just north of the Styrsö Bratten ferry terminal with ladders leading into the water. Brännholmsviken in the south is where the forest meets the sea, offering a unique swimming experience.

Local Cuisine and Cafés

Fresh seafood is a staple of Styrsö's cuisine, reflecting its long relationship with the sea. Café Öbergska, located near the Styrsö Bratten ferry stop, serves both meals and fika - the Swedish tradition of coffee and cake. The café has its own herb garden and often hosts live music performances. For a different dining experience, the restaurant at Pensionat Styrsö Skäret serves a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by a skilled chef.

Historical Sites and Museum

Near the church in Byn, you'll find a local history museum with an extensive collection of old fishing equipment. This museum showcases the island's long-standing relationship with the sea. As you walk around the island, you'll notice many well-preserved wooden houses, some dating back to the early 19th century. One such building is Öbergs House from 1812, which represents the island's architectural style from that period.