This coastal town in western Sweden has a medieval fortress, sandy beaches, and museums. It's a gateway to explore nearby forests and lakes.
Varberg, a coastal town in southwest Sweden, draws visitors to its 13th-century fortress and oriental-style cold bathhouse. Located on the west coast, this town offers 80 kilometers of sandy beaches where you can surf, sunbathe, or stroll along the century-old promenade. In the compact city center, you'll find independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Varberg's proximity to Gothenburg makes it easy to explore more of Sweden's west coast.
Beaches and Surfing in Varberg
Varberg's 80-kilometer coastline includes various beaches for sunbathing and water activities. Apelviken, or Apple Bay, is a favorite among locals and tourists. This wide, shallow bay creates good conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and standup paddleboarding. You can rent equipment and take lessons at several locations along the beach. The 5-kilometer beach promenade, built over a century ago, connects the town center to Apelviken and offers a scenic route for walks or bike rides along the coast.
Exploring Varberg Fortress
Varberg Fortress, a massive stone structure from the 13th century, sits on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Throughout its history, it has been a royal residence and a prison. Today, it houses the Halland Museum of Cultural History. The museum's main exhibit is the Bocksten Man, a well-preserved 14th-century body discovered in a local bog. You can take guided tours to see the fortress's dungeons and inner courtyard. For a unique experience, stay overnight in the fortress's youth hostel, which maintains its historical character.
Kallbadhuset: Varberg's Historic Cold Bathhouse
Varberg's Kallbadhuset, an oriental-style building on stilts over the sea, dates back to the early 19th century. This cold bathhouse continues the town's tradition as a spa resort. The facility has separate areas for men and women, each with saunas and platforms for sea swimming. If you prefer to stay dry, visit the bathhouse's café for a warm drink and sea views.
Discovering Varberg's City Center
You can easily explore Varberg's compact city center on foot. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main square, Torget, hosts a market where you can buy local produce, handicrafts, and flowers. The surrounding streets have independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Try the fresh seafood at one of the harbor-front restaurants for a taste of local cuisine. During summer evenings, the city center becomes busier, with outdoor seating areas and occasional live music.
Getting to Varberg
Trains run regularly to Varberg from Gothenburg (about 40 minutes) and Malmö (about 2.5 hours). If you're driving, take the E6 motorway that passes close to the town. The nearest major airport is Gothenburg-Landvetter, about an hour's drive north. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Varberg. There's also a ferry connection to Grenaa in Denmark for those arriving by sea.
Annual Events in Varberg
Varberg hosts several events throughout the year. The Medieval Days festival, usually in July, turns the fortress and surrounding area into a medieval fair. You'll see people in period costumes, hear traditional music, watch dance performances, and observe demonstrations of medieval crafts and combat. In August, the Hallifornia festival combines surf culture, music, and art, attracting visitors from across Europe.
Exploring Beyond Varberg
About 8 kilometers northwest of Varberg, you'll find the VLF transmitter Grimeton, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This early 20th-century radio station, still operational, offers guided tours during summer months. For nature activities, the inland areas of Varberg municipality provide a contrast to the coastal landscape, with hills, forests, and lakes suitable for hiking and cycling.
