This car-free island in Gothenburg's archipelago has sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and nature trails. Visitors can spot rare plants, observe birds, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Vrångö, the southernmost inhabited island in Gothenburg's archipelago, welcomes visitors with its car-free environment. A short ferry ride from the city brings you to sandy shores, rocky cliffs, and winding nature trails. You can spot rare plants, observe various bird species, or relax on secluded beaches. Local eateries serve fresh seafood, allowing you to taste the flavors of the archipelago.
How to Reach Vrångö
Take tram 11 or bus 114 from Brunnsparken in central Gothenburg to Saltholmen. At Saltholmen, board ferry 281 to Vrångö. The entire journey takes about 57 minutes. Ferries operate year-round, with the boat ride lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the route.
Nature and Walking Trails
Vrångö's landscape consists of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. A large portion of the island is a nature reserve, where you can find rare plant species such as wild asparagus, willowleaf yellowhead, and sea holly. Three circular walking trails, each 2-3 km long, allow you to explore the island. The Tärnstigen trail accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, while the northern and southern trails offer more challenging terrain and sea views.
Swimming Areas
Vrångö has several excellent swimming locations. Vrångö Strand is a long, sandy beach facing the archipelago with calm waters. Djupvik, located just north of the ferry terminal, is another popular swimming spot. For a quieter experience, visit Nötholmen, a small peninsula south of the ferry terminal, where small sandy beaches line its edges.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Vrångö attracts birdwatchers with about 60 breeding bird species. As you walk along the beaches, you might see waders, oystercatchers, common ringed plovers, lapwings, and redshanks. The small islands and islets around Vrångö serve as breeding grounds for various water fowl, including black guillemots and red-breasted mergansers.
Where to Stay and Eat
For overnight stays, consider Kajkanten hotel on the western side of the island. It provides modern boathouses with showers, toilets, and kitchenettes. For meals, visit Fiskeboa, a café near the fishing harbor that serves fresh seafood. Skärgårdens Café offers breakfast, light meals, and has a fully licensed restaurant. The local grocery store, Måsens Livs, is open daily.
Things to Do
In addition to swimming and hiking, you can rent sea kayaks from Kajkanten to explore the archipelago. As the island is car-free, many visitors choose to cycle. In winter, you can try cold water swimming for a unique experience.
Vrångö's Historical Sites
Vrångö has a long history, with evidence dating back to prehistoric times. Near the new cemetery, you can see a stone circle from the Stone Age. In the 19th century, the island was home to Johanna Hård, known as a pirate queen. The island's former pilotage service, which relocated to Vinga in the 1930s, left behind a small red cabin at Utkiken, now considered a symbol of Vrångö.
