At Stångehuvud, the sea meets granite cliffs. This landscape defines the nature reserve and gives Lysekil its distinctive coastal character. Its location on the coast of Bohuslän is also shaped by the water, as the Gullmarsfjord opens onto the sea here. Nature trails, coastal history and experiences on the water reveal different sides of the destination.
Explore the granite coast and its trails
Several marked trails run through StĂĄngehuvud. In the northern section, an accessible trail also leads from a parking area to a viewpoint. As access conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current status before your visit. The granite cliffs and the sea form the landscape through which you can explore the nature reserve.
Lysekil also offers several options for a walk: four signposted town walks range from two to 5.5 kilometres. The red route starts at Rosvikstorg, passes through the guest harbour by the Havets Hus aquarium, and continues towards Vikarvets Museum. This is a way to explore the town by following specific landmarks.
The Västerhavspromenaden offers a different route. It runs from Lysekil’s South and North Harbours via Ålevik, Lilla Långevik, Stora Långevik and Valbodalen, before returning to the centre. The entire promenade is accessible; as a precaution, check its current status before your visit. The town walks offer orientation through their stated lengths, while this promenade can be followed by tracing the places along the route.
From the shore to the seabed
At the Havets Hus aquarium, the visitor route leads from the shore through different habitats of the West Sea to the deep seabed. Small and large display aquariums, as well as tunnel aquariums, showcase the animal species on display; information about the species is also part of the visit. The sequence of habitats provides a guiding thread through the aquarium. In summer, Havets Hus offers activities including seal safaris and night walks. As these activities are seasonal, it is advisable to check the dates before your visit.
Local operators in the Lysekil area also offer seal safaris, fishing trips, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Availability depends on participating operators and the season. A kayak or canoe trip may follow the coast along the Gullmarsfjord, past the granite cliffs at Islandsberg and Stångehuvud, to the outer archipelago on the Väster Sea. Shellfish experiences offer another way to engage with the sea: visitors can fish for themselves, take crabs and lobsters from the pots, and harvest oysters and mussels. These experiences also depend on operators and the season.
Coastal life and traces in stone
In the Gamlestan area, Lysekil’s history dates back to the 16th century, when the town began to grow there. On a historical walk, you can stroll along cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Vikarvets Museum offers another perspective on the coast of Bohuslän: it gives insights into life on the coast in the past and presents the history of fishing and the canning industry. Tools, pictures and stories also document Lysekil’s heyday of stone masonry.
Another trace of this craft tradition can be found at Gullmarsvallen. The stadium is surrounded by a granite wall built by unemployed stonemasons in the 1930s. In 2003, the Swedish Sports Confederation, Riksidrottsförbundet, designated Gullmarsvallen as one of Sweden’s 100 most important sites of sporting history. The wall and this historical designation connect a specific place with the history of stone masonry.
Getting here and transport links
Trafikverket operates the Gullmarsleden ferry service; information about departures and possible traffic disruptions is available from Trafikverket. Check departures before your journey. Ferry route 847 operates year-round and connects Lysekil’s South Harbour with Fiskebäckskils brygga and Östersidan on Skaftö. If you would like to explore different parts of the coast, the trails, museum and ferry connections offer different starting points for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Grundsund, Brodalen, Fiskebäckskil, Lysekil, Skalhamn, Torpet, Brastad, Alingsås.
For the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.
