Rördammen is one of the largest wetlands in the municipality of Öckerö and is known for its diverse birdlife. There are several picnic tables around the area. Hummerviken offers a different kind of coastal landscape: extensive fields of pebbles reach down to the sea, while the flat, barren surroundings are marked by sparse vegetation. The wetland and rocky cove offer contrasting glimpses of the island’s natural environment.
Walking between nature and the coast
There are routes of various lengths to choose from for a hike on Öckerö: the nature loop is 4.6 kilometres long. The Göteborgs Skärgårdsled is 34 kilometres in total and divided into five stages. On Öckerö, it runs along the island’s western edge, passing several sea coves surrounded by cliffs. The military fort below Jacobs Bratt is also a distinctive landmark along the route. This makes it possible to choose between a shorter nature loop and a hiking trail divided into several stages, depending on the length of the route.
Church, historic farmsteads and exhibitions
Mariakyrkan on Öckerö was built as a wooden church around 1240. Its late Baroque ceiling paintings date from the late 18th century and are signed by Jean Lilliedal. The church’s founding and its painted decoration thus point to distinctly different periods.
Another historic ensemble lies along Bygdevägen: next to Öckerö gamla kyrka are several historic farmsteads with four residential buildings. Öckerö hembygdsförening maintains and revitalises the area. If you are interested in changing themes and artistic forms of expression, you can also visit Utställningshallen in the Öckerö library. It hosts exhibitions covering a broad range of topics and a variety of artistic techniques and forms of expression.
Coves and bathing spots
Saltasviken is a cliffside bathing spot in a cove on the west side of Öckerö. The bathing area has a concrete pier and ladders; buoys mark the area where swimming is permitted. Hjälviks badplats is also on Öckerö. The two names can help you find your way when exploring the island’s bathing spots.
Harbour life and local specialities
The guest harbour is in the southwestern part of the fishing harbour. It has two floating jetties, a quay for mooring alongside and space for about 30 boats. There is also a bathing jetty with a sauna and an adjacent boules court. Harbour services and access details may change; before visiting, check what is relevant to your plans.
At the harbour, local fishermen sell boiled crayfish directly from their boats. Availability depends on the season and the catch. If you would like to try this local speciality, bear in mind that it is not available regardless of the time of year or the catch.
Getting there and transport links
The Öckerö nature area and fitness trail can be reached by buses from Gothenburg towards Hönö/Öckerö, or from the Pinan ferry terminal on Hönö towards Burö. Local bus routes 1 and 2 connect Fotö, Hönö, Öckerö and Hälsö. The Västtrafik public transport network also includes ferry route 296, which runs between Öckerö, Framnäs on Björkö, Kalvsund and Grötö.
The Hönöleden runs between Lilla Varholmen and Hönö/Öckerö. The ferry route is 2,500 metres long, and the crossing takes twelve minutes. Check the latest timetables and service information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Öckerö, Björkö, Källö-Knippla, Hönö, Brännö, Kalvsund, Asperö, Tanum.
For the wider travel overview: Västra Götaland.
