Island world, forests and cultural landscapes
The landscape of the Tjörn archipelago comprises 1,546 islands and skerries, some of which are inhabited. On Tjörn, the scenery ranges from the sea to vast deciduous forests, lakes, marshes, wetlands and mountains, as well as cultural landscapes. These different landscapes sit side by side, and the island world cannot be reduced to a single perspective.
Toftenäs, part of the Natura 2000 network, lies right next to Skärhamn on Tjörn. Its rocky ridges and rift valleys are home to diverse shoreline flora and birdlife, alongside small-scale farming. Around Sundsby, the trails offer views across the Stigfjord, a beech grove, narrow passages and caves. The park, garden and walking trails at Sundsby Manor are open year-round, around the clock. For special events, it is worth checking the relevant rules in advance.
Hiking trails with a character of their own
The Skärhamnsvandringen is an easy route of about five kilometres through the oldest part of Skärhamn to Hamneberget. Along the way, it passes the maritime museum, the town’s first post office, Brunnsparken and a Bronze Age burial mound. This walk brings together several traces of local life and history, with a clearly stated length and character.
On Dyrön, two trails differ in route and length: a yellow circular trail runs for about five kilometres around the island, while a blue trail, 1.6 kilometres long, crosses the hills from north to south. You can also spot free-roaming mouflon on Dyrön’s hiking trails. On Härön, some of the trails run through a nature reserve, and there are also several alternative routes. If you are interested in a hilltop walk, the relatively easy Vetteberget trail leads to a summit 116 metres above sea level, with views across the sea to the western horizon.
The trails at Sundsby offer different impressions from the routes on Dyrön: the views across the Stigfjord, the beech grove, narrow passages and caves take centre stage here. Together with the Skärhamnsvandringen, which passes several historic sites, these trails show how varied exploring Tjörn on foot can be.
Discover watercolour art and history
The Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skärhamn opened in the summer of 2000 and has become an institution for watercolour art in the Nordic countries and Europe. The museum includes guest studios for professional artists and an open studio where beginners can try watercolour techniques. The venue therefore offers both spaces for artistic work and an opportunity to experiment with the medium yourself.
At Pilane, traces of Stone Age settlements and Iron Age graves meet world-class art in a living agricultural landscape. The burial ground includes about 90 Iron Age stone circles, standing stones and stone settings. Pilane offers guided tours for groups by prior booking; check the current booking arrangements in advance.
The Pater Noster lighthouse also tells a story of architecture and heritage: it is 32 metres high and was designed by Nils Gustav von Heidenstam. In 2015, it was declared a state-listed building monument of high cultural and historical value. Säbygården, meanwhile, is a large farm from the early 19th century and one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in Bohuslän. Since the early 1980s, Säbygården has been a venue for cultural activities and has welcomed visitors.
A museum on Klädesholmen tells the history and development of the community, focusing on fish and herring processing from around 1860 to 1960. Samhällets dag, the community’s day, is another link to the herring industry’s history: it has been celebrated on Klädesholmen since 1972 with numerous activities and a shared herring meal. If you are planning a visit for the event, check the current events calendar.
On the water, by bike and at local producers
There are many ways to experience the landscape beyond the hiking trails. Cycling routes on Tjörn offer views of the sea and islands, while gravel roads pass through historic cultural landscapes. You can paddle on the Stigfjord and Hakefjord, where you will find both open sea and sheltered bays. Swimming spots on Tjörn include sandy beaches and rocky bathing areas with diving towers.
Several farm shops and stalls offer local produce and homemade delicacies, where you can buy directly from the producer. Individual businesses and their seasonal opening may vary. Tjörn’s tourist office offers visitors tips, provides maps and brochures, and sells tickets for Västtrafik buses and ferries. Check the current service details if you plan to use these services.
Discover more destinations: Kållekärr, Skärhamn, Åstol, Bleket, Fagerfjäll, Hjälteby, Höviksnäs, Klädesholmen, Klövedal, Kyrkesund, Myggenäs, Rönnäng, Tjörn, Stora Dyrön, Rörvik, Viks Ödegärde, Långekärr, Hakenäset.
To view the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.
