The southern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago are car free and offer everything from quaint villages to uninhabitated islands. The islands are easy to reach by public transport ferrys from Saltholmen ferry boat terminal or Stenpirent travel centre.
Asperö
If you get the ferry from Saltholmen, Asperö is the first stop, and if you’re after a truly idyllic archipelago island you don’t have to go any further. There are many great swimming spots which makes Asperö perfect for a quick visit on a sunny day.
Brännö
Brännö was made famous through the songs of Lasse Dahlqvist but the island has more to offer than dancing on the pier. Experience great swimming spots, wonderful nature and cosy cafés and restaurants. If you’ve got the time, cross the small bridge to neighbouring island Galterö, and enjoy the uninhibited island and its nature reserve.
Donsö
Donsö is one of the major islands in the southern part and one of Sweden’s most important ports. The island has a number of restaurants, cafés and accommodations. Climb to the top of the hill Radarberget for a great view of the archipelago.
Knarrholmen
The small island Knarrholmen has been an idyllic summer resort for many Gothenburgers during the last 70 years. Originally the island was donated to the yard Götaverken’s workers and the island was built with small summer homes. On Knarrholmen there are many fine beaches and rocks to relax on.
Kårholmen och Sjumansholmen
Kårholmen and Sjumansholmen are small islands in the southern part of the archipelago. The two islands were founded by political labour organizations and are recreational islands with a limited number of trips by ferries.
Köpstadsö
Köpstadsö is located in the southern part of the archipelago, also called Kössö. It’s the smallest island in the archipelago with around 100 full-time residents. During the summer, that number rises considerably up to 300 residents. The island consists of narrow, winding alleys and the only allowed vehicle is the wheelbarrow.
Stora Förö
Stora Förö is a quiet island, mostly populated with houses from the 1930s. Just as the islands Knarrholmen, Sjumansholmen and Kårholmen the island is mainly visited by those who have holiday homes on the island. Therefore the ferry traffic isn’t as frequent to these islands.
Styrsö
Styrsö is the main hub of the southern islands. Here you can find a post office, shops, cafés, guesthouses and restaurants. There are plenty of places to swim, from child-friendly sandy beaches, to piers and flat cliffs. There are also great fishing spots on the south side of the island.
Vargö
Vargö is a nature reserve and located the furthest out to sea. There are several plants that offer that genuine west coast feeling, and around the pier honeysuckle grows among partially planted trees in memory of a small park. The island has good swimming and fishing spots. Remember there are no stores on this island/nature reserve so bring your own picnic and water bottles.
Vinga
Vinga is Gothenburg’s most westerly point. The childhood home of Swedish music legend Evert Taube and well worth a visit for its stunning nature. The island is well worth a daytrip but is not part of the regular public transport system. Instead you can get here through boat tours by several different operators from the island of Hönö.
Vrångö
Vrångö is the southernmost island of the Gothenburg archipelago. Around 380 people live there the whole year round. On the island you’ll find a post office, shops, restaurants and accommodation. The island is most famous for its beautiful nature reserves and excellent sandy beaches.
