📷 Photo by Aron Fjell on UnsplashBohuslän: Sweden’s west coast
Granite islands, fishing villages and seafood from Gothenburg to Strömstad.
- Distance
- 188 km (117 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 36 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Sweden
- Updated
- June 8, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 188 km (117 mi) with 4 stops, from Gothenburg to Strömstad. About 2 h 36 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Sweden
Route description
From Gothenburg, with its Haga quarter and the fish market hall known as the Fish Church, take the E6 north along the coast. The motorway stays inland, so leave it for the side roads that wind out to the granite islands and fishing villages.
Smögen is known for its long wooden quay lined with red and white boathouses, and for fresh seafood straight off the boats. The narrow roads and small car parks here get very busy in July, so arrive early or visit outside the peak holiday weeks.
Fjällbacka is a small harbour below a steep granite hill; climb Vetteberget through the Kungsklyftan ravine for a view over the archipelago. Continue north past rocky inlets to Strömstad near the Norwegian border.
Strömstad is the port for boats to the Koster islands and the Kosterhavet marine national park. The coast is at its liveliest in summer, but shellfish is at its best in the colder months, and late spring and early autumn bring quieter roads.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Gothenburg
Sweden - 2106 km
Smögen
Sweden - 334 km
Fjällbacka
Sweden - 448 km
Strömstad
Sweden
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Gothenburg → Smögen · 106 km · 1 h 27 minOvernight nearby, for example: Örnefjordens Camping (7 km); Ställplats Middalarna (17 km).
- Day 2: Smögen → Strömstad · 82 km · 1 h 08 minOn the way: Fjällbacka.Overnight nearby, for example: Garviks Camping (10 km); Bjälveröd Camping (5 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Sweden: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg; Øresund Bridge toll. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast?
2-day road trip of about 188 km (117 mi) with 4 stops, from Gothenburg to Strömstad. About 2 h 36 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 36 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast start and end?
It starts in Gothenburg and ends in Strömstad.
Which countries does Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast pass through?
Sweden.
Where can you camp along Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Kungälvs Camping och B&B, First Camp Edsvik - Grebbestad and Göteborgs Camping.
When is the best time for Bohuslän: Sweden’s west coast?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
