Exploring the Gothenburg archipelago by boat is one of the must-do experiences during a stay in Gothenburg. From public ferries to guided cruises and boat rentals, there are several ways to explore the islands off the coast of Sweden’s second-largest city.
But which island should we choose—Styrsö, Donsö, Brännö, or Vrångö? Should we plan for a few hours or a whole day? We asked ourselves the same questions while planning our trip. Once there, we took the ferry with our bikes to Donsö, then on to Styrsö.
In this article, we’ll share the different options for exploring the Gothenburg archipelago, our itinerary between two islands, and all the practical information you need to easily plan this boat trip.
How can I explore the Gothenburg archipelago by boat?
The Gothenburg Archipelago is made up of islands and rocky islets covered with forests, small wooden houses, and villages facing the sea. Just as when we explored theStockholm Archipelago, the hardest part is deciding where to stop.
The archipelago is divided into two main areas. In the south, Asperö, Brännö, Styrsö, Donsö, and Vrångö are car-free islands served by ferries operated by the Västtrafik network. In the north, Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö, and the neighboring islands are accessible by car ferries departing from Lilla Varholmen and are connected to one another by bridges. Vinga, located farther offshore, is not part of the regular ferry network: you must choose a special excursion—usually seasonal—to get there.
The scenery is reminiscent of the villages along the Bohuslän coast that we explored during our road trip in Sweden. Each island, however, has its own unique atmosphere. Some are perfect for a stroll lasting a few hours, while others are worth spending a more leisurely day exploring.
Which island should you choose in the Gothenburg archipelago?
Here are the four southern islands that caught our attention while we were planning our trip. We weren’t able to explore them all, but this list helped us decide which one to choose at the pier:
- Styrsö: an island with good transportation links, featuring several villages and the Stora Rös lookout point. The southern part offers more rugged scenery, with trails, forests, and rocky coastlines.
- Donsö: a former fishing village centered around a bustling harbor, with a much more natural southern section. A pedestrian and bike bridge makes it easy to continue on to Styrsö.
- Brännö: a fairly flat island, known for its trails, wooden houses, and rocky shores. It has two ferry terminals, Rödsten and Husvik—be sure not to mix them up when planning your return trip.
- Vrångö: the southernmost inhabited island in the archipelago. Since it’s farther away, it’s a great choice for a full day trip, including a walk through the natural areas around the village.
For a first half-day exploration, the Donsö and Styrsö area is convenient thanks to the bridge connecting the two islands. If you have more time, Vrångö lets you enjoy the archipelago’s atmosphere for longer.
Which option should you choose to explore the archipelago?
The right choice depends mainly on how much time you have and whether or not you want to visit an island:
- The guided cruise is ideal for a short stay. Lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it offers a glimpse of the harbor and the southern islands without having to arrange transportation to and from the islands. However, the organized cruise in the Gothenburg archipelago stays on board and does not allow you to explore an island on foot.
- Public ferries are the most flexible way to walk, bike, or travel between several islands. Just be sure to check the schedules and allow plenty of time before the last return trip.
- Renting a boat offers more freedom for a full day, with or without a skipper, depending on the package and the required license. You should also take the weather and sailing conditions into account before booking a boat rental in Gothenburg.
Take a guided cruise through the Gothenburg archipelago
To save time, you can opt for a guided cruise that lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The boat departs from Lilla Bommen, crosses the Port of Gothenburg, passes by the Nya Älvsborg Fortress, and continues on to the southern islands.
A guide provides a live commentary on Gothenburg and its archipelago in English and Swedish. This option allows you to enjoy the scenery from the water without having to plan an itinerary, but it does not include stops on the islands. It is therefore best suited for travelers who want to spend just a few hours on this excursion.
Departures are seasonal, and their frequency varies throughout the year. We recommend that you reserve your time slot, check the schedule for your chosen date, and arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can choose your seat. Even when the weather is nice in town, be sure to bring a windbreaker—it’s often cooler out on the water.
Visiting the Gothenburg Archipelago by Ferry: Practical Information
- Main departure point: Saltholmen, where most ferries to the southern islands depart from.
- From downtown: about 35 minutes on tram 11 to the Saltholmen terminus.
- Alternative: A few routes start directly from Stenpiren, but there are fewer of them.
- Parking: Parking spaces are very limited in Saltholmen. If you’re driving, use the visitor parking lots near Långedrag and finish your trip by tram.
- Zone: Ferries to the southern islands are included in Västtrafik’s Zone A, along with Gothenburg’s trams and buses.
- Adult ticket: 38 SEK with a contactless purchase; price verified in September 2026.
- Validity: 90 minutes from the time of purchase, including transfers within Zone A.
- Good to know: You can only purchase one ticket with a credit card. For multiple travelers, use the Västtrafik To Go app. A 24- or 72-hour pass may be more cost-effective if you’re making multiple trips.
| Line | Main Routes and Usage |
|---|---|
| 281 | Styrsö Bratten, Donsö, and Vrångö. This is the route we took between Donsö and Styrsö. |
| 282 | Styrsö and Brännö Husvik. A convenient way to reach the southern part of Brännö. |
| 283 | Asperö and Brännö Rödsten. Choose this route to reach the northern part of Brännö. |
| 284 | Knarrholmen and Stora Förö. Service is less frequent. |
- On the islands: The southern islands are car-free and can be explored on foot or by bike.
- Transporting bicycles: Bicycles are allowed on ferries only if space is available.
- During busy times: The crew may refuse to accept a bike and ask you to wait for the next departure.
Our bike route between Donsö and Styrsö
When we arrive at Saltholmen, we check the next departures and plan our day based on the available ferries. The earliest departure is the ferry to Donsö, so we load our bikes and board the No. 281 ferry.
On that day, the crossing to the port of Donsö took about 30 minutes. The weather was beautiful, and this short boat ride was particularly pleasant. As soon as we arrived, we saw the pretty red fishermen’s houses—a scene that immediately reminded us that we were still in Sweden.
We cross Donsö to its southern tip, then take the bridge connecting the island to Styrsö. The landscape quickly becomes wilder and more peaceful. We continue on to Stora Rös, the highest point on Styrsö, which offers a lovely, unobstructed view of the archipelago. We then head back to the village to catch the ferry at the Styrsö Bratten stop.
The small, colorful wooden houses are beautifully decorated. We love taking walks in this natural, lush, and peaceful setting. Sweden is definitely a delight for all nature lovers.
Our tip: Check the departure time of your last ferry before starting your walk, and allow plenty of time to get to the pier. Schedules vary, and you shouldn’t rely on a last-minute solution to get back to Gothenburg.
Where should you stay in Gothenburg if you want to visit the archipelago?
The Avalon Hotel is ideally located in the heart of downtown Gothenburg. The rooms are quiet and tastefully decorated. Its rooftop pool, open during the warmer months subject to the hotel’s policies, is a pleasant place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
For those on a tighter budget, the Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem is a modern, beautifully decorated hostel in the residential neighborhood of Olivedal. It’s clean and quiet, and the tram stop right outside the hotel makes it easy to get to downtown. Some rooms share a bathroom: be sure to check the room category you’ve selected when booking.
We hope these tips will help you plan your trip to the Gothenburg archipelago. To extend your trip, check out our suggestions for places to visit in Sweden. If your itinerary takes you on to the capital, we definitely recommend visiting Stockholm.
Feel free to leave us a quick note or a 5-star rating below to let us know if you’re planning this trip, or to ask any questions here or on Instagram. We’d be happy to respond.
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