Weekend on Sweden’s West Coast | best things to do in Grebbestad, Fjällbacka & Smögen

After the mountains in Sälen and city life in Örebro, it was time for the sea! So we headed west, to Sweden’s famous Bohuslän coast, and spent a few days hopping from harbour town to harbour town. We started in Grebbestad, made our way down to Fjällbacka, and ended in Smögen, with plenty of photo stops (and wind) in between. But between the red boathouses, the salty air, and the laid-back coastal charm, it was everything we hoped for, even if we had to wear every jacket we packed.

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About Sweden’s West Coast

If you’ve only explored Stockholm or Sweden’s inland cities, the west coast feels like a whole different world. This stretch between Strömstad and Gothenburg is known for its rocky shores, pastel fishing villages, and small islands scattered across the Skagerrak sea.

It’s especially popular in summer — Swedes flock here for seafood, sailing, and that relaxed “skärgård” (archipelago) vibe. You can easily drive the whole coast in a few days, or take your time and stop in towns like Grebbestad, Fjällbacka, Smögen, Lysekil, or Marstrand. We had just three days, but it was enough to fall in love with this side of Sweden.

Starting slow in Grebbestad

Our first stop was Grebbestad, a small fishing village with postcard-perfect charm. We booked an Airbnb here and ended up staying with the sweetest older couple, who even let us hang out in their greenhouse — loved it.

The weather gods were kind to us: blue skies, a bit of sun, and just enough wind to remind us we were by the sea. We wandered along the harbour, had food and drinks by the water, and admired the mostly white cottages. It’s quiet, local, and slow in the best way. Perfect for a calm start to your coastal road trip.

Things to do in Grebbestad:
→ Stroll the harbour and marina
→ Eat fresh seafood (try local oysters if you can!)
→ Visit Grebbestads Bryggeri for a local beer
→ Explore the Tanum area nearby, famous for Bronze Age rock carvings (a UNESCO World Heritage site)

Climbing cliffs in Fjällbacka

Fjällbacka might look peaceful now, but it’s known for its dramatic cliffs, seafood, and crime novels. Author Camilla Läckberg, who grew up here, set most of her thrillers in this very town, and once you see the moody weather and rocky backdrop, you understand why.

We climbed Vetteberget, the steep hill behind the centre, for the best view over Fjällbacka. The path goes through Kungsklyftan, a ravine with huge boulders wedged between the cliffs. At the top, the wind nearly blew us off, but the view made it all worth it.

Afterward, we grabbed a cinnamon bun, popped into small shops, and sat by the water watching the boats drift by. Even with its popularity, Fjällbacka still feels peaceful — especially off-season.

Fjällbacka also has a touch of old Hollywood glamour: Ingrid Bergman spent almost every summer here, and the town became her Swedish escape. There’s even a statue and a small square named after her down by the harbour. It’s easy to see why she loved it!

Things to do in Fjällbacka:
→ Hike up Vetteberget via Kungsklyftan
→ Wander the harbour and stop for fika
→ Visit Ingrid Bergman’s island, Dannholmen, by boat (summer only)
→ Browse the local boutiques and galleries

Ending the trip in Smögen

You’ve probably seen photos of Smögen without even realising it — the colourful fishermen’s huts along the boardwalk are one of Sweden’s most iconic summer views. The Smögenbryggan stretches for about a kilometre, lined with cafés, seafood restaurants, little shops, and boats bobbing in the harbour. Even without the summer crowds, it had such a good vibe. We walked the pier, browsed the souvenir shops, and clutched hot drinks while pretending it was ten degrees warmer than it actually was.

Before crossing the bridge into town, we pulled over at a small parking spot just before the Smögenbron — the view from there was unreal. The sea stretching out ahead, boats in the harbour below, and a cluster of red-roofed houses. One of those spontaneous stops that ends up being a highlight.

Things to do in Smögen:
→ Walk the Smögenbryggan boardwalk
→ Try the local seafood (the shrimp sandwiches are a must)
→ Stop for the panoramic view before the Smögen Bridge
→ Join a boat tour or rent kayaks when the weather’s calm

More towns worth a stop

If you have more time, there are plenty of other coastal gems nearby:

→ Lysekil – a lively harbour town with sea kayaking and the Havets Hus aquarium
→ Marstrand – a historic island fortress with cobbled streets and a beautiful marina
→ Hunnebostrand – smaller, quieter, and perfect for a slower pace

You could easily link them all together for a longer west coast road trip.

Where we stayed

We based ourselves in Grebbestad, staying in a cozy Airbnb with a lovely local couple. It was the perfect location for exploring the surrounding towns — everything is within about an hour’s drive.

Wrap up

The Swedish west coast has that perfect mix of calm, character, and coastal charm — even if the wind tries to blow you away. We spent three days exploring Grebbestad, Fjällbacka, and Smögen, and left completely smitten. Next time, we’re planning a longer trip — and hopefully, a little more sun and a little less wind.