To see and do in Lysekil
Lysekil with surroundings has a lot to offer around the year. Here are some suggestions for you, including map links. The reception desk is happy to help if you would like to know more about these or if you have other wishes.
If you like the outdoors there is plenty of activities to choose from, Lysekil is an outdoor paradise. There are also quite a few nature reserves both near Lysekil and on Skaftö, the island on the other side of the Gullmar fjord, opposite Lysekil.
Actually, the nearest nature reserve is part of central Lysekil and is renown all over Sweden. It is called Stångehuvud and has been chosen as one of the region’s 7 wonders. Lysekil has many swimming spots and beaches, both in Lysekil and in its surroundings.
TO DO
Beach time
Beach time
Enjoying a salty dip into the ocean and then lying on the warm granite rock listening to the waves is a must. You have a choice of the rocks, beach sand or the grass for your rest. The Pinnevik beach is popular and is good for children too. Cafeteria and toilets. 15 min. walk from the hotel. Mapdirections.
Crab fishing
Crab fishing
Crabbing is loved by all children… and adults alike. All you need is a piece of string, a clothes peg and a mussel, then the crabs come to you. You may also buy a crabbing rod, i.e. in the boatkit store around the corner.
Taste of the Sea
Taste of the Sea
Sea food tastes lovely around the year and you can’t get it any fresher than in WestSweden. In the fall there is lobster feever on the coast. During your visit enjoy prawns, langoustine, crabs, mussels oysters and maybe even lobster. Read more on page Dining.
Boat tour
Boat tour
An enjoyable must do on the west coast is going on a boat tour, to an genuine island, to see the seals, or tour the archipelago and get some hours exploring another place before heading home with the boat. Year around you can book an oyster safari, langoustine safari, take the ferry to Skaftö or charter a boat.
Golf
Golf
There are several excellent golf courses in the area. The Kinhult professional golfers home course is found on Skaftö, and Holma Golf just north of Lysekil. Brastad has a Pay & Play-course (9 holes). In central Lysekil there’s a mini golf course.
Fishing
Deep sea fishing
If you are a fishing fan, go on a sea fishing trip with Fortuna – cod and mackerel are waiting for you. If you are really lucky, you will see porpoises or tuna on the trip!
Hiking & picnic
Hiking & picnic
A nature reserve hike along the sea is nice for the whole family. Discover giant kettles, flowers and various bugs. Bring along a picnic for your outdoor day, or for your evening on the cliffs. A coffee or wine while watching the sun set in the ocean is a treat.
Culture activities
A lot of culture in Lysekil
If you are into culture there is a lot of choices: Lysekil has multiple associations and guides, arranging tours and culture events throughout the year. Art, exhibitions, concerts, singalongs, kelp walks, museums, author talks etc. Keep a lookout for posters. and more. Suggestions: Vikarvet, the photo club exhibitions, the Skandia museum, the scuba museum and the book store.
SIGHTS
Sea Aquarium
Havets Hus
One of Bohuslän’s most visited sights. Discover the sea’s inhabitants in different aquariums and pet some of them. Local sharks, octopus and rays are bred here. Distance: 7 min. Map route.
Stångehuvud
Stångehuvud
Nature reserve and swim spot, next to central Lysekil. Visit-worthy all year round, with excellent walking paths. 15 min. walking distance. Map route.
Old town
Old town Gamlestan
Stroll through the picturesque old town, with 19th century houses. On the other side the sea and the beach walk awaits you, with some excellent restaurants. Go for a dip from the jetty, use the sun chair or have a drink with a sea view. Distance: 0,5 km. Map route.
Lookout tower
Lookout tower
Close by the church there is a lookout tower, giving you a view of central Lysekil, the fjord and the sea. A good spot to bring along a fika to. Fun to do with the children. Distance 6 min. Map route.
Lysekil scuba museum
Lysekils dykmuseum
Sweden’s only scuba diving museum is located in Lysekil. Sweden’s first scuba school opened here in 1958, Lysekil is a diving mecka since. Learn more about scuba diving in the museum, as well as the WWII wrecks Amasis and Antares. Opening hours. Distance 500 m. Map route.
Lahälla stone quarry
Lahälla stone quarry, North Lysekil
Experience the stone mason heritage in the former quarry Sodon and Sweden’s only remaining stone factory building from 1920s. Visit on your own or enjoy a guided tour with Salta guiden. Nature setting and close to the beach. Distance 15,5 km. Park at the harbour. Map route.
Röe gård and hike paths
Röe gård and hike paths
A countryside gem with a genuine farm, farm shop, restaurant and pretty surroundings. Don’t miss out on äggost, the Bohusläns dessert. Prolong your excursion with a beach visit and hike up to the lookout spot. Distans to Röe 20 km. Map route.
Rock carvings at Backa
Rock carvings at Backa, Brastad
Many rock carvings to discover, on about 20 rocks along the Backa village road; Ships, animals, people. The largest figure is the Shoemaker, over 2 m tall. Distance 19 km. Map route.
Fiskebäckskil
Fiskebäckskil
Picturesque settlement Fiskebäckskil across the fjord is reachable by the ferry, which docks outside the hotel. Stroll, eat well, go swimming on the big beach Bökevik just beyond the ferry stop. Distance 15 min. by ferry. Ferry info.
The Smögen boardwalk
Smögenbryggan
1 million people walks along the Smögen boardwalk each year, experiencing people watching, dockside restaurants and shopping in the quaint boathouses. Go for a dip at Vallevik. Distance 50 km. Map route.
Animal park
Nordens ark animal park
Animal park and farmsted too. Tigers, leopards and owls, and across the road cows, sheep and pet-friendly animals. All in a nature setting. Distance 30 km. Map route.
Rock carvings in Tanum
Rock carvings at Vitlycke, Tanum
More than 1000 rock carvings to discover, on many outdoor rock slabs. Free to walk around the year. Indoor museum during Summer season. Vitlycke museum and café. Bronze Age village with animals. On the UNESCO world heritage list. Distance 60 km. Map route.
Marstrand
Marstrand
Who is able to resist a fortress? Imagination takes flight; dungeons, shackles, cannons, wars and royal visits. Along the quay, beautiful houses, boats, shopping and restaurants compete for your attention. Distance 123 km. Map route.