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Things to Do in Styrsö with Kids: A Local's Guide to Gothenburg's Underrated Island

  • Writer: minna
    minna
  • 2 days ago
  • 5 min read

Styrsö is where I grew up, where I learned to swim, where I scraped my knees on the granite rocks and where my family still lives. Taking our own daughter back and watching her do exactly what I did as a kid feels so wholesome.


It's also one of the easiest days out you can have from Gothenburg with a kid. After a tram and a short ferry ride, you arrive on a car free island with sandy beaches where you can completely relax and unwind safe knowing that your kids will entertain themselves with all the nature around.


Sunset view of the restaurants at Tången Styrsö, Gothenburg

Best Time to Visit


June to August is the best because the sea temperatures reach around 18 to 21°C, warm enough for a proper swim, and every café and shop on the island is open. We've been all year round and whilst it's still beautiful in Autumn, Winter and Spring the weather in Summer makes it much more fun! In summer you also sometimes get bioluminescence in the water which is really magical to see.


One thing worth knowing: the archipelago does get jellyfish blooms in summer. Most of what you'll see is the harmless clear moon jellyfish, but there's the occasional stinging variety too, so it's worth keeping an eye out while your kids are in the water.


Where to Stay


Styrsö has a small but excellent range of places to stay, and if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight stay, it's worth it. Kusthotellet Styrsö is the first hotel on the island and only recently opened. The rooms here are new, clean and spacious with sea views, a spa and great food. If you'd rather self-cater, there are cottages dotted around the island with gardens and outdoor saunas that work well for families. We've covered the full breakdown, including specific recommendations, in our Gothenburg archipelago guide, and our Where to Stay in Gothenburg guide if you're basing yourselves in the city and visiting as a day trip.



Things to Do in Styrsö with Kids


1. Swim at Uttervik


Uttervik, on the north side of the island, is the best swimming spot on Styrsö for families. There is a small sandy beach with shallow, calm entry, which makes it easy for kids to wade in or swim. Right next to this is a jetty where you can swim with ladders going into the water for easy entry. These are the places I'd recommend with young kids and if you have a pram you'll easily be able to park up here. If you have older kids or want to explore, continue along the trail and you'll find some other entry points either off the rocks or from another jetty. 


Jetty at Uttevik, Gothenburg

2. Go Crab Fishing Off the Jetties


This is basically what I did every single summer of my childhood, and I love watching my daughter do this too. You can pick up proper crab fishing gear at the supermarkets on the island, or just tie a piece of string to a stick with a clothes peg and a scrap of bait on the end. 


Crab Fishing on Styrsö, Gothenburg

3. Explore the Nature Trails and Cycle Routes


Styrsö has a network of paths that wind between the four small villages on the island, over smooth granite rock and past summerhouses that have barely changed in a hundred years. It's an easy, flat walk for a pram in most places, and if you keep an eye out you'll find wild blueberry bushes in the forests that kids will love picking. For a longer walk, head up to Stora Rös, the island's highest point, for a proper view out over the whole southern archipelago.


4. Go Island Hopping to Donsö


Donsö is connected to Styrsö by a bridge, so you can walk or cycle straight across without needing another ferry. It has its own village, a great cafe with harbour views, and a swim spot at Lökholmen if you fancy a change of scene. If your toddler needs something different from swimming and crabbing, there's also bowling at Willys Bowling down by the Donsö harbour!


5. Drinks at Tångbaren


Tangbaren Bar, Styrso, Gothenburg

Tångbaren sits right on the pier over the water at Styrsö Tången, which replaces the old boat fuelling station that was there when I was growing up. It's a bar and restaurant, with great views of the sea and tasty seafood including a selection of different Oysters. Great place to unwind and enjoy a drink, some food and breathe in some sea air. We know the owners well and my dad helped to build some of the wooden huts here at Tångbaren!


6. Prawn Sandwich at Båtebacken


View of Båtebacken, Styrsö, Sweden

For the classic Swedish räksmörgås (open prawn sandwich), head to Båtebacken, a cosy little café/ restaurant on Styrsö Tången right by the water (it's opposite Tångbaren). It's an casual spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the prawn sandwiches are the thing to order. They have a small stage and host live music on some Friday nights during the summer. 


7. Visit During Midsummer (If Your Timing Allows)


If you happen to be in Gothenburg over the third weekend of June, Styrsö is a great place to celebrate midsummer and there are two traditional local celebrations on the island held on midsummers eve and midsummers day. You'll see the giant Maypoles and a band in the middle playing Swedish folk music and everyone will be dancing around. It's a joyful celebration that welcomes everyone and Swedes of all ages are involved. To read more about the celebration read my blog post about midsummer here: Swedish Midsummer - What Is It and How Is It Celebrated?


A Few Practical Notes for Families


Styrsö has two supermarkets in the village, so unlike some of the smaller southern islands, you won't struggle to pick up nappies, snacks, or anything else you've forgotten (this is from experience!)


Accomodation tends to book out quickly in summertime so I would really recommend booking your accomodation in advance. It's an easy day trip but you'll really feel the benefit of slowing down and spending a few nights here. 


Watch for jellyfish in high summer, most are harmless but keep an eye on younger kids in the water regardless.


Final Thoughts


Styrsö is one of my favourite places in the world, and it's not just because I grew up here. There's a simple way of life to this place where you slow down and enjoy being in nature. Everyone who visits and sleeps over on the island often talks about the best night's sleep they've had in a long time and it makes sense - no cars, no lights and salty sea air. With no traffic, kids can roam around and explore to their hearts content to have simple fun. 


If you want to see what else the southern archipelago has to offer beyond Styrsö, our local's guide to the car-free islands covers Brännö, Donsö, and Vrångö too, and our Top 10 Things to Do in Gothenburg with Kids guide has everything else for the days you're back in the city.


Continue reading to make the most of your trip to Gothenburg:



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