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Käringön, Sweden: Where to Stay on One of the West Coast's Most Beautiful Islands (Plus How to Get There from Gothenburg)

  • Writer: minna
    minna
  • 3 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Käringön is not the kind of place you stumble across. It's a very local island full of summerhouses where the Swedes escape to during the summer holidays. There are about 280 houses on the island and most of them were built before 1920 so visiting feels like stepping back in time! There are no cars on the island, but even more bizarre is that there are only 5 bicycles allowed and they all belong to the ferry crew to help them get to work on time!


Mother and toddler sitting by the sea on Karingon, Sweden

If you're looking for something to do, Käringön is not your island. If you're looking for somewhere to be, it might be the best place in Sweden. My aunt has a house on the island so I've spent my childhood roaming around barefoot, crabbing and eating the most delicious crayfish in all of Sweden (they are still caught traditionally and sustainably by cage rather than being trawled and cooked to perfection - note order from the fishmongers the day before and choose the small ones as they are tastier than the big ones)!


How to get to Käringön


By car: The drive from central Gothenburg to Tuvesvik ferry terminal on Orust takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. At the terminal you will find plenty of parking in the dedicated visitors' car park (marked "P besökande"). Parking costs 110 kr per day, paid by card at the ticket machines. You can also use the LetsPark app. Make sure to arriving with time to spare before your ferry departure, especially in July and August because it does get busy and spaces can fill up quickly.


By public transport: It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to get from Gothenburg Central Station to Tuvesvik, using a combination of train to Stenungsund and then bus line 371 to Tuvesvik. The full journey including the ferry crossing is closer to 2.5 hours each way. It's manageable for a day trip if you're not travelling with a lot of luggage, but for an overnight stay with bags and children, a car is significantly more practical.


The ferry from Tuvesik to Käringön: Line 381 runs from Tuvesvik every day of the year. The ferry stops first at Gullholmen and then continues to Käringön, taking about 40 minutes in total. Tickets can be bought on board, at the ticket machine at the terminal, at the kiosk, or via the Västtrafik ToGo app. The ferry runs on Västtrafik's standard ticketing system, so a regular Västtrafik zone ticket covers the crossing. Services depart roughly every four hours, with the earliest leaving Tuvesvik at 7:00am and the last at 8:30pm. Always check the current timetable on the Västtrafik website before you go, particularly in shoulder season when frequency drops.


Sunset View of Kärringön, Sweden

Day trip or Overnight Stay on Käringön?


If you are tight on time then a day trip from Gothenburg to Käringön is doable but because of bus and ferry schedules (or parking logistics) you will lose a lot of time which is part of the magic of Käringön. It's the type of place which is perfect for slow travel and relaxed exploration. Slow coffees with sea views, seafood feasts and evening swims (if you time it right in summertime you'll experience it this with the bioluminescent which is a surreal expeirence). My recommendation is to stay for at least 2-3 nights because you'll feel the magic of this tiny island with no cars and feel reenergised when you finally and reluctantly leave.


View of the sea in Karingon, Sweden

Where to Stay on Käringön


Käringön is a very small island with a very small accommodation pool. There are no large hotels, no resorts, and no chains. What there is instead is a handful of well-run small properties and a collection of self-catering apartments and cabins. Peak summer weeks (late June through August) book out months in advance. Book early.


1. Hotell Käringön (from around £110/night)


Best for: families who want a proper hotel on the island with breakfast included, sea views, and harbour atmosphere right outside the window.


The main hotel on the island, sitting right on the harbour with views over the water and the boats coming and going from the ferry landing. Twenty-two rooms newly renovated in minimalist Scandinavian style, four family rooms with balconies facing the sea, a bar, and a breakfast included in the rate. SUP boards are available to hire from the hotel, and the staff (which have included my cousins in the past and now includes my cousins kids!) are friendly and welcoming to children of all ages.


View of houses from Karingon, Sweden


Best for: families who want self-catering privacy, a garden with a children's play area, and a sea-view terrace for evening meals.


A private apartment in a residential house on the island with a sea-view terrace, a children's play area in the garden and an outdoor fireplace. The kitchen is fully equipped and the best part is that the sea is a short walk from the front door. It's a one bedroom apartment with 2 sets of bunk beds and a sofa bed. Cots aren't available here so it's best for kids who are past this stage. It's a cosy stay for when you have a lot of people who don't mind sharing rooms.


Traditional houses in Karingon, Sweden


Best for: families who want a central self-catering base with a balcony, within easy walking distance of the village and the island's facilities.


A cosy central apartment on the island with a private balcony. It's a cheaper option for accommodation and better for a family of 3 because there is a large double and a single bed so if you have any more I'd recommend looking at somewhere bigger. Cots aren't available here either. If you need somewhere to stay with a good location at a good price and you don't need lots of space then here's a great shout.


3. Seglarhotellet Käringön, Käringön (from around £130/night)


Best for: families who want a cosy hotel which has recently opened with a more traditional nautical aesthetic


This is a recently opened hotel with a cosy nautical theme throughout. There are 11 Captain & Pilot cabins in a maritime style, each with up to 4 beds. The rooms are spacious and there are even apartments if you want the flexibility of self-catering. One of best things is the sauna and relaxation if you can find someone to stay with the kids!


Fossil hunting at Kärringön, Sweden

Our Verdict


Käringön is a small island with a small number of properties, and the accommodation choices reflect that. They really do book up very far in advance especially from June - August so this is one I would recommend booking early otherwise you might have to turn your overnight plans into a day trip. The self-catering options give you more flexibility but it's a small island with old houses so it will be a bit of a cosy stay. My personal recommendation would be Hotell Käringön as they are really well set up for families and you are right on the harbour with seafront views.


Read our other blog posts on Käringön:



If you are visiting Käringön from Gothenburg continue reading here:


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