Åstol - The Most Picturesque Island in West Sweden

Åstol is a summer paradise, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the archipelago populated by white houses, great restaurants and picturesque swimming spots. If Åstol isn’t already on your Sweden bucket list, it should be!

Whether you take the ferry or sail, there is something magic about arriving in Åstol. Almost as if you have stumbled upon a fishing village stuck in time in the middle of the sea. A visit to the island makes the perfect day trip from Gothenburg, overnight stop for sailors during the summer, or slow weekend away on the west coast!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Åstol including where to stay, where to eat and what to do!

girl sitting by åstol island harbour west sweden

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Table of Contents

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How To Get To Åstol
Sailing to Åstol
Where to Eat on Åstol
The Best Swimming Spots on Åstol
Other things to see and do on Åstol
Åstol Island Guide Overview
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How To Get To Åstol

There are several ways to get to Åstol. The first, and probably most likely option of these is by ferry.

The most direct of these ferries is the 361 which runs from Rönnäng to Åstol via Dyrön Norra and Tjörnekalv semi-regularly throughout the day.

You can find the timetable for this route here.

The other option is to take the 326 ferry from Rörtången bryggan to Hätten. This is the best option if you want to do a little island hopping in the archipelago. If you get on the ferry at Rökan bryggan and take it one stop to Dyrön södra you can explore the island of Dyrön before hopping on the ferry (361) at Dyrön Norra to Åstol. This route requires a little more planning but is much more enjoyable if you are coming from Gothenburg.

You can find the timetable for this route here.

Both Rökan Bryggan and Rönnäng have parking options, and both are reachable by buses from Gothenburg.

In the summer months, the ferries run much more frequently than in the winter, however, it is still best to plan your day in advance. For this trip you will need to buy a zone B ticket for 35kr. The best way to buy this is through the Västtrafik app on your phone.

Sailing to Åstol

The other option to get to Åstol is to travel by boat. Åstol makes for an overnight stop if you are spending a few days exploring the archipelago by boat, with a good guest harbour and restaurant options. Alternatively, it is a quick day trip for anyone with boats in the area.

Åstol Gästhamn

Åstols Gästhamn (Åstol Guest harbour) has around 80 boat spots, all which line the picturesque harbour. The harbour can get very full, especially during good weather in high season, so it is best to book a boat spot several days in advance.

It is also possible to visit Åstol by boat for the day. When doing this, you can park your boat in the guest harbour spots and head into the office to ask about daily rates.

Booking a spot

There are several ways to book a boat spot on Åstol. One is to use the website Dockspot. There are 6 available spots here which are located in the middle of the harbour.

Alternatively, you can contact info@astolshamn.se to book a spot. This is usually the best option as they have much more flexibility with spots. Again, it is still recommended to call a few days in advance.

Åstol’s Guest Harbour Facilities

The guest harbour on Åstol has great toilet and shower facilities, water and free wifi. This is open to connect to and called ASTOLSHAMN.

Where to Eat on Åstol

There are three great options for food on Åstol depending on what you fancy! We tried them all out during our sailing trip in the archipelago and recommended them all.

Åstols Cafe

Åstols cafe is a great place for breakfast and lunch on the island. They have a seafood inspired menu, with fun dishes such as a pickled herring burger, or your classic shrimp sandwich. The prices here are ok – ranging from 140 – 250kr a meal. Alternatively, stop by for a fika and try a cake, pancakes or grab and ice cream to go!

You can find more information about Åstols cafe here!

Åstols Rökeri

Åstols Rökeri is definitely the most well known of the places to eat on Åstol, with a reputation for having great seafood. As a smokery, they focus on preserving the rich fishing history of Åstol, serving amazing seafood dishes. The decor is wonderful, with walls covered in old pictures of fishermen and locals, and the outside area super cosy overlooking the harbour. They serve the same food all day round, with the exception of the sill buffet at lunch time, and the option for the set menu in the evening.

You can find more information and the menu here!

Åstols Pizzeria

Åstols Pizzeria is a small kiosk run by Åstols Rökeri, with great takeaway pizza and curry! The food here is great, and the prices are a little cheaper for dinner compared with the smokery. Takeaway is the perfect option for anyone wanting to watch the sunset while eating dinner, or take food back to the boat.

The Best Swimming Spots on Åstol

There are three main swimming spots on Åstol. The first is just around the corner from the harbour, with a view over to the neighbouring islands of Dyrön and Marstrand. Here there is a little ladder leading down into quite a shallow pool. We were told by a local that this spot is known as the red cliffs as occasionally, in the right light, the water can look red.

There is another swimming spot round the corner with a diving board and steps.

On the other side of the island you will find Åstol Badplats. This is the best place for swimming with kids, a shallow pool with a slide leading into it. By the pool is another ladder down into the water. Behind this area is a big grass patch with tables and chairs.

Other things to see and do on Åstol

Hembygdsmuseum

The Hembygsmuseum is a great place to go if you want to learn about the history of Åstol. Here they have artifacts, pictures and stories which show Åstol’s rich fishing background and how life on the island once was.

Röda Stugan Gallery

Make sure to visit Röda Stugan gallery on your visit to Åstol island. Here, throughout the summer months, they have art exhibitions from local artists in a beautiful cabin that overlooks the sea.

Åstol Island Guide Overview

Åstol is one of the prettiest islands in Södra Bohuslän and definitely worth a visit. Whether you are day tripping or staying overnight in the guest harbour, make sure to spend some time wandering around the island, exploring the little alleyways and rocks cliffs.