Styrsö is one of the biggest islands in the southern Gothenburg archipelago. With three harbours and a bridge connecting it to neighbour Donsö, it is the perfect, well-connected day trip from Gothenburg. The island of Styrsö is idyllic, transporting you to a holiday town the minute you step off the ferry.
Cars are not allowed here so the locals all travel with bikes or mopeds! It’s a real holiday vibe, especially in the summer months when the pros and beaches are all filled with people enjoying the sunshine.
So, now you are convinced that Styrsö is the perfect day trip into the Gothenburg archipelago, here are the best things to see and do there! This guide includes walks, swimming spots, cafes and restaurants and museums.
Make sure to read these posts if you’re interested in other things to do in and around Gothenburg!
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How to get to Styrsö island
To get to Styrsö from Gothenburg the best way is to take the ferry from Saltholmen. To get to Saltholmen, take tram 11 from Gothenburg Central station. Saltholmen is the last stop and this trip takes around 35 minutes.
From Saltholmen, there are several ferries you can take. There are three ferry terminals on Styrsö, but the best, and often fastest, option is usually to take the ferry to Styrsö Bratten. This is ferry 281 or 282. Both ferries take 22 minutes and travel via Köpstadsö, another island in the archipelago. The ferries are semi-regular and come every half hour to hour. From Styrsö Bratten it is only a short walk to the other areas of the island
How Long to Spend on Styrsö
I recommend spending a full day on Styrsö. This gives you time to walk around the villages and nature reserve, spend time eating lunch in a restaurant, and take a swim.
Styrsö’s Four Villages
Strysö is a relatively large island in terms of population, with 1400 inhabitants spread over four different areas. These are the four villages of Styrsö, all which have a history which has shaped the architecture in this area of the archipelago. The four villages are Bratten, Tången, Halsvik and Bye.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
Utterviks Badplats
Utterviks Badplats is one of the best swimming spots on Styrsö. Here, there is a long sandy beach with a jetty out to a smaller island in the archipelago. The best thing about this spot is the snorkelling track that has been set up underwater. Take a look at the map by the toilets and follow the buoys underwater to find out all about the native seaside that lives in the waters of Styrsö.
Styrsö Bratten Badet and Bravik Badplats
This is a great swimming spot just north of the ferry terminal at Styrsö Bratten. Here there is a big grass patch with ladders into the water and a small beach for paddling.
Other Swimming Spots and Beaches on Styrsö
South of Styrsö Bratten is a lovely little beach with calm water in the harbour. This is a very popular spot for families with little children as this area is very protected, with calm shallow water.
The whole south coast of Styrsö is spotted with beautiful beaches, usually less popular as they require a little walk to get there. Here you are more likely to find your own special spot, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Where to eat on Styrsö
Cafe Öbergska
This is my favourite place to eat on Styrsö. Located just by the ferry at Styrsö Bratten, you can sit in the herb garden outside enjoying the sunshine with a good meal or a coffee and a cake. It can get busy at lunchtime on weekends and during the summer months so make sure to get there a little bit early to be able to grab a table!
Båtebacken
Båtebacken is a small cafe in Tången. It has a really cosy outside area, with a greenhouse to sit in on a cold day. The food here is good, and if you don’t feel like a big meal, it’s a great stop for a coffee with a wonderful ocean view.
Hiking the island paths
There are three main paths that circle around Strysö. These are 2.6 km, 4.3 km and 5.2 km. The first of these is a small route that heads through the nature trail between Stora Rös and Amneviksvallen. The second is a loop from Skäret to Brännholmsviken and up to Amneviksvallen, and the other very similar with an added loop around Stora Rös. Another alternative is following the green Naturstig which loops around the bottom of the island. This is very easy to follow as there are poles the whole way with green and white stripes. You can start this walk at Skäret!
An overview of a day trip to Styrsö Island, Gothenburg archipelago, Sweden
There are so many hidden gems around Styrsö to discover! Much of what makes this place so special is the ability for one to always discover something and feel like you are the only one there! For instance, look out for the little shop by Styrsö Bratten selling plants and flowers, or the sauna on the dock by the edge of the water in Tången.
Continue Exploring
- Read all about the islands in the Gothenburg Archipelago
- Southern Gothenburg Archipelago Islands of Vrångö, Donsö, Asperö, Brännö and Galterö
- Northern Archipelago Island of Hönö
- Take a day trip out to Vinga Island and Lighthouse
- Gothenburg Itineraries: One Day or Two to Four Days
- West Sweden Map with over 300+ Restaurants, Hikes, Villages, Viewpoints and more!
- All Gothenburg Guides
