Vinga Lighthouse (Vinga Fyr in Swedish) is a must-see for anyone visiting or living in Gothenburg. The most westerly island in the Gothenburg archipelago, Vinga has been a significant landmark in Gothenburg and one of Sweden’s most well know lighthouses. Today, visiting Vinga you can explore the old lighthouse, visit the museum, wonder around the island and swim in one of Gothenburg’s most beautiful swimming spots.
We took a day trip to Vinga with Strömma on their 4-hour guided archipelago tour. Completely honestly, this is one of the best day trips from Gothenburg that I have taken in the 3 years I have lived in the city. Not only was the island itself beautiful, but the ferry trip out to the island shows you a side of Gothenburg you don’t see when exploring the city or taking the ferry out to islands like Styrsö or Hönö.
In this guide to Vinga and Vinga Fyr, I will hopefully outline everything you need to know when visiting the island including how to get there and what to expect. So, let’s get to it!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites. Additionally, this trip was a sponsored experience from Get Your Guide, however, all thoughts provided are my own and in no way influenced by this.
How to get to Vinga Lighthouse
Vinga is the western most island in the Gothenburg Archipelago and naturally, the only way to get there is by boat. There are several ferry companies that run tours out to Vinga, or, you can take your own boat.
Vinga from Central Gothenburg
There are several boat companies that run tours out to Vinga. The first, and the one we took, is a 4-hour guided archipelago trip that leaves from Lilla Bommen in central Gothenburg. This doubles as an archipelago tour, with commentary about the different islands and significant points in the harbour you pass, before stopping off at Nya Älvsborgs Fästning and then Vinga. It takes around 1 hour to get to the island and 1 hour to return, with 2 hours to explore Vinga.
This is a really easy trip to take if you are staying in Gothenburg as it takes you to and from the city directly. Even if you are only in Gothenburg for one day, you can fit this archipelago day trip into your itinerary! Find out more or book the trip here.
Vinga from Hönö
There are several other smaller tour companies that run trips from the islands in the Northern archipelago (Hönö and Fötö). These are much harder to get to from the centre of the city as the northern archipelago is a long bus ride away, however perfect if you are staying on one of these islands. Vingabåten and Kastor Boat Trips and Hönö Båtturer all leave Hönö Klåva once a day during the summer.
Visiting Vinga with Your Own Boat
If you have your own boat, you can either park up in Vinga Guest harbour (Vinga Gästhamn) or on one of the rocky cliffs of the island. The guest harbour is open all year round but cannot be booked in advance. It is recommended to ring before-hand and ask about availability. You can find more information and the phone number here.
About Vinga
Vinga has always been one of the most important islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, home to a lighthouse that has protected boats in the archipelago since 1841. The island itself has been a nature reserve since 1978 and today there are two lighthouses. Those you see are not the original from 1841, but instead a newer one from 1854 and 1890, as well as the red beacon (a red pyramid) built in 1857 as a signal that this was the Vinga Lighthouse.
What to do on Vinga
When you arrive at Vinga (if you take the guided boat tour) you will be met by tour guides who work for the island in the summer. They charge 50kr for a ticket which includes entry to the lighthouse, the museum and a guided tour of the island. It is up to you whether you want to take the guided tour, there is also the option to visit the lighthouse and museum yourself under the same ticket.
The Vinga Lighthouse
The main lighthouse on Vinga is the stone building. This is the lighthouse which is open to visitors, with a small museum at its base and a beautiful view out over the archipelago from the top. If you are taking the boat tour, I recommend heading straight here from the boat as only a few people can be up in the lighthouse at any time. The climb up is quite steep, with a spiral staircase lining the inside of the tower and a ladder to the very top. The views are incredible though.
The Vinga Museum
If you are a fan of Swedish music, you will know the name Evert Taube. He grew up on Vinga, his father one the islands lighthouse keeper, and there is a small museum here to commemorate him. In the museum there is also a room filled with stories about Vinga island and the many boats that have passed through. It is a super interesting place to spend 10 – 15 minutes reading about how important Vinga actually has been in Sweden’s history.
Taking a swim
As I said previously, Vinga is home to one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Gothenburg archipelago. You will be able to see this turquoise inlet from the lighthouse, and it is easily accessible by following the path from the harbour. If you are taking your own boat to Vinga, this is the ideal spot to moor up for the day.
Vinga Lighthouse: An Overview
A day trip out to the island of Vinga is one of the best things you can do in Gothenburg. From the incredible views from the lighthouse, to the beautiful nature reserve and dreamy swimming spot, there is something for everyone here. I definitely recommend the boat tour from LIlla Bommen if you want an easy day trip to and from the island. Make sure to wander down to the swimming spot, visit the museum, and climb the lighthouse on your visit!
Here are some other guides you may be interested in:
- Read all about the islands in the Gothenburg Archipelago
- Southern Gothenburg Archipelago Islands of Styrsö, Vrångö, Donsö, and Asperö
- 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
