Things to do in Hamburgsund – 7 tips for the west coast archipelago idyll

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | What is there to see and do in Hamburgsund? The small coastal town in northern Bohuslän offers everything that makes the west coast so wonderful: red boathouses, fishing boats, salty swimming, beautiful cliffs and of course lots of delicious seafood. We came here with the camper during a summer trip and got to experience both the charming harbor environment and a fantastic seafood feast with the family.

Discover Hamburgsund on the west coast

Hamburgsund is located between Hunnebostrand and Fjällbacka, in the middle of one of Bohuslän's most beautiful coastal landscapes. We had originally planned to continue our motorhome trip towards Gothenburg, after following the Göta Canal, Trollhätte Canal and the Göta River.

But when we found out that some of our family had rented a house in Hamburgsund, we changed our plans. That's one of the best things about traveling by motorhome – being able to take each day as it comes! Here are our seven tips for experiences in Hamburgsund and the surrounding area.

1. Stroll along the harbor in Hamburgsund

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Hamburgsund is simply to walk along the water. Here, fishing boats and pleasure boats lie side by side, and the red boathouses climb up the surrounding cliffs. It's the kind of environment where you'll want to stop and take photos time and time again.

Along the harbor there are also cafes, restaurants and outdoor seating areas where you can sit down and enjoy the view. We saw plenty of people at Hjalmar's bar & pier, which is nicely located by the water.

For children, it can be fun to fish for crabs from the piers, and we have heard of so-called crab races, where the crabs compete to be the first to get back to the water. We ourselves were content to stroll around and enjoy the idyllic environment. Hamburgsund is truly the kind of place where you don't need a special program to enjoy yourself.

2. Shop for seafood – and throw a seafood party

For us, one of the highlights of Hamburgsund was the big seafood feast with the family. We all went down to the fish shop by the harbor, where everyone got to choose their favorites from the delicacies of the sea.

Then we laid it all out on a large table in the house the family had rented. It was a fantastic mix of shrimp, crayfish, lobster, crab and oysters, along with bread, cheeses and cheese pies. What a feast!

But the best part was of course getting to meet up. We had a lot to talk about and the evening got quite late before it was time to crawl into bed. The next day we were going to continue our campervan trip.

Buying fresh seafood and throwing your own party is something we can really recommend in Hamburgsund. It doesn't have to be fancy – with good ingredients and good company you can go a long way.

READ ALSO: Luxurious seafood buffet at home – tips, menu, inspiration

3. Take the cable ferry over to Hamburgö

Opposite Hamburgsund lies Hamburgö, a long, narrow island separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. It is easily reached by the small cable ferry, which is free and only takes a few minutes to cross.

Hamburgö is almost five kilometers long and offers beautiful natural environments, small roads, swimming spots and cliffs. Popular swimming spots include Boviken and Vänd igen, and for those who want to walk, there is Bergaleden, among others.

We never had time to go over to Hamburgö ourselves during our visit, but it is a destination we would love to discover next time. If you have a little more time in Hamburgsund, it is a good tip to take the ferry over and explore the island.

4. Swim from rocks and beaches

Hamburgsund is a distinct summer resort, and when the sun shines, the sea naturally beckons for a salty dip. There are both rocky beaches and smaller beaches, and those who enjoy swimming can find nice spots along the coast.

It is also part of the charm of Bohuslän that the bathing environments can be so different. In some places there are sandy beaches that are suitable for families with children, while other places offer smooth cliffs where you can lie and sunbathe before jumping into the water.

We spent most of our time walking along the water and spending time with family, but for anyone visiting Hamburgsund on a warm summer day, swimming is of course one of the major activities.

5. Experience the archipelago by kayak or boat

The archipelago outside Hamburgsund is full of small islands, islets and skerries, and there are many opportunities to experience it from the water. Those with their own boat can explore the area on their own, but it is also possible to kayak or book various types of boat trips.

For those interested in fishing, a fishing trip can be a fun option, while those who prefer a quieter experience might prefer a trip through the archipelago. There are also opportunities for diving in the area, including at the Väderöarna Islands further north.

We didn't take a boat trip in Hamburgsund, but after all our trips along the Bohus coast, we know how special it is to see the small coastal communities and cliffs from the sea.

6. Hike in Valön Nature Reserve

For those who want to combine a visit to Hamburgsund with a nature experience, Valön Nature Reserve is a great excursion destination. The reserve is located south of Hamburgsund and offers a typical Bohuslän coastal landscape with cliffs, open fields and views of the sea.

Here you can walk through the beautiful landscape, discover small coves and enjoy the peace. It is a good alternative for those who want to get away from the busier harbor environments during the summer. We did not have time to visit Valön ourselves during our stay, but for visitors interested in nature, it is a tip to add to the excursion list.

7. Discover the rock carvings in Torsbo

Not far from Hamburgsund is the Torsbo rock carving area, where you can discover traces of people who lived here during the Bronze Age. The area is particularly famous for its many ship carvings, and one of the largest ships is a full 4.5 meters long.

The rock carvings were created several thousand years ago, when sea levels were significantly higher in relation to the landscape than they are today. This means that the places where people carved their images were once much closer to the water.

It is fascinating to imagine that people stood here and created images that still exist. Torsbo is an exciting place for those interested in history, but keep in mind that the previous visitor center with signs and signs has been removed. Therefore, check current availability and how the area can be visited before planning a trip here.

READ ALSO: The rock carvings in Tanum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where can you stay in Hamburgsund or park your campervan?

Hamburgsund offers various options for overnight stays, including hostels, rental houses and camping. For those who want to stay a little longer, it can be nice to rent a house or a cottage and use the town as a starting point for excursions along the Bohus coast.

When we were here, Peter's son Robin and his wife Alexandra had rented a house with other relatives. We managed to squeeze the cars in front of the house so that our camper could also fit in. It was of course very practical, but no public parking space!

For those traveling by motorhome or caravan there is Rörvik family camping in the area. Check current opening hours and overnight accommodation options before you go there.

See more in the neighbourhood

• The King's Gap in Fjällbacka
• Things to do in Hunnebostrand
• Things to do on Smögen
• Things to do in King's Landing
• Things to do in Uddevalla