Öckerö Islands - by campervan in the Gothenburg archipelago

Writer: Helena Bergström

The Öckerö Islands in the Gothenburg archipelago consist of about ten islands, four of which are connected by bridges: Fotö, Öckerö, Hönö and Hälsö. We took a ferry here with our motorhome and spent two nights in a real idyll.

Öckerö Islands in the Gothenburg archipelago

The Öckerö Islands are located at a comfortable distance from Gothenburg and offer a really lovely environment with beautiful cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and red little cottages. We really enjoyed our days here!

The Öckerö Islands belong to Gothenburg's northern archipelago, or Bohuslän's southern archipelago, as the area may also be called. You can get here by ferry from Lilla Varholmen ferry terminal on Hisingen, or by your own boat.

Ferry to the Öckerö Islands in the Gothenburg archipelago

We steered the husil to Lilla Varholmen's ferry terminal and were prepared for a long queue, as it was high season and beautiful weather. There was indeed a queue, but we did not have to wait long at all before we could drive on board. Then there was a short and nice crossing to the island of Hönö.

And isn't it amazing that these types of car ferries are usually free in Sweden? That's often not the case abroad!

Fotö with motorhome

We headed straight to Fotö, which is the southernmost of the connected islands. Here we were greeted by a fantastic environment with rocks and boats.

On Fotö there is a caravan park, which in our opinion is one of the finest on the Öckerö Islands. Here the motorhomes are parked in the harbour, in some cases directly on the cliffs and with a view of the sea.

We first thought it was full, but it turned out that the car park was bigger than we first saw. As we drove around a corner, more spaces appeared, and there we could park FREEDOM for SEK 200/day. The price includes electricity, toilets, showers and the opportunity to empty and fill tanks.

There are also washing machines, but to use them you must have ten crowns. Just remember that not pay before noon - the ticket is valid from 12-12.

Fotö harbour is also wonderfully cosy and includes the Boa Café, where you can buy ice cream and pastries.

Hönö with motorhome

On our last day on the Öckerö Islands, we drove around the four interconnected islands to look around. From Fotö you first come to Hönö, which also offers a fantastically charming environment. Here you can hang out in Hönö Klåva, which is the central point with shops, restaurants and excursion boats.

If you want a more active holiday, you can cycle around the island, go on a boat trip to Vinga (where Evert Taube grew up), go on a sea fishing trip or perhaps visit the Fishing Museum.

Hönö Klåva harbour has a large caravan park with electricity and other services.

There is also a large caravan site in Hönö Röds harbour, further north on the island. Here too there is electricity and other services.

Öckerö by motorhome

From Hönö we continued to Öckerö. Here we checked out Öckerö harbour, where there is also a large parking space. In fact, you feel welcome with a motorhome on the Öckerö Islands. Although it is popular and can be very many motorhomes, the chances of finding a place are still relatively good, as there are so many large parking spaces.

Hälsö by motorhome

Finally, we went out to Hälsö, which in addition to Fotö became a favourite for us. So incredibly nice and charming out here! There is also a parking space for motorhomes, in Hälsö harbour. This is perhaps a little smaller, but you stand very nicely with a view of the water, and service is available.

There is another caravan site nearby, at Öckerö båtsällskap. Here, too, you can stand nicely by the water, and electricity and service are available.

To sum up, we can say that we experienced the Öckerö Islands as a great destination with a motorhome, but of course you can travel here in other ways as well.

More islands in the Gothenburg archipelago

There are many islands to discover in the Gothenburg archipelago. In addition to the four islands we visited, the Öckerö Islands include a number of other islands. For example, you can visit Björkö, by ferry from Lilla Varholmen ferry terminal and Källö-Knippla, Hyppeln and Rörö, by ferry from Hälsö.

There is also a long list of red islands in Gothenburg's southern archipelago. These islands are completely car-free and can be reached all year round by Styrsöbolaget boats from Saltholmen ferry terminal or Stenpiren in the city centre.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

In addition to all the archipelago islands, you have of course the lovely Gothenburg right nearby as well as several other interesting places. Here you will find tips:

• Weekend in Gothenburg
• Bohus Fortress
• Gunnebo Castle and Gardens

Have you visited the Öckerö Islands?

Have you visited the Öckerö Islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, by caravan or perhaps in some other way? How was your experience?

READ MORE: Things to do in Bohuslän - tips, sights and experiences