En härlig båttur med M/S Donalda i Grebbestad

What a wonderful boat trip with M/S Donalda in Grebbestad! When we arrived in Grebbestad, we had no plans at all, other than to look around. The boat trip was a surprise that we will never forget.

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M/S Donalda in Grebbestad

M/S Donalda in Grebbestad is a former fishing vessel, which over the years has been used for fishing along the Bohus coast and in the North Sea. In the 1970s, Donalda was converted from a fishing boat to a leisure ship and in 1987 she was bought by Thorsten Klevsäter, to be used as a tour boat. A few years later Thorsten met his wife Lisbeth, and since then the couple have worked together on board.

M/S Donalda lies along the quay in Grebbestad, in the municipality of Tanum in Bohuslän. But we don't know any of this when we arrive in Grebbestad ...

A great meeting

We park our motorhome in a central car park and take our electric scooters out to look around Grebbestad. From time to time we stop to photograph charming houses, dramatic cliffs and beautiful fishing boats.

When we arrive at the M/S Donalda, a woman is on board, busy organising the fishing equipment. "Is it ok if we take a photo?", we ask and briefly tell her about our digital travel magazine. Then we can't stop talking!

Thorsten and Lisbeth turn out to be an incredibly lovely and committed couple, with lots of stories to tell. Their love for M/S Donalda and life at sea is unmistakable, and we gladly accept to step aboard the beautiful boat.

On board the M/S Donalda

On the lower deck, the couple runs a small 28-seat restaurant in winter. "The rougher it is outside, the cosier it is inside," they say. Lisbeth is the one who cooks all the food and we understand that it is popular. Her interest in cooking shines through when Lisbeth talks about her cooking, and when she shows us the big pot where they cook crayfish and lobster.

She is still a bit worried when we want to take photos in the restaurant. It's not ready for the season yet. "Feel free to look at the website", she says. We who do not know how it shall are already finding it super cosy. The venue is also perfect for listening to Thorsten's story about his recent trip to Svalbard, where he steered a large ship through the ice masses last summer.

A wonderful boat trip with M/S Donalda

Then it turns out that we are incredibly lucky. In high season there is a tour list, and you can join scheduled tours almost every day, either to the Weather Islands or on a guided archipelago tour/seal safari. Now, during the low season, a general sightseeing tour runs once a week - and it's on Saturdays, when we happen to drop by. We immediately say yes to joining a tour!

It's a small group - us and two other parties - on the M/S Donalda on this overcast and slightly rainy afternoon in late September. The ship can carry up to 100 passengers, and in summer it is much more crowded. The same evening there will be more people, by the way. The boat has been booked by a company going fishing.

The trip is calm and peaceful, and despite the semi-dull weather, we largely enjoy the views and the fresh sea air.

Thorsten is at the helm and at the same time tells us by microphone about all the places we pass. For example, we learn that the small huts in the picture below are old fishing huts, where fishermen used to store their equipment to protect it from the weather, wind and wild animals.

We also learn all sorts of other things. For example, Lisbeth tells us what it's like to work so closely together for decades. "A glance is all it takes," she says.

The tour takes 1.5 hours and goes around the islands and skerries of the nearest archipelago. If you want, you can buy coffee, wine or snacks on board. The atmosphere is convivial and I think everyone on board feels the same way - that you are happy to have gone out even though it is autumn and a little rough.

After a nice trip, it is then time to head towards Grebbestad again, and we get to see the town from a new angle. We thank Thorsten and Lisbeth for a wonderful boat trip with M/S Donalda and we wish them good luck. We ourselves are heading for ... new adventures!

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

In Grebbestad there are various hotels and hostels, such as Rosenhill B&B. If you are travelling by motorhome or caravan, there are also a number of options. Near the centre you will find the GrebbestadFjorden campsite and the Naturställplats Grebbestad caravan site (summer season only). A little further away is the Sportshopen site, which was open when we were here and where we also stayed one night.

M/S Donalda and the wonderful boat trip on video

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Just wandering around in Grebbestad is cosy, and if you like nature, we can recommend Munkkyrkan and Bullpen. In the neighbourhood you can also visit Fjällbacka and the rock carvings in Tanum.

Have you taken a boat trip with M/S Donalda?

Have you been on a boat trip with M/S Donalda? Do you like boat trips? If so, what is your favourite time of the year?

Facts about boat trips with M/S Donalda

Restaurant: Restaurant Madvraget is located below deck and has room for 28 guests. The restaurant has full rights and uses locally produced ingredients and locally produced beer.
Summer tour list: In the summer, tours are organised according to the tour list. Archipelago/bathing tour to the Weather Islands and guided archipelago tour/seal safari. See the ship's website for the current tour list.
Fishing trips: Fishing charters for groups are organised all year round. For example, you can catch mackerel, cod, haddock or whiting.
Charter and conference: Conferences, school trips, holidays and other events can be organised on board.
Weddings at sea: Weddings can be organised on board and tailored to your wishes.
Read more: You can find more information at the ship's website.

All our top tips about Sweden! Click on the image

READ MORE: What to do in Bohuslän - tips for sights and experiences

4 Comments

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Ditte says:

What luck you had and in a double sense. I always think a sea voyage is fun and the weather is as it is.
Great pictures! And perfect to come here when it is not high season and so crowded.
A very nice trip on the sea that I can imagine gave more flavour.
The Weather Islands are also an experience to come to.
I have friends who live very close to Grebbestad so we have been around here in the waters with their boat and, among other things, have been fishing for lobster a few years ago,

29 September 2022 - 8:10

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes, we really felt that we were lucky! Glad you like the pictures! We thought it was nice to go now, this time of year. Understand that the Weather Islands are also special! It will be another time ... Lobster fishing also sounds exciting! Especially Peter is keen to do it sometime! 🙂
  
  29 September 2022 - 19:34
  
BP says:

Two enthusiasts who have succeeded with the ship in both summer and winter. Well done there! Oh what luck or if it was skill that you timed the visit just right with the tour:-)

29 September 2022 - 19:30

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes, good with activities both summer and winter, I agree! Would have liked to say that it was skill, haha, but it was pure luck that we came by on a Saturday. And we are very happy about that!!!
  
  29 September 2022 - 19:36

A lovely boat trip with M/S Donalda in Grebbestad.

M/S Donalda in Grebbestad

A great meeting

On board the M/S Donalda

A wonderful boat trip with M/S Donalda

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

M/S Donalda and the wonderful boat trip on video

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Have you taken a boat trip with M/S Donalda?

Facts about boat trips with M/S Donalda

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