Things to do in Uddevalla - 17 tips for the heart of Bohuslän

What to see and do in Uddevalla? This west coast town is often referred to as the "heart of Bohuslän" and offers everything from wonderful nature experiences to adventure and good food. Here you will find our best tips for sights and experiences in Uddevalla and the surrounding area.

Uddevalla in Bohuslän

Uddevalla has a dramatic history, characterised by wars and fires. The town has changed nationality no less than seven times, between Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. The town has also burned down six times, five of which can be blamed on warring Swedish troops. Today, it is a much more peaceful city, offering beautiful natural areas, good food and exciting sights.

Uddevalla is located on the Byfjord in Bohuslän, just 9 kilometres north of Gothenburg.

What can you see and do in Uddevalla?

So what can you see and do in Uddevalla? The fact is that there is a lot to see and experience, whether you like nature, culture, history or delicious food experiences. We have spent a bunch of intense days in and around Uddevalla, and have now collected our best tips here in a list.

1. check out the centre of Uddevalla?

When you arrive in a new city, it's always fun to check out the central parts. The Bäveån river flows through Uddevalla, which means that you often see water when you walk around. Here and there you can also see beautiful old houses and villas.

In the centre of Uddevalla you can also check out Kungstorget. Here you will find the town hall and a large statue depicting King Karl X Gustav (1622-1660) on horseback and the military man and architect Erik Dahlbergh (1625-1703).

If you like parks, take a stroll past Margeretegärdeparken, which is filled with beautiful flower beds.

2. Walk along Hasselbacken and Bäveån.

We were particularly fond of Hasselbacken, which is considered the oldest park in the city. The park is located along the Bäveån river, and a nice walking path runs along the water. There are plenty of birds of all kinds, and the river is also full of fish.

3. Visit the Bohuslän Museum

Bohusläns Museum is a fine museum in the centre of Uddevalla, which explains the culture and history of the area. Here you can learn more about what it is like to live by the sea, and to live in a borderland. There are also art and various temporary exhibitions. The museum is free of charge and we highly recommend a visit here.

4. Take a trip on the archipelago boats

One of the things to do in Uddevalla is to take a trip by archipelago boat. In addition to "Uddevallaturen", which is a round trip with various stops, there is a wide range of day trips and themed cruises to choose from. From May to September, Skärgårdsbåtarna runs regular day and evening cruises, but it is possible to subscribe to the boats all year round.

5. See the world's largest shell banks

Shell banks are a large collection of animal shells that have only been partially transformed into fossils. The shell banks in Uddevalla are the largest in the world and contain many tens of thousands of shells that are more than 10 000 years old. Skeletal parts of killer whales, beluga whales, humpback whales and even polar bears have been found in the shell banks.

If you wish, you can hike the 'Shell Bank Loop' or the 'Shell Triangle'. At the shell banks you will also find the Skalbank Museum, where you can see models and animations showing how the ice sheet once affected the area.

6. Check out Tureborgen

Tureborgen in Uddevalla is an exciting ruin of a medieval-style castle built at the turn of the century by newspaperman Ture Malmgren, who started the newspaper Bohusläningen. The castle is interesting to explore, and if you want, you can get here via the Turestigen, which is a circular trail that leads you from the Tureborg residential area through the Tureborg ruins and into the Ture valley nature reserve.

7. Cycle or walk along the seafront.

Strandpromenaden in Uddevalla is a fantastic pedestrian and cycle path that runs along the waterfront. The most beautiful stretch is the Svenskholmen-Skeppsviken-Gustafsberg section, where part of the path consists of a beautiful wooden bridge that runs along the mountain.

Along the road are also several nice bathing places such as Skeppsviken's bathing place, Bodele bathing place and Lindesnäs bathing place. We cycled from the centre and all the way to Lindesnäs. A fantastic excursion!

8. Admire the "Syrian Horse"

One of the attractions along the seafront in Uddevalla is the 'Syrian Horse' artwork. This five-metre high iron horse, standing on a hill, was created by artist Mohannad Solaiman.

According to West Sweden's website, the meaning is "the human endeavour to realise dreams, to look towards the horizon and to find new paths when the old one has been destroyed".

If you climb up to the Syrian Horse, you get a fantastic view of the promenade, the water and the Uddevalla Bridge.

9. Strolling in Gustafsberg

If you want, you can follow the promenade to Gustafsberg. Another option is to make an excursion here by car. Gustafsberg is worth discovering! This charming little gem, filled with beautiful wooden houses with ornate balconies, can boast of being Sweden's oldest seaside resort dating back to the 18th century.

The big boost for Gustafsberg as a bathing and health resort came in 1804, when Gustav IV Adolf and Queen Frederica's sickly son Crown Prince Gustav recovered after a stay here. Suddenly all to Gustafsberg! Two hot bath houses were built, as well as many other beautiful buildings for the rich guests.

Today Gustafsberg offers a well-preserved seaside resort environment, and you can stroll around among the beautiful villas. We also found the bathhouse spring, located in a small green house, where - if the door is open - you are still welcome to "drink the well". Down by the water you'll also find Konditori Snäckan, where you can enjoy a lunch or coffee.

10. Walk the 'Round the World' loop.

Gustafsberg offers not only a historic bathhouse environment, but also beautiful nature. Here you can walk the hiking trail "Jorden Runt", which in total is 5.5 kilometres. However, the trail is designed so that you can walk a longer or shorter distance, based on your own wishes.

Along the way you can see Gustafsbergseken, Bodeleån, Stora Sjörövargrottan and Knape's view. From the last one you have a fantastic view of Byfjorden, the harbour and the Udevalla Bridge.

11. Enjoying mussels in Lyckorna / Ljungskile

Ljungskile and Lyckorna, located just south of central Uddevalla and Gustafsberg, also has a history as a popular bathing and spa resort. Here you can experience Bredfjället and the 15 metre high waterfall Silverfallet.

Here you will also find the Mussel Bar, where you can enjoy various delicious dishes, where mussels often take centre stage. Unfortunately, we have not been exactly here, but we have visited the sister restaurant, namely the Mussel Bar on the Smögen, which has the same owner. It was a great experience and highly recommended!

12. Relax at Hafsten Resort & Camping

Hafsten Resort & Camping is beautifully located in Uddevalla, surrounded by water and green forests. You can come here by motorhome or caravan, or to stay in a cabin or glamping tent.

The resort offers a mini-spa, sauna, hot tub, sea bathing and nature walks. In addition, there are plenty of activities such as a pool with a long water slide, adventure golf, high altitude course, padel, segway and the possibility of renting a boat or electric bike. We had two really nice days here!

13. Ride the 900 metre zipline

At Hafsten Resort & Camping you can also try the zipline. The FlyingFox zipline is 900 metres long, has a 90-metre drop and a top speed of 90 km/h. A really cool thing to do in Uddevalla for anyone who likes adrenaline!

14. See the views from Hafstenstoppen

Starting from Hafsten Resort & Camping, you can also hike to Hafstenstoppen, which is 119 metres above sea level. The hike is 1.6 or 1.8 kilometres long, depending on whether you take the steep or less steep route. Once at the top, you can enjoy a fantastic view.

15. Have lunch at Stallgården Krog & Café

On one of the days in Uddevalla, we had lunch at Stallgården Krog & Kafé, located by Lanesundsviken on Bokenäset. Here you are greeted by a rural, genuine and relaxing atmosphere. Right next to the restaurant is the delicatessen "Chark & Skafferi", which was not open when we were here. Truly a cosy place to stop by!

The menu includes a variety of lunch dishes, as well as a number of a lá carte dishes, a nice salad table and coffee for those who prefer something sweet. Peter went for a seafood soup and Helena ordered a vegetarian pasta with mushrooms, nuts and lots of other goodies. We were both very satisfied!

16. Bargain hunting with 2 hairdressers

If you like to bargain shop for interior design, you can do so while having lunch at Stallgården Krog & Kafé. Next door is the super charming interior design shop "2 fröknar". Just a little warning: You will be very the urge to go shopping.

17. Experience Destination Bokenäset

Bokenäset is a scenic peninsula that offers opportunities for wonderful nature experiences, such as hiking or canoeing. Here you will also find "Destination Bokenäset", which is a hotel and a conference centre with the possibility of salty baths, treatments and various activities. We cycled here from Hafsten Resort & Camping and were greeted by a relaxed atmosphere where most people seemed to roam around in bathrobes.

Restaurant Västersalt is a stylish restaurant, where you sit with a lovely view of the water. We started with pumpkin soup with prawns. Then it was mussels and back steak with morel sauce. Very good and very good service!

More things to do in Uddevalla for culture and history lovers

There is of course more to see and do in Uddevalla than what we have described above. Here are some more tips for those who like culture and history:

• Bassholmen Museum on Bokenäset showcases old traditional boats. The museum is open in the summer (Hjalmars väg 15).
• Bohuslän Defence Museum in the Regimental Park displays a soldier's village and various exhibitions (Pionjärvägen 6).
• Dragsmark Monastery is a ruin of a 13th century monastery on Bokenäset.
• Street Art can be seen in the form of Carolina Falkholt's painting in memory of Robert Strängen Dala Dahlqvist (Drottninggatan/Lagerbergsgatan).
• The Swedish Seamen's House Museum is a preserved seamen's training centre with exhibitions (Stora Hellevigsgatan 4).
• Villa Elfkullen is a listed villa that once belonged to Ture Malmgren (Tureborgsvägen 3A).

More things to do in Uddevalla for nature lovers

Do you like nature best? Then you will find even more tips on things to see and do in Uddevalla here, which may be suitable for you.

• Bassholmen is an idyllic little island in the middle of Nordströmmarn, with beautiful nature, a guest harbour, an ice cream café and a museum.
• The Bohus Trail is 37 kilometres long, divided into stages, and extends from Strömstad in the north to Lindome in the south.
• Herrestadsfjället is a popular nature area for hiking, climbing, fishing and cross-country skiing.
• Coastal paths runs all the way from Tjörn to Oslo. In Uddevalla it extends from Lyckorna to Bokenäset.
• Kärlingesund nature reserve is located on the Bokenäs peninsula and offers beautiful nature and a varied landscape.
• Kayaking you can do in many places in the waters around Uddevalla. Along the seafront there is a "kayakomat".

More to do in Uddevalla for those who like food and shopping

There is of course also a lot to do in Uddevalla for those who like food and shopping. Here are some more tips.

• Marzipan barn is a seasonal shop in a red barn by Skaftöbron, for those who like confectionery (Dragsmarks Backa 209).
• Uddevalla centre is the location of many shops and restaurants.
• "Uddevallare" is a drink consisting of hot or cold coffee, sugar and cognac or brandy. A coffee pot!
• Torp is a large shopping centre by the E6 motorway, with fashion, technology, food and more. (Torp 5)

More to do in Uddevalla for those who like events

Do you like events and happenings? For you there are also things to do in Uddevalla. Keep an eye out for the following events.

• Pantaenius Bohusracet is organised once a year by the Viken Ägir Sailing Society.
• The Uddevalla Gala is a party usually organised once a year, in the summer.
• West Coast Dance Festival is organised every year in week 28 with dance bands at Lane Loge every year in week 28, attracting visitors from all over the Nordic region.

More to do in Uddevalla with children

Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you'll find even more tips on things to do in Uddevalla here.

• Bathhouseor Walkesborgsbadet, is located in the centre of Uddevalla and has several different types of pools. (Göteborgsvägen 8)
• Emaus Farm offers a rural idyll, with both a playground and many different farm animals (Kapellvägen 67).
• Land baths is an outdoor swimming pool in Gustafsberg, where you will also find a playground.
• Moose of Anneröd is a farm where you can meet the moose Thor and Oden (Skredsviks Anneröd 202).
• Stellas Lekland offers slides, ball pits, trampolines and more for the little ones. (Kurödsvägen 3A)

Things to do in Uddevalla - on film

Where can you stay in Uddevalla, or park your caravan?

In Uddevalla there are of course many different hotels and other accommodations to choose from. If you want to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and a peaceful holiday, we can recommend Hafsten Resort & Camping, where you can stay in a cabin or your own caravan, or Destination Bokenäset, which is a hotel and conference centre.

If you're coming with a campervan and want a simple overnight parking space, we recommend the central car park at Museigatan 2, which seems to be open only from April to September, where you have access to electricity.

There is also a scenic car park, but without service, on Rödön, Lindesnäs in the Gustafsberg area.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

When you visit Uddevalla, you can of course also take the opportunity to experience more of the west coast. Along the coast you can experience Lysekil or Skaftö, and if you are travelling inland instead, you can visit Trollhättan or Vänersborg.

More suggestions for things to do in Uddevalla?

Have you been to Uddevalla? How was your experience? Do you have any other good tips on what to see and do in Uddevalla?

Facts about Uddevalla

• Landscape: Bohuslän
• County: Västra Götaland County
• Location: The city is located on Byfjorden, one of the fjords of Skagerrak, at the mouth of the Bäveån river.
• Residents: Around 57 000 (2022)
• District: Uddevalla district, Bäve district and Herrestad district.
• Name: The town has been known as Oddewall and Oddevold, meaning 'the hayfield on the headland'.
• Read more: You can find more information at West Sweden website.