Picture this: you’re bobbing on the North Sea in a sturdy catamaran, watching seals pop their heads up like curious neighbors while the wind whips your hair around. Behind you, the Swedish mainland shrinks to a distant memory. Ahead? A group of islands in the west archipelago in Sweden off Fjällbacka, in Bohuslän that most people have never heard of – and that’s exactly why you need to go.
TL;DR: Väderöarna (the Weather Islands) is where you go to disconnect from everything and reconnect with nature, catch your own lobster dinner, and sleep to the sound of waves crashing against ancient rocks.
What Even ARE the Weather Islands?
Located about 12kms off-the west coast of Fjällbacka, the Weather Islands consists of a few hundred islands that are part of the Tanum archipelago. But here’s the kicker – only one is habited – by an inn and its employees. That’s right, you’re basically visiting a Swedish desert island, minus the coconuts and plus a lot more wool sweaters.
These rocky and rugged islands are said to be the windiest and the warmest of all islands in the west coast and boast one the largest seal colonies. Translation? Perfect weather for feeling alive and spotting adorable marine mammals who’ve mastered the art of looking perpetually surprised.
The Swedish name “Väderöarna” literally means “Weather Islands,” which should give you a hint about what you’re in for. Väderöarna have one of Sweden’s warmest but also windiest climates – think of it as nature’s way of keeping things interesting.
Getting There: Your Adventure Starts in Hamburgsund
The Journey That’s Half the Fun
Your journey to The Weather Islands (or Väderöarna in Swedish), will begin in Hamburgsund – a small port town near Fjällbacka. Don’t worry about navigating Swedish parking drama – the parking at the office is free for 24 hours and longer parking by the school is free for longer periods.
Here’s where it gets good: the journey goes through the picturesque strait, via the southern parts of Fjällbacka’s fantastic archipelago before we cross the Väderöfjorden and finally reach the harbor on Storö / Väderöarna. The trip is about 8 nautical miles long and takes about 35 minutes and on the way out we might see some seals!
Pro tip: If you feel you might get sea sick we recommend you to take a sea sickness pill, even though the trip is not that long. Trust us, you don’t want to miss those seal sightings because you’re too busy becoming best friends with the boat’s railing.
Where to Stay: The Only Game in Town (And It’s Amazing)
Väderöarnas Värdshus: Your Island Headquarters
Väderöarnas Värdshus has a restaurant with delicious food and cozy accommodation for those who want to stay a little longer. With 22 hotel rooms and 53 beds, this isn’t your typical Swedish efficiency apartment situation.
But here’s what makes it special – the rooms at the inn come with shared bathroom facilities for most rooms, though only a few of the rooms at the inn come with an ensuite so it’s advisable to book early if you really don’t want to share. Before you panic about communal bathrooms, remember: you’re on a remote island where everyone’s in the same boat (literally). It’s actually kind of charming, like summer camp for grown-ups who appreciate good wine.
Guest reviews speak for themselves:
“What a reception, what service, idyllic and fantastic food, champagne, staff and accommodation! Can not get any better!! We travel a lot and often stay in 4-5☆ hotels What we got out at the Wärdshuset surpassed many of the accommodations”
What to Do: Way More Than “Nothing” (Though Nothing is Also Great)
The Art of Doing Nothing Swedish-Style
A placard on the island aptly puts it: andas in… andas ut… njut (breathe in… breathe out… enjoy). Long walks along the rocky island, exploring hidden nooks and crannies, enjoying the sunset from pilot point, relaxing in the hot tub and swimming in the beautiful blue sea are just a few things you can do here!
But if you need a bit more action with your relaxation:
Lobster Fishing: Catch Your Dinner (Literally)
This might be the coolest thing you’ll ever do. Lobster fishing starts, religiously, on the first Monday after the 20th of September at 7.00 am. The fishermen take this so seriously, that there is a countdown on the boats and they stand ready to drop the traps when the clock strikes 7.00.
Each trap is carefully thrown in at the depth of 20m (ideal depth for lobster catching), and here’s the fun part – you will be able to pull out the traps yourself and even throw them in. The lobsters you catch on this tour are later going to be served as your appetizer – how amazing is that!?
Fun fact that’ll blow your mind: The first kilo of lobster went for 102 000 SEK in 2012. That’s about $10,000 for one kilogram of lobster. Suddenly your dinner feels very fancy.
Diving: Sweden’s Secret Underwater World
Here’s something that’ll surprise you – Fascinating diving adventures await you in one of Sweden’s two living coral reefs off the islands. Yes, Sweden has coral reefs! Väderöarna is a wall located on the west coast of Sweden, with a depth of 40 m. Dive site for people with advanced training.
Wildlife Watching: Seals, Birds, and More
In the summer you can book a boat trip to one of Bohuslän’s largest seal colonies here. There is also a rich diversity of bird species, with good chances of spotting skua, shags and black guillemots.
The wildlife here isn’t just abundant – it’s dramatic. The largest wave recorded so far by the buoy to the south-west of Väderöarna was 13.9 metres! That’s a four-story building worth of water.
Hot Tubs and Saunas: The Swedish Way
After a day of lobster fishing and seal watching, warm yourself on your return in the wood-burning granite sauna or one of the hot tubs. After a hearty and delicious dinner, we took the opportunity to unwind in the hot tub. It was pure bliss – complete with a glass of bubbly to add a touch of romance.
The History: More Dramatic Than You’d Expect
Pilots, Storms, and Rock Carvings
Seafarers have been forced here by strong winds since the 13th century and Väderöarna were long considered impossible to inhabit due to the harsh climate. Pilot operations started in the 18th century and pilots and their families lived on the main island until 1966.
There are many rock carvings on the main island: house marks, compass roses, dates and escutcheons. One can still see a compass rose etched into the rock by sailors idly waiting for more favorable weather conditions to set sail. It’s like finding graffiti from centuries ago, except way cooler and more poetic.
The pilot station tower is still there, and when in place, a flag is clearly visible from the restaurant. You can then enter the tower and also climb all the way up for a 360-degree view of the islands.
Planning Your Trip: The Practical Stuff
When to Go
You can travel here all year round – summer, winter, spring or autumn. Summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while autumn brings lobster season. Winter and spring? Pure Nordic solitude and dramatic weather.
Booking Your Adventure
Booking in advance is a must! During off-season we are only open when we have reservations, make sure to give us a call before you decide you want to visit us.
Packages Available
- Day trips: Perfect if you want a taste without the overnight commitment
- Overnight packages: ferry ride, lunch, hot tub and sauna access, dinner, one-night stay, breakfast, ferry ride back—for 1995 SEK (or $245) a person
- Lobster fishing packages: Share in a double room, lunch, lobsterfishing with our very own fisherman, bath in sauna and salt water tub, 3-course dinner and breakfast!
What to Pack
Even if you’re going during summer months, take a jacket (preferably brightly-colored) and also a pair of rain boots and a compact umbrella. The weather can turn on a dime.
Why Väderöarna Will Ruin All Other Islands for You
Here’s the thing about Väderöarna – it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is. This rocky rugged island is not for everyone. If you are looking for five star comfort and room service, then you had better stay on the mainland.
But if you want to experience what Swedish nature is really about – wild, unpredictable, and absolutely stunning – then this is your place. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that we so often forget in our plugged-in lives.
Väderöarna are considered to be one of the country’s most valuable marine areas and were classified as a nature reserve in 2012. You’re not just visiting an island; you’re experiencing one of Sweden’s most important natural treasures.
The bottom line? Väderöarna is where you go when you want to remember what it feels like to be completely present. No cell service, no distractions – just you, the sea, the seals, and the best lobster you’ll ever eat. And honestly, isn’t that exactly what you need right now?
Book Your Weather Islands Adventure
One of the most common comments we get from our guests when they get on the boat to leave the Weather Islands is ‘We wish we could stay a little longer’ – so maybe book that extra night from the start. Trust us on this one.
