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Vaderoarna

The outermost islands of the Bohuslan coast, bare rock with a large seal population and no shelter from the sea.

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Typeouter islands
WhereVastra Gotaland
Nearest cityFjallbacka about 9 km by boat
Best seasonJune to August
Time to allowA full day
Getting thereBoat from Fjallbacka or Hamburgsund in season
EntryFree; boat charged

The Weather Islands lie about nine kilometres out from Fjallbacka, the last land before open Skagerrak, and they take the full weather - which is where the name comes from. They are bare granite and heather with almost no soil, ringed by skerries where grey and harbour seals haul out in numbers, and the seal colony is the standard reason for the trip. Storo, the main island, has a small harbour, a hotel in the old pilot station, a sauna and a handful of buildings; the rest are uninhabited. Birdlife is strong on the outer skerries. Boats run from Fjallbacka in summer and stop for weather more often than not in shoulder seasons.

What you actually see

  • The outermost islands of the coast - last land before open sea.
  • Grey and harbour seals - hauled out on the surrounding skerries.
  • Bare granite and heather - almost no soil anywhere.
  • A pilot station turned hotel - the only development, on Storo.

When to go

June to August, when boats run. A full day.

Honest expectations

Trips are cancelled in swell, which is frequent. There is no shelter on the islands. Accommodation is one small place and books early. Landings near seal haul-outs are restricted.

Nearby

Fjallbacka is on the mainland; Hamburgsund is south.

What to pack for Vaderoarna

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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