Vrångö is the most southerly populated island in the Gothenburg Archipelago. It is one of the largest islands in the archipelago, yet it is home to only around 300 permanent residents. This makes Vrångö a tranquil and idyllic archipelago island where a nostalgic, old-world spirit reigns supreme among beautiful nature and waters that entice you out for a swim. The fact that the island is car-free and that local interests revolve around fishing and boats only add to the appeal.
Many choose to visit Vrångö for its gorgeous nature. It is home both to long, sandy beaches and to smooth rocks which have been naturally sanded by the force of the sea. You'll also find both open landscapes and leafy forests. Bird watchers can hope to catch a glimpse of purple sandpipers, grebes and red-footed falcons, as well as migratory birds and yellow-browed warblers. Fishing aficionados will also find a wide variety of species, with sea trout being the most popular kind around these parts. The occasional dolphin has also been spotted frolicking around the coast.
Vrångö in Gothenburg - one of the highlights of 10 Best Road Trips Near Gothenburg and 10 Best Islands in Gothenburg (Read all about Gothenburg here)
What are the highlights of Vrångö?
Vrångö is known for its nature and much of the island is part of the Vrångö Archipelago Nature Reserve. Discover this incredible environment by foot along the Tärnstigen walking trail or the north and south trails which are all just under 2 miles in length. Both the north and south trails take you past idyllic bays which are great for bathing and home to a vibrant birdlife. Tärnstigen is a pram and wheelchair-friendly trail where you can use your mobile phone at various spots to access audio information about the history of Vrångö via an app.
For a fantastic panorama view, be sure to visit the old pilot lookout where pilots tasked with guiding vessels used to sit and wait. You'll get a fantastic view over the archipelago and the Vinga Lighthouse.
If you're visiting in the summer, be sure to pack your swimsuit and go for a dip in the water. Just a few hundred metres from the ferry is where you'll find the child-friendly Nötholmen Beach, but you can also make like a local and head to the gorgeous white and expansive sandy beach at Kyrkogårdsviken (lit. Churchyard Bay).
What else is there to do on Vrångö?
What better way to experience the archipelago than with some freshly caught fish and seafood? If you don't fancy catching the fish all by yourself, you can stop by the Fiskeboa restaurant on Vrångö. Pull up a chair and try a fish burger or a delicious seafood casserole. Alternatively, you can pop into their store and buy some smoked fish or a bag of prawns to enjoy on the beach.
Kick back and relax to one of the most picturesque views imaginable by booking the Kajkanten Floating Sauna. When you've finished sweating out, you'll be able to rejolt your senses with a dip in the tub or the sea and then when the sun starts to set, you can fire up the barbecue and enjoy some great food and a glass of wine in good company on the deck.
Good to know about Vrångö
Vrångö is located 12 miles to the south west of Gothenburg and can be reached by ferry from Saltholmens Brygga in less than 35 minutes. You can reach the ferry terminal by car or tram from Gothenburg Central Station. The tram ride also takes around 35 minutes. If you have your own boat, you can berth at the Vrångö Marina which is located on the western side of the island.
The ferry between Gothenburg and Vrångö also stops at Kårholmen, Sjumansholmen, Donsö, Styrsö, Köpstadsö and Asperö so it is easy to combine your trip to Vrångö with a visit to one of these other gorgeous archipelago islands.
To the south west of Vrångö lies the tranquil island of Kungsö where you'll find an incredible beach and an excellent natural harbour. However in order to reach this little haven of tranquillity, you'll need to hire a small boat or kayak and cross the calm little strait of Kungsösund by yourself.