The province of Bohuslän begins north of Gothenburg. To see the coast, head 15km (9 miles) west from Kungälv on route 168 past Tjuvkil where you can catch a ferry to Marstrand, a car-free town and a popular holiday resort and sailing center. Returning to the mainland and driving towards Norway, you can experience the rugged coast of Sweden.
In Marstrand the dominating attraction is Carlstens Fästning (Fortress) which offers the best view of the island.

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The islands Tjörn and Orust
Beyond Marstrand lie the islands of Tjörn and Orust, connected by bridge to the mainland. Tjörn is beautiful, with some barren areas inland and a fascinating coastline. A magnificent curved bridge links Tjörn to Orust. This island, the third-largest in Sweden, has its quota of fishing villages, including the Mollösund, Ellös and Käringön.

Lysekil comes to life in summer
Returning to the mainland, take a ferry across the Gullmarn, Sweden’s only genuine fjord, from Fiskebäckskil to Lysekil. Lysekil comes to life in the summer with several excursions to the islands and sea fishing trips.
Havets Hus (sea aquarium) includes a tunnel aquarium containing rays and sharks.
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A favorite stop for boats
North of Lysekil on the Sotenäs peninsula, the small harbor of Smögen is a favorite stop for boats. The main attraction is the wooden, waterside boardwalk, where you can shop, stroll and lounge.
The other attraction is fresh shrimp. Watch a fish auction and then go round the corner to buy some of the catch.
At Åby Säteri, 17km (11 miles) northeast of Smögen, is Nordens Ark, a nature park featuring endangered species and old breeds of Nordic farm animals.
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Towards Norway
The last town before the Norwegian frontier is Strömstad, a health resort noted for its long hours of sunshine. Strömstad shrimps are considered by the local inhabitants to be in a class of their own, with a distinctive mild flavor. The district has more than a touch of Norwegian about it, having been part of Norway until 1717.
The Rugged Coast of Sweden, written by Tor Kjolberg.
Feature image (on top): Väderöerna. Photo: Roger Borgelid/Västsverige