Orust: Holiday accommodation between coastal paths and cultural history

Orust combines coastal paths with nature reserves, island history and maritime sites. The 40-kilometre Orust Tvärs nature and cultural trail runs from coast to coast. Along the route, 64 cultural and natural landmarks are also signposted.

Nature

Several trails provide different ways to explore the landscape. The Sven-Altare hiking trail is six kilometres long; west of the Morlanda brygga landing stage there is a signposted car park. Almost the entire trail runs through the Morlanda säteri woodland, which is protected as a nature reserve. Most of the Björnsundskanalen trail also passes through the Morlanda nature reserve. This hiking trail is just under two kilometres long and follows a long, narrow stone causeway to Great Björnholmen.

Härmanö is one of the larger nature reserves in Bohuslän, offers a diverse range of habitats and is considered particularly suitable for birdwatching. There are several suitable waters for paddling around the coast of Orust. Roads through the countryside offer cycling through varied landscapes with farmland, lakes, cliffs and sea; bicycles are also available for hire.

The Husebyleden is 3.5 kilometres long. Including a break for coffee brought from home, the route takes approximately two hours; in some places there are steep inclines. From the hillfort at Huseby along the Husebyleden, there are extensive views of the sea.

History and culture

Orust has a long history. The island has the highest concentration of megalithic tombs in Bohuslän, particularly in the parishes of Tegneby and Stala. The tombs were built just over 5,000 years ago over a period of a few centuries. The Hoga archaeological area contains stone circles from the early Iron Age, an Iron Age burial ground with burial mounds and stone settings, as well as a runestone from the Viking Age.

Kultehamn was designated a cultural heritage site in 1987 and is protected under the Swedish Cultural Heritage Act. The Kultehamn hiking trail is four kilometres long and passes 14 ruins and buildings. Information boards explain the history of the torp settlements and life in them 100 years ago. A rock fissure along the Kultehamn trail has also been drained, and the trail improved so that it is easier to walk and accessible to electric wheelchairs. There are three wheelchair-accessible rest areas along the trail.

The Orust Pilgrim Trail runs along paths, hilly terrain and small roads between eight churches. It can be walked independently at any time; a pilgrim map shows the route, rest areas, toilets and accommodation options. The Tegneby Hembygdsmuseum displays a furnished farmhouse with a barn, a parish granary, as well as old household items and agricultural equipment.

Coast

Fjords and narrow sounds separate Orust from the Swedish mainland to the east and from the island of Tjörn to the south. The island’s fishing heritage can still be seen today in the boat sheds, narrow lanes and characteristic skerry houses. Hällevikstrands Museum preserves a 19th-century fisherman’s cottage with its furnishings and fixtures unchanged. It includes a boathouse with various fishing implements.

The island’s former shipyard culture is also still present. Gösta Johanssons Varv in Kungsviken preserves a complete shipyard setting with buildings, a slipway and a landing stage; older boats built at the shipyard are also intended to be displayed there. Mareblå & Havsguiderna offers customised boat trips to the Måseskär Lighthouse. In suitable weather, visitors can climb the lighthouse. On the return journey, coffee and convivial company are offered in a boathouse at sea. Departures take place from the steamboat pier in Ellös harbour.

Sörkilen Beach in Ellös is considered child-friendly and has good parking facilities. On 1 July 2022, a bathing wheelchair and a lift for bathing were provided there; visitors had to bring their own straps for the lift.

Food and drink

Orust farm shops offer local produce such as honey, vegetables, strawberries, ice cream, meat and eggs. Café Tillsammans in Slussen offers a fully plant-based menu, homemade pastries from its own bakery, and local products from Orust and Bohuslän.

Getting around

Orust can be reached by car from the mainland via two bridges; the island can also be reached by boat. The Orust Tourist Information Centre is located at Kulturhuset Kajutan in central Henån and offers brochures, maps and inspiration for Orust, Bohuslän and Western Sweden.

Further local pages on Orust lead to Ellös, Henån, Mollösund, Svanesund, Svanvik, Varekil, Nosund, Stillingsön, Hälleviksstrand, Gullholmen and Käringön.

To the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.