Discover Skärhamn: Seafaring, Art and Beaches

Skärhamn combines maritime history with art, seaside activities and a variety of discoveries in the town. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Skärhamn can plan their stay around the Maritime Museum, the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet, the harbour and the routes into the surrounding area. Different travel ideas can be combined: historical insights, creative activities, time by the water and a signposted route for active days.

Experience seafaring and local history

The Skärhamns sjöfartsmuseum has been located in Cherlinska huset, one of Skärhamn’s oldest houses, since 1977. The De seglade för Tjörn association presents memories and documentation relating to the island’s seafaring history there. Images, models, objects and written documents make the maritime past accessible from different perspectives.

The history of the town is also closely connected to the sea. At one time, fishing, particularly herring fishing, was Skärhamn’s most important source of income. In the first half of the 20th century, Skärhamn was also Sweden’s largest home port for smaller cargo ships. This background provides additional context for a walk through the town, without limiting you to a purely museum-focused visit.

Skärhamnsvandringen and maritime orientation

Skärhamnsvandringen begins at the “De seglade för Tjörn” seafaring monument in the harbour of Skärhamn and includes a visit to the Sjöfartsmuseet. It then continues through the oldest part of Skärhamn up to Hamneberget, before going around the hill and back through the town. Including this tour in your daily plans allows you to combine the harbour, local history and Skärhamn’s characteristic older areas along a set route.

To help prepare for a visit, the Tjörn Tourist Information in Skärhamn provides brochures and maps. This can be helpful if you are travelling with different interests and would like to decide in advance which stops fit together in one day.

Watercolour art, events and time by the water

The Nordiska Akvarellmuseet presents exhibitions from around the world. In the open studio, visitors can paint for a while. Concerts, stage performances, film screenings and lectures are also held there. This means that a stay in Skärhamn can be shaped around art, creative activities or a cultural programme, depending on your interests.

The Gråskär badplats is located directly next to the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet. The bathing area includes a sandy beach, rocks, a bathing jetty, a diving tower, a beach volleyball court and large lawns. For families who want to combine different daily routines, this selection offers several concrete options: while some members of the group visit the museum or paint, others can plan time by the water.

Active excursions and the right accommodation location

There is a signposted route between the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet in Skärhamn and Skulptur i Pilane. You can cycle, run or walk along the winding route. This creates another option for planning your trip if, in addition to culture and beaches, you would like to include another activity in your stay.

Skärhamns Gästhamn is located in the middle of Skärhamn, close to shops, restaurants, a grocery store and the beach. This location can serve as a guide when looking for accommodation if you want to include amenities, harbour atmosphere and different excursion interests in your plans. Those interested in the Träbåtsfestivalen can also mark the first weekend of July in their calendars: the event takes place every year in the harbour of Skärhamn.

Other destinations for orientation include Klövedal, Bleket, Myggenäs, Höviksnäs, Kyrkesund, Stora Dyrön, Viks Ödegärde and Långekärr.

To the main travel overview: Tjörn.