The granite rocks
Ice-smoothed stone for swimming and sitting.
Nathan Meijer — CC BY 2.0 · Averater — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Averater — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Averater — CC BY-SA 3.0
The southern archipelago is a group of small islands off Gothenburg's coast, reached by regular public ferries from the Saltholmen quay in about half an hour — and their defining feature is that they are entirely car-free. There are no private vehicles on any of them at all, and movement is by bicycle and small electric carts. Each island has its own character: Styrso is the largest with its village, harbour and restaurants; Vinga is the furthest out with its historic lighthouse and bare rock facing the open sea; Branno and Aspero have their beaches; and Kostero is the smallest. What they share is the same landscape: smooth granite polished by ice, red timber houses, and small harbours full of boats. This is a full-day trip rather than a quick visit: take the morning ferry, walk the island trails, swim from the rocks if it is July or August, eat at a harbour and return in the evening. Gothenburg's public transport ticket covers the ferries, so the cost is no more than an ordinary bus fare.
Ice-smoothed stone for swimming and sitting.
The furthest island, facing the open sea.
Styrso, Gothenburg southern archipelago
Take tram 11 to Saltholmen, the end of the line, then the ferry directly from the quay — the whole journey from central Gothenburg is about an hour on a single transport ticket. There is not enough parking at Saltholmen, so the tram is the practical option even if you have a hire car.