Hunnebostrand is a locality on the western coast of Sweden in the province of Bohuslän. It is famous for hummer fishing and its former stone querries. This is a former fishing village that has developed into a popular summer destination. The historical fishing of lobster here has eventually been replaced by tourists, some of which look quite similar to the lobsters after a sunny day. Keep in mind that this is a small place, there are about 2000 inhabitants.
A Short History of Hunnebostrand
Hunnebostrand originates in an old fishing village that grew up around a home named Hunnebo. In English, the name means Hunnebo’s beach.
The arrival of Dutch migrants in the 19th century saw an increase in the fishing of lobster and a large part of the catch was exported to the Netherlands. However, it took until the end of the 19th century before stone quarries joined the area’s fishing industry. In fact, the stone became very important. Stone from the old querries around Hunnebostrand was shipped around Europe and who knows if there are still old streets in France or Germany built with stone from Bohuslän. The stones traveled as far as to Buenos Aires, where it was used for the docks.
In the 1970s tourism replaced fishing and stone quarries in Hunnebostrand. The region’s largest marina opened in 1974 with space for 700 boats. In 2004 it became the fifth-largest marina in Sweden.
Things to Do and See
There are few activities around Hunnebostrand that do not include the sea, For most visitors, it is the sea that is the main attraction, with the cliffs and the constant breeze.
Hunebostrand Marina
The marina is probably what Hunnebostrand is most famous for. The many boats and ships can be an attraction also for people arriving by car. Around a marina like this, it is never far from the closest restaurant or ice cream stand.
Stenhuggarimuseet
Hunnebostrand is just a part of what is locally known as the Realm of the Granite. This is an area that for a long time saw several stone quarries being established. One of these quarries has been turned into a museum about stone cutting, Stenhuggarimuseet.
Hästedalen Beach
One of the larger public beaches around Hunnebostrand is Hästedalen Beach, or “Hästedalens badstrand” in Swedish. In addition to a sandy beach, there is a diving tower and other beach activities.
Soteleden
For anyone looking for a longer hike, there is the hiking trail Soteleden that passes by Hunnebostrand. The 9 stages cover a total distance of around 95 kilometers. Hunnebostrand is the start or end location for two of these stages. Stage 3 from Bovallstrand is around 13 kilometers and stage 4 to Sotekanalen (Sote Canal) is around 6 kilometers.
Sote Canal
Just a short distance to the south is Sotekanalen, the Sote Canal. The canal is 4.800 meters long and was completed in 1935. Its purpose was originally to provide a safe passage for ships but has today become a tourist attraction. A swing bridge across the canal connects the island Ramsvikslandet with the mainland and offers visitors both a good spot to view the canal and also for the lucky ones to see the steamer M/S Soten.
Ramsvikslandet and Tryggö Nature Reserve
Also to the south and close to the Sote Canal is the nature reserve of Ramsvikslandet and Tryggö. The reserve was established in 2006 and covers around 2.700 hectares. The area includes not only easily accessible paths but also good spots for swimming and views of the sea.
How to Get to Hunnebostrand
- Flights: There are domestic and international routes to and from Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT), which is 148 kilometers away.
- Car: Hunnebostrand is along Road 174 between Kungshamn and Dingle.
- Bus: Local and regional buses connect Hunnebostrand with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 486 kilometers (5h 43min)
- Gothenburg – 126 kilometers (1h 30min)
- Malmö – 395 kilometers (4h 14min)
- Linköping – 359 kilometers (4h 17min)
- Kiruna – 1583 kilometers (19h 32min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
