Bovallstrand

Bovallstrand combines the coastal landscape of Bottnafjorden with swimming spots, nature experiences and a townscape in which maritime history remains visible. If you are looking for a coastal town with various excursion options for your accommodation, you will find both water activities and cultural and landscape experiences here.

Swimming and the archipelago at Bottnafjorden

The Badholmarna in Bottnafjorden near Bovallstrand are among the area’s distinctive swimming destinations. There are small, child-friendly sandy beaches as well as rocks, trampolines, diving towers, bathing jetties, bathing ladders and a swimming lane. This means that the day at the water can be enjoyed in different ways: depending on your interests, diving, swimming or access via the jetties can take centre stage alongside time on the sandy beach.

Bovallskajak north of the town offers another perspective on the coast. There, you can rent kayaks to explore Bottnafjorden and the archipelago of Bovallstrand. This complements the beach experience with an activity on the water, without both experiences showing the same coastal landscape.

Church, townscape and craft tradition

Bovallstrand Church is notable for its beautiful architecture, interesting altarpieces and a unique pipe organ. Construction began in 1916, and the new church was inaugurated in August 1917. The way services are conducted is also one of the town’s distinctive cultural impressions: Every second service in Bovallstrand is held in a form inspired by the ecumenical Taizé community. This includes simple meditative songs, Bible texts, prayers, many candles and a period of silence.

Many authentic buildings from the early 20th century, featuring distinctive wooden details, have also been preserved in the town. Bovallstrand’s former importance for its stonemasons can be seen in terrace walls, steps, gateposts and veranda columns made of hewn stone. AB Bovallstrands badinrättning was established in 1908 and 1909 and adds to this historical connection with the development of the town.

Forests, hiking and cycling routes

The Anneröd-Hogsäm nature reserve is located in the vicinity of Bovallstrand. It comprises a large continuous deciduous woodland: oak dominates the mountain slopes, while beech grows in the valleys. A section of the Soteleden trail also runs through the nature reserve. In addition to the open coastal landscape, this provides wooded landscapes and a designated hiking trail as distinct types of experience.

There are also specific cycling routes connected to Bovallstrand. The #NA3 Leisure cycling route runs from Åbyfjorden and Nordens Ark to Bovallstrand. On the #NA1 MTB route, there are opportunities for swimming and coffee breaks at the “halfway turnaround point” in Bovallstrand.

Further orientation

Another place is Gerlesborg. In Bovallstrand itself, a traditional Christmas market with lotteries, food and numerous handicrafts is also one of the seasonal cultural offerings. Depending on your travel interests, you can discover the town through its beaches and water, forests and trails, or architecture and history.

For the broader travel overview: Sotenäs.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Hovenäset, Smögen, Hunnebostrand, Kungshamn, Bohus-Malmön.