Donsö

Donsö is a car-free island with swimming spots, a harbour, a viewpoint and a history closely connected to fishing. For visitors, this means that the focus is not only on choosing accommodation, but also on how to explore the island and which of its different sides should shape their stay.

Getting to and around Donsö

Boat route 281 runs from Stenpiren and Saltholmen to Donsö. On the island, people get around by bicycle, moped or golf cart. The absence of cars is therefore an integral part of the local character and distinguishes Donsö from destinations where having your own vehicle determines the stay. Anyone considering Donsö as a base will find a clearly recognisable form of transport here that can be taken into account when planning a trip.

Swimming spots and far-reaching views

Donsö Lökholmen is a swimming spot in the City of Gothenburg. You can also swim at Korsholme udde on Donsö.

Radarberget on Donsö offers a different perspective. It has a viewpoint with far-reaching views. The swimming spots and viewpoint therefore offer different experiences: swimming is the main focus at Korsholme udde and Donsö Lökholmen, while Radarberget opens up views across the surrounding area.

The harbour and the history of fishing

Donsö harbour is surrounded by fishing buildings dating from the 20th century. These buildings give the harbour a tangible historical setting and make the connection between the place and fishing visible. The history of Donsö Varv goes back even further: between 1927 and 1937, fourteen larger fishing vessels were built there.

From the mid-1950s onwards, around 300 ships a year were hauled out on the three slipways at Donsö Varv. This figure should be understood as an approximate historical scale. Hauling out involves bringing ships from the water onto land; the three slipways were used for this work. Together with the fishing buildings at the harbour, they show that Donsö is shaped not only by its island location, but also by a specific history of work and shipbuilding.

The church and local craftsmanship

The Donsö kyrka is also part of the island’s visible history. The white wooden church was inaugurated in 1955. A church service is held at Donsö kyrka every Sunday. The white wooden church complements the working history of the harbour and shipyard with a place of worship. It is therefore both a distinctive building and a place with regular church life.

The three net-making workshops Martins, Svantes and Nyfeldts are another facet of local work. One net-making workshop remained in operation until 2004. On Donsö, fishing involved not only building ships but also working on the nets.

For further orientation within the same selection, Fiskebäck, Gothenburg, Nödinge, Hisings Kärra, Hjuvik, Säve, Styrsö and Torslanda are also available.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gothenburg.