Klädesholmen – Church, Herring Culture and Seabirds at Västra hamnen

Klädesholmen between Wooden Buildings, Harbour and Herring History

Klädesholmen is a destination for visitors who want to combine maritime local history, local herring culture and nature observation. The place consists of two islets: the southern islet is Klädesholmen, with the oldest buildings, while the northern islet is Koholmen. This clear division defines the character of the place and provides a tangible introduction to its history. The picture is complemented by Västra hamnen, the guest harbour, cultural facilities and seasonally interesting seabird watching.

Church and Local History

A prominent landmark is Klädesholmen Church. It was built in 1793 on a new church site, and its interior was completed in 1797. The exterior has the character of a late-18th-century wooden church and has remained essentially unchanged since it was built; only minor alterations have been made.

Herring Culture at the Museum and at Tastings

The history of the place is closely connected with the processing of fish and herring. The Sillebua Museum presents the history and development of Klädesholmen, focusing on fish and herring processing from around 1860 to 1960. The production of canned herring on Klädesholmen began in the 1920s. The museum places the production of canned goods within the longer history of fish and herring processing on Klädesholmen and therefore also covers the period before that. In the centre of Klädesholmen, there is also House of Herrings, an independent visitor destination dedicated to herring, offering tasting experiences and tastings.

At Sillens Hus, herring tastings can be arranged for groups of around 40 people each by prior booking. Four types of herring are served with sour cream and onions, as well as bread and a drink. The tasting begins with a short presentation on the history of herring. Guided tours at Sillens Hus can be booked in advance for groups of 10 or more; these can also be held in English. The offerings therefore differ clearly: the museum focuses on the development of the place and its processing history, while House of Herrings and Sillens Hus convey herring culture through taste experiences, tastings and guided tours.

Seabirds at Västra hamnen

For nature observation, the far end of Västra hamnen is the best place to watch seabirds. When westerly winds pick up in autumn and winter, seabirds such as northern gannets, various auks and gulls can be observed there.

Festivals, Getting There and Further Information

Samhällets dag has been celebrated since 1972 on the first Saturday in July, with numerous activities and a communal herring meal. For getting there, it is noted that Klädesholmen can be reached by car or bus. Berths in the guest harbour can be booked via Dockspot. Klädesholmen’s sauna has also been adapted for accessibility.

If you would like to compare Klädesholmen with other destinations, you can also find Kyrkesund (Kyrkesund), Fagerfjäll (Fagerfjäll), Skärhamn (Skärhamn), Myggenäs (Myggenäs), Stora Dyrön (Stora Dyrön), Rönnäng (Rönnäng), Hjälteby (Hjälteby) and Åstol (Åstol).

For the overarching travel overview: Tjörn.