Orust: Island Trails, Archipelago Culture and Coastal Experiences

Orust Tvärs is a 40-kilometre-long nature and cultural trail that runs from coast to coast. The trail features 64 signposted cultural and natural monuments, thereby connecting different facets of the island.

Hiking and Nature

The Sven-Altare Trail is six kilometres long. There is a signposted car park west of the Morlanda brygga landing stage. Almost the entire trail runs through the Morlanda säteri woodland, which is protected as a nature reserve.

The Kultehamn Trail also combines a short distance with historical traces: over four kilometres, it passes 14 ruins and buildings. Information boards explain the history of the torp settlements and life there 100 years ago. A rock crevice along the Kultehamn Trail has also been drained, and the trail improved to make it easier to walk and accessible to an electric wheelchair. There are three wheelchair-accessible rest areas along the trail.

Most of the Björnsundskanalen Trail runs through the Morlanda Nature Reserve. The trail is just under two kilometres long and crosses a long, narrow stone causeway to Great Björnholmen.

The Husebyleden is 3.5 kilometres long. With a break for coffee brought from home, the route takes approximately two hours; in some places, it has steep inclines. The hillfort in Huseby on the Husebyleden offers expansive views of the sea.

The Orust Pilgrim Trail runs along paths, hilly terrain and small roads between eight churches. It can be walked independently at any time. A pilgrim map shows the route, rest areas, toilets and accommodation options.

Härmanö is one of the larger nature reserves in Bohuslän. The area features a diverse range of habitats and is considered particularly suitable for birdwatching. There are also several suitable paddling waters around the coast of Orust.

Culture and History

Kultehamn was designated a cultural monument in 1987 and is protected under the Swedish Cultural Heritage Act. Orust has the greatest concentration of megalithic tombs in Bohuslän, particularly in the parishes of Tegneby and Stala. The tombs were built just over 5,000 years ago over a period of a few centuries.

The Hoga archaeological area includes stone circles from the Early Iron Age, an Iron Age burial ground with burial mounds and stone settings, as well as a rune stone from the Viking Age.

Orust’s fishing heritage can still be recognised today in the boat sheds, narrow lanes and characteristic archipelago houses. The Hällevikstrand Museum preserves a 19th-century fisherman’s cottage with unchanged furnishings and fittings, as well as an associated boathouse containing various fishing implements.

The Tegneby Hembygdsmuseum displays a furnished farmhouse with a barn, a vicarage granary, as well as old household objects and agricultural equipment. In Kungsviken, Gösta Johanssons Varv preserves a complete shipyard setting with buildings, a slipway and a landing stage. Older boats built at the shipyard are also intended to be displayed there.

Coast and Island Areas

Fjords and narrow sounds separate Orust from the Swedish mainland to the east and from the island of Tjörn to the south. The geographical context of Orust also includes the places Mollösund, Svanesund, Ellös, Henån, Gullholmen, Svanvik, Varekil, Nosund, Stillingsön, Hälleviksstrand and Käringön.

Sörkilen Beach in Ellös is considered child-friendly and has good parking facilities. On 1 July 2022, a bathing wheelchair and a lift for bathing were provided there; users had to bring their own straps for the lift.

Mareblå & Havsguiderna offers customised boat tours leading to the Måseskär Lighthouse. In suitable weather, it is possible to climb the lighthouse. On the way back, coffee and socialising are offered in a boathouse at sea. Departures take place from the steamboat pier in the guest harbour of Ellös.

Cycling and Orientation

On Orust, you can cycle along country roads through varied landscapes featuring farmland, lakes, cliffs and the sea; bicycles are also available for hire. The Orust Tourist Information Centre is located in Kulturhuset Kajutan in the centre of Henån and provides brochures, maps and inspiration for Orust, Bohuslän and Western Sweden.

Orust can be reached by car from the mainland via two bridges; the island can also be reached by boat.

Local Products

Orust’s farm shops offer local produce such as honey, vegetables, strawberries, ice cream, meat and eggs. Café Tillsammans in Slussen offers a fully plant-based menu, homemade pastries from its own bakery, as well as local products from Orust and Bohuslän.

To the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.