Marstrand, why not?
|Leaving the busy city away to enjoy the breathtaking view in Marstrand is really worth doing in a rarely nice sunny (okay, and very windy also) day during winter time. Welcome to the astonishing Swedish west coast!
History: Founded in the 13th century by a Norwegian king, also once ruled by Danmark. Prosperity came from herring catch (centre of European herring fishing for 30 years in the 16th century). Being made Swedish by The Roskilde Peace Treaty of 1658 when the foundations of the fortress were built, and became poor until the 18th century when the herring and the riches returned. Became a heaven for criminals at the end of the 17th century when the institution of Porto Franco (free port) was born. Scandinavia’s first synagogue was founded here.
Houses: A picturesque little village with lots of colourful wooden houses painted in soft tones, ranging from yellow, to light pink and pale green. Most of the houses have been added from the 18th to the 20th century. The lovely houses with incredibly amazing seaviews can obviously satisfy the most fastidious person.
Boats: A friend told me that if you are living in Sweden and you own a boat, it means you own a house of course. The Swedes prefer spending spring and summer time with their boats, and autumn and winter at home. One is supposed to work so hard to afford a house (and a boat) here. Well, I am thinking about lottery or horse racing bet now =)).
Activities: Sailing, kayaking, swimming, golf, hiking (on the north side of the island), camping (on the neighbouring island Koön).
Cafe & restaurants: Bergs Konditori, Instö Café, Bar & Kök, Café Matilda, Johan’s Krog, Otto’s kok, Marstrands Wardhus, etc.
Hotels: Marstrands Havshotell, Holiday home Slottsgatan N-965 , Grand Hotel Marstrand, Soldatens Bed & Breakfast , Båtellet , Villa Maritime Marstrand, etc. Price from around 800 SEK/ night.
Sea bathing: The fashion arose in the 19th century turned Marstrand into a bathing resort for upper class to enjoy a royal life style at the Societetshuset which was erected in 1886. Hot baths establishment Båtellet was built in 1858, and cold water pool in 1882. By now even the inhabitants themselves had realized the town’s potential as a spa.
How to get there: Check Västtrafik app. in advance. Bus 312 runs from Gothenburg Central Station to Marstrand, then the only way to reach the island is by boat or ferry (25 SEK/ adult/ return ticket). Cars are not allowed on the island.
Find out more at vastsverige.com, and virtualtourist.com.
UniQ Cow