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Lysekil is a vibrant small town right by the fjord and a place to visit all year round. Whether you want to be active or simply relax and enjoy, a wide range of experiences await – both on land and at sea. 

Hiking 
Lysekil offers miles of marked trails through forests and over mountains, through fishing villages and along the coastline. There are also several beautiful nature reserves to explore. 

The nature reserve Stångehuvud is Lysekil’s outermost point, where the archipelago meets the open sea of Skagerrak. This unique landscape has been shaped by wind and water into smooth formations, occasionally interrupted by angular blocks left behind by the old stone quarrying. Here, flora and birdlife thrive in crevices and valleys. A hike through the reserve is incredibly beautiful but relatively demanding due to uneven terrain, slopes, cliffs, and stairs. Good shoes are essential, and be cautious when the rocks are wet — but it’s worth the effort. 

The Västerhav promenade is a winding boardwalk along the cliffs from Norra Hamnen to Valbodalen, offering spectacular views over the sea. It’s one of Lysekil’s city walks and it loops through and around Stångehuvud, a 4 km trail starting and ending in the town center. There are plenty of benches and rest stops along the way. Bring your swimsuit for a dip from one of the many ladders — or take a leap from the diving tower! The entire promenade is wheelchair accessible, with space for walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. 

Kuststigen is a series of coastal trails and loops along the West Coast, offering both long and short segments in the classic Bohuslän landscape. Parts of it are included in STF’s Signature Trail Bohuskusten. 

Paddling 
A magical way to connect with the sea is by paddling. Silently gliding along the surface on a crisp day creates a unique sense of presence and peace. It’s also an easy way to reach nearby islands like Kornöarna and Gåsö. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available in Lysekil. 

Diving 
Gullmarsfjorden, just outside Lysekil, is considered one of Europe’s best diving waters, with excellent visibility and rich marine life. The Dive Team center, next door to Strandvillan, offers courses, boat dives, dive trips, a shop, and air refills. Nearby, you’ll also find Gullmarsfjorden Diving Center, which offers high-quality services and various diving experiences. 

If you’re a diver traveling with non-diving family or friends, Havets Hus aquarium next to Strandvillan is a great activity to help you share your underwater world. Havets Hus showcases life in Scandinavian waters and is a perfect complement to diving. 

Fishing and exploring the archipelago 
It’s easy to get out on the water in Lysekil. Join a fishing trip and catch mackerel or perhaps a lobster. Harvest cultivated oysters and mussels. Go seal watching or take a boat trip with a stop at a cozy islet for food and drinks. It’s a truly delightful experience! 

Relaxation & Health 
The seaside spa in Lysekil was founded by doctor John Gabriel Mollén in 1847, making Lysekil the fourth spa resort established on the West Coast. The cold bathhouse, built at the end of the 1800s by Carl Curman, is a beautiful and well-preserved example of wooden architecture from the spa era. It is still in use today and open year-round for public nude bathing with separate pools for men and women. A true experience for both body and soul. As a guest at Strandvillan, you have free access to the public times at the cold bathhouse and sauna. 

If you enjoy swimming in the sea, you’ve come to the right place. There are swimming spots suitable for both beach and cliff bathing, all year round. Ladders are placed at various locations in Lysekil for easy access to the sea from the rocks. 

Climbing 
Lysekil is known throughout Europe for its excellent climbing walls. The area around Brodalen, just outside Lysekil, has become a hub for climbers from all over the world in recent years. There are over 200 easily accessible routes, and skilled local operators offer opportunities to try out and learn more about climbing. 

Local culinary experiences 
With the sea as a neighbor, Lysekil offers fresh fish and seafood straight from the ocean! But there’s also much more to explore. Lysekil is a lively small town with restaurants and cafés open year-round. Strandflickornas Havshotell and the charming little restaurant “Fröken Fridhem” (run by the same team as Strandvillan) are just around the corner. Enjoy a delicious drink, a luxurious coffee break, or a good meal. On warm days, everything can be savored in the cozy lilac garden. 

Cultural experiences 
Central Lysekil has a lively town center year-round. From the city park, you can see the majestic granite church of Lysekil, completed in 1901. Its hilltop location offers a fantastic view and makes it a prominent local landmark. In summer, many beautiful concerts are held there. 

Don’t miss a visit to Gamlestan, the oldest part of Lysekil and its town center around 200 years ago. The area features cobbled streets, charming alleys, and well-preserved wooden houses – many with signs telling the stories of their owners and history. 

The northern parts of the municipality are a paradise for culture enthusiasts. You’ll find cultural treasures that reflect Lysekil’s history: the ruins of the medieval Lyse church, the impressive stone quarry at Sodom, and Lahälla Knot Factory from 1918 – a unique preserved stone industry site. In Holländaröd near Brastad stands the Vinbräckastenen, Scandinavia’s tallest standing stone. And in Backa, just outside Brastad, you’ll find Europe’s first documented rock carving, including ‘The Shoemaker’ – one of the world’s most famous petroglyphs. 

Family activities 
Lysekil offers plenty for those traveling with children. Try crab fishing or explore nature along the coast or in the woods. At the Havets Hus aquarium, step beneath the waves to see sharks and other fascinating marine life. There’s also a digital quiz walk (the blue one is designed especially for kids), a marine-themed mini golf course, and a themed playground. 

Strandvillan offers lovely family rooms and the option to prepare your own meals in the guest kitchen. 

Traveling with a dog 
Of course, your four-legged family members should also get to experience Lysekil’s beautiful surroundings. In the warmer months, they’ll likely want to swim too – and it’s good to know that there are several dog-friendly beaches in Lysekil municipality. Strandvillan offers rooms where dogs are welcome for an additional fee.