Donsö –Wooden buildings, lovely scenery and salty swims

Fishing community with picturesque wooden houses.

When the ferry lands at the jetty in the harbour you will have arrived at the heart of Donsö. In the old fishing village the picturesque turn of the century wooden houses and salt sprayed fishermen’s huts still remain. Donsö is a car free island, known for its natural beauty, with many swimming spots and winding walking trails. An open all year picnic paradise where the sky meets the sea.

Alongside its neighbouring island of Styrsö Donsö is part of Gothenburg’s southern archipelago, with around 1 500 permanent residents. The bridge between Styrsö and Donsö was opened in 1973 and most people take the opportunity to visit both islands. Large fishing vessels often moor at the floating pontoon in the deep water harbour; Donsö is today both a large fishing port and the home of shipping companies. Stena Line’s founder Sten A Olsson was born on Donsö, which is why the Stena Line flag can be seen flying on the harbour arm.

Fika, eat and sleep well

Furthest out on the harbour arm lies Isbolaget, a former ice house that supplied fishing boats with ice, now converted to a restaurant and hotel. Here you can enjoy good food, coastal fikas and cosy accommodation with a great sea view. In Donsö’s old town you’ll find Popsicle Café where you can both shop for clothes and have a really tasty fika.  

Swim on Donsö

Around the whole island there are swimming spots and smooth salt sprayed rocks for refreshing dips and sunbathing. In the north lies Stora Onseberget and Radarberget dominates the south of the island – both hills offer stunning views, perfect for selfies and nice picnics. The beautiful Donsö lighthouse can be found on the island’s eastern side, with a bathing ladder and lovely rocks to swim from.

Three things to experience on Donsö

Nature trails in the north and south

Donsö’s walking friendly nature trails are around 2 km each – north as well as south – and start at Torholmen on the island’s southwestern side. After around 500 metres you’ll see Donsö headland on your left. When you have rounded the southern cape head north towards the highest point on the island, Myre Vale, with a fantastic view of the archipelago. From here you can also see Vinga Lighthouse in the northwest. There are benches placed along the trail where you can pause for a well-earned fika.

The island has a rich variety of animal and birdlife both on land and at sea. Seabirds, butterflies and Baltic prawns share living space and in the coastal meadows and leafy groves you might spot both deer and sheep.

Visit Donsö all year round!

Donsö, with its sister island Styrsö, is a popular swimming paradise in the summer months, but is every bit as exciting to visit during the other seasons. The warm and sun bleached rocks look barer and there are less people to share the island with. But these qualities are just as attractive, and give you space to enjoy the peace of the archipelago with every breath you take. If you want to raise your pulse you can always go winter kayaking or cold water swimming.

Next to Gothenburg

There’s a whole lot to discover in Gothenburg. And there’s even more to explore outside the city. All you have to do is ride just a few stops beyond the city limits to enjoy some really memorable experiences. 

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